CHAPTER 13
I's Fair In Love and War
Kira scurried to the back entrance of the university.
She looked like a lurking cat burglar as she stole furtive glances around, shielding her face with a hand. Luckily, no one recognised her.
She paced in front of the gate, her head on a swivel.
When she did not see the face she expected, Kira made a call.
She listened to the ringtone for almost a full minute before someone finally picked up.
'Hello," a cold female voice answered.
'Miss Woods," Kira whispered though there was no one within earshot. I'm at the back gate. I don't seeAll rights © NôvelDrama.Org.
you."
Ten minutes ago, Kira answered the call in high spirits, expecting good news from a prospective employer. She thought someone was pranking her when the caller identified herself as Kayleigh Woods,
But the voice did seem to match with the one Kira often heard onscreen.
She suppressed the urge to repeat the caller's name, as Giana was standing right next to her.
Kira wouldn't know how to explain why the A-lister was calling her, an unremarkable college student.
Her back against the wall, Kira told her second lie of the day.
She made like the call came from a recruiter who requested her prompt presence at an interview.
Then she skedaddled before Giana could ask anything more.
"Go through the gate. Turn left. There's a café with pots of violas outside. I'm on the second floor. Come up directly." Kayleigh hung up as soon as she finished giving the order.
Kira puffed out her cheeks.
She pocketed her phone and went in search of the café
Only after stepping inside the industrial-chic café did she realise-she forgot to ask Kayleigh which room she was in.
But Kira soon discovered there was no need to.
A black-clad bodyguard stood at the landing on the second floor.
He folded his hands in front of him and wore the obligatory black sunglasses even though he was indoors.
A coll of white wire snaked down from his left ear and disappeared below his collar.
Seeing Kira come up the stairs, he raised his left arm with the palm out like a traffic
"Let her in," said a female voice behind her.
The solemn-looking bodyguard nodded and stepped aside.
Kira passed him..
cop.
The second floor was an open plan area with round tables, love seats and a bar counter.
AlsTante Love and War
Kayleigh was the only customer there.
She was reclining in a plush occasional chair and looking straight at Kira.
Up close, the actress' beauty was even more stunning
The silver screen did not do her face justice.
A seated position failed to conceal her amazing curves.
She looked as if she was poured into her dress.
So, this was the type of woman Austyn was into.
"Miss Hewitt, Kayleigh said in a feathery voice. "You kept your word, For a moment, I thought I was getting stood up.'
Kira forced a smile and said through gritted teeth, 'Miss Woods, you threatened to call the school and tell on me. How can I not come?"
Kira baulked at the idea at first.
Meeting her husband's other woman was as pleasant as getting a root canal.
Sensing her reluctance, Kayleigh dropped a bomb.
She would expose Kira's relationship with Austyn if the girl refused to show.
That did the trick.
Kayleigh offered a half-hearted apology along with a charming smile. I had to reschedule a lot of work to free
up the day. It would've been a wasted trip if I didn't get to see you. So I said those things to get you here. I didn't mean any of it, of course. I hope there's no hard feelings." 'Miss Woods, what do you want from me? Can we get to the point? Kira didn't want to waste time beating about the bush.
'Please take a seat, Miss Hewitt Kayleigh pointed to an ottoman opposite her, Kira was tempted to say no, but it wouldn't make the meeting go any faster. She ignored the ottoman-she was not going to sit at Kayleigh's feet like a dog.
Blowing out a breath, she plonked herself down in a cushioned rattan armchair.
"Is there anything you would like? Kayleigh asked like a considerate hostess. They make a mean. peppermint mocha here.' "No thank you. I'm not thirsty."
"I see,' Kayleigh said with a faint trace of a smile. 'I'll cut to the chase then. Do you know why I called you today?
Kira shrugged. 'I have no idea.'
Impatience flashed across the actress' eyes.
Kayleigh looked away to hide a scowl.
Picking up the glass on the low coffee table with her manicured hand, she took a delicate sip.
'It's about Austyn.' She deliberately left off the last name.
Kira feigned ignorance. "Huh?
'You can drop the act, Kayleigh snapped. 'Stop pretending you don't know what I'm talking about. Your want me to be straight with you. It's only good manners for you to respond in kind. You-
Catching herself, Kayleigh slowed down and adopted a more measured tone. I believe you have heard about me and Austyn on the news. Yes, we are an item. It's been kept a secret, but it's true. I don't know how you hooked up with Austyn. Nor do I care. That was in the past. I care more about the future. I've come here today with just one thing to say "
The actress straightened her back and looked Kira in the eye.
"Leave him."