by Jane West
I leaned forward examining the image.
“Tell me if that ain't him?" Jen's asked.
I shook my head. “Only shit! He's got the exact same smile.”
Jen smirked. “Maybe he’s like the Highlander! Old but hot as hell!”
I snorted, laughing. Jen always cracked me up. “Old and hot shouldn’t even be in the same sentence.”
“Yeah, you right! That’s just gross.” We both snickered.
I checked my watch. “Damn, the bell’s about to ring.” My lips twisted into a smile. “Guess we’ll have to pick this up next time.” I shouldered my bag.
“Whatcha doing later?” Jen snatched up her bag and purse, following behind me as we left the library. “I might stop by for a moment after school.”
“I thought your parents grounded you?” my brow arched.
“Girl, pfff ease EEE! That was yesteryear. I got out of it by saying a few Hail Mary’s and swearing I will never go anywhere with Sam again.” she laughed. “Which I ain’t never hanging with him after he dumped us.”
“I know what you mean. Sam told me he’d been in the men’s restroom.”
“Oh no, he didn’t!” Jen bit her bottom lip. “That lying dog! He told me that he went to his truck to grab his condoms. He made light of it by saying, no glove, no love.” Jen stuck her finger down her throat.
My eyes widened. “I can’t believe that asshat!”
Jen blew out a frustrated sigh. “Well, this has been very educational. We both know that Sam can’t be trusted, and your hot boyfriend is old as hell.” Jen playfully shoved me, laughing. I snickered. “Girl, go on! You know he’s not my boyfriend. I’d never date a guy who’s passed the age of twenty.” We both burst into laughter.
***
When the last bell rang for the day, I headed outside. No one bothered to let me know the protocol of how I'd get home after school.
I stood under the awning, rocking on my heels, biting my nails. I hated this feeling of homelessness. I'd been uprooted from my house and forced to move in with a guy that I hardly knew, but I was certain Sara held the sales receipt.
After the last nail, I decided to put my own fate in my hands and headed to my house. How bad could it be? Two miles was a cakewalk. Ms. Noel would be happy to see me too.
I no more walked a block, and yours truly pulled up to the curve beside me.
The window rolled down as Bane yelled out. “Hey, jump in!” He leaned over the passenger’s side.
His blues felt like red-hot darts shooting at my back. “Sorry, I prefer my own bed tonight.” I tossed over my shoulder, keeping my pace.
He blew out a forceful breath that bounced off my back. “Come on, if you didn’t like your room there are plenty other rooms to suit your taste.”
I kept walking, keeping my eyes straight ahead. I wasn’t in the mood to argue with Frosty the Smug Man. Tires crunched over the loose gravel ricocheted off my ears.
I must’ve briefly blacked out for a second. When I looked up, Bane stood directly in front of me. His arms folded, brows dipped into an angry glower.
I stopped dead in my tracks. My eyes flew open. “How did you get from your car to me so quickly and without me seeing you?” I took a step back, startled.
“I don’t have time playing these high school games. Now get in the car!” he ordered darkly.
“Hold on just a minute, buster! It seems you’re the one playing a child’s game. You didn’t say one word to me in English.” I snapped. “Who’s playing whom?” I threw the proverbial brick right back at his head.
“Stevie, I can’t explain everything to you. I don’t want certain people to get any ideas.”
Bane really thought that was going to make me feel better. “What ideas? That you’re hanging out with a poor girl?”
He started to snap, then he bit back his words, pausing a moment until he gathered himself. “Your social hierarchy has nothing to do with my distance.” The bridled anger in his voice cut me to the bone.
“I get it.” I threw the words at him like bullets. “I’m good enough for you to suck face and grab ass with, but I’m not worthy of your presence in public.” I wanted to cry, but I swallowed it back, denying myself the aching urge.
For a second his blues softened, then just as always, he masked over his expression as if he had a secret. “Look! You don’t understand. And, I don’t have time to explain.” A sudden thin chill hung on the edge of his voice. “You’re going with me whether you want to or not. You have a choice, either come willingly or by force.” His lips stretched back, revealing straight white teeth. It was the kind of smile flashed before a killer plunged the knife into your chest. “What’s it going to be, Princess?”
“You’re right. I don’t understand why I have to stay with you. We don’t even like each other. So, why the fuss?” I countered icily.
His voice was cold and lashing. “Get in the car, now!”
I drew in a quick breath, trying to wrap my dilemma around my head. If I ran, he’d catch me and drag me back. The brute outweighed me at least a hundred pounds. I crossed my arms, holding my gaze leveled to his, even though I was quaking in my shoes. I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “I have nothing to wear at your place. I need to go get my clothes.”
“That’s been taken care of by Jeffery.” The insolence in his voice concealed little. “You’re no longer living there. You’ll be staying with me for now on.”
My mouth dropped opened. Startled hurt turned into white anger. “Who gave you permission to take over my life?” My green eyes shot shards at the blue-eyed ice cycle.
“I think you know the answer to that.”
“Fine!” Curses flew from my mouth as I twirled on my heels, stomping to the car.
King of the Castle
Once again, I found myself stuck in Bane’s Corvette with the reticent torture of listening to his classical music blaring in my ears. This dude was a bundle of weird. What teenager listened to Beethoven and actually enjoyed it?
We finally arrived at his majesty’s palace halting at a barrier that reminded me of a stone boulder. Bane punched a button on his keypad and the rock lifted, giving berth to a dark tunnel.
After a quick flash of darkness, we entered an underground warehouse that housed an arsenal of vehicles. I tried to keep my gawking down to a minimum. But damn! I couldn’t stop myself.
The collection had to have been one of the most expensive collaborations of metal on wheels in the world.
I slid out of the Corvette gaping at the gazillions toys. Several different models of motorcycles, one I recognized, the classic Harley, easy pick. Various foreign cars lined the warehouse. All in every imaginable color with shining chrome. I spotted the Royce right away nestled next to my beetle bug sitting in the far corner.
Then I remembered Jeffery mentioning a broken perfume bottle landing on top of the Royse. I snuck a quick glimpse at Bane. I wondered if he knew.
The Bane jarred my attention back to him when his fingers clasped my elbow. I flinched at his subtle touch. He was the last person I wanted touching me. I think the part where he was forcing me to live under his ironclad fist seemed to have drawn the line in the sand.
I may not have to worry about my next meal, but when my freedom of choice got jacked, everything else paled in comparison.
We stopped in front of an elevator. Bane pressed the button and after a moment, the bell dinged, and the doors opened. He nudged the small of my back, urging me to step inside of the box. I complied, rolling my eyes.
Bane punched first floor, and the doors closed. With a sudden jolt, my stomach lurched as the elevator engaged. I rocked on my heels, listening to the awful music.
Seconds later, once again, the bell dinged, and the doors slid open. We stepped out into a dark foyer. Bane took my elbow again, leading me down a narrow hall and into the bright kitchen. I spotted Dom preparing dinner at the large wolf stove and Jeffery sitting at the island reading the newspaper.
The master of the castle didn’t waste any time shedding the likes of me. “Jeffery,” Bane’s voice was on the brink of snapping. “Can you escort our guest to her quarters? Give her the presidential suite on the east wing. I think it will suit her taste. See to her needs and make sure she is dressed for dinner tonight.” He ordered as if I were an unwanted child. Maybe that was the norm for the elite. I did note he seemed distracted and a thousand miles away.
Once he finished instructing Jeffery, Bane dropped my elbow and left me standing alone without even a glance in my direction. I felt discarded like a cheap tramp after a Friday night bargain fest. I didn’t get it. Clearly, I was a nuance to him. So why bother? I watched as he disappeared around the corner, leaving me in the kitchen alone with Dom and Jeffery.
Jeffery glared at me like I’d stomped out his last cigarette.
“I should ask for a raise.” Jeffery went on to say. “You being here is addin' to my long list of chores.” He slammed the paper down, irritably, sliding off the stool.
Dom shot Jeffery a glare, and then looked at me smiling. “Don’t pay him no mind.” Dom’s eyes lit up warmly. “Jeffery’s list of chores consists of gathering the newspaper and shredding it into a messy pile before the Lord of the manner has a chance to read it.” My eyes dropped down to the scattered paper over the granite. I smiled inwardly. Dom continued, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear he'd glued his butt to that stool.” Dom’s pencil thin mustache stretched across his face, smiling.
I smiled back. I got the feeling that those two were going to make my stay here a little easier, even Jeffery and his snappiness. I dropped my book bag on the floor and made my way to the island. I climbed up on the stools next to Jeffery. “I do appreciate your hospitality.” I directed my comment to the chef with the stained apron.
Dom placed a cold glass of Coke and a croissant sandwich in front of me that instantly made my mouth water. “Thank you.” My eyes sparkled at the sandwich. All of a sudden, I realized that I’d missed lunch.
I turned to Jeffery and asked. “Did you go to your aunt’s house today?”
“I did and told her that you is pesterin’ the hell outta me too!” Jeffery pursed his lips. “She sends her love and says to keep up the good work.” He bobbed his head. “Any old hoot!”
I laughed. “I'm worried about Ms. Noel. I’ve been making deliveries to her customers. She needs help.”
“I can take care of my aunt. Don’t you fret none, otay.”
“Someone’s a little snarky today.” I smiled at Jeffery as I bit into my sandwich.
Dom burst into laughter.
Jeffery’s face twisted, eyes narrowed as he swiftly changed the subject. “Well… how did your day go at school today?”
I detected a suspicious tone to his voice.
“Hmm… it went okay.” I shrugged, taking a bite of my sandwich. The bread melted in my mouth as I chewed. I had swallowed before I spoke. “I did find something odd online.” I took a sip of my Coke.
Jeffery perked up in his seat, leaning closer. “Oh! Gimme, gimme!” he chimed.
I rolled my eyes. “This might sound strange, but I googled Demon. I mean Aidan.” Whoops!
Dom smiled, and Jeffery laughed so hard he slapped his hand on his pants. “No, gurrrlfriend, you had it right the first time. That rich mofo hadn’t given me a raise in two years.” Jeffery twisted his lips into a sour face. “He should be glad I ain’t quit.”
Dom laughed, turning from the stove, facing Jeffery. “You should be glad Monsieur Aidan hasn’t fired you.” He arched a gray brow. “You do nothing but eat food and bitch!” Something told me that Dom had Jeffery pegged.
Jeffery dropped his long chin, gawking incredulously. “What do you know? You don’t know half the shit I do around ‘ere!”
Dom retorted with just the right amount of spice. “Ah, the half I do see,” He tapped the corner of his eye, “is enough to satisfy me a lifetime, ami!” (Friend)
Jeffery’s face drew into a dried up prune. “That’s not what you told me last night!” He held an undertone that I didn’t want any part of knowing.
Jeffery decided to switch his focus back to me. “Boo, what were you sayin' about school today?” He used his sweet voice, yet it came off as sneaky.
I thought it might be best not to share my findings on Aidan Bane. My gut was warning to wait. “Oh, nothing.” I shrugged. “Just another day at school.”
By the twinkle in Jeffery’s blue eyes apparently, he didn’t buy it. Even if so, he didn’t have a clue to what. That was in my favor.
“Well, since your little secretive-self ain’t got nothin' to tell, I guess I best show you your new room.” He stretched as he slid off the stool. “What was wrong with the first room, it didn’t have enough elegance for your princess butt?” The snide′ness in Jeffery’s voice bubbled over.
My eyes narrowed. “My butt is far from royalty. If I had my way, I’d prefer sleeping on a park bench than listening to you bitch.” I snatched up my bag, brow arched. “If your butt ain’t too proud, you think you could show me where I’m staying?”
Dom cackled out. “Jeff, I do believe you have met your match!” He winked at me.
Jeffery’s head snapped up at Dom. “You hush up! Don’t give this chile any ideas.”
“I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing. I think this young lady is smart enough to figure you out on her own.” Dom waved his wooden spoon, laughing.
Jeffery did an about face quickly with both hands flushed against my back, ushering me out the kitchen. “Let’s get outta ‘ere! I’m about to stuff that Frenchman in the trash packer.”
I bit my lip to hold my giggle, though I wasn’t sure if he was kidding or not.
La vie du Chateau
The light stopped on three. The elevator doors parted like the Red Sea.
Right away, a cold draft skidded across my face. I felt like I'd stepped into the past. Dim lighting marked the tapestry that dotted the whole stretch of wall and century Old Persian rugs embellished the dark, stone floor.
Finally, we came to a halt, and Jeffery spoke his first words since we left the kitchen. “Here we are.” Sarcasm churned in his voice, mixed with the jingle of keys. “Home sweet home.”
We stepped inside and a familiar scent of sweet pepper flooded my senses. A huge bouquet of red roses sat in the centered of a round table in the foyer, in a vase, crystal, I assumed.
Unlike the other room, this one was light and full of sunlight. It felt more like a hotel suite than a dank bedchamber.
The suite came fully loaded with the works just like any expensive hotel room. I noted a large flat screen television in the sitting room and just off to the side, a bedroom passed the French doors.
I’d forgotten about Jeffery until he cleared his throat. He stood by the window. “Well, does this fit your taste buds a little better?” Jeffery’s lips puckered like he was posing for Vogue.
The tone of his voice came off as snide. It ignited a sudden feeling of ire. “Contrary to what you may believe, I’m not out to sponge for handouts. I explained to you my situation.” I dropped my bag in a huff, glaring at the skinny man who seemed to have jumped to conclusions.
Jeffery’s eyes softened as he made his way to the couch and eased himself onto the soft cushion. “One thing you need to know about me is that I can read people.” He brushed the lint off his pants.
My upper lip twitched into a sneer. “Oh, really! I reckon you must think I’m a gold digger then.” My eyes were as sharp as my tongue.
He crossed his legs and sighed, meeting my gaze. “I did in the beginning.” He flashed a self-assured smiled. “I think you like Mister Aidan.” He paused. “One thing I don’t understand is why he’s holding you here when you clearly wish to be elsewhere?”
“I’ve been asking the same thing myself.” I paused debating whether I should ask. I decided to go for it. “Is your boss mental?” I kept my face a blank canvass.
Jeffery folded his arms
over his chest, slightly kicking his foot back and forth. “You probably have figured this one out for yourself, but Mister Aidan is a hard one to figure out. He’s broody as hell and is a never-ending mystery. Mostly, he’s a loner. Don’t get me wrong. He has family. Just none of ‘em comes around. I think Mister Aidan likes it that way. I hate his cousin, no good account.” Jeffery’s face soured. “Mean as hell too!” Jeffery’s leg kicked a bit faster.
“Oh!” I merely said as I made my way to a chair across from the couch. For the first time, I was getting a better understanding of the lord of the manner. “What else do you know?”
“I know that Mister Aidan likes you.” Jeffery studied my reaction as he kept his foot swinging.
I smiled back, disguising my shock. “How can you tell?”
“For starters, Mister Aidan is very protective of you.” Jeffery dug into his pocket and pulled out a pack of Lucky Strikes. He patted his pants on both sides. “Damn! I can’t find my lighter.” He looked up at me. “You wouldn’t happen to be a pyromaniac by chance?” His lips flattened.
I choked on a laugh. “No! Guess you’re outta luck.” I leaned back in my chair and crossed my leg.
“Well, since you ain’t got no lighter, I’m leaving.” He sprinted to his feet.
“Oh please! Can’t you stay for a minute longer?” I smiled sweetly, jumping to my feet, trying to block him from leaving.
Jeffery paused eyeing me suspiciously. “Look! I can’t hold off for a smoke, but I’ll tell you this much.” Jeffery side stepped me and headed for the door. “Something's stirrin', and it’s got me a bit edgy.” His voice, near a whisper. “My best advice for you is to stay the hell away from Aidan’s uncle and that damn cousin of his. Theys mo evil than the devil.” He twirled on his feet and reached for the doorknob, then stopped. “Oh yeah!” he paused, one brow arched. “Mister Aidan expects you dressed for dinner at eight sharp. I’ll be escorting you to the formal room." He started to leave but stopped. Facing me, finger touching his chin. "Oh, by the way, keep that damn cat away from me. He’s in my bedroom snoozing on my fabulous bed.” Jeffery gave me a once over look, scrunching his nose with obvious distaste. “You is cute with your red hair and dazzling green eyes, but this country hillbilly shit ain’t workin’ for you, boo. Burn that whole attire.” He wagged his finger at me from my head to my toes. “Those garments are frightful.” An impish grin toyed with his plump lips. “I picked you out something that will show off those killer curves of yours! Look beautiful tonight.”