by Jayce, Aven
Should we mingle? And if so, with whom, the practically naked women, or the men who are here to get laid? Fuck.
“You see my mother anywhere?”
“No, here. Drink this.” He downs his water as I continue scanning the room, in search of his mother, Lydia, Devery, my dad... anyone. Dayne continues to talk to the guy who was with my father a few moments ago, and I notice he’s keenly aware of every person who passes through the sliding glass doors to the backyard; keeping a perceptive eye on any purses, jackets, or items in their hands as they come and go. The man places a hand on Dayne’s shoulder, and if I didn’t know any better, he’s offering advice or some form of instruction. Dayne often shakes his head no throughout their conversation. The back entrance is off limits for now. I need to be patient. I turn to the front and watch as Trey frisks everyone as they enter, even the obvious Paul Jameson employees who are so scantily clad the only place they could possibly hide anything would require the bend and spread approach.
I feel trapped. The loud music, drunken laughter, lascivious stares, and Cove’s grabby hands on my body are unsettling. My head spins so I close my eyes for a moment and take a deep breath. Better. Deep breaths. I can do this.
I feel a hand on my back and can tell by the small size that it isn’t Cove’s.
“Carl,” I whisper.
“Hello princess,” he says with a warm smile.
“Carl, you never answered my question about the photo of my father,” Cove says nearly falling over.
“Well, well. Look at the lovely smile on your face Cove Everton. I have a feeling that will become your new permanent expression in the upcoming days.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” Cove asks, as he brushes his fingers over Carl’s dark brown corduroy sport jacket. “And don’t use my name in here.”
“Cove,” Carl continues. “Let me ask you a question. How many Rosens do you see in this room?”
I take Cove’s hand away from Carl’s chest that he’s been touching now for a few minutes. He’s starting to come across as almost whorish.
“Four, including myself.”
“Four?” I ask, as I look around the room.
“Dayne, Doron, David, and me,” he responds.
I get it. The older guy with my dad is David Rosen, the father of them all. Lawyer, porn industry investor, and top bidder for the Keep; not someone I want to meet.
“And how many Evertons are here?” Carl asks in his usual slow calm voice.
“At some point, there should be two of us as soon as my mother arrives.”
“I see. Keep counting. Add, then subtract, and yes, there may be two later this evening,” he smiles. “Now tell me, young Cove. Would you rather be a Rosen or an Everton? Personally, I’ve always been fond of the Evertons, more so than the Rosen clan.”
“What the fuck, Carl? Can’t you just talk to me for once like a normal human being, instead of in that low melancholy voice?”
“You say that with such a passionate rage, yet your eyes and happy little grin betray the words spewing from your mouth young one. I can tell you’ve never truly experienced a deep depression. Take care of yourself tonight, and the next time you see your father, tell him everything’s set.”
I take his arm before he can walk away. “What are you talking about? What’s set?”
“Well Carl, don’t these two look valuable this evening?” my father’s voice sounds to my right. He steps in and puts a firm grip on Carl’s shoulder. “I can’t imagine what the three of you are discussing. Weather? Football? What is it? Care to fill me in, little fucks?”
“I was just admiring your daughter’s beautiful body in that outfit. Nice theme this evening, what are you going for, Paul? A warm golden sunset?”
“Admiring my daughter and not our Star? Changing teams this evening, are we?”
Carl slides out from under my father’s grip and my hold on his arm, moseying toward a group of women gathered around the fireplace near the back of the room.
I turn to Cove who looks overjoyed to see my father. Fucking drug has him looking like a dog with his head out the car window, mouth open, big grin and drooling. He places two fingers under my father’s belt and pulls him closer to us. “You know, Paul,” he whispers. “I’m in total disgust just standing in the same room as you. I have the ghastliest taste in my mouth and the most horrific visions of you dancing in my head.”
“We are getting close to the holiday season, so are you sure those aren’t sugarplums you’re seeing... and that taste in your mouth... didn’t you go down on my daughter earlier?”
Cove jerks his arm back but Doron catches his fist mid-swing and slowly guides his hand to his side. “Don’t go there, Cove, not tonight,” Doron grunts. “Not now.”
“Why thank you, kind sir,” my father laughingly jokes at the failed attack. “My beautiful Star. See how tender and loving I’m being right now, as I place my hand on the side of your face and brush your cheek. Feel this adoring love I have for you?” Cove nods at the gentle touch of my dad. “You love being caressed right now don’t you?”
Cove closes his eyes in a placid trance, leaning into my father’s hand like an animal enjoying a good pet behind the ear.
“How could you do this to him?” I fume. “His heart is racing a mile a minute, his eyes are bugging out, and his body temperature is drastically changing from warm to cold. Are you nuts? What’s the point of all of this?”
“Effortlessly, my Star became putty in my hands. Need I say more? Now I’d like the two of you to stop hiding out next to the bar area, enter the room, and grace us with your presence. This is a job, you know. I’m trying to run a business here.”
“You’re unbelievable. If I...” my words halt as a loud metal clang fills the room. Poor Carl knocked over the stand of fireplace pokers, quieting the room for a brief moment, and causing a deep blush of embarrassment to overpower his face. Doron releases Cove’s hand and walks hurriedly to the front door just as Devery and Leondra arrive. Is this it? Is this the scene that should give us a moment to leave? I check the back door but it’s still blocked by Dayne, and the front now has two guards. I overhear Doron demand Trey keep his hands off his sister, and that he’ll take care of the pat-down of female family members. He sends Trey over to the fireplace to help Carl with the pokers and clean up any mess. Would Doron let us out? I start to head for the door, but Cove pulls me back.
“Not yet, Baby,” he whispers. I watch my father promptly welcome Devery and Leondra, giving both women a hug and a grab on the ass. This time I’m the one who holds Cove back.
Devery walks past my father, but as Leondra starts to follow, my bastard father grips her arm. She stops and listens then responds to his comment in apparent defense. The two women enter the room looking supremely elegant and sophisticated with sharply applied makeup, picture perfect hair, and spectacular dresses.
“Are the two of you okay?” Devery asks.
“No.” I say in a hardened voice. “Devery... Dr. Rosen, I can’t even begin to....” Her hand touches my forearm in a peaceful gesture as she nods.
“I know,” she whispers. “Or, at least I have an idea of what’s been happening here. Don’t worry; just wait. We’re working on something.”
Cove stares at his mother, waiting impatiently to speak to her. His arm hangs over my shoulder and his hand sweeps across my breast. He unknowingly continues the movement and it’s obvious from Devery’s reaction that I need to explain. I grasp his hand and he apologizes.
“My father slipped him ecstasy,” I softly clarify. She nods and examines the room; her eyes rest on the back corner where her father and Dayne are still absorbed in conversation. The anguish on her face is genuine.
“Cove, when did my father arrive?”
He shrugs at her, still glued to the scene with his mother. “Don’t know. Why did you decide to start speaking to my mother again, and can we trust you? Because you know Devery, you haven’t given me much reason to depend on you in the p
ast. I’d like to believe that you and my mother have worked things out, but I can’t envision that happening in just a few short days.”
“You’re right.”
We both look at her as if another bomb is about to be dropped. She was here last night with my father. Was all of that a plan to get Leondra here for some reason?
“Don’t look so worried. What I mean is that your mother is a very tolerant woman with strength and compassion that I’ve never seen from anyone before. She welcomed me back into her life with open arms, but I feel that I owe her much more than an apology. She’s forgiven me, but I haven’t forgiven myself. I’m willing to fight for her and her family, but it may....”
“Bullshit,” Cove cuts her off.
“Cove,” I hush him, understanding his distrust, yet finding his utter contemptuousness toward her rude. After all, they are related. Wait. What the fuck am I talking about? I swear at my father all the time. Shit, speak of the devil.
“Okay, boys and girls, talk. You have a few minutes, and then playtime’s over and it’s back to business, right Leondra? That’s why you’re here, for business?” my father inquires as he releases her arm. Cove quickly steps past us and wraps his arms around his mother. “Aw, so sweet,” my father mumbles. “Tell me,” he turns to me. “Why don’t I ever feel that love from you anymore?”
Fuck you. I look at his evil grin and feel an immediate need to vomit.
“Mother, it’s so wonderful to see you and to touch you. You feel magnificent in my arms.” He holds her tight and she can sense he’s not himself.
“Cove, my darling. You haven’t embraced me like this since you were a child.” She steps away and grips his shoulders, looking straight into his eyes.
“Enjoy,” my father says as he walks to the front door. He calls for Trey to return and orders Doron to the back. The two are set where we need them.
“What are you on? It’s not alcohol? You okay?”
“Fine. No worries. It will wear off soon. I’m so glad you came.”
“I’m your mother. I know.”
“I need you to get her out of here. Can you do that?”
“What?” I gasp. “Are you talking about me? No, we’re leaving together. Don’t start this shit again. Leondra, don’t listen to him.”
He ignores my words and continues on. “Mother, please. My intuition tells me something’s going to happen tonight. This is the same way I felt when Dayne stopped me in front of the police station. If I can’t get her out of here, I need you to. She’s not safe.” He starts to panic, his breathing heavy and voice cracking. I step in and take his hand in mine.
“Cove, look at me,” I calmly request. He turns with a tear in his eye, sweat on his forehead. “We’re all getting out. Come on, breathe and calm down. Don’t let the drug control you. Be patient, just like you always tell me. Let’s not make any foolish decisions.” I say this having felt a panic attack flash through my body just a few moments earlier.
“What’s he on?” Leondra whispers.
“My father gave him X.”
She shakes her head and glares at Paul. He has his usual authoritative smirk on his face as he saunters back to our circle, his arm over the shoulder of one of his young female employees.
“Everyone happy? Can we move into the main part of the room now?”
“Star, you look enchanting this evening,” the woman with my father remarks. I smile and think of everything wrong with that comment. Enchanting? Gag. Sorry girly, this ain’t no Cinderella story. You’re in Jameson Industries. I notice her tattoo is fresh, still red. She’s a newbie. What am I talking about? So am I. She looks at my tat and smiles as if we have something in common. I’m polite and smile back.
“Melody, why don’t you do the honor of walking these two around the great room until they settle in somewhere.”
She smiles and wraps her arm around Cove’s, then takes my hand. “My pleasure, Paul.”
Double gag.
I give Leondra a quick hug before I’m led away into the crowd of clients and nudes. They continue to pile in through the front and back doors, drinking, laughing, and rubbing against one another. In college, Mera and I would’ve called this an all out skank fest. Both Cove and I are groped a few times before we end up near the fireplace, close to Carl. I hadn’t noticed earlier how worn his face and eyes appear, as if he hasn’t slept in days. Women run their fingers through his gelled dark hair, yet his expression shows no recognition of their existence. He watches the stairwell that leads to my father’s office in a daze. I turn, but can no longer see Leondra or Devery through the swarm of guests. It’s louder now, and with the setting of the sun, darkness consumes the room. Reminiscent of the northern lights, the Jameson employees place green glow sticks around their necks, making it easier for clients to find them. Melody, the woman who escorted us over here, is now on one of the chairs kissing and grinding into another female employee as a crowd of men watches the show. One sits down next to them and unzips his pants as a cue that he’s ready to join in. Melody whispers in his ear and he follows her to the side hallway, then into one of the many private rooms. I don’t know if there’s some pre-arranged exchange of money before people enter the home, or if a charge takes place afterward, but so far it just seems like an open fuck-fest.
Cove appears pale and takes a seat on one of the brown sofas, rests his head on the back, and closes his eyes. Two women are instantly on each side of him, and he smiles as their hands flow across his chest. He must believe it’s me. Fuck. God dammit. I lean in and reach for one of the women, but see a pair of large black oxfords come between us. I follow the legs up to Dayne’s face. He’s angry... still. He lifts the right leg of his pants and shows me his gun, then re-covers it quickly. I comprehend the threat.
“Shh,” he whispers. “I want to talk to you about Mera. Not a word leaves your mouth.” I’m held tightly against him as he pushes me over to the hall that leads to the kitchen. I want to scream, but for whom? Who could possibly free me from Dayne Rosen? And what the fuck does he want to talk about Mera for?
I’m shoved into a room I remember discovering days ago when I first arrived at the house. The space is painted a deep red, with a small bed covered in black silk sheets. Black, red, and gold pillows are placed neatly against the headboard and two black robes hang on hooks next to the door. Five evenly spaced white candles on a high shelf illuminate the room and David Rosen leans against the wall next to them, his arms crossed, the candles casting a warm glow upon his face. I turn and try the door but it’s locked. Dayne’s gone and I’m alone with his father. In the blink of an eye he’s next to me, his hand under my chin, lifting my head to look at his face. He has the same beady eyes as Doron and Dayne. A rapid tremor surges through my body and I’m suddenly concerned and frightened for my safety. How idiotic that I used to enjoy, and actually get off on such moments. Did I actually seek this out? Is this really what I used to want? A quick fuck from a stranger? My lips tremble. I need to get out of this room. I try to scream, cry, yell out, and stomp my feet, but I’m paralyzed with fear. Nothing comes out of my mouth.
“Hello, Sophia. What a stunning woman you are. It’s hard to believe you’re Paul’s daughter.” I try to pull my head away, but his hand moves quickly from under my chin to the side of my face. His second hand takes hold of the other side and I’m sandwiched between the two. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, inhaling the cologne that saturates his wrists. I feel a small kiss on my nose before his hands disappear and I’m able to step toward the wall. There’s nowhere to hide.
“Did you know your father outbid me the other day when you were in the Keep?” I’m silent, and watch as he unbuttons the top portion of his shirt and rolls up his sleeves. He unlatches his gold watch and sets it on top of one of the bedposts. I think I’m going to throw up. No, not think. I am about to vomit.
“I still want my bid, Sophia. I only think that’s fair, don’t you?” The doorknob turns and there’s commotion outside of the ro
om. Please let that be Cove. He must be able to get in. The sounds subside and we’re left once again with only the loud beat of the sound system and the drunken murmur of the partygoers echoing down the hall from the great room. He steps forward and places a hand against the wall next to my head. The room starts to spin. I stagger and drop to the floor.
I hear laughter as he unzips his pants. “I didn’t ask for you to get on your knees just yet, but we can start there if you’d like.” His hand touches the back of my head; I panic, close my eyes, clench my teeth, place my hands against his thighs, and throw up... down his pant leg, over his shiny black shoes, and onto the floor around us.
Release. I hear the freeing sound of the door as it bursts open. Thank fucking God. I don’t care who it is, just help me. Please.
A hand grips my arm and I’m yanked from the floor. I open my eyes to see David tuck himself into his pants, Devery’s furious face, and Doron standing in the doorway. She slaps her father, twice, sends a scornful look toward Doron, and pulls me out of the room in a huff. I’m rushed to the end of the hallway, into the black and gold ornamented bathroom, and stand next to the sink as she locks us in. She quickly takes one of the gold hand towels and wets it, then proceeds to tenderly clean the vomit off my lips and chin.
“Devery....”
“Shh,” she hushes me with a tear in her eye. “Sophia, I’m so sorry. If I had known, this would have ended a long time ago. Doron will let us out, and I mean you and Cove as well. When we head back into the great room, get Cove on his feet and ready to move. Can you do that?”
“Yes,” I whisper in great relief. “Yes, I can do that.”
“Leondra’s working on something else,” she speaks quickly. “I’m not sure what it is, but I need to stay long enough to make sure she’s okay. Keep an eye on us, and Doron. We’ll let you know when the time is right.”
I look in the mirror and fix my raccoon eyes. She smiles at my reflection and I’m comforted, like the way she used to make me feel in her office. She has motherly instincts, not the same intensity as Leondra’s, but they’re there nonetheless. She’s protective, concerned, and has compassion for others. The Rosen women rule. And to think, a week ago I did my best to avoid her, and now I’m not going to take my eyes off her.