by Gray, A L
"Derek, I'm going to chill in my room for a while." I say artful.
"Who is that from?"
"Sophie," I lie, "I'm really tired, I just want to catch up on some sleep."
"Okay, Sweets. I'll wake you at six if you are not up. We can have dinner and watch a movie, Yeah?"
"Sounds like a plan."
I quickly scurry off to my bedroom, desperate to text Mr. Darks back. This feels so intimate, him texting me, me texting him. Oh, I'm such a giddy idiot for him!
To: Unknown
So it was you who text me?
He replies almost instantaneously. Butterflies endlessly flutter around in my tummy. My face almost splits in two at my back breaking smile. This is too good, Mr. Darks, messaging me - wow!
From: Unknown
That's not a question - what's with the question mark?
I frown with a perplexed expression firmly in place. What a bizarre reply.
To: Unknown
Who are you - the grammar police?
From: Unknown
I have been known to punish people for such things - maybe I will punish you.
Holy shit! Am I going to get a written warning for a grammatical error? I think not!
To: Unknown
You cannot give me a warning for a typo, and I don't have a contract with your company yet, so your punishment idea may as well be a waste of brain cells.
From: Unknown
Nothing I have planned for you is a waste of brain cells - the contract will be sorted before you know it. I have big plans for you, Anile, so I will personally insure you are around for a while.
Oh my! He has big plans for me - a promotion, please! I debate on whether to text him back or not. Can I hold myself back? NO!
To: Unknown
I look forward to your (plans) I'm very intrigued. A little spoiler wouldn't go unappreciated, Sir. x
From: Unknown
Skelp. See you Saturday.
What the hell does that mean? I rack my brain for almost twenty minutes. I relentlessly search the internet.
Holy fuck! That must be a typo.
To: Unknown
Um, Sir. I think that means spank - a typo from the grammar police, how satisfying. Maybe you should practice what you preach.
I sit and wait for a reply. An hour passes. Two hours pass. Nothing, not even a cryptic message. Why would he write such a foolish typo? I eventually give up on waiting for a reply and join Derek for a lazy weekend, knowing there is nothing I can do about Mr. Darks' arrogance.
AFTER MY FIRST day at work, the rest of the week seems to fly past quickly; work dragging all the while the evenings are lost to me. My dreams lucidly haunt me. I'm now fully possessed by Mr. Darks every time I close my eyes. All his words have an alternative meaning and although I understand them fully, they still take control of my mind. I never speak of my dreams, I try my very best to focus and clear my mind daily; although this only works until I close my eyes. I try to focus on the weekend. I hope that if I have something to look forward to, it will take my mind off work and the land of limbo. It thankfully works during the day, but that's all. I'm excited alongside perturbed about Saturday’s charity event. I'm a big believer in helping others if you can and that's what I intend on doing; I already have my cheque filled out to donate to... well, whatever Darks Lawyers is supporting. The only situation that's making me nervous is Mr. Darks himself, so to help me feel a little less uncomfortable, I asked Derek if he would accompany me and he of course said yes. Hopefully Mr. Darks will be okay about me bringing him.
SATURDAY FINALLY ARRIVES and I strangely didn't dream last night - I'm grateful, this makes me feel… somewhat better. Derek has stayed all week, travelling to work from my place because all his clients live this end of town - but he went home last night because he had to pull a tux for the event tonight. I have a dress all picked out and I'm hoping to make a point as well as a statement. As a joke, I have decided to wear a silky white ball-gown; it's stunning and covered in crystals from the waist down with a halter neck as the focal point. It's very figure hugging and revealing without being slutty.
Every day this week at work I have worn black - on Wednesday, Hester politely addressed my choice of clothing but backed off when I told her that I am not working for Vogue. I laugh at the memory as I pull my full length mirror off of the wall in my hall. I place it in front of one of the windows in my living area. My home is south facing so the sun completely floods my apartment. My kitchen is the focal point to my living area. Vanilla hand carved cupboard doors, black granite worktops with gold flecks that catch the sunlight so perfectly, and subtle LED lighting that sparkles at twilight. I stare at everything in appreciation knowing I'm extremely lucky.
I play my favourite CD - Otis Redding, on repeat and I glide like an idiot around my living area while I dress for this evening. Personally, I have spent too much time getting ready today. Three hours to be precise, if you want to get technical! The problem is this; I want to look like Aphrodite herself to make Mr. Darks really lust after me, but I also don't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing I did this all for him - so I'm stuck in a time balance predicament, as well as a personal battle. Okay, you are mentally taking this too far; he cannot see how long you have taken to get ready! Jeez girl! My brain is on overdrive - I mentally slap myself and decide to quickly finish getting ready. I straighten my hair so it's iron flat and pin back one side to give myself an old glamorous look. I apply my Chanel peachy pink lipstick and finish with a small amount of mascara. I gaze appreciatively at the cute blonde staring back in the mirror - yes, I look hot and not tired for once! Now my shoes - this is the most important part of my outfit. I want to be comfortable but also want to be taller than five foot four. I have Gina glass slippers, hmmm? - no, they are too flat. I think I'll go for champagne coloured stilettos - yes, perfect. The heels are covered in crystal spikes, so if Mr. Darks gives me any crap, I'll insure my spikes meet his perfectly round backside!
Once I'm finished, I pace my living area nervously waiting for Derek to pick me up in a taxi. He did offer to drive but quickly retracted his offer when I informed him that there will be a free bar. Typical Derek.
Derek knocks on my front door. I grab my little white feathered clutch bag and open the door ready to leave. Shockingly, I'm not met by Derek, I'm met by a very smart man dressed totally in black with Ray Ban style shades - why is he wearing them inside?
“Miss Gooden?” He asks.
“Yes, how can I help you?”
He passes me a little dark brown wicker box - it's no bigger than a book. He nods with a polite smile and leaves without another word. I close the door and slowly walk back into my living area analysing the box, wondering fiercely what it could be. I place the box on my glass coffee table and stare passively at it, dying with curiosity. I know who sent me this, Mr. cryptic Darks himself! Displayed on the top of the box is a picture of a knotted rope. I have no idea what it represents but coming from that control freak, it definitely means something. I cannot curb my curiosity or wait any longer. I clumsily open the box with jelly fingers to find a small golden egg. I pick up the egg and wonder what the hell it is. It's perfectly smooth without any imperfections. I'm not sure if it's real gold or not, it feels solid enough to be. Beneath the egg lays a note - perfectly crease free. On the note is a message, hand written so formally.
The note says,
Carry it everywhere and be careful with it.
“What the hell?” I mutter out loud.
I literally have no mental power left after the past week at work, constantly draining my brain, so I close the lid as I hear Derek singing -Brian Adams, I Do It For You - in the lobby outside of my front door. I take the basket with the egg inside and put it under my bed - I will deal with this later.
I rush out of my bedroom, then out of my front door, almost walking right into Derek.
“Hey, you okay Anile?” He whispers as he catches me by my waist with worrying eyes.
&
nbsp; “I'm fine - I'm just really tired, that’s all.” I promise hoping to convince him.
“We can stay in if you like Sweetie?”
“No I have to go otherwise Mr. Darks will have my guts for garters.”
“Over my dead body!” He snaps.
I lean in to hug him for some comfort. He really is a breath of fresh air - I love the bones off of him. Even though he's a psychologist, he's no mental trouble at all. I enjoy his company more than anyone’s.
I stare him down. He looks dapper in his wrinkle free tux. His golden hair is all tousled. His eyes are bright. His smile is compelling. The girls are going to go crazy for him!
"You look really good Derek." I smile fondly.
"And you look like Princess Grace Sweets - you always look good." He says as he pulls me closer for a rib crushing hug. I blush at his compliment as we step into the lift. On the ride down, Derek's amused with something.
"White?" He asks with raised eyebrows.
"Sorry?"
"You are wearing white; is it the dress code or are you making a point?" He laughs.
"You know I'm making a point Derek." I joke as the lift pings open.
"I wouldn't expect anything less Sweets."
The taxi's waiting for us at the curb. We slide in anticipating the evening ahead. I hate the smell of taxi's, there are always 'no smoking' signs but every damn car stinks of cigarettes. I smoke on the odd occasion but when I haven't tasted a cigarette for a while, I notice how much they really pong!
The ride is short and sweet; thankfully the event is not far from my apartment. As we pull up, I notice that we must have arrived a little early. It's dead - there are literally no people around. I assumed it would be packed. I'm sure Hester told me 'five thirty at the United Grand Lodge'? Derek and I exit the taxi arm in arm. He's excited, I can tell by his beaming expression as his tender warm eyes are alight with curiosity. We start to enter the United Grand Lodge and a security guard immediately stops us.
"Surnames' please Miss."
"Gooden."
“Anile Gooden, you do not have a plus one invitation.” He says.
“I don't have an invitation full stop. My invitation was not on paper, it was verbal from my boss, Mr. Darks.”
“Your friend will have to leave Miss.”
“If he leaves, so do I!” I reply firm. The man moves out of hearing distance and immediately gets on his speaker phone. I didn't think Mr. Darks would mind me bringing Derek, maybe he does - damn it!
“You and your friend can go in Miss.” He tells me, motioning for me to take my first step on the red carpet.
I release the breath I was holding, thankful that we don't have to leave. I can only imagine how Monday would go down - firstly with a private meeting in Mr. Darks office, and secondly, with a red arse!
As we enter, I'm hit with a sudden sensation that I'm the size of an ant. I stare up at the heaven height ceilings taken aback. Holy hell this place is huge! If it was smaller, you would think they have too many paintings, but even the hundreds of paintings cannot command this vast space. The furnishings remind me of a church. The odour does too - dampness, nothing but dampness. It's too big. The cool draughty space is inevitably cold.
“Anile, you didn't tell me the event was being held here!” Derek whispers into my ear.
“To be honest, I didn't really give it much thought but now I'm here, I'm a little taken back.”
"Maybe your ignorant Bastard boss is in fact, a Freemason?" He jokes.
I think about his probable discovery and aim to answer him, but Hester calls interrupting us.
“Anile - Derek, wow. I had no idea you were coming tonight?” She addresses Derek giving him a warm hug.
“I had no idea you two knew one another; how did you meet?” I ask shocked.
Derek smiles at me and dances his thick eyebrows up and down. I know he's being rude regarding his relationship with her - ugh! He calls his eyebrow dance, 'sexy time'.
“Right, I will go get some drinks.” I quickly mutter - I do not want the gory details of Derek’s sex life!
I walk into the room clearly labelled ‘BAR'. To my surprise and appreciation, here are all the guests, but, I'm flabbergasted. I stop dead, stupefied and realize there is a dress code. My mouth is agape, my eyes are almost popping out of my head.
"Fuck!"
Every woman is in red and every man is in black. Hester was dressed in yellow which is bizarre and I'm bloody dressed in white! This is not going to plan, I'm losing already and the night is still young! Did Mr. Darks purposely withhold the dress code information as a joke? Touché. Fuck this, I'm leaving! I'll call Derek from outside.
I see a door labelled ‘EXIT’. I push it open trying to escape, but as I do, I instantly feel a strong hand on my arm, pulling me back into the room. The physical contact burns my naked skin, mentally scarring me. I smell him before I see him; his spicy cologne itches my nose. Mr. Darks pulls me close. He holds me tight with one arm firmly caging me in, keeping me flush against his chest. He lifts my chin with his long index finger, forcing me to meet his compelling eyes.
“Where are you going?” He whispers.
I breathe a frustrating *sigh*.
“I am the only one here dressed in white - I'm leaving.”
I try to walk off but his grip tightens.
“You are going nowhere Anile.” He forces. He releases my body, but grabs my arm. He starts pulling me through the crowd of people.
“Let me go!” I snap but he acts as though he cannot hear me. I look around hoping someone will stop him from man handling me but no one acknowledges us.
"Fucking let me go before I slap you!" I almost scream.
Again, he ignores me. Fire fills my tummy. My face heats as rage becomes a part of me.
We arrive at the bar and he instantly releases me.
“What do you think you are doing?” I bark annoyed. I aim my pointed finger at him, trying to come across no nonsense.
“Anile, you defy me at work on a daily basis - why stop now?"
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"The dress code - I am assuming that is why you are so annoyed? I didn't think giving you a dress code would make a difference. I know you don't want to be another statistic and like you said, ‘you do not work for vogue’.” He mimics my words.
I flush scarlet. How does he know I said that? I said that to Hester! The damn cameras must have sound too! For fuck sake!
"What's wrong?" He says soft.
"I'm annoyed at you man handling me all the damn time! And this is different - the dress code rule you have does not apply to me at functions.”
“It obviously does apply, you are specifically wearing white - don't think I didn't notice."
Of course I knew you would notice you nincompoop! That's why I did it! I stare him down, insuring I don't look at his smouldering eyes - I know better, I will cave.
He looks utterly delicious in a fine black tux, buttoned all the way up his tall hard body. His unruly raven hair is tied back into a small ponytail. His lips are rosy pink and so full - hmmm.
"Anile, you should obey your work dress code - you should obey all my rules. You will find yourself over my knee one day with a swollen red arse if you don't. Maybe then you will regret your smart mouth!"
Holy fucking shit! Did he just practically tell me he's going to spank me? He can fucking try, I'll put him over my knee and see how he likes it! He stares me down with glazed eyes. He smiles - he looks momentarily paralyzed for once. What's he thinking?
"If you ever try spanking me, I will slap you so damn hard and insure I knock you into next week!"
"A day I look forward to Miss Gooden." He challenges.
Ugh - I cannot banter with him about sex, I'm only setting myself up to fail, miserably!
“What's this charity event supporting?” I ask trying to change the subject.
“Research.”
“What research?”
“Important resea
rch. I have already submitted a cheque on your behalf.”
“I can afford to donate without you!”
He eyes me for a while and smiles fondly at my independence.
"Well?" I ask.
"Well what?"
"What, is, the, event, supporting?" I single pronounce every word; if he wants to play stupid, I can treat him as though he is stupid.
"I like it when you speak to me like that; your shatteringly beautiful voice does strange things to me, Anile." He whispers as he leans in on me.
Fuck me he smells good!
“I have to go.” I mutter. I'm again struck down with Darks flu. Strange hot flushes escalade all over my body - I think I'm going to pass out.
“Back to your friend, Derek?” He asks and I'm shocked.
“How do you know I'm with my friend? When did you see us?”
“I see everything Anile, eye see you.” He whispers pointing to his unorthodox eyes.
“You have to stop this.” I warn.
“Stop what?”
“Your controlling and obsessive issues. You can’t control the world!” I exaggerate motioning my hand around.
“I already do.” He replies smiling.
“You really are an enigmatic Bastard.” I snap.
“And you get more exciting by the minute.”
“Piss off!” I bark hoping he will back off.
“I would watch that smart tongue if I were you Anile; you would hate for it to end up straddled in forceps.”
“Is that a threat?” I challenge trying to hide the fact that I'm shitting myself!
“Always.” He replies smiling like the devil in disguise.
I stare him down absolutely fuming.
"Oh, I give up!" I snap.
I try to storm off. He grabs my arm again but I smack my hand into his.
“Do not touch me!” I warn.
He elegantly puts his hands in his pockets looking poised and tidy. I feel his eyes on me as I storm childishly through the room. I mentally scan the building, noticing all the symbols; triangles, the compos and the lion heads on every column. What the fuck am I doing here?