The Executive's Red, #1

by Leeanna White

  “Sir, please,” the guard coaxes Adrien, who looks just about ready to detonate.

  “I have fuck all on me, so please let me get on my plane dammit!”

  He’s worrying me. He’s going to end up in a police cell if he carries on like this. I know exactly what’s setting the thing off.

  I vigilantly move right in front of him. He peers down at me taking a fickle breath. I lift my hands and place my fingers around the curved frame of his shades. His hand flies up to catch my wrist, and he stares directly into my eyes. I lower my head for a moment. I miss his touch, but he doesn’t deserve my affection anymore.

  Cold as ice he releases his hold on me, and with his head down he thunders through the detector. Good, it stays silent this time. Immediately, he snatches his things from the guard and slides his shades back up over his nose.

  THIS PLANE DOESN’T have the same magical effect on me as it did before. I glimpse back to the spot I became a member of, then to Adrien. He is now laid out on the cream leather couch with a pillow over his face. I angle my head right back, facing the cockpit. I shut my eyes, but even in the darkness he won’t exit my head. I could try and get him to talk. All this just because he tied me to that bed. There’s got to be something more profound going on with him.

  “Adrien,” I call quietly.

  “Hmm.” He doesn’t move.

  “You really need to see a doctor with the headaches?”

  “Not now, Elizabeth.”

  “If you’re ill, and it turns you into an asshole, then maybe something needs fixing.” I roll my pupils.

  He groans loudly. “I know exactly what’s wrong with me, and talking with you is not helping,” he snaps. “So please, will you be quiet.”

  I exhale and turn away furiously, realising this might be the last time I see him. He doesn’t want me near him, and right now, it’s a mutual feeling. I want off this plane. I want to go home where I can hit something, hard.

  I WALK MY SUITCASE through Heathrow’s private car park, watching Adrien stride out in front. Sara is waiting in the Land Rover. She flusters at the sight of him, and gets out to open the back door. He climbs into the backseat to lie down with his sunglasses still on, and his hood tightened around his face.

  As I march to the boot, Sara grabs my arm. She yanks me away from the car, nearly stumbling in her inappropriate black stripper shoes.

  “Sara, get off me.” Now I’m the one in no mood to be messed with.

  She lets go. “You went in the room?” she asks through her teeth.

  “Well, that has absolutely nothing to do with you,” I snap.

  “I told you not to go in there. Now look at him!”

  I keep my case on the floor. I’m not going to put it in the boot, because I’d rather walk home than have her bitching at me.

  “Do you know something Sara?” I smirk. “Yes, we went into the room. And do you know something else, now I wish I didn’t. But still, that’s between me and him. It’s got absolutely nothing to do with you.” I pull up the handle of my case. “I’d rather walk home naked than get into that car with you... or him!” I trudge as fast as my feet will hit the ground, dragging my case behind me.

  As I take my phone out of my pocket, I hear Sara’s heels trotting to catch up with me. I ignore her and scroll down to Cate’s name. She might be at work now, but I have to try.

  I get through to Cate as I continue jogging, to get away from Sara. Cate is all excited with screams and squeals, asking me for the gory details. That is until she hears the upset in my voice. She tells me she’ll be as fast as she can and hangs up.

  “Elizabeth.” Sara tries to take my case from me. “Mr Knight wants you to get in the car.”

  “I’ve called a taxi.” I snatch the handle off her and turn away.

  “Just get in the car,” she bites.

  “I said, I’ve called a taxi. Tell Mr Knight, thanks for giving me the time of my life, and if he ever feels the need for a one nighter, to scroll right passed my name on his phone. Tell him to delete me!” I perch on my case by the side of the road. “Oh, and tell him he can go screw himself. Merry fuckin Christmas Sara!”

  “Fine.” She huffs and puffs, walking back to her master.

  The Land Rover whizzes by me. Now it’s gone, I let them pour out, bending over to sob into my hands. Cars move by, and the people in them offer me a wary glimpse. I’m such a stupid, stupid idiot. And now I look like some crazy lady, sitting here weeping over a man.

  I see Beryl approach and Cate’s worried beady eyes dancing over the steering wheel. I wipe my cheeks. I know what she’s like. If she sees me crying, she’ll be paying Mr Knight a visit to give him more than just a piece of her mind.

  She pulls up to the curb and cuts out the engine. She opens her door and thunders toward me with open arms, waving her fingers. She’s always been the same, very expressive with her empathy for me. Her hands yank my shoulders into her body, then push me out to an arms-length so she can read my face.

  “Right, in the car,” she orders, taking my case to the boot. “You can fill me in, in the warmth.”

  I loop my eyes. It’s a blessing and a curse to have her sometimes. She’s on the warpath, needing to hoard information to put together a battle plan. She likes specifics, grisly details, and descriptions. And if at all possible, witnesses to collaborate at a later date. But this is personal to me, and I’d like it to stay that way.

  “Right.” She slams her door. “What did he do to you? The shit, leaving you here to make your own way home!”

  “It wasn’t like that,” I sigh out. “I didn’t want him to take me home.”

  She shuffles to look further over the headrest. “Things are that bad?”

  “He... he’s just messed my head up.” I sniffle.

  I hear it. It’s like a shot of air from a raging bull. Every time she’s angry, she forces a breath from her nostrils.

  “You’re in love with him?”

  “I’m not entirely sure what this is.” I use my jacket sleeve to soak up a tear.

  “I’m looking at it, Liz. The way you’re feeling now because things didn’t work out, it’s because the prick has broken your heart.”

  “Oh Cate, come on,” I grumble. “I’ve had a shitty day and need a large glass of wine.” I lean my head against the window.

  “Off-license it is then,” she says, pulling out onto the road.

  Chapter 19

  Adrien

  “Cuban?” Laurie flips open his silver cigar case. “You deserve it after dealing with Manchester.”

  “I have my reward right here.” I hoist yet another glass of my red wine. This will be the third bottle I’ve consumed. Oh, and there was the whiskey I had with my liquid lunch.

  I drink up as I stand, and walk to the windows. I used to love the night time view; the city lights make London more alive during the night than the day. But now I’m imagining every possible location Elizabeth could be. I’ve missed her like I miss the warm blood that used to run through my veins. But I’m still not ready to explain the truth she deserves, and I’m not sure I ever will be.

  “Adrien, how did you do it, resolve business in Manchester, did you reduce the price?” Laurie joins me, and a plume of his cigar smoke drifts in my face.

  “I promised them a head. And a head they shall have.”

  “Is that the ruthless business side, or the heartbroken side speaking right now? Don’t make rash decisions until you have the facts. You know I’ve got your back.”

  I’m stumped by his condescending comment. I have not forgotten how to run things because of Elizabeth.

  “Laurie, go and take a seat with Ben. The meeting will take place any minute.” I glare at him as he sucks on his cigar like spaghetti. “Selene has something she wants to discuss with us.”

  He pulls his cigar out from his lips, and points it at me with a wink of his eye. “And we mustn’t keep our mistress of darkness waiting.” He strolls to the couch.

  “Ready?”
Ben calls over, setting the iPad on a tripod, casting the video calling app onto the big screen. “She’s calling through now.”

  Laurie and Ben sit down on the couch, as I make my way over. Selene appears on the screen, looking like a character from an old silent horror movie. She’s eternally youthful, white as porcelain, with hair as black as jade. Her current facial expression displays a naivety. But each of us in this room knows there is nothing innocent about Selene.

  Her face grows bigger on the screen as she leans closer to the camera. “Oh there you are, my Adrien.”

  “Selene,” I greet, raising my wine glass, standing at the back of the couch. “It is not like you to use this kind of technology.” I have to be suspicious. Even of my creator. “How are things in Prague?”

  “I miss my boys. Laurie. Benjamin,” she purrs. “Prague is as it was on your last visit.” She backs a foot away from the screen, not liking the size of her face. “I’m calling, videoing, whatever this is, to first of all, congratulate Benjamin.” Her wide black eyes smile. “I’ve heard good things about you. The way you have stood by Adrien’s side, is to be commended.”

  Ben glances at me for a second. Like I, he is confused by this out of the blue call. “Well thanks, Selene,” he replies.

  “And Laurie, Laurie, Laurie,” she bizarrely goes on, and I find it suspicious she’s not calling him by his full Christian forename. Laurie is only used by those close to him.

  “Selene,” Laurie welcomes her, like he’d welcome me. “Good to see you.”

  “You too,” she says, and if I’m not mistaken, seductively. “My father is pleased. The extra shipment you sent out to us was welcomed.”

  “Tell your father, if he needs anything, not to hesitate to ask,” Laurie says.

  “Oh you know what daddy is like. Stuck in his ways with the others.” Selene smiles, and I know it’s phony.

  “Okay, enough with the praise,” I say, not liking or trusting a single word. Selene only comes out of the shadows when she wants something.

  “Benjamin, Laurie, would you mind leaving us. I have left you a gift at Adrien’s new club. You’ll like him. He’s very rare, and tastes divine,” Selene announces.

  “No!” I snap. “We don’t accept donors who have not been vetted. Selene, this isn’t Prague. This is my domain, and you gave it to me to rule.”

  “Yeah, thanks, but I’ll also pass,” Ben says as he stands up.

  “Oh come on,” Laurie sniggers. “No harm in having a little fun tonight.”

  I grab Laurie’s bicep and lean to his ear. “I don’t know what has gotten into you. But if you go against my wishes, it will be the last thing you do.” I’m trying to contain my anger in front of Selene, but it’s proving difficult.

  “Laurie, listen to Adrien,” Selene interrupts our altercation. “He’s right. You have made a success in London. I’m sorry Adrien, I didn’t think.”

  Laurie nods his head, agreeing with Selene.

  Ben walks to the penthouse door, and Laurie follows him. Now Selene and I are alone. I suppose I should be grateful it’s not face to face. But still I’m finding this unexpected meeting fucking awkward. I perch on the couch, frowning at Selene’s smiling red lips.

  “How are things with that new red of yours,” she asks.

  “Selene, I really don’t want to discuss that with you.” My jaw tightens as I fight the urge to switch off the screen.

  “Hmm, I was thinking of throwing you a party,” she adds.

  “Well don’t.”

  “You know Adrien, I only want to see you happy. You have my full support whatever you choose to do. You have my blessing.”

  “Thank you. Now is that all.” I’m impatient to get rid of her.

  “Not quite. After the new year, I would like you to come to Prague.”

  “What for?”

  “I’m thinking of having a shuffle in power. Don’t worry, you will always be the main executive, only if you want. Perhaps you’d like time with your red. You have options now Adrien.”

  “Selene. Elizabeth signed a contract. Your father would never agree. I don’t agree.”

  “Elizabeth, what a beautiful name,” she sighs. “Times have changed Adrien. So you do what you think is best.”

  I smirk. “And what’s the catch?”

  “No catch.” She turns her head and I see the hotel bedroom door open behind her. “I will let you go now, Adrien.” I watch as she beckons a young naked man to join her on the bed.

  “Really Selene. Are you still drugging young boys?”

  “I don’t need to.” She licks her lips, watching the young man climb onto the bed.

  “I’ve seen enough. Goodbye Selene.” I stand up and lift the iPad off the tripod.

  “Goodbye darling Adrien.”

  THIS IS WHAT I DO WHEN my thoughts are screwed up. I run at night. I don’t draw attention to the fact I could beat any living creature on earth in a race. I discipline myself, and that helps me to think clearer. But tonight, what was supposed to be a jog around St James Park, has ended up with me running down Harley Street, toward Elizabeth’s apartment.

  “What the fuck are you doing!” I hiss at myself, stopping beneath a street light while pulling out my earphones.

  I stare down the still and silent road, and I can just about see the light behind the curtains that hide Elizabeth from me. It’s been a part of me for a long time, a talent to stalk and observe without being detected. I could scale the walls of that apartment building, find her bedroom and watch her sleep. But that is desperation, and no head executive has ever allowed feelings of obsession to surpass their duty. I have really messed up taking this route. I will not venture anywhere near Elizabeth. I can’t.

  I spot a bench several feet away. I take a seat, and as I look down at my sneakers, I’m grabbed on my shoulder. I look up and see Ben sitting down beside me.

  “Why are you here? You haven’t left Laurie with Selene’s gift have you?” I ask.

  “No. I made sure Selene’s gift got on the plane safely. As for me being here, well I don’t want you to make a fool out of yourself. You’re not ready to see the girl. Tell me, what was your plan? To steal her out of her bed and declare your undying love.”

  “No,” I snarl at him. “And I’m no fool. I know coming here was a mistake.”

  “Yeah, and if I’d have got here five minutes later, would you still be sitting on this bench?”

  “The truth is, I don’t know.”

  “And coming from you, the one who knows how to deal with everything, from business to war, that’s fucking worrying.” I bite down, knowing he’s right. “You need a timeout from being executive. Like these humans, going out and getting wasted for the holidays, let’s do what we once did. Take a break Adrien. Drink and have some goddamn fun for a change. Then decide.”

  “I’m in love with her,” I admit, shaking my head, still disgusted about what I did to her in Killiecrankie. “Fucking stupid human love. How can I be, after all these years of not feeling a damn thing?”

  Ben stands up and holds his hand out to me. “There’s a small club four blocks from here. It’s a dive, but it will be a good place to start figuring that out.”

  I slam my hand into his and stand up. Being anywhere has to be better than here right now.

  Chapter 20

  Elizabeth

  The big day is here, and there is no way to get out of it now. I waved Cate off this morning as she got into a taxi to Essex, to spend the day with her cousins, and I’ve already had three missed calls from my mum. I don’t know what gets into people at this time of year, squeezing a weeks’ worth of food and alcohol into your system in one single day, has to be bad for you. But even though I’ve been dreading today, it does feel kind of good that the thoughts of Adrien have been replaced by that dread.

  I pull onto Parliament Square when Beryl begins to sound sickly. She’s spluttering and there’s a smell like burning rubber coming through the blowers. I encourage her to get me home, v
ery vocally. She’s never broken down; not once in the whole three years Cate and I have shared her. And I’m in no mood to be calling the RAC to come to my rescue. Not on Christmas Day of all days.

  I turn left onto Jersey Road, as a sound like clanging nails in a tin grows louder, and now, my damn phone is ringing. I know who it is without even looking. Mum, throwing a hissy fit and getting stressed in the kitchen. I answer through the Bluetooth on the steering wheel.

  “Honey, where are you?”

  “Mum, I’m driving.”

  “Well, how long are you going to be?”

  Jeez, give me a break. I swear I’m going to stop this car and find the nearest off-licence. I will drown my sorrows in the backseat for the rest of the day in hiding, if things don’t start to improve.

  “About ten minutes.”

  “What’s that noise, Lizzy?” Her voice becomes even more irritating than normal, echoing through the speakers.

  “Nothing Mum. I’ve got to go!”

  “Merry Christmas. See you in ten then.” She hangs-up.

  Smoke is beginning to billow out from the front of the hood, and now there’s a red light flashing on the dashboard. God not now. I’m nearly there. I should get out in-case this flashing light means fire, but for the sake of a few measly minutes, I’m just going to have to brave it.

  I turn left onto Hanworth Road, and come to a complete stop. Beryl has fucking died on me. My mum’s house is only a stone’s throw away. But I can’t just leave the car here in the middle of the road when there’s traffic.

  “Shitty thing!” I hit the steering wheel. “I hate you Beryl. If I thought I could rely on anything, it was you. You’re going to the scrapyard if you don’t damn well start.”

  I turn the key hard and all she does is spit, splutter, and smoke. I stoop over the wheel, panting. God I give up.

  A car beeps and beeps behind me. The rage rises, my skin heats up, and my eyes bulge. I’ve had enough. I wallop the controls several times with the side of my fist, making my little pink troll swing violently.