“I heard about your mission. I’m sorry I wasn’t allowed to go. I feel responsible since you are on my team, not Jacksons.” He says. I can hear the jealousy he has towards Jackson. He so wants to prove himself, but I wish he would realize he doesn’t have too.
“I’m fine. Everything worked out. You know how it is; sometimes we will have to go out on missions without our team.” I say. I see him glance at Julia. I notice the look in his eyes when he gazes at her. Oh, I see…. Love is in the air…
“I know I just can’t believe your own father allowed you to go on such a risky mission.” He says and at first, I’m insulted. What I’m not good enough? He must have read my expression.
“No, I didn’t mean that you couldn’t handle it, I just meant with the target’s reputation with women.” He says, trying not to offend me. I understand what he is saying. My own father sent me. Most fathers wouldn’t let a nice boy come to the door to take their daughters out and here mine is sending me into the hands of a sadistic bastard.
“Flint, chill, I know what you are saying. I’m sure there will be plenty more missions that he will not want me to go on, but I’m an agent now. I go where they need me and unfortunately, the organization comes first in this family.” I say blandly. He gives me a sympathetic smile and then glues himself to Julia’s side. I steer Max around the ballroom, mingling with the guests. We cross my father’s path.
“Carter, you look beautiful, so grown up!” He gives me a kiss on the cheek, “and Maxwell, how are you doing son?” He asks, shaking Max’s hand.
“I’m doing very well, sir, especially since I’m allowed to escort your beautiful daughter tonight and you? Are you doing well?” Max asks politely.
“I’m doing just great, thanks for asking. Now, you kids have a good time.” He dismisses us. We circle the room, casually greeting acquaintances until we come back to Julia and Logan. Unfortunately, they are no longer alone. Brooklyn and Jackson are talking to them as well as Mustang and Mia Mitchell. Oh, great. I grab a flute of champagne from a passing waiter. Julia gives me an apologetic smile.
Jackson’s back is towards me and I decide to be the bigger person. We were friends first and I don’t want to lose that. I tap him on the shoulder. He turns around and gives me a smile. Brooklyn’s eyes narrow in on me.
“Hey, Carter, don’t you look so grown up!” He says, giving me a little punch in the arm. Seriously?
“Still think of her as a little sister in that dress?” Mustang says sarcastically. My eyes widen, Brooklyn stares Jackson down and Jackson looks uncomfortable. Jackson gives out an embarrassed cough.
“We are going to go dance.” Brooklyn announces, glaring at me and tugging on Jackson’s arm. I watch as she leads him onto the dance floor. He smoothly takes her into his arms, and they dance close together. She lays her head on his shoulder. My heart pounds like it will burst.
Max turns to me. “Would you like to dance?” He asks with a smile. I smile back even though it doesn’t reach my eyes.
“Absolutely.” I down the champagne. Walking toward the dance floor with Max, I hand my glass over to another passing waiter. Max takes me into his arms, and I wish for the thousandth time that I had feelings for someone available, like Max, but unfortunately, I feel nothing but friendly comfort from his touch. I feel Jackson’s eyes on us, and I can’t
help but feel petty. I pull Max closer and lay my head on his shoulder. I feel Max exhale a breath. This is so wrong. I shouldn’t be giving him mixed signals, but I can’t help myself.
I peek over and see Jackson narrow his eyes at us. Brooklyn leans back and pulls his attention back to her. He caresses her face. I run my hand up to the back of Max’s hair. Max pulls back a little to look at me. I glance over and see Jackson looking over. Then he kisses Brooklyn, but his eyes are on me in narrowed slits. I glare at him and pull Max into a passionate kiss. Well, it wasn’t that passionate for me, but I’m sure Max enjoyed it. When I look back over, Jackson has murder in his eyes. When I look up at Max, he is looking over at Jackson as well. I can tell from the look on his face, he figured the game out and is hurt.
“So that’s how it is.” Max said, sadly.
“No, Max, it’s not…I...” I try to say, but he cuts me off.
“Really, Sparks, I’m not stupid.” With that he leaves me stranded on the dance floor. I stand there looking after him, feeling ashamed. I snap out of it and follow him, but I lose him in the crowd. I find Julia and go to stand beside her. Not too soon, the song ends, and Brooklyn flaunts her way back to us, Jackson in tow.
“Carter, what happened out there with Max?” Brooklyn asks. I’m two seconds from breaking her neck. I stare daggers at her for a good ten seconds. I feel I’m reaching a breaking point with all these emotions.
“None of your fucking business.” I hiss at her. I have stunned everyone. Logan, Julia, and Jackson are startled with mouths gaping. I never lose my cool like that. Then Jackson gives me a disapproving look.
“Logan, will you get me some more champagne?” Julia breaks in, interrupting the awkward silence. Brooklyn wraps a possessive arm around Jackson and whispers something in his ear. He leans down and whispers back and then gives her a sweet kiss on the cheek. The whole time she stares at me in satisfaction. God, I can’t take it. I told myself I could, but I just can’t. But I’m an agent and need to be more professional.
“I’m sorry Brooklyn; it’s been a rough night. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.” I explain trying to sound sincere. That seems to appease her. I may have taken the high road, but that doesn’t mean I want to hear her snotty comments any longer.
“Julia, I’m going to the powder room. I’ll be right back. I think I got something in my eye.” I explain. Julia gives me a look and then looks at Brooklyn and Jackson being all cutesy couple.
“Do you want me to come with?” Julia asks.
“No, I’m good, be right back.” I hightail it past the powder room and into the darkened library. I rush through the room and throw open the French doors. I lean against the balcony railings, breathing in the chill air. I stand there for about ten minutes trying to get myself put back together. I should be tough. I should get over him.
Finally, when I can’t take the cold any longer, I make my way through the dark library. I’m passing one of the stacks, when I’m suddenly pulled into the book’s aisle. I’m about to fight back when I find I know this person.
His touch is as familiar as my own. His scent will haunt my memories. My back is touching the shelf and his body is pressed against mine. His lips are searching and then they are on mine. His kiss is searing a brand onto my heart. I will never have this again with anyone, no matter what my mother says. His hands are everywhere and burning my skin up where they touch. I kiss him back as urgently as I can, showing him my desperation. I know I’m supposed to be strong, but he is my weakness. One hand is tangled in my hair at the back of my neck and the other is on my bare leg. He hikes my leg up around his waist and presses against me. He leaves my leg alone and his hand reaches up to my one shoulder strap pulling it down. His mouth leaves mine, trailing kisses down my neck and then my bare shoulder.
“Don’t play games with me…. This is hard enough for me…. I don’t like seeing another’s hands on what I consider mine.” He rasps out, following kisses back up my neck.
“Then you know how I feel every time I see you with her.” I moan out. He recaptures my mouth, sending jolts of heat through my body. He cups my breast through my top and my nipples harden.
“She doesn’t mean anything to me! You have to know that.” He groans out. He growls in frustration that he can’t get close enough. I moan as he kneads my breast. He captures my lips again and our tongues dance together for possibly the last time.
“There you two are.” My father says loudly. We break apart quickly. We are both breathing heavily like we just ran a marathon. Jackson looks guilty; he is running a hand through his hair, which looks rumpled. My hands did that. I’m too em
barrassed to look at my father. I straighten out my dress and re-pin my hair.
“Jackson, it’s time.” My father says sympathetically. I glance at the two of them. Jackson nods solemnly. What the hell is going on?
“I’ll give you a moment.” My father says, stepping away towards the door, but not leaving. Jackson leans his head against my forehead, grabbing both my hands. Now, I know something is wrong.
“What’s going on?” I ask, concerned. Is he going away? I see the turmoil in his eyes.
“I don’t know how to explain or how to justify anything. Just know that you are the only one I have been my complete self with. I care about you so much and I hate what I must do. Please, please don’t hate me.” With that, he gives me a lingering kiss on the cheek. He meets my father at the door. My father gives him a stern look and Jackson bows his head down in shame. When Jackson walks out the door, my father turns to me.
“Don’t be too hard on him. We all have to make sacrifices.” He says grimly.
“What the hell is going on?” I ask impatient. I need some explanations. My father just gives me a look of pity.
“Come on, Carter, you are an agent now. Be strong, show no weakness.” My father says and walks out the door. I have no choice but to follow. I make my way back to Julia, Logan, and Max.
“Hey, are you okay? You were gone for a while.” Max inquires, seemingly back to normal.
“Yeah, my father wanted to speak to me.” I pause… “Listen I’m really sorry about earlier.” I notice a strange look cross Max’s face, but he just waves my excuse away. He is acting impatient. Before I can ask if something is wrong, I’m distracted by my father standing on the stage that was set up for the band. My mother joins him as well as Jackson and Brooklyn.
“I think you should leave now, Carter.” Max says in a serious tone. I glance at him and notice that he is unusually pale.
“Max, are you okay? Why do I need to leave?” Before he can answer, my father’s voice comes across the mic.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, my wife and I are so thrilled that you all came to our annual ball. The countdown is almost here, but I would like to give a toast before the New Year. To good friends and family!” My father brings his glass up and people take drinks. He quiets the crowd with his hands, “I have more…. As you all know, I never had a son,” Damn, dad, thanks for rubbing it in, “but I was privileged enough to raise this young man over here. Jackson Ross, come over here.” Jackson moves closer to my father. My father beckons Brooklyn over as well. “With that said, I would like to congratulate this young man and this beautiful girl he will soon call his wife.”
I see everyone cheering for them, I see the gleam from Brooklyn’s diamond, I see people smiling, I see people clanking their glasses, and I see them kiss…. but I can’t hear anything over the ringing of my ears. I feel the blood rush from my face.
Brooklyn spots me in the crowd and waves her diamond at me. I think I’m going to vomit. Jackson is avoiding my gaze. Then suddenly, the noise comes back in a rush and I’m bombarded with sound everywhere. I’m so overwhelmed. Julia comes to me, squeezing my arm. Thankfully, I notice that Max is gone. He would be looking for my reaction and I can’t handle him right now. Logan is clapping, having no idea that the love of my life is slowly killing me. I close my eyes, trying to block the noise. She is just a cover, my ass.
“I think I ate something bad. I’m not feeling so well.” I say, over the noise to Julia.
“Go, I’ll check on you in a moment.” Julia says, softly. I ignore everyone and just start walking up the ballroom stairs.
“And the countdown…. ten…,” my father bellows. I feel eyes on me “…nine” and glance back, “eight…” Jackson is watching me “…seven” ... I turn as quickly as I can “…. six…. five…. four…. three…” I finally get to the top “…. two…” I look down on all the happy people embracing… “one………NO!”
My gaze flies to my father and my eyes can’t comprehend what I see. Everyone is cheering “Happy New Year” or kissing. They haven’t noticed the tragedy yet. My father is cradling my mother and there is a red stain blossoming on her chest. The red is spreading all over her white dress. She is limp and pale. I start running down the stairs. Then I hear ping, ping, ping in rapid succession. I watch as my father slumps over my mother. There is a single bullet hole to his forehead.
I collapse on the stairs. I vaguely recall people screaming and rushing past me on the stairs. I’m a ship standing still in a tidal wave. I feel someone pulling on me. It’s Max, but I stand up and push him away. I stumble my way through the panicked crowd, trying to get to the stage. When I get there, I see Brooklyn clutching her father, crying. I look for Jackson, but I can’t see him. I don’t see anyone but my parents. I drag myself onto the stage and collapse a few feet from my parents. The blood is pooling toward me, but I
don’t care. I crawl towards them on my hands and knees, sliding on their blood. I hesitate and then I grab my mother’s hand. It is cooling and lifeless. I grab my father’s hand with my other hand. His is the same. No, no, no…….
I scream as loud as I can. I suddenly notice that I’m surrounded by my team. Logan, Julia, and Max are standing in front of me, on guard. I didn’t even think about myself being a target. There is a nod from Logan to Julia. Julia comes to me, sitting down and wrapping her arms around my waist, offering unsaid comfort. I don’t know how long I sat there, shaking in shock, but suddenly I feel Julia get up and let go of me. There is a hand on my shoulder. I glance over and see Jackson squatting next to me. His eyes are swimming with tears, making them a piercing blue, like blue ice. I look away slowly from him and focus back on my parents.
“Baby, come on.” Jackson’s voice, cuts through my numbness. He starts pulling on me to stand up and my hand starts to slip from theirs.
“No, leave me alone…don’t…don’t touch me.” I whisper. He let’s go and I’m relieved to be clutching their hands again. I can’t let go of them. It would become a reality I’m not ready to face. He is still squatting next to me. I feel him slowly pry my fingers from theirs. I start to grab again, but he grabs my free hand.
“Carter, they are here to take care of them. You have to let them go.” I look up, with my tear stained face and deadened eyes. I see the coroner, the security guards, and police officers waiting on the side. The police are questioning the remaining guests and any witnesses.
I let Jackson pull my hands away. He goes to pull me away completely, but I jerk away, leaning forward. I don’t care about the blood; I’m covered in it. I kiss my mother on the forehead and then I kiss my father’s cheek.
I stand up and look down at my parent’s bodies.
“I will kill him. I will avenge you both.” I say with vengeance. Jackson slowly guides me away. The coroner and police surround them. Until, I can no longer see them. Jackson grabs me into a hug, and I let his warmth comfort my cold, unfeeling heart.
“Miss, are you hurt?” A kind police officer asks me. I pull back from Jackson and notice the police officer eyeing me. Did he mean emotionally or physically? Then I notice his eyes are on my dress. I look down and see I’m covered in blood. The blood created dark stains on my already red dress. My arms and legs are covered in it as well.
“It’s not mine.” I rasp out and I feel like the bubble has burst. All my emotions come pouring back into me. My pain is unbearable. I have lost Jackson and my parents in one night. I can’t take it…. I wrench away from Jackson needing to stand on my own feet. I look at my parents one last time and I run from the ballroom. I don’t stop until I reach my bedroom. When I open the door, I find my room looks like a tornado has come through it. Lamps knocked over, clothing strewn about, my bed on its side, my closet door ripped off.
What the hell! Anger rips through me. He was looking for something. My mind flashes back to the conversation I overheard between them in my father’s office. I run to my closet and feel relief when I see the secret door still concealed even with the
clothes, handbags, and shoes scattered everywhere. He didn’t find the briefcase. I know, without a doubt, that is what he is looking for. He will not stop until he finds it. There must be something in there that proves he is behind this. I need to get myself and that briefcase somewhere safe. It is going to help me prove that he is behind my parent’s assassination. The one person that my father had trusted for so many years, the person I called…. “Uncle.”
Chapter Ten
I locked myself in my room. I wouldn’t open the door for anyone. I had preparations to make and I didn’t need any distractions or reasons to stay. Julia, Logan, Max, and Jackson, all tried to get me to open the door. Jackson even tried to break in through the balcony, but I blockaded that as well with furniture. He got the point. I practiced non-stop with my knives and katana. I would practice with my guns, but I knew any sound of gun shots and they would think I took my own life. Which they probably thought I was close to doing, but I wouldn’t give in to my uncle that easily. I was full of rage and revenge.
Julia informed me through the door of my parent’s arrangements. The worse part was an hour before the funeral, when Jackson came to my door. I sat down by it and listened to him.
“Carter. I know this is hard and I don’t want to make it harder, but you should know, your father was assassinated on a legitimate hit. He had been sending teams out on independent missions and profiting from them. Some of the missions were against our own country. He was a traitor. Your uncle has all the witnesses and agents that were sent on the missions. He claims he did not know. I had no idea, Carter, and I was close to your father. I’m so sorry, please open the door.” I can hear the anguish in his voice.
I didn’t answer him and eventually I hear him leave. I start acting on my plans, packing my bags. I know for certain that my uncle is behind my parent’s assassinations and it is only a matter of time before he comes for me.
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