DANE
“Would you like to come inside for a coffee?”
I looked at her, trying not to look at the way water trickled down her collar bones and into her cleavage. This was not a good idea… I glanced at the mansion hesitating. Should I agree?
“Sure, I guess I could use a hot drink.” I said quietly, not missing her eyes widened in surprise. I raised an eyebrow.
“Why ask if you didn’t want me to agree?” I asked. She shook her head vigorously, a tendril of hair falling in front of her face. My fingers itched to brush it aside.
“No, no that’s not it. I owe you, come on in.” She said getting out of the car as she hurried to the door, my jacket around her shoulders. She reached inside her purse and took her keys out. Unlocking the door, she stepped aside allowing me to pass.
I looked around the entrance hall that was dimly lit by the rectangular wall lamps that glowed warmly spread across the soft brown panelled walls. The floor was marble and the centre lights that hung in large white orbs on the ceiling were turned off. Several doors led off from it and a large staircase led upstairs. I could see a glass balcony from the second floor too. She closed the door behind us and looked at me.
“Everyone’s turned in for the night. Come, I’ll get you some dry clothes.” She said now looking me over before she looked away quickly. I didn’t bother replying as I followed her up the stairs.
Our footsteps echoing in the silent halls. She seemed to hesitate when we reached the landing before she turned to the right and opened the door. Switching the light on.
“I’ll be right back with some dry clothes.” She said, leaving me in what looked to be a spare bedroom. In this state, I was going to ruin the carpet. I kicked off my shoes, peeling off my socks and walked over to the bed and began to empty my pockets.
I unbuttoned my shirt and had just taken it off when I heard the door open. Had she not heard of knocking?
I turned to see her smoothing out some clothes she was holding along with a towel. She no longer had my jacket around her.
“Your build is bigger than Warren’s but I think these will fit you, I've bought some brand new boxers-“ She gasped when she looked up. Her eyes went impossibly wider as her gaze fell to my bare torso. It was almost amusing to see her blush, averting her gaze before she quickly moved to my left and placed the clothes down.
“I uh… Sorry I didn’t realise you weren’t dressed!” She said.
“What’s the matter? Never seen a shirtless man before?” I asked, picking up the t-shirt she had brought.
“At least wait for me to leave!” She snapped. Now glaring at me as she turned, stepping backwards as if to avoid making skin contact with me - Only to stumble on the hem of her dress, yelping. I raised my eyebrow grabbing her by the elbow at an awkward angle, making the both of us tumble onto the bed. A scream left her lips as my face hit her soft pillows, her delicious scent hitting my nose and her heart beating erratically.
I froze when I realised exactly where my head was. I pulled back; my eyes widened in shock as I looked down at the woman who was beneath me.
Her gorgeous eyes were wide with shock, her cheeks dusted in a dark pink blush but what caught my attention was the way her breasts that had cushioned me moments earlier were rising and falling rapidly. I quickly got off her, running my hand through my hair, composing myself.
“If you can’t walk in them, don’t wear them.” I said curtly glancing at her heels, trying not to look at the smooth skin of her leg as she sat up slowly.
“Sorry…” She said quietly. I didn’t reply, picking up the clothes she had bought me and looked around realising there was another door in the room. Hoping it was a bathroom I walked through slamming the door behind me.
I towel dried my hair before I changed swiftly. Pulling on the clothes hoping she was gone from the room. I gave it a few extra moments trying not to think about her on that bed…
Her arms by the side of her head, the curves of her breasts emphasised even if her dress wasn’t low… I frowned. I am not going to think of her like that. I re-entered the bedroom frowning at the empty room.
Picking up my stuff, shoving them into my pockets before I grabbed my wet clothes and walked over to my shoes.
Pausing when I realised she had removed the wet socks I had dropped and left a new pair. I frowned, not knowing what to make of it. Wasn’t she a dumb spoilt princess who had people to serve her?
Squashing the thought, I left the room with my clothes in hand. Just as I saw Dahlia stepping out of a room a little down. Dressed in a long-sleeved fitted white top and floral leggings that showed off her long toned legs. She wore slippers but the most shocking thing was her makeup-free face.
She was a natural beauty… her cheeks flushed under my gaze, and I had a feeling she wasn’t over the moment from earlier.
“The clothes fitted well…” She said hurrying over and taking the wet ones from me. “I’ll have these washed for you, it’s the least I can do for dropping me home. Come let’s have something to drink.”
She didn’t even give me a chance to reply as she led the way down the stairs. That sway was still present in her hips, and I didn’t even realise I had tilted my head watching her perky behind until she turned and walked off to the left.
We entered a large kitchen, decorated in all cream. The cabinets were glossy and the marble worktop had flecks of gold in it. The bright spotlights were warm. One entire wall was complete windows. The middle being doors that led to the garden.
“Take a seat.” She said to me, motioning to one of the stools as she walked over to the coffee machine. “Hot chocolate? Coffee, latte, tea?”
“Latte’s fine.” I said, looking anywhere but at her, this felt too intimate. Just as the machine was started up I heard the sound of footsteps, and the door was pushed open.
A little girl in pink unicorn pyjamas stood there. She looked to be around 6 or 7. Her chocolate-coloured hair fell messily around her shoulders, and she was rubbing her eyes.
“Mama?” She said. Dahlia turned; a smile I had never seen before lit up her face making my breath hitch. It wasn’t the polite faint smile I saw so often. This one held happiness. She rushed over to the little girl, crouching down in front of her and brushed her hair back.
“Ari, are you ok? Did mama disturb you?” She asked in a soft voice. I frowned. I didn’t know she had a daughter. The girl looked nothing like Dahlia or even Warren. I had done my research on her beforehand. She and Warren had dated and then married a little under a year ago… there was no mention of a child…
“No mama I missed you.” She said, hugging Dahlia tightly. Before her eyes met mine, they grew large as curiosity shone through. “Who's that mama?”
“That’s… Mr Altaire. He dropped me home from the party and I invited him in for a drink. Would you like a milkshake or hot chocolate?”
“Can I have a milkshake please?”
Dahlia bought her over and lifted her into the seat next to me. I saw her look between me and her daughter for a moment, an emotion I couldn't make out flickered in her eyes before she turned to the child.
“Aria, say hello.”
“Hi Mr Altaire.” The child said, holding her hand out. I gave her a small smile, I had to admit the girl was adorable.
“Hey Aria, you’re a cutie, right?” I said, she blushed shyly and nodded.
“Mama always says so.” She said as Dahlia left us and went to continue with the drinks.
“Well, I guess this time your mama’s right.” I said, I didn’t really care much for kids or even considered having them myself, so I was quite surprised I was even talking to a child.
Dahlia returned with two mugs and a glass of strawberry milkshake. She placed them in front of us before taking a seat on the other stool next to Aria.
“Daddy never comes to the kitchen. He says it isn’t proper.” Aria said, I didn’t miss the flicker of sadness that washed over Dahlia’s face. For a moment I wondered if she really wasn’t to blame but then again, I doubted it wasn’t a two-way thing. The elite always had inner conflict. Playing games was their favourite pastime.
“Mr, do you know when daddy will come home? He’s gone on a trip.” The child continued, as I downed my drink. I needed to get out of here. This all felt too… intimate. I ruffled her soft hair.
“Your dad will come home when the time's right. I mean surely he will miss an angel like you right?” I said surprised the frown on my face didn’t deter her as she giggled.
“I’m no angel.” She whispered before looking towards Dahlia and giggling. The woman smiled at her as she cupped her own mug, barely having had a sip. I stood up.
“Well, thanks for the drink. I’ll see you at work.” I said curtly not even looking at Dahlia.
“Of course, see you at work.” She said, getting up and following me out to the door. I didn’t bother slowing down as I pulled open the front door.
“Thank you.” It was the last thing I heard from her before I walked over to my car.
Pausing when something to the far right caught my eyes and I looked at the fountain. The stone base was a mermaid with the water pouring from her hands. Why did it look so familiar? I pushed the thought away and got into my car.
Glancing towards the door I saw she was still standing there. I looked away, a deep unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. The mermaid fountain also niggled at the back of my mind as if I was forgetting something very vital…
DAHLIA The following morning dawned rather cold; I was sitting in the car with Aria. We would drop her at school before I headed to work. When Warren was around, he forced me to stay home from work more often than not. At the time I didn’t mind, loving to spend more time with Aria. Ever since baba became ill, I had worked a lot more. I wondered if Warren's reason was so he could mess around at work. Were there other women at work he had been sleeping with? Just the thought sent a pang of pain through me. I was annoyed at the same time. I sighed until I felt someone watching me and looked at Aria who was watching me thoughtfully. “Is everything ok darling?” I asked her, caressing her hair that was in two pigtails. “Is mama sad because daddy left us?” She said. I froze, my smile vanishing. “Who said daddy left us?” “Kids at school, and Mrs Riddle was telling the other teacher…” Aria mumbled. I frowned, feeling anger spike inside.
DANE I looked up at her not missing the anger and pain she was fighting and closed my laptop. “Don’t be foolish.” I said now standing up. I looked down at her. She was still a few inches shorter than me even with her heels. She wore a red silk blouse and a black skirt that hugged her figure perfectly. “Excuse me?” She said glaring at me, I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. “Don’t be stupid. If you fire those women they’ll just realise you really are affected by it all. Let them carry on, they're not worth it.” “This is my company Mr. Altaire!” She snapped. I raised an eyebrow. This woman really did know how to give someone a headache. I frowned. “Look. This company is already at a very rocky point. So, tell me what do you want? To fire a few women for having an affair with your ex. Or to stabilise it? Your ex-husband is mostly to blame. He’s the one who cheated on you.” I said coldly. She looked away but I knew that had hit home.
DAHLIA I turned away from him, I had no idea why I even told him that. The fear of something happening to Aria ate at me like maggots ate the flesh of a dead body. I felt sick and the anxiety was building. I made to run down the steps but I had only taken two steps when he grabbed my wrist making me gasp as I almost stumbled. If he had not been holding me, I would have fallen. I turned and saw him frowning deeply as if struggling with himself. “I’ll take you.” He said curtly, walking past me and down the stairs still holding me. My heart skipped a beat as I looked at his back. He was helping me? We had just reached his car and drove out of the parking lot when my phone rang. The name Markus flashing on the screen. “Ma’am! The school CCTV showed that it was Master Warren who took her!” He said, it was clear he was rather panicked. At least Markus was one of the rare ones I trusted and knew he took care of Aria with genuine care. “Thanks
WARREN I looked at my reflection. That bastard! How dare he strike me! Middle-class scum! I slammed my hand into the mirror. This wasn’t going to work. I had seen the look in Dahlia’s eyes when he dragged her out! Jealousy reared its ugly head and I felt it spread through me. She was mine. She couldn't leave me. I frowned thinking back to our time married. She had been the perfect wife… but a man couldn't just be tied to one woman. Why couldn't she see that? I took my phone and looked at the hundreds of miscalls from Kendra. Maybe it was high time I used her. An hour later, I had stopped the bleeding and had my nose set back in place. I was fuming. Kendra had just arrived, and she was more than happy that I called her. She ran into my arms and I simply caressed her hair. Now noticing all the differences between Dahlia and her. Her hair wasn’t as thick or silky as Dahlia’s. She smelt of strong perfume whilst Dahlia’s was always subtle yet seductive… Ev
DAHLIA The following day had dawned cold and wet. I had just dropped Aria at school before heading to work. Last night consumed my mind. I had awoken hours later in the hall. Glass shattered and a few embedded into my skin. All I remember is that voice that instilled fear within me. I wanted to put it down to just a prank call, but the words still rang in my head, like a chilling chant of dread. I had removed the glass and made sure to cover up well so no one saw the cuts on my arm. I was wearing a blush pink silk blouse and black fitted pants paired with some pink heels. I walked into work so lost in thought I didn’t even realise where I was walking until I knocked straight into someone. I gasped stumbling back until an arm wrapped around my waist catching me before I hit the ground. My eyes widened when I looked into a pair of piercing hazel eyes that were becoming so very familiar. Not to mention the arrogant cocking of his brow. “Are you naturally
DAHLIA He smirked irritatingly at me and I glared back before composing myself. “What did you want to talk to me about?” “I just wanted to ask how long Cook’s been in this company and about the shopping centre that the El Nazari wanted to make a few years ago. A process that seems to be put on hold.” I walked around the table looking at the computer file he had just opened and perched on his desk. “He’s been on the board for years, nearly two decades if memory serves.” “With your age, I’m wondering if I can trust in your memory. Anyhow, I do think he’s been having some odd involvements. I want to visit that building.” He said, not giving me a chance to even say anything. “But that building is…why?” I asked. He stood up, leaning down and looked into my eyes. “I just have something I want to confirm.” He said making me move back. His seductive scent filled my nose. The man wasn’t only handsome and well dressed but somethi
DANE Night had fallen and I was heading to my parents’ home for dinner. Mom had been after me for the last few days to come home. I’ve been pretty busy lately and I knew I couldn't avoid them forever. Ever since they had heard of where I was working dad had lost it. I unlocked the apartment door and stepped inside. The smell of home-cooked pizza and something else filled the air making my stomach rumble. I was definitely hungry, and I won’t deny I missed mom's homemade food. Surviving on takeaway was a bit crap. “You’re home!” Mom said spotting me as she came over, and pulling me into a hug. She was a short woman with brown hair now streaked with grey. Her tired blue eyes looked me over. “Have you been eating well?” “Bella, leave the boy. I’m sure he’s eaten fine.” Robert my dad said grumpily, not bothering to look up. “Dane!” Amanda, my 22-year-old hot-tempered sister, said running over. I gave her a small smirk,
DAHLIA “Oh, come on, you look gorgeous!” Zara, my best friend said. She had forced me to come with her to a club and although I don’t mind a drink here and there, I wasn’t really in the mood. Not since she had left me at that club all by myself right after I had broke up with Warren. Zara herself, was dressed in a gorgeous deep purple silk dress and it was clear she was happy to be here. “Zara… I look like a high-end hooker!” I said now looking down at myself. All I could see were my breasts! She shook her head. “You look sexy. Look you need to let loose and maybe you know, take a man home or at least to a hotel…” She said. I sighed. “I’m not ready for that.” I said despite a certain someone coming to mind. My eyes widened and I quickly pushed the thought away. “Ok fine. At least loosen up, have a few drinks you know?” “It’s a Sunday, I have work tomorrow?” “A few drinks won’t hurt!” She retorted. I hadn't been out sinc