I rush outside, my mind wanders.
A harmless bystander. Who could I bring...? Jodene? She's astute! I risk screwing everything up with her presence. Alexander? Surrounded by his groupie? Better to gloss over. The girls, maybe? They will take the opportunity to talk about it and gossip with anyone. Definitely no!
Who else remains...? Bridget! She's docile and ingenous. I've never thought for a single second that her gelding would come in handy for me one day!
Suddenly, a young girl with rosy cheeks and tousled hair, crosses the corridor. She must be drunk. I don't think I have much time on my hands to afford to wander around looking for Bridget. The girl will do too. On the other hand, she is also part of the staff.
"Hey...Alita, right?" She nods, shakes her head and lets out a casual breath.
She is unquestionably drunk! Better to leave her alone. Bridget. I need Bridget. The girl tumbles violently to the floor. I hesitate before walking away. Someone else will see her and help... Right? I moan of frustration and despire. Damn!
Why is it always me?
I rudely free myself from the heels. Luckily the girl is thin enough. I walk her cautiously into one of the rooms, away from Alex's lust.
"You smell good" She whispers and touches the belt of my dress. Instantaneously a shiver runs up my spine.
What a weird feeling!
Once I've ascertained that she's recovered, even if partially, I head towards the stairs. My hand goes spontaneously to the spot of the dress she touched. A crumpled piece of paper falls to the floor. Hesitant, i bent down to pick it up. A surprise gasp escapes me.
The words inscribed on the card perplex me in an appalling way.
My heart skips a beat, instantly my body jiggle intensely.
"It must be arduous to contain your excitement. The wait won't be long dear Giselle, I have big plans for our us.
Satang imber"
Without realizing it, I again find myself, out of breath, in the room where I left the apparently drunk girl.
It's empty... which doesn't surprise me in effect.
I shred the warning and move forward trying to drive away the unpleasant thoughts that cloud my mind.
Why on earth would Zero involve a maid? And why is he using a weird nickname? That's sceptical.
By fortuitous coincidence, I see Bridget's dull gray hair next to the refreshment. I move towards her, but a frightening figure acts as an obstacle between me and my goal. My father's metallic eyes study me diligently.
"Stop veiling yourself and embarrassing me. What would the guests think if they don't see you around? Jodene wasn't clear enough about it? Go and take a seat next to your fiancè" An euphoric Alexander raises a scarlet goblet in our direction. My father raises an eyebrow. Beads of sweat bead my forehead. I can't waste any more time! I have to act, I've already lost enough.
"For years I have been eagerly awaiting the day I would meet you in person, Mr. Thompson! You have no idea of my jubilation now that this remarkable day has finally come." We both turn in the direction of the leering voice. For an instant my heart stopped beating.
A raven tuft, sharp gaze and unmistakable dark charm.
Before us, there's Zero in all his splendour, accompanied by his weird partner Cruita, the young girl who on the day of the agreement has... Aroused particular interest in me.
Armani suit, Ysl dress and a bottle of conti romanée. Impaccable coverage! I wonder where they found these iteams. That's frankly impressive! If I didn't already know them I would have mistaken them for the wealthy invited.
"And who do we have the pleasure of talking to?"
Zero gasps elegantly.
"I beg your pardon! Elijah, from the humble Hale Corporation. We haven't officially met before, but i assume you heard about my father at least once, i hope. She is just my manager, Raija."
His eyes are full of cunning, finally rest on me.
"What a bliss to finally meet you, Miss Thompson!" His lips rest urbanely on the palm of my hand, causing me a pleasant discomfort. I gasp. He gives me an insinuating look. My father whines in frustration.
"Hale corporation... Then your father must be Karl Hale! I haven't heard from him for a long time. I don't remember he adopted an Asian boy, however your face is extremely familiar for no reason" Zero blunders for a moment. He falters and then flashes a smile.
"Yeah! The world is really small! I'm merely honored. Being known to the infamous Joseph is commendable"
He's risking a lot! Showing their faces to my father even thought they're my captors is sheer insanity!
Providentially, Cruita intervenes, but in an inopportune way. She clings to Zero's arm starting to moan extravagantly. I frown, irresolute.
What does she think she's doing!? Suddenly, she loses her balance falling into his arms, ambiguously.
"C-Raija! Raija?" I understand immediately that it's an impromptu diversion. I look around eagerly before intervening. I advance cautiously in their direction and check her status.
"She's-she's fine. She just needs some rest. You can lay her down here!" I point to a canape. Zero nods, Cruita winks.
"You're immensely talented! You must be used to lie-" She falls silent as her bright eyes meet Zero's dull ones. The orchestra begins to play. The guests take to the dance floor with their expensive gowns gleaming as they dance. Alexander gives me a quick look. I hesitate, unsure what to do, but then, an oily voice terrifies me.
YOU ARE READING
90 Minutes
RomanceI looked straight into his eyes -into the devil's eyes- and said without hesitation: "I want you to kidnap me" ~Ninety minutes away from death~ Hidden in an ivory tower and fed with grapes by a host of servants, Giselle lives a canonical life, in wh...
