I haven't told Dad that my valet was Ethan Reyes. I did tell him that Jason's brother will be driving me to my destination, but he had no idea that Jason is a Reyes.
He found out when I told him about the party I had to attend, which will be taking place in the Reyes' mansion. He was displeased. He believes staying close to the Reyes, especially someone like Ethan would make me an easier target. Moreover, if we are spotted together too often, people might take out their grudges on me, thinking I'm close to him.
I found it comical...
I mean, what is this? A superhero movie?
And I'm no Damsel in Distress. I can very well take care of myself.
I told Dad to calm down and went straight to my room to get ready for the party.
I've never been to a Saturday night party, let alone in a mansion. I wasn't sure what to wear so I decided to go with my gut feeling.
I wore a white full sleeved top with golden sequin skirt. The neck of this top wasn't high enough to cover the entire bruise around my neck so I left my hair open and hoped that no one notices.
I left home around eight, telling dad that I'll be back by twelve. I expected him to protest but he said,
"Have fun."
And went to his office.
That was very uncommon. This could mean only two things. Either dad is fed up of taking care me, which is not possible, or, he has something else planned to ensure my safety. But what? What could have dad possibly done to be this assured?
I decided to struggle with this though later and went to the party. The party was already in full swing when I reached there. Finding my friends felt impossible unless I found them.
Noah had already left. He had to visit his aunt in the hospital. Ave said she'll be leaving soon as well, to give Noah company, after the main attraction of the party was over. I couldn't understand what she meant by that, and then, everything went silent.
Jason started walking in my direction with a beautiful corsage in his hands. Everyone knew what was happening so they made a small clearing around us.
"Grace, will you go to the prom with me?"
Jason's voice carried confidence. He knew what I've decided. However others weren't so certain. Many members of our audience crossed their fingers and held their breaths. Some girls scowled at me, as I'm taking away their chance of being by Jason's side during prom.
Between all these mixed expressions, I found one deeply hurt face, Natalie.
Did this girl really loved Jason?
I expected Natalie to frown at me, just like the other girls, but she had sorrow in her eyes, like she had lost the only battle she wanted to win. Her expression made me doubt my decision.
But before I could think further, Jason blocked my view and growled in a low voice so that only I could hear him,
" Don't you dare back out now, Grace."
Going with the flow, I plastered a smile and said a polite yes. The room was engulfed with applaud. The music started again. Ave gave me a hug and left to meet Noah. Jason said he needs to talk to me about something, so I nodded and followed him. He took two beer bottles on our way. We entered a bedroom which I assume to be his, and I felt somewhat alarmed by that.
His room was just what you'd expect it to be. Dusty untouched books, framed sports posters on walls, a shelf full of trophies and pictures.
" Can you pass me the opener? It's in that drawer."
Jason interrupted me before I could further observe his room.
"I'm not in a mood to drink now, don't open one for me."
I said as I passed him the opener.
"Okay."
He casually said and opened one bottle for himself while he kept other one on the counter beside his bed.
He leaned on the wall and enjoyed his drink while looking at me with a poker face. I grew impatient and asked,
" So? What did you want to talk about?"
His expression darkened as he said the next sentence.
" Did you sleep with Ethan?"
I suddenly felt cold. Why would he ask that now? Did Ethan told that to him? Even though not in the way he's expecting, but Ethan and I did share a bed.
My eyebrows knit in confusion,
" Why are you asking that?"
" Well, you stayed with my brother in someone else's house, probably in the same room, just wanted to make sure I'm not in love with a slu-"
" Watch it! You cannot talk to me like that. And if you really loved me, you wouldn't have doubted me."
I said and started to leave when he grabbed my bicep and pulled me towards a decorative mirror on the wall. He parted my hairs to one side of my neck and rubbed his thumb on the bruise on my neck.
" Then what's this? Seems like my brother left you some gifts."
I hissed in pain. Before I could make any physical objection, he tightened his grip around my neck, blocking my air passage. I tried scratched his arms to get free but he didn't budge an inch.
The pain caused by Jason, combined with the bruise already there, was too much to tolerate. My brain tingled and my eyes started to get glassy.
" Jason..... It's... Hurting..."
" You should have thought about that when you let Ethan give you these hickeys!"
He threw me on his bed. I used the time to adjust my senses, taking long gasps of air.
" I'm sure you know how competitive I am. Yeah?"
He got on top of me and pinned me down. He held both of my hands on top of my head with one hand of his and covered my mouth with his other hand. Then he wispered to me,
" Now I'm gonna mark you right from your neck to your thighs, so that you remember where you belong."
I was horrified. I tried to kick and struggle but couldn't get away. I tried screaming, but failed.
I felt pathetic.
Streams of tears flowed down my eyes as I cried incoherently. I would have rather killed myself than being in this situation.
" C'mon Grace, don't be like that. It's supposed to be a fun thing."
He said as he came closer to my face and leaned in for a kiss. He started by kissing my jaw and slowly went downwards. I closed my eyes in a hope to lessen the disgust I felt.
I had given up by now. I lay there still, like a corpse, letting him control everything.
Finding me giving up, he removed his hands from my mouth and pressed his lips on mine, placing his hand behind my waist, to pull me closer. My heart was tearing apart, and so was my will.
But just like everyone commits at least one mistake, he committed one as well.
Assuming I've totally submitted myself to him, Jason let go of my hands and slid his hand under my skirt.
My eyes snapped open. I gathered all the strength I could and pushed Jason away from me. He rolled to the other side of the bed.
"Grace! What the-"
Before he could complete his sentence, I grabbed the beer bottle from the counter and smashed it on his head.
He crouched on the bed, with his head in his hands. He was cursing in pain and was soaked in beer. I instantly made my way out of his room and went towards the exit. Soon, I realized it's a dead end.
Hayden stood by the door, with that guy from earlier, whom Noah was looking for. The other guy was enjoying the party but Hayden was dead serious.
He also had a bandaid tied around his hand.
My face was stained with tears because of what had happened just a few moments ago. A betrayal whose memory can never be erased.
I frantically started looking for Abby and Kyle, hoping that they could provide me a way out of here, but instead found a very annoyed Jason stomping around, probably looking for me.
My senses felt swollen and numb, and at that moment, the only name that popped up in my brain was, Ethan.
Taking advantage of the crowd, I made my way to the stairs. Making sure no one notices me, I dashed to Ethan's room. Chances of him not being in his room were very high, but I was sure, even if he wasn't there, Jason won't dare to enter his room without his permission.
My breathing was short and uneven as I remembered the past events. When I entered Ethan's room, it was empty, just like expected. The only light illuminating the room was the light from moon, entering the room from Crystal clear balcony doors and windows. I stood by the door with my back pressed against it, when a tall figure appeared in the balcony.
"Grace?"
Ethan said with confusion and concern, as he slid open the glass door.
Without any second thought, I ran straight into his embrace and cried my heart out. Ethan didn't question me. He made me sit on the park styled bench of his balcony and sat beside me. I kept sobbing with my face buried in my palms, while he hugged me protectively.
Ethan obviously wished to know what had happened, but after our previous conversation, he found it pointless to ask. After few minutes, I stopped sobbing and leaned back on the bench. I was thinking of all the possible lies I could tell Dad for my early return, as I definitely wasn't staying here till midnight.
" Penny for your thoughts?"
" Thinking about sensible excuses."
" What for?"
" I told Dad I'll be out till midnight, now I'll have to answer him why I came home soon."
Ethan nodded his head few times, as if finding suitable words for what he wants to say.
" You don't necessarily have to go."
I looked at him with a tired face, expecting him to explain, and he did.
" You were promised a nice evening which you deserve, what do you say we go on a drive? We can find new spots and relax there if you like."
" Ethan I appreciate your concern but I don't think-"
" No Grace, it's time for you to listen now. There are people who want your bad, you keep getting hurt, and you won't tell anyone about this. You can't begin to imagine how bad I feel seeing you like this... You don't wish things to go at my pace? Fine! I'll slow down as much as you want, but don't ask me to stop.. "
I very well understood what Ethan meant by saying that. His feelings and actions were obvious and genuine. He actually cared a lot about me...
But do I feel the same?
On one hand, staying with Ethan relaxed me and made me feel safe, while on the other hand, I was scared of what consequences it may lead to.
Jason was Ethan's brother, and he surely won't take this news softly. I even considered dad's words on Ethan's profession. He, without any doubt was the guy every girl secretly wishes for, but are we meant for each other?
"You didn't answer Grace.."
His voice pulled me back to present.
" Can I say No?"
"No."
" Okay then. I guess one drive won't hurt."
His eyes sparkled with happiness, and a sheepish grin took over his face.
Soon enough, we descended down to his underground parking, and I was surprised to see his choice of ride.
"We are going to ride a triumph rocket roadster?"
I squealed in excitement of the magnificent dream cruiser in front of us.
"For a second I was worried you'd complain because of what you are wearing."
I checked down and realized I was wearing a mini skirt and at least four inch of heel. But is this going to stop me from having fun? No chance!
"Let's say this would made my spirit freer than yours.."
I said straightening my skirt andpulling it down a little.
My answer made Ethan laugh.
We soon drove off. We took the back entrance, avoiding the huge crowd of party goers in front of the house. That gave me the opportunity to see rest of Ethan's property, including two chauffers and mood pool, as Ethan says that the color of it's water can be changed ranging from ice blue to Disco, according to the need of the hour.
We drove for at least an hour. We passed through the main city, and then turned to the secluded areas. The cold night breeze carried a sweet scent in it. Holding Ethan close to me, Letting wind flow through my hairs, and enjoying every minute like nothing else matters. It's easily the most beautiful memory I've made since I moved here.
We stopped in front of a park which had a 'closed' sign on it's entrance. But that didn't bother Ethan and he drove inside. It seemed some sort of construction was going on here, when it got closed. There was a fountain in the middle. To it's left was a huge pit, and all the soil from that pit was collected in a heap to the other side of the fountain. Because of all the time that has passed, the heap of soil was now covered with grass, making it a perfect spot to lay down and relax.
"Here."
Ethan said as he spread his jacket on the heap for me to rest beside him. I sat down, where he asked me to, and found him smiling at me.
" I look like a mess don't I ?"
I said as I tried to fix my hairs.
My self conscious amused him and he chuckled.
"Tuck them to one side, like this, and it won't be a problem."
He said, skillfully combing my hairs using his fingers.
When the mood was finally improving, he touched my neck with a frown. Not the spot of bruise formed by the sac, but the now red spot above it, caused by Jason.
"Who did this?"
He said in a stone cold voice.
I found myself unable to answer. How was I supposed to tell him it was his brother? But my silence made the answer more distinct.
"Jason..."
He said as his jaw clenched and his knuckles went white. The area around us wasn't illuminated, but rage could be seen on his face.
I wanted him to calm down. So I laid down on my back and pulled down as well. I rested my head close to his shoulder. It could be sensed that he was furious.
"Ethan, let's talk about something else, please."
"Grace, I know what you are attempting, but believe me it won't work. It's time to put a stop on Jason's actions."
"But he can change Ethan. All he needs is some time and-"
" Don't tell me that you are going to forgive him."
" All I'm saying is, I was wrong about you when we first met. If you can have a different side, why can't he?"
"We are different Grace."
"You are brothers Ethan."
"We are not."
I looked at Ethan with a puzzled look as he explained himself.
"I'm adopted."
Ethan tried to keep his tone polished while saying this, but the slightest hint of pain could be heard in his voice.
It was hard for me to believe what I heard. If someone said this about Jason, I might have believed that, but Ethan? It's just too hard to accept.
Ethan cleared his throat as he continued.
" I'm not actually adopted. I'm a Reyes. But according to the documents, I'm an adopted child."
"Ethan, you are not making any sense right now."
"Jason and I share the same father, but not the same mother."
Wow.. so Ethan's a love child.
He waited for me to give any signal if I've understood what he said.
I spoke with an unsure voice.
" So.. you are Adrian Reyes son."
"Yes.."
" And yet you are adopted.."
"Correct.."
"That means.."
"My parents weren't married when I was born. After I was born, dad left. He visited once or twice a year, but that's it. He never got the guts to tell anyone about mom, and mom didn't force him either. Eventually, he had to marry someone, so he married Jason's mother, Carol. But that didn't change anything. He'd still visit us. When I was eight, mom died of cancer..."
There was silence for a few moments. I interlaced my fingers with his, and he gave me a weak smile before he continued.
" Mom signed dad as my guardian. To avoid being questioned, why a single mother from Miami, assigned him as her son's guardian, he decided to adopt me. He still had to answer Carol, as Jason was already a few months old, but that was better than revealing that I'm his real son."
"Did Carol hate you?"
" More or less. She ignored me. Acted like I didn't exist. Jason was indifferent. Dad supported me, but that was the least he could do after everything."
"Do you hate your dad?"
"No. I don't. There's no point. It's not because he's dead, it's because after so many years, there's just so much grudge you can hold. And, if mom could forgive him, why can't I."
Ethan's word made me smile unknowingly. I don't know why I smiled. Maybe because I was happy Ethan has a nice head on his shoulders. Maybe because the strength his words hold gave me assurance. Or maybe just because he was beside me, sharing things not many people know..
This though shaped my next question.
"Does Jason know about this?"
" He knows something is wrong, but he's clueless of what it is. After I turned nineteen, dad passed away. Turned out, other than the property Carol already owned, every inch of dad's property was now mine. Carol got mad and left with Jason. If Jason didn't know about the so called family tradition, Carol would have never allowed him to come here. He tries to make amends between me and Carol, but could never succeed."
"And now he won't even try."
"Why do you think that?"
" Because of me.."
It was the truth and Ethan knew it. Jason was jealous of Ethan and I considered myself guilty for that. The silence between us was proof that both of us were thinking the same thing.
"Jason is my brother and I love him for that. But he made a mistake. Who am I kidding, it was a bloody crime! There's no way he's getting away with that."
" Think about it Ethan. You only said that he tries to improve things but fails. Maybe if he gets some help he can change for good."
"How is this conversation even making any sense to you? You are defending my brother, who committed a crime against you."
"Well it's not entirely his fault though. You've been protecting your brother against everything, small pranks to huge mistakes. How would he know when to stop? You are as guilty as he is."
"Why are you supporting him so much?"
"I just told you Ethan. I believe, he can change."
Ethan looked at me straight in the eyes and asked a question which I suppose he wanted to ask all this time but couldn't, because he feared the answer might not be what he expects.
"Grace, do you love Jason?"
Answering this question was easy for me. Though I was a bit disappointed that he asked that.
"No. He's just one of the very few friends I have. Nothing else."
After listening my answer, Ethan's shoulders visibly relaxed. I took the advantage of his light mood and asked him more questions about his mom.
"What was your mom's name?"
"Amanda Jonson."
I asked him various questions, but just the happy once. He smiled ear to ear like a child while answering me, remembering his mother and all the day to day fun they used to have.
He told me how his mom used to take him and all his friends to the beach, every year on his birthday. How she'd make sticky date pudding for him, every time she had to work overtime and leave him with a babysitter. He also mentioned his friend Reyansh, whom he met after he shifted here, more than he mentioned Jason.
Small memories like these are what make a person who he is. These innocent sweet memories of Ethan's mom kept his soft side alive through all these years. A side, with which anyone can fall in love with.
After our long conversation, it was time to head home. Ethan dropped me in front of my house. I got down of his cruiser and stood there facing him. My mind was a battlefield of thoughts.
Should we kiss now? He surely likes me, and I like him as well. But won't it be too soon? Would he think I'm too forward if I kiss him now? Worse would be if I lean forward and he pulls away. I'll make a joke of myself.
When Ethan stared speaking, I hoped he'll ask for a kiss but he didn't. Though, what he advised was delightful as well.
"Grace, if you aren't busy tomorrow, would you like to spend the day with me?"
" Spend the day, as in, the entire day?"
" We can cut short the plan if you-"
" Nonono, it's fine. I'm free tomorrow. Unless your plan involves Michelin star things. Then you can count me out."
" Don't worry, it's nothing like that. So, see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah. See you."
Ethan said he'll get my car delivered as soon as the party ends. I handed him my keys and went inside my house feeling excited for tomorrow..
Ethan assured me that I can wear whatever I want, so I decided to go with something comfy yet sophisticated, like Ethan. I wore a sky blue, sleeveless jumpsuit with an Grecian neckline. I felt confident wearing that, as this time I'll be prepared even if he asks me to ride a cruiser.
Just as I was putting on my eyeliner, I got a text from Ethan asking if I was ready. I took my purse and rushed to the door, wondering where we'll be going.
I informed Dad that I'll be gone for the entire day. He smiled, kissed the top of my head, complimented my look, said, "be safe" and went inside the kitchen. I made a mental note to talk to Dad about this after I return.
I got outside and found Ethan waiting on his cruiser, just like I expected. He wore aviator shades and brown leather jacket, which further confused me on where we're going.
"You look great."
Ethan said beaming.
"You are not bad yourself."
I replied with a smirk.
I hopped on his bike and our journey started. When we reached our destination, I was speechless. I was very happy to see the place Ethan has chosen, but more than happy, I was confused.
Why this place?