"You don't have to do this" Audrey said for the hundredth time trying to talk me out of going to the charity ball.
"I have no choice, I'm doing this for Kayden"
She grunts, her face has been creased with concern baffled by my situation pretty all day.
"Let me help you" she grip both of my hands and squeeze warmly.
"I can pull off some strings to rescue your little brother"
I shake my head in dissention.
"No, I don't want to get you involve, it's risky, for all I know, it could be a mafia drug Lord who has my little brother. I just need to go to this stupid event with that psycho and things will fall into place"
I patted her shoulder.
"Don't worry Audrey, you should be rather giving me the moral support" I crinkle my eyes at her
She folded her arms at her chest.
"It looks like you are so ok with this," She said contemptuously
"No " I sigh in a breath.
I got a whole week to come to terms with this. Have gone through the resentment and dreadfulness of this situation. I've come to realize nothing comes easy, it's the way of the world. Moping around and lamenting about this won't do any good to my little brother.
"It my only option" my lips curve into grim frown.
I forced a smile. "Now tell me Audrey how do I look?" I spin around in 360 in the emerald green gown I was wearing.
She grunts in resignation "You look stunningly beautiful in this gown, but it reels me that you are all dressed up for that psychopath. When you should be going to that ball with a real prince charming, like Brad"
My heart flutters at the mention of his name.
"That reminds me, he also has that kind of wealth and influence to help you"
My lips pursed. " He is currently out of the country, and I don't know when he will be back" I informed her. That's half of the truth. I have been avoiding his calls all week. I even left the mansion to stay with Audrey and AJ for a while till the dubious feeling I'm having towards him goes away. I don't know if I can trust him anymore, after discovering he knows who I was and rather chooses to play the clueless card with me. What more is Brad hiding from me?
My phone beep.
"My date is here" I bitterly announced. Shielding me from her pressing on about Brad.
"Yeah Yeah, but wait before you go, I got something for you"
She saunters into the bedroom. A few minutes later she was back with what looked like a spray?
"This is a pepper spray" She explains
I cocked my head back looking at her with amusement.
"Audrey what do I need this for?" asked.
"If that douchebag tries anything funny, just spray this in his eyes," she said with a solemn expression means she's not jesting about it.
I laughed "That's so mean Audrey"
She laughs "That prick deserves more than that" She crudely said.
"Don't worry, I could just kick his ass if he dares try anything," I said wrinkling my eyebrows playfully
"I'm counting on that, but be careful" she cautions
I nodded.
I said my goodbyes and bolted out to face the dreadful night ever.
**
Seeing the infuriating irritating face of Chris Anderson made my blood perk.
He was looking formal in a tuxedo, with his blonde hair in its golden glory and a twinge in his blue eyes. I might have called him a handsome ken doll if I didn't know how corrupt and malicious he is within.
"Wow, you look amazingly beautiful like I imagine you could be" his lips parted as he scrutinized me in a fremd manner.
"You look good yourself" I constrainedly said smiling through my gritted teeth making my cheek hurt a little from the compelling fake smile.
He goofily smiles. My lips pursed grimly.
Gosh if only I can muster the courage to just punch this Prick to scrunch the location of my little brother out from his vile mouth. It could save me from this trouble of him going to parade me like his trophy wife, this night.
"Shall we?"
He opens the car door like a perfect gentleman, to woo me. I wanted to tell him he should fuck off with this pretense I know who he is is. A psycho who is tends to prey on helpless people like me.
I couldn't say all the fury words I wanted to lash out at him. For the sake of my brother. I just said thank you for his nice gesture I didn't ask for
I got in wishing the universe will just intervene saving me from this dreadful night. But it looks like today isn't a lucky day for me as the car sped through the road of new York city and soon we arrived at the location.
"Quit the pretense and fake smiles April" He hoarsely said staring down at me with his cold blue eyes. When we stepped out of the car.
My throat clogged fretfully.
He leans closer to me. And whispered to my ears. "Now listen, you can do more than that, I don't care how you are going to genuinely smile and be my perfect date tonight. Remember if you don't please me, your little brother will be the one to face the atonement of your failure in that purgatory he calls home now"
I shudder deep within at his threat.
"So be a good girl and abide by my rules" His hand grasped my wrist, scrunching firmly as he dip his nails into my skin vehemently, drawing blood. I felt a sudden throb of pain from his firm hurting grip.
"Okay I will be your good girl tonight" I frantically said.
He released me
The skin around my wrist was reddish with blood stain and ugly bruise marks printed by the Stern dipping of his nails.
I took a tissue from my purse and wiped the blood away.
I gasped filled with fright, my face turned pallid staring at this monster. I bit on my lips trying to control the racing of my heart. I thought of the pepper spray stalk in my purse and the power kicks I learned from Mr. Lee's defense class, how can use both options to teach this Jerk a lesson.
But I had to refrain from that for the sake of my little brother. I suck in a breath controlling my pulse.
"Shall we?" I said plastering a genius fake smile like the actress he want me to be this night.
He grins "Of course my darling," he said offering his arm, I reluctantly curled my hand around his arm.
We proceed to the banquet hall of the hotel where the event was been held.
Like I expected it was all glitz and glamour. With ladies in their exquisite fancy evening gowns and men in their formal tuxedos and suit. The room was filled with the high-class society of New York City. I bet every big name in the elite world is here
Every eye was on us when we were spotted. The intimidation set in as they scrutinized me like a lab animal being examined by their curious eyes.
I could see the ladies here eyeing Chris like he is a piece of cake they want to devour. And of course the deadly sneer they enviously shooting at me.
I wanted to scream at them, telling them they can do me a huge favor by snatching him for themselves. He is an unwanted presence in my life.
"It seems you have the attention of the ladies here. Why don't you pick one of these beautiful ladies for yourself than rather waste your time on a plain Jane like me" I said to him as we took a seat at our table. It was just the two of us, hoping there won't be an additional guest. Not because I want to be alone with this psycho, I'm just not in a good position to be chatting with these folks pretending I'm one of them.
He chuckles. "Trying to get rid of me little bird? that's not going to happen anytime soon"
I grimace at him wishing I can just whisk him off to Mars or Pluto just with a strike of a magic wand.
"You are worth more than the ladies here. You are a special little bird, you just don't know it yet" He winks at me.
I was rattled at his remarks. What did he mean by that? I sighed, playing his usual mind games with me.
"Now sit and relax" he clap his hands twice getting the attention of a waiter who served us two flute of champagne.
Piano music started to fill the room, I tuned my ears to it whilst sipping the champagne, it helped calmed my nerves.
"Relaxation is over sweetheart, time to introduced you to some acquaintance of mine"
The real torture of the night has begun.
He introduced me to a lot of people, business associates, his circle of friends. I played my part as his perfect charming date listening and laughing like a bimbo to the mean nasty or perverted comments from his jerks and old crooks he calls friends. And the ladies I had to control the urge to splash champagne into faces when they made scornful comments about me. It's been hell pretending to these bunch of snobs.
"I need to introduced you to one last important person," He said after we were done having a conversation with a model friend of his, who couldn't stop babbling and bragging about the Yacht her daddy bought for her.
I groan silently when just I thought this torturing is over.
"Sure" I wryly smile.
Chris's eyes beam when he saw a middle-aged woman in a black evening gown. She was stunning. she had this aura of a very distinguished person. She looks familiar like I have seen her somewhere.
"Hello Aunt" He greeted her with a kiss on her cheek.
My face dropped, now what now, he is introducing me to his family.
The lady sized me up, her lips curve into a grim. A snob.
"Aunt Ella, meet a newly acquired friend of mine, April Jackson"
Her eyes twinge with a hint of astonishment.
Chris turned to me. "April meet Ella Montgomery, my aunt"
I nearly gaped, holy moly. She is a Montgomery. I can't believe I'm in the midst of a Montgomery. The richest family in the country and even beyond. They own one of the biggest corporations in the world, Zinc Corporation.
That's why she looks so familiar, I have seen her in a lifestyle magazine.
"You are April Jackson?" she asked, drawing me out of my bewilderment mode
"Yes, it a pleasure to meet you, Mrs.. Montgomery," I said with a smile.
She didn't smile back but rather choose to peer at me intensely. I felt fretful inside at her watchful gaze.
"You look much like your mother" she remarkably said.
My eyes widened
"Doesn't she?" Chris said in affirmation of her statement.
Someone called her attention. She excuse herself and slunk out of our presence.
"You been a good girl, you deserve a cookie" Chris whispered huskily into my ears when we got back to our seats.
My mind was zoning out thinking of what Mrs. Montgomery said, that I didn't prick to what he said.
"A penny for your thoughts?"
His eye twinkled. "Ah, I know the reason behind your jittered expression. What my aunt said to you right. I introduced you to her purposely" he said laughing.
Crazy psychopath. I muttered undertone
"How come, she knows my mom?"
"That's another mystery in your life. Why a Montgomery knows a no life like your mother"
"Why?" I asked.
He waved a finger at me.
"little bird you are yet to gain the privilege of knowing something important has this"
I crossed my arms at my chest glaring at him.
"But you just said I deserve a cookie"
"Yes not this one"
He fishes out something from his pocket and placed it in my palm.
"This is hair samples from your little brother, you can go for a DNA test with this"
I was taken back, examining the strands of hair I had in hand.
"This could give you the prove Kayden is your brother, I know you been dubious about that fact"
He was right I'm skeptical about that. Kayden could be a boy he just took from the street to trick me into this trap. But this could clear my doubt.
"Thank you" I managed to say, stalking it into my purse.
The host of the event called his attention to come to give his speech. This allowed me to slip away. I needed some air to breathe.
I walked outside to the balcony staring at the view of the city. So this is what my life has amounted to now. An escort for Chris Anderson whenever he wants. For your sake little brother, I can endure this just to reunite with you. I murmured to myself.
Suddenly I felt a hand coil around my waist. I step back with a flinched, my body hit a hard rocky chest. I was whirled around to face the devilish handsome face of Brad
"Brad" I gasped. His dark eyes with a dangerous twinge pored in mine rendering me daze. A surge of waves steeps through me with a shiver of my legs making me feel vulnerable to him.
That is an angry look creased on his face.
I gulped, staring down at my feet.
He gently caresses my chin, cresting it up with a finger to make me stare at him. I trembled at his touch.
"April" he breathes out with a growl.
"You've been avoiding me crazy?"
My mouth went dry as I licked my lips, raked his presence. I was a volcano about to erupt,
"I- I"
"look who I found with my date" Chris Anderson announced his Presence.
"Oh Smith to what do we own your intrusion, I don't recall adding your name to my guest list" He Snide.
Brad choose to ignore him, pressing on his grip on my waist Possessively.
"That's my date, can I have her back?" Chris requested with a cold glare.
"That's my girlfriend, and I'm just retrieving what belongs to me," Brad said solemnly with an aura of a fierce caveman.
I gaped blinking my eyes. Did he just call me his girlfriend huh?
"Possessive bastard" Chris sniggers.
"I don't see any sign saying keep out, this a property of Brad fucking Smith If she is yours you could have to guard her like a bulldog, rather than letting her fall into another man's arms Smith" he taunts.
Before I could blink Brad was a few steps away from Chris Anderson ready to launch at him. Probably throwing a punch to his face. I could have loved to see Brad beat the shit out of this psycho maniac of a jerk
But I'm not a fan of men showcasing the chivalry caveman nature. And I'm not going to be caught in their crossfire.
"Brad" I placed my hands on his shoulder. I got his attention.
"let's leave please, he isn't worth it," I said with pleading eyes.
The muscles of his shoulders relax in resignation, releasing his fists.
We didn't spare Chris Anderson a glance as we walked away from him.
We walked silently towards the elevator. With the rage in his eyes not yet to settle or disappear anytime soon.
I know there is a pending argument that is going to break out between us. The killing silence tells it all, the big black wolf is angry and I'm going to be at the receiving end.
I halted suddenly, remembering I left my purse at the table.
"Brad I left my purse, I need to go fetch it"
He said nothing, just followed me back to the banquet hall.
Chris Anderson was pretty occupied with a trio of brunette beauties. I just took my purse that was lying on my seat avoiding his gaze
Brad stood by my side like a dutiful bodyguard
"Before you leave think of what is at sake little bird" He threatens.
Brad didn't give me the chance to reply as he grip my waist whisking me out of there.
My mind kept thinking of his threat. I'm scared of what he could do to my brother. His hair samples reveal he has access to my brother. He could harm him
I panicked with fear.
I wriggled myself free from his grasp ready to go plead to Chris Anderson not to hurt my little brother.
"April" Brad warns, he held my wrist dragging me along.
I yelped in pain, he was gripping on my sore wrist caused by the brutality of Chris Anderson.
He let go, his face darted with concern.
"Are you hurt?" he asked, touching my face.
He followed the direction of my eyes that was lingering on my bruise wrist.
He touches my hand examining my wrist. He went stiff.
The bruises caused by Chris Anderson's nails wasn't mild as my eyes made me believe when I first examine. It looked pretty nasty.
"Christ April how did you get these bruises?"he asked.
I said nothing averting my eyes from him.
His eyes glisten with realization.
"That bastard did this to you"
He clenched his fist, moving toward the banquet hall with a speed of fury.
I scurried after him.
He launches for Chris Anderson, griping him by his tuxedo shoving him lightless with a power of a professional wrestler. Chris landed on the table, dragging the content of the table with him as he hit the floor. He groaned in pain from the impact. The brunettes that were with him fled from sight in fright.
The room went chaotic with the screeching of women horrified at what just happened.
I stare at Brad in awe, looking at the darkening of his eyes. Did he just do that?
I clutched my chest, Audrey was right he is really scary.
He wasn't done with him, he reached for Chris Anderson again.
"You dare to hurt her" he yelled furiously, giving him an uppercut punch that sent him flying to the floor.
Chris Anderson jerks up on his feet blood oozing from his nose.
"You dare to touch what is mine," Brad said sending another deadly blow to his jaw. I could feel the snap of Chris's jaw.
He was at the mercy of Brad as he continue to assault him beating the shit out of him.
I shouted out his name, trying to make him stop but he was lost in his consuming rage, he didn't hear me calling out to him.
A few guys tried to pull him off Chris but he didn't budge they rather ended up receiving blows from him. So no one dared to venture.
He was like a beast unleash with ire of uncontrollable wrath, fueled up with a burning flame of rage.
Not even the scathed bloody face of Chris Anderson stopped Brad from punishing him with his powerful punches.
Tears swirled up in my eyes. He is going to kill him.
I muster courage and snake my arms around him. Hugging him from behind.
"Brad, please stop you are going to kill him," I said through my tears.
He turned to face me. I touch his hand, his knuckles were bleeding.
"Stop" I breathe out the words choked in my throat.
His eyes soften, brushing the tears away from my eyes with his thumbs.
"let's go home," I said.
He nods. He placed his arms around me as we sauntered to the exit.
People parted way for us in fear of him.