Rick and I somehow came to a silent agreement. I would stay with him during the day as an adoring and playful lover. And then lose myself during the night with a needle to my vein.
He didn't cry or beg for me to stop anymore. He accepted the lie I offered him in the day and lived with the reality at night. It was the price we both had to pay for clinging onto this delusional affair.
The past two days had been good though. We entertained ourselves by going on tours and doing shit that I had no interest in. I was decent enough to join in with the pretension. It made them happy, pretending everything was okay and I wasn't dying, that was all that mattered.
We were scheduled to go hiking today, get some fresh air and be one with nature, as Rick put it. As if getting bitten by mosquitoes and trampling around a mountain for an entire day could help me curb my addiction, but still, I appreciated the gesture. Didn't mean I liked it though.
We were in the middle of breakfast witth everyone, and Rick and I bickered over my eating habits like aways, when a knock suddenly broke through our peace.
The weight. The sound. The beat. I knew it so well, that knock, my back instinctively turned rigid. Still, I continued with the lie, wanting to prolong this delusion. It was not night yet. I refuse to live in reality before sundown.
The knock came again and Stella made a move to stand but Jude pulled her back down. Rick muttered something before getting to his feet but I yanked him back. Andrea just kept her attention on her phone, wilfully oblivious.
"The door isn't going to answer itself," Rick said.
I shook my head, glancing at my brother. "What time is it?"
He took a cursory glance at his watch.
"9:35. Do you think it's him?"
Just then, the knocking went on. Firmer and louder.
I shook my head again. "It can't be. It's too early," I muttered, my brows furrowed. "He always comes for me at eleven to make sure I'm already up."
"It's almost eleven in New York," Jude mumbled thoughtfully.
"He adjusts to the time difference because he's terrified of finding me asleep. He doesn't know how to wake me up." I sighed. "He's always been weird like that."
"Maybe Father sent him."
"Father doesn't care enough to send someone after me but–" I raised my gaze, looking at him. "–you're here. The both of us in a foreign country while unguarded at the same time is not something he'd allow for long. I'm surpised he didn't send him sooner."
"What are you talking about?" Rick asked, suddenly wary, obviously noticing Jude, Andrea, and I's reaction at every knock. "Baby, what is it?"
I sighed, placing a hand on his thigh. "Reality check," I said, smiling weakly. "You're in the presence of Jude and Angel Lastor, babe. We're more important than our father. Supposedly."
"I checked in under an alias. No one's supposed to know we're here," Andrea muttered, her eyes focused on the screen of her phone.
"Did you use your credit card to pay for anything since you got here?" Jude asked.
She grimaced. "Dammit."
"Maybe it's just housekeeping," Rick said.
"The staff would have announced itself already," I interjected.
"Mr. Lastor?" a deep voice called from the front door of the suite. "Miss Lastor?"
"And the staff would have asked for Miss Waymon since Andy checked in under the name Eunice Waymon," I added.
Jude sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "They won't leave unless we go with them," he said, glancing at Stella before looking back at me. His fears were finally coming to life.
"Relax, bro. They won't bite," I said as I chewed my food.
"How do you expect me to relax when-"
"Relax," I repeated firmly. "They're going to open the door any second now. Just shut up and let me handle this."
He blew out a sharp breath. "You better know what you're doing."
I scoffed, leaning back against my chair. "Don't mock me. I always know what I'm doing."
I heard the door open followed by footsteps approaching us. I took my knife and fork, going about on eating my food. Jude followed almost hesitantly along with Rick and Stella while Andrea just continued scrolling and tapping away at her phone.
"Miss Lastor," a voice called from the entry way of the dining room. "Mr. Lastor."
I chewed on my food, ignoring the five suited men standing just outside the dining room.
Huh. I used to only have three men come for me, including him.
Benjamin Jenkins. The Head of Security of the Lastor family. Also, my doting godfather, despite his emotionally constipated nature.
"Master Anthony has ordered for the both of you to be brought to him," he said with a disinterested note. I ignored him. "Miss Lastor."
"Mr. Jenkins," I said, mocking his deep baritone. "How many times do I have to remind you to call me Angel, Ben? You know I hate to repeat myself."
I heard him sigh. "I'm sorry, but it would be extremely unprofessional and disrespectful to call you that while I'm working."
"You're always working." I rolled my eyes. "When are you gonna take Roslyn on a vacation, huh? That woman gave you two beautiful daughters and you spend more time working than fucking her."
He cleared his throat in obvious discomfort but still, his composed facade remained.
"My wife understands the significance of my responsibility."
I scoffed. "She's too fucking good for you," I spat, pointing my fork at him. "If you don't start treating her right, she's gonna leave your useless dick and take the kids with her. Do you know how much that would fuck up the girls? Do you want them to turn into me someday, Ben?"
"Yes, I do."
I cracked up. "Go fuck yourself."
He cleared his throat again, smoothing his tie down.
"I don't mean to offend you, Miss Lastor," he began, his voice softening. "But you know you need to notify me if you plan on traveling out of the country so I can arrange to have security personnel to escort you. It's not safe for you to be unguarded. Especially when both of you are together," he said, giving Jude a pointed look.
I groaned. "You're so fucking lame, Ben. Sit down and join us. How's the wife? The twins? Tell me."
He sighed again but knew better as he obliged my casual command, taking a seat on a vacant chair beside Andrea.
"Miss Allen," he greeted curtly.
She winked at him. "Sup, BJ? Did you dye your hair again?"
I snorted, glancing at Ben who awkwardly loosened his tie. I was sure he dyed his hair again. It was a darker shade of brown and even though he was in his 50s, he had no signs of greying hair. His build was still athletic and the only indicator of his age were the wrinkles on the corners of his eyes and the lines on his forehead. He still looked and acted like a soldier.
"Mr. Lastor, your father insists to meet with you and your sister for an urgent matter," Ben said, obviously thinking my rule abiding brother was easier to reason with.
I rolled my eyes. "I asked about the twins, Ben. Or are you deliberately ignoring me? You know I fucking hate being ignored."
He bowed his head lightly. "My apologies. Christina and Charmaine are well. They were very grateful for the doll house you sent them for their birthday."
"Are you sure?" I tilted my head, eyeing him through narrowed eyes. "I didn't get a thank you note. I assumed they hated it."
He gave me a tight lipped smile. "They made a card for you."
He reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket, taking out a card that was practically dressed in glitter. He slid it towards me and I grinned, taking it.
One side of the card had a picture of the twins sitting at either side of the large dollhouse that was even bigger than both of the curly haired six-year old girls put together. The other side of the card had a crookedly written 'thank you' on it, doused in glitter with a shitload of hearts drawn on it along with stickers of angels. Clever.
"Have they made a Christmas wish list yet?" I asked as I appraised the back of the card. There was a note written on it. The writing was incomprehensible.
"Christina is currently begging Rosie and I to get her a puppy. Charmaine wants a unicorn," he replied in a monotone.
I snorted. "Predictable. Next year it would be a trip to Disneyland. I'll handle it."
"You really don't have to," he said. Like he always did.
I shrugged, folding the card in half and tucking it in the front pocket of my shorts.
"I get a kick out of spoiling them so you'll have to deal with raising annoying little brats. I'm doing this for my own sick entertainment." I smirked and he sighed again, looking miserable. "Although I'm not sure if they're old enough to care for pets yet. They might end up killing the poor things and I don't think I can pull off getting Charm a unicorn. Those shit are mythical creatures."
"I agree."
"I'll ask Hagrid about it."
Andrea snorted but he didn't even bat an eye. I swear, he was part robot.
"About your father..."
"Would you like some pancakes? Grab a plate."
He sighed. The only sign that he was human was that long-suffering sigh that was usually caused by me.
"Master Anthony was very insistent that you come back to New York today."
"Yeah. Urgent matter. Meeting. I don't give a shit." I waved it off. "I asked you if you wanted pancakes, Ben."
He sighed again. "Coffee will do."
I got up, grabbing him a cup from the kitchen before going back to the dining room. I filled the cup with coffee halfway and the other half milk, then put two teaspoons of sugar. The way he liked it.
I put it in front of him, giving him my billion dollar smile.
"Thank you, Miss Lastor," he said, nodding curtly.
"We're going hiking today," I said as I sat back down. "You should come with, you can even bring those creeps along."
I gestured at the four men standing erect by the entryway, barely blinking.
"But I don't wanna see them. If I do..." I smirked. "Well, you know how I get when those pesky little pets piss me off." I dropped the smile. "Get rid of them. Now."
He gave them a curt nod and without a word, they shuffled out of the suite.
"Miss Lastor, I strongly advise you to come back with us today," he urged and I knew full well what he meant.
He was afraid I'd get my ass beaten bloody by my father if I tried to play hard to get.
"It's the same. I go back now, I get in trouble. I go back tomorrow, I'm still in trouble. I'd rather wait tomorrow so Father can figure out the best way to punish me for being such a bad girl."
"Gel, we should go back," Jude spoke up and I caught the wary look on his face.
"Why? You scared Daddy might give you a hiding because you missed curfew?" I mocked, grinning at him.
His face hardened as his body stiffened, his eyes suddenly cold and harsh. Then the constant rage inside him was coming alive. But I knew it wasn't because I was mocking him. He was losing it. He always did when he knew I was going to get beaten. It made shit worse for him because he couldn't do anything to stop it. Even if he prevented Father beating me this time, he couldn't prevent it the rest of the time. I wondered how he was planning on getting me out of this mess.
"You've had your fun already. Let's go back," he said, his voice eerily calm.
I rolled my eyes. "You go if you want. The rest of us are staying."
He gave me a warning look. "We're leaving now, even if I have to drag you to the plane."
I scoffed. "I dare you."
He sprung to his feet, the abrupt move making Stella gasp as his chair fell back on the floor. His glare made my skin crawl. Andrea carried on eating while looking at her phone.
"Stop testing me, little Angel. I've humored you enough already," he bit out through clenched teeth.
"You were the one who told him to fuck off in the first place," I said, shrugging.
"I know."
Guilt. It was all over him. Dripping. He was already blaming himself for whatever shit I get served with when we get back.
"I'm not packing my bags. You do it."
"Fine," he snarled before walking off.
Rick took my hand, eyeing me in concern. I forced a smile and place a quick kiss on his lips.
"Ben, look, I have a boyfriend. A real one." I grinned, pointing at Rick. "Ben's my godfather," I said to Rick. "Ben, say hi to Rick."
Ben nodded curtly. "Doctor Richardson," he said his version of hi.
"But of course, you know him already." I rolled my eyes, "How thick was his file?"
He cleared his throat before saying, "Twenty pages."
"He's worth more than twenty pages of printed characters," I muttered in annoyance.
"It was only a brief summary."
"How many ex-girlfriends does he have?" I asked, grinning in return to Rick's bemused gaze.
Ben glanced at Rick before muttering a quick, "Three."
I blinked in bewilderment at the outrageously low number for a twenty-eight year old man to have.
"Shit, you really are too good for me."
I knew Rick wasn't a playboy, but I didn't exactly expect him to be that... good.
"How the hell do you know that?" he demanded from Ben.
"As the third seat in the Lastor family council and the sole heir of the late Johanna Lastor, Lady Angel is one of the most valuable and influential members of the Lastor family whose existence is irreplaceable," Ben replied in his irksome monotone. "The future of the Lastor empire lies on hers and Lord Jude's shoulders, and their father insists on maximum security for both of his heirs. Many people have threatened Miss Lastor's life and attempted to take advantage of her in the past and as a precaution, I investigate everyone she comes in contact with to ensure her safety. I apologize if you feel violated."
"Ben?"
"Yes, Miss Lastor."
"Shut up."
"Yes, Miss Lastor."
* * *
I shrugged on my jacket as I exited the jet, the cool breeze of the afternoon air welcoming me back to the place that I constantly tried to run away from. As I placed my foot on the ground, I brought out the character I had long mastered.
Angel Lastor.
I hated the bitch.
Shoulders back. Chin up. Face a mask of perfection. I was her. Seeing the looks the others were giving my brother and I as we stood side by side, I knew they could see it. Probably feel it. That they were beneath us.
Jude's mere stance commanded authority. His eyes provoking intimidation. Wordlessly dominating those who were within his sight. The air around him becoming cold and menacing. It made him the King he was trained to be. Ruthless and sharp.
My mere presence invoked awe and blind devotion from anyone who had the privilege of witnessing me in the flesh. It was an unspoken command to submit to me without being asked to and they'll want to. Just so I would spare them a glance.
It was pathetic, really, how easy it was.
Jude first entered the limo that had been waiting for us. I was about to follow him in when a thought occurred to me, and I glanced over at Rick and Stella.
"They're coming with us?" I asked, tilting my head to regard Ben as he held the door open.
He nodded once. "Master Anthony ordered for them to be brought as well."
I flexed my jaw, staring at him for a moment.
"Let this be an official declaration that Frederick Richardson and Stella Roberts are hereby to be regarded as my dependents," I said in a leveled voice. "Notify the council now. I want their acknowledgement."
"It will take some time for all members to respond," he replied flatly.
I shifted my footing, folding my arms across my chest as I leaned against the side of the limo.
"I'll wait." I glanced over at the two and cocked my head towards the open door. "Get in."
"Miss Lastor, it would be-"
I swung back my arm, grabbing him by the collar and hitting him squarely on the jaw with my fist. He staggered slightly, dizzed by the hit. I shoved him aside and took a deep breath, restraining the urge to pummel him into the ground.
"If you don't send the message, I will send it myself," I said, leaning against the side of the car again. "I hope you haven't been deluding yourselves in my absence. The peace this family has enjoyed for the past six years is but a product of my disregard for them." I narrowed my eyes at him, my gaze indifferent. "Give me a reason to pay attention. I dare you."
He clenched his jaw, lowering his gaze. "Please excuse me, then."
"The Head's acknowledgement, get it first. They're leaving without it."
He nodded and reached into his jacket, taking out his phone and walking a few feet away from us. I glanced at Rick and Stella again.
"You haven't moved," I observed.
Andrea came up behind them, shoving them towards the door while cursing them under her breath. Rick lingered beside me but I kept my head turned away, watching Ben speak into his phone. The tension he'd been holding was beginning to show.
"Get in, jackass," I heard Andrea hiss from inside the car.
Rick reached for me and I pushed myself off the car, walking towards Ben and standing beside him. I lit up a cigarette, offering it to him and lighting up another for myself when he accepted it.
I listened intently to his end of the conversation, counting each time he ended a call and made another. It took him nearly an hour to reach the rest of the twenty-seven currently sitting members of the council, excluding Jude and I.
"Your declaration has been acknowledged," Ben informed me as I was finishing my sixth cigarette. "I will adjust your existing list when we reach the office."
I nodded, flicking my cigarette to the ground and stepping my boot on it before heading to the car. I settled beside Jude, rolling my shoulders to relieve the tension stiffening my body.
"Report," Jude ordered in a quiet voice as the car began to move.
"All members have acknowledged, including the Head," I said, keeping my head turned to the window. "Ben's office will have the updated list done when we get there."
"Resistance?"
"None I noticed, for now. They appeared to be too taken aback to resist and Ben kept the conversations short to avoid my observation of any further reactions."
"Keep an eye on it. Don't move unless they do."
"You have no objection to her existence being made official, I presume?"
"It was inevitable," he replied flatly.
"Shall I make adjustments to her security protocol?"
"Just continue as you've operated so far, and don't let what happened before, happen again."
"It hasn't and it won't," I said tersely. "But acknowledgement of her status as a dependent is a mere courtesy. I don't expect every one of them to keep to the laws, considering the opportunity her existence provides. They'll surely come for her once they've had the time to gather themselves."
"I have more faith in your competence, than theirs."
I managed to crack a smile. "I'll discuss implementing the countermeasures I prepared with Art."
"Have him keep Luis appraised."
"Yes."
"What about yours?"
I sighed, closing my eyes. "No one would dare touch what is mine, unless they seek their own destruction. Even Father knows this."
"Just what is happening right now?" Rick suddenly cut in.
"My god. What did I just say?" Andrea hissed, shoving him into his seat. "Shut your mouth unless you're spoken to, you stupid fuck!"
"Listen to her, Frederick," I said, opening my eyes and looking at him. "Your insolence cannot be tolerated at this time. No matter how precious you are to me."