Amelia
The interior of the house feels like a movie. Everything is so perfectly put in place. Every inch of the large hallway screamed wealth, from the gleaming marble floor to the crystal chandelier hanging overhead, casting a warm ambience over everything.
The ceilings were impossibly high, giving the space an intimidating grandeur.
We headed to the art gallery where magnificent frames hung on the walls. The place was cozy for such an extravagant mansion. On one side, there was a glass wall which gave a breathtaking view of a garden outside. We were now away from the party and finally I felt relaxed and comfortable.
"Wow, this place is so beautiful. I could stare at this view all day." I said with a genuine smile.
"Thanks, it's my dad's idea of a simple house." He said casually.
I wanted to say there's nothing simple about this but I don't want to give myself away as a pauper, though my look already indicates that. I think it's about time I upgrade my wardrobe if I'm going to continue working with Liam.
"It's nice." I muttered, my eyes fixed on the beautiful paintings huge on the walls.
I stood in front of a painting. Out of all the many enormous paintings on the walls, this painting of a lady caught my attention.
"That is Viva, painted by Leandra James. The famous artist of our time." Greg enlightened me.
"Hmm" I nodded, not sure who that is. "That's beautiful. She is beautiful."
"Are you an art person?" He asked, taking out a jar of juice from the fridge.
"I don't know, not really." I replied nervously. "But I really like this one." I said honestly.
He handed me a glass of the drink, I wondered what the content was causing me to hesitate to have a taste.
"Does this interesting drink have a name?"
"Virgin mojito. The best you've ever had." He said with passion like he was the brand ambassador of the drink or something.
It was funny though.
"Hmm, we'll have to see about that." I said taking a little sip.
"It tastes better when you muse over the painting." He said with a chuckle.
"Not bad." I said with a smile.
"Really? Is that all you have to say?" He asked with pouty lips.
"Okay well, it tastes good."
And I was right, it tasted so good.
There was a moment of silence between us as I mused over the painting of Viva.
I got so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice something hard pressing against my backside until I heard the sound of breathing against my neck.
"So, what's a good girl like you doing at a party for people like us?" Greg asked behind me, his voice sounding like someone so starved.
I tried to step away from him but he put a hand over my chest and pulled me back.
"What are you doing?" I asked, trying to free myself from his rather forceful grip.
"Feeling your skin against mine, you smell like cheap shampoo." He said, still breathing on my neck which made me very irritated.
Finally, I pulled myself out of his grip and stepped away from him.
"This is inappropriate." I frowned but tried my best not to get overly agitated.
"Come on, don't be so naive. What were you thinking following me here? Let's not make this complicated, you know what you're here for. Let's go straight to the point. Plus, you said you love the view from here. You can enjoy it while we fuck." He said, licking his lips.
"What?" I asked wide eyed.
Birds of a feather would always flock together. I shouldn't expect anything less from Liam's friend.
Utterly disappointed and irritated, I turned towards the door when he suddenly pulled me back and shoved me to the chair. At that moment, I felt like an animal in a cage. He positioned himself on me before I could get a hold of myself- His eyes glowing with lust and hunger. An expression I mistook for boyish charm and good will. I should have seen it before. I struggled so hard under his crashing weight.
"Keep still!" He barked as he pinned my shoulders to the chair. I struggled and kicked with my legs as he pinned me down roughly.
"Let me go!" I yelled but he only pinned me down more firmly.
When he saw how I was kicking violently he got off me and pressed my legs forcefully. I sat up and gave him a very resounding slap, causing him to free me instantly. I got up and made for the door but was too slow as he pulled me back by my neck and threw me back to the chair.
He got on top of me and started pulling and dragging my shirt almost like he wanted to rip it off my body.
I struggled free under him again for a moment, screaming with all my might when the door burst open.
"What the fuck man?!" I heard a loud yell.
He got off me instantly, growling with frustration.
For a few seconds, I couldn't process what had just happened.
My body trembled with fear and my mind raced with so many what ifs.
"Are you okay?"
I looked up to see Felix grasping my shoulders.
"Come with me. Let me get you out of here." He said. His expression was very kind and he was gentle with me.
The realization of the situation I was in hit me and I began to cry on our way out of the house.
Felix's POV
Amelia rested her head on my shoulder, crying like a baby. So if not for my timely intervention, she'll have been raped just like that?
After a moment, Liam emerged with two girls in each arm to meet Amelia crying and me petting her. He gave a look of disapproval which made Amelia adjust herself immediately she saw him.
"Girls, go to the poolside. I'll meet you both there okay?" He said to them.
"Okay!" They chorused and went to join the party.
"What's the meaning of this? Did I bring you here to embarrass me?" He demanded as he approached us.
"Hey, chill man. She's having a meltdown because of Greg. You need to teach that guy a serious lesson." I said, trying to explain the situation.
"What has he got to do with this?" He asked nonchalantly.
I leaned closer to him, the only sound between us is Amelia's constant sniffing.
"Would you quit it with that sniffing?" He scolded.
"Greg tried to force himself on her. She was only lucky because I was looking for him and I heard her screaming." I whispered.
He looked at me stiffly, then darted his eyes towards Amelia. Their eyes met briefly before she looked away.
I felt a surge of rage course through me. How dare Greg try such a thing with a girl anyway? There are more than enough ladies here. Why would he go for someone like her and I had expected Liam to have the same mindset as I. However…
"Is that why you have to cause a scene? Get a hold of yourself, shit happens every time." He said flatly, avoiding the look of astonishment in her eyes.
Honestly I was shocked by his response and Amelia just stood there, looking so fragile, her fingers trembling as she nervously fidgeted with her sleeves.
"Go home. Don't cause any more scenes here, I can't have you embarrassing me because of such things." Liam said without no atom of sympathy, making it look like it was Amelia's fault she was almost raped.
Amelia kept her gaze on him, probably searching his face for any iota of concern but Liam just kept a straight, expressionless face. knowing Liam, he'll just dismiss it as some flimsy mistake without doing anything. Her face loosened up a bit, probably realizing that he is not going to give her any sympathy.
"I'll be at work early tomorrow." She managed to say and left Liam and I alone.
I gave Liam an expression that said: really dude? But he just rolled his eyes at me and turned to go to the poolside.
I'd better follow Amelia before she does something stupid to herself.
"Babe what's going on?" Hela asked, walking in with a confused expression. "I just saw Amelia walk out perplexed. Is anything wrong?"
She had a look of horror on her face. I wonder why.
"Nothing serious," Liam replied.
"Um tell you what? Something just happened and I need to make sure Amelia is okay. If you want to leave here and head home just call me to let me know. I'll tell you everything later okay?" I said, planting a kiss on her head.
"What? Why should you be bothered about her? She can take care of herself" Hela refused.
"Babe, I really can't do this now, she needs my help. Meet me at home later today." I said as left, Hela tailing behind me.
***********
AMELIA
I managed to pull myself together and walk out of the party before my dignity would be smeared any further. I strut out of the luxurious neighborhood with my heart in my mouth. With the effect of the assault still weighing very heavily on me, I feel very tense and paranoid.
A car drives slowly behind me and it takes the little courage I have left not to take to my heels and bolt.
"Amelia," a voice calls out and to my surprise I turn back to see Felix. "Sorry about what happened to you back there. Nobody should go through that."
I nodded slowly, my eyes fixed to the ground.
"Why don't you get in, let me take you home." He offered.
After what I just went through in the hands of a 'gentleman', I don't think taking this offer is exactly in my best interests. Besides, it's not Felix's duty to worry about me. I might as well be putting myself in a tight spot again, foolishly.
"I think I'm fine, I can take care of myself." Was my curt reply.
He alighted from the car and walked up to me. "I know what you must be feeling right now. And I know you may not really feel safe with me after that but I need to make sure you're okay."
No, you don't. I wanted to say.
"I am fine." I said instead.
"Please, just get in. Let me at least take you home." I searched his eyes for some kind of lustful glint but he looked like he was sincerely bothered. I looked around me one last time.
"Okay," I muttered