by C R Riley
The vehicle comes to a stop just outside the theater. There is no way I can jump out just yet. Her questions have put me in quite a predicament.
“Oh geeze.” Larkin is still staring at my lap. “You are going to ruin my girl parts with that monster you keep hidden in your pants.”
Two doors open and close rather rapidly as my men jump out to give us some privacy. That catches Larkin’s attention and she starts giggling uncontrollably. “Did I say all that out loud?”
I reach down and shift things around down there. “I’m afraid so.”
Her giggle turns into a full-blown laugh, and that makes me laugh as well. Which surprisingly helps me calm down enough so I can get out without suggesting that we were performing iniquitous acts in the back of our vehicle.
We are one of the last patrons to arrive. On our way to the box I order us a few coffees, knowing we could both probably use them. They will be delivered as soon as they are ready. Therefore, we take the last few steps and enter the large box secluded from all the others.
Already seated inside are my brothers and their dates, as well as Gabriela and my cousin Mercedes. I lead Larkin to the front row and am pleased to find my good friend Fernando and his wife Sonia are also here. They are dressed just like I instruct thankfully and both wearing the best smiles I have seen in a very long time.
Fernando stands and performs his famous full body bow. “Your Supreme Majesty, grateful you finally decided to grace us with your presence.”
“Ferny, you do so know how much I like watching you show me my due respect.” I use the familiar name I came up with those first few weeks of boarding school.
Sonia tries to yank her husband back down. “Stop. Please ignore them Larkin, these two can be quite the duo. I’m Sonia. The bowing fool is my husband Fernando.”
Fernando straightens his form, then reaches out and snags Larkin’s hand in his. “It is an honor my lady. Ant told me you were the reflection of the moon, although he forgot to mention that you also are the image of the celestial stars as well. Such beauty should not be wasted on a simple man like this one. Surely you have better suitors knocking down your door.”
Larkin glances my way. “Well there were a few. However, none of them were able to …” She leans in towards him and I have to wonder if that is such a good idea. Glancing back over her shoulder she whispers, “I felt a little sorry for the poor man, such a sad sight to witness really. I’ve read about them before but never actually met one.”
Fernando takes the bait with an amused grin. “Met one what?”
“A paper tiger of course.” And just when I’m about to remind her of how much I hate it when she refers to me as one, I find myself guffawing instead. “You I’m sure are also familiar with such a creature. I believe it is the same reason Sonia was attracted to you.”
“You wound me my lady.” Fernando places a hand over his heart. “But you will do for sure. You will keep him most definitely on his toes; much like that one does me. A paper tiger, that is a very brave thing to call a man Larkin. You should be careful referring to a man in such a way. He might pounce on you rather quickly, and then what would an innocent celestial such as yourself do.”
The lights flash to let us know to take our seats right as the attendant brings us our coffees. We take our seats and focus our attention on the stage below.
The music starts and Larkin sits back in her chair. I watch her the entire time as she takes in her very first opera, Madam Butterfly. Each expression she is undergoing takes form on her face. The raw honesty that is Larkin bleeds and I want nothing more than to experience all of it with her for the rest of my life.
“What did you think?” Sonia ask when it is all over. “I remember the first time I attend the opera; it was an eye-opening experience.”
Larkin is still staring at the now empty stage, with its red lights still illuminating it. “I loved it. I mean even though I didn’t understand a word that was sung, I could follow the storyline. I never realized how spectacular one could be. I always thought I’d be bored to death and want to leave. I have little patience for sitting still, a flaw of mine I guess.”
Fernando stands and offers his wife his hand. “Shall we my love.”
I follow his lead and take Larkin’s and we make our way out of the box seats. My brothers along with their lady friends are all waiting on us, as is my sister and cousin.
I introduce Larkin to everyone. The two women with my brothers are both friends, and from what Esteban told me earlier, he is doing it as a favor for Lorenzo. Apparently, Lorenzo made a promise to the young woman with him a while back, and a man never breaks his promises. A really good man drags his brother into those types of promises so that they can suffer together.
My plan is to make a swift get away. I have no interest in sticking around. While it is customary to go down to the house lounge and mingle with the socialites, the knowledge that tomorrow night I will be seeing most of them again, makes me really not want to fake it tonight.
Fernando and Sonia are the lucky ones. After a message comes across her phone, informing them that their youngest little one is having trouble settling, they are able to make their escape.
I try to follow them out the door, but get intercepted by a group of women and their escorts as they approach us. And wouldn’t you know it that one of them happens to be Lady Dalia, tonight she is with a young solicitor Lord Declan Olivier. I believe he works for her father—who by the way pulled through but still has a long road ahead of him.
“Your Majesty, I think a celebratory drink is in order.” Lord Declan declares as he approaches us. “Why don’t we let the ladies do what ladies do best, while we men enjoy a smoke and brandy? After all I do believe that is the traditional custom the night before the big announcement festivities. Your very last night of freedom should be done right, don’t you all agree gentlemen?” He turns and encourages those with him to nod.
I slip my arm around Larkin. “I’m sorry Lord Declan, but I don’t believe Larkin would be comfortable with a group of women she doesn’t know.”
“Do you not think we would play nice with her, Your Majesty?” Lady Genovese tries to act offended. “Let Princess Gabriela and Madam Mercedes join her. She knows them no. Tis tradition for the two betrothed to have one last little celebration apart. There are so many of us who would love to congratulate her on a job well done, Sir.”
I glance over at my sister and cousin, who both look like they have just won the lottery. Larkin’s gaze must follow mine, because she pats my arm to capture my attention.
“I’m sure we will all be fine. A drink and smoke will take what, thirty minutes at most. Surely I can hold my own with them for thirty little minutes.” She pastes on a smile; one I know is fake.
“There is really no need …” I start to tell her we can just go; except I don’t get the chance because she rises to her tiptoes and kiss my moving lips.
After she has shut me up, she mutters against them. “Promise you will suck out the venom if I get bitten.”
I don’t care what any of them will say about what I am about to do. This woman has a way of making me not care about anything except her. I yank her hard against my body and kiss her furiously, drawing a whistle from my brothers and a few others who follow their lead.
When Larkin whimpers and her knees buckle slightly, I draw back so I can see her face. Hooded eyes, flushed cheeks and swollen lips, all reactions I caused is what I find. “It will be my pleasure love. I believe I possess the only antidote; all you need to do is ask and I shall give it to you.”
“I love you Antonio.” Larkin tells me as she leans back, and says my name loud enough for all those around us to hear. “Now go have a drink with the boys while us women shot the breeze.”
I yank her against in one last time before I let her go. “I love you, mi lunaita. I love you more than words will ever be able to express.”
Lorenzo grabs me by the back of my neck and chuckles. “Larkin, I do bel
ieve my brother, the all mighty King, is smitten. I promise to return him to you soon.”
And like that we are walking one direction while the women head the other. Larkin hooks an arm with Gabriela and Mercedes as she utters something softly to them both. The two young ladies fall into her and they all start laughing.
What really bothers me is the scowl the other women give them. I don’t trust Dalia or Genovese. Those two are the most conniving dishonest souls I have ever meet. When Dalia sisters join her, I start to think this was a very bad idea.
“Calm down.” Esteban voices as his eyes follow mine. “Winnie will look after them, and try to keep the rest of them in line.”
I raise my eyebrows at him. “Winnie? Since when has she taken on the name Winnie? Winifred is probably the only Batista sister I trust. Karina and Paschal will hold Larkin down while Dalia sinks her fangs in and releases her venom. I should rush back there, toss my woman over my shoulder, and haul her off before they ruin her.”
Lorenzo tighten his grip on my neck. “One drink for heaven’s sake is not long enough for them to corrupt her. Plus, from what I’ve witnessed so far Larkin isn’t a helpless victim. When the claws come out, if they come out, she will know how to handle it. It will be good practice for her actually. We all know eventually she is going to get stuck in a room with them and they need to understand that they cannot intimidate her. Otherwise she is going to get chewed up and spit out very quickly.”
That doesn’t help me feel any better, even though I know my brother is right. The brown liquid Esteban places in my hand however seems to help, so I ask for a second one.
Before I know it, an hour has passed and I am feeling a little buzzed. I’ve smoked a good Cuban, drank about three brandies and conversed mostly with my brothers. The other men have interrupted us a few times. Offered me a congratulations—some were sincere most were not. I could really care less if they approve honestly.
I am about to stand and excuse myself, feeling like I have wasted enough time with these gentlemen, when I notice Gino entering the room. He doesn’t look at all pleased as he gestures toward the front. I quickly rise to my feet and excuse myself as I make my way towards him.
“Is there a problem?” I ask as I follow his eyes.
Gabriela and Mercedes are stumbling around, chatting with a few gentlemen. They are obviously drunk. The legal drinking age in Hermosa Islas is eighteen, so they are not breaking any laws. However, it is not a good idea for a person in their positions to be seen inebriated.
“Where is Larkin? Why is she not looking out for them?” I ask as we walk that way finding that strange.
“Maybe because she too has had one too many. Seems the ladies separated her from the main flock to conduct a little meeting of the exes.” He grunts. “They are in the solarium.”
“What do you mean a meeting of the exes?” I pick up my pace.
I ignore all those who try to talk to me as I make my way through the crowd. I come upon my sister and cousin first and pass them off to Gino. “Take them home now.”
“You are such a party pooper.” Gabriela grumbles.
“And you are drunk. Explain that to mother when you stumble in.” I don’t have time to argue with her. Later however we will and she better be ready.
“I got them.” Lorenzo assures me. “You go get your woman. I just heard from Lord Declan that the scorned trio is having a heart to heart with her.”
My feet move faster now. I have no idea what the means exactly, but I know it is nothing good. When I get to the solarium I slow and pause just outside the entrance.
“Why are you telling me all of this?” Larkin’s voice is weak and broken.
“We just want to make sure you understand exactly what you are getting yourself into. I believe tonight’s opera was a wonderful metaphor of it all actually. Men always want what they cannot have at first. The idea of it all is rather exciting to them. But eventually they return to what is best for them.” The spiteful voice of Genovese’s exclaims.
“You’re just his little plaything honey. A man who respects you doesn’t feel the need to kiss you like he did earlier in public. That there was proof to us all that he only perceives you as his possession and not his equal at all.” That voice belongs to Karina I’m certain.
“And then there is the fact he gave you that.” Dalia’s voice sounds disgusted. “That means nothing to him at all. If he were really going to truly marry you then he would have given you his great grandmother’s ring. It is tradition to use a family heirloom not some cheap custom jewelry.”
I feel a hand shove me in the back.
“Go or I will Sir.” Gino has never looked more like he wants to kill someone than he does right now. “That Your Majesty is the minor details they have been sharing. I came to retrieve you as soon as I realized what they were up to. But I got distracted by Princess Gabriela and Madam Mercedes. So only God knows exactly what kind of lies they have been filling her head with.”
“Have the men pull the car around.” I instruct him. “And no matter what, those ladies in that room are to be removed from all further Palace events. Their names are to be blacklisted and I don’t care who I piss off. Are we clear?”
“As day Sir.” He nods once.
I stand tall before walking into the room and am immediately detected. The four spiteful women stand looking rather guilty.
“You are dismissed.” I glance around the room giving my order.
Two, move.
Two stand their ground.
Lady Dalia Batista and Lady Genovese, that second woman has had it out for me since our days in boarding school. Her and Dalia became acquaintances and equally bitter women after I dumped her lying Lady butt.
“I said you are dismissed. Leave now or I will have Gino forcefully have both of you removed. It makes no difference to me as long as I no longer have to look at either of you.” When they don’t seem to believe me, I glance over my shoulder. “Gino.”
“We are leaving.” Genovese makes the wiser choice.
Lady Dalia however decides she wants to get one last jolt in before she departs. “You should always remember that all is fair in love and war, Your Majesty.”
I snag her arm and stare directly into her eyes, letting her know she will not win this one. “Many of wars have been fought over a woman Dalia. I am prepared to win this one. Are you prepared to lose?”
“I will not lose Your Majesty. One way or another I will be victorious. It will be my pleasure to watch you fall and drag her down with you. Are you prepared for that?”
Not wavering I lean forward and growl through clinched teeth. “I will fight for her with every breath in my body. I will not fall. And she will be the one to hold me up, give me the strength needed to do what needs to be done. And when the dust settles, together we will lead this nation into the future and a brand-new world. The question, I guess for you Lady Dalia, is in that new world will you survive the fallout.”
“And when they strip you of your title will you even know what to do?” She is a fighter I will give her that much.
“I will. If the only way to be with Larkin were to denounce the throne, I would do it without a second thought. But it’s not the only way now is it. You and I both know that.” I let go of her arm. “You are dismissed.”
Dalia glances over her shoulder and smirks. “It really is a shame that one can be so easily taken down. It was like taking candy from a baby. Good luck fixing the damage Your Majesty. One should always remember that the truth can be a very venomous poison that eats away at a person’s once earned trust. I’ll be waiting to strike again when the time is right.”
I really would like to have that woman put in her place, but right now my concern is the woman in front of me. The defeated expression on Larkin’s face guts me to the core. I drop to my knees and study her carefully.
Where shall I begin?
Chapter 29
Larkin
I tried to play off that I was comfortable s
ocializing with those women. Pretended that I believed them when they claimed to want to congratulate me on winning over Antonio. I knew that was all one big fat lie, but I wanted to prove I could survive it.
I’ve known a lot of conniving people in my life. Kids who in high school used me when it was convenient and then turned around and stabbed me in the back the rest of the time. Even dealt with a few of those types as an adult, Chandler Sloan is the first name to pop in my head.
None of them would have ever stood a chance with this particular group of women. Conniving doesn’t even describe them. They know exactly what they are doing and they know how to do it. Vipers that is what Antonio has called them many times, and I am learning exactly how they earned that label.
Shortly after we left the men, they started in. First it all seemed so unplanned, I guess that is the word I am searching for.
Karina, Dalia’s sister, asked to see the ring Antonio gave me. So, I proudly displayed the treasure I wore and realized quickly none of them were at all impressed.
Well none accept one. “Oh, an antique. I bet it took him several days to track a ring down like that.”
“Fred, please.” Paschal makes a face. “That is not a ring at all. He presented that thing to you and you still said yes. Oh honey, we have so much to teach you.”
Gabriela grabs my hand and smiles. “I agree with Winifred. I think it’s a lovely symbol of the love my brother has for Larkin. His friend Fernando helped him locate it. Sonia said the two of them visited a number of exclusive jewelers in Geneva without having any luck. A trip to Paris, as a last effort, was when they stumbled up on this priceless gem. These snobs wouldn’t know a heartfelt gift if it fell into their laps.”
