by Anna Collins
I wished it was so simple; there was a whole gang involved with this. Maybe this girl was the same one whose feet I had seen the other day. Maybe some of them had seen me and followed me. But when I woke up I was with Robert; then, wait…what if Robert Hudson himself was involved with the murder of that mysterious man? O-M-G! were they some members of the secret society?
My hands raised to my mouth, yes everything was making sense now. Robert and his uncle were members of the secret society; those black cloaks, the self-hitting and the non-forgiving attitude.
"This is a jackpot" I murmured. The feelings of excitement and fear had covered my senses. I was excited to know all about it but at the same time was scared to lose my precious life. Buckle up Freya, no risk no gain, I said to myself.
"What jackpot?" Rick raised his eyebrows.
"You will know it soon" I winked, grabbing my coat.
"Wait, where are you going? To see your boyfriend? I'm sure he must be missing your warm affection" Rick teased making a you-are-in-love expression.
I shook my head "poor guy, does not even know that he is playing with fire" saying this I tried to laugh devilishly like one of those negative characters in the movies, but all that came out was a nervous chuckle. I guessed I was not so confident after all.
"Ahhh, arrogance. You know sis, your over confident attitude towards Robert Hudson always gets you to the mouth of trouble, but you never learn" he shook his head.
What? Did he saw arrogance on my face? Robert Hudson, the name was enough to shake my insides, yes he made me feel uncomfortable, but I was ready to fight him. "Shut up, you will clap your hands when I will land him at my feet. For now, just help me. My wicked mind is hatching a plan" I rubbed my hands with excitement.
Rick's face fell as he frowned "another plan? Lord save us!" and he hit his head on the wall.
Robert
"Love? Are you kidding me? She is just a source of recreation for me" I laughed blowing off uncle's rubbish question.
"But…umm…Liam told me that you behave differently with her" he hesitated, sitting uncomfortably on the wooden chair in my study room. The scattered gray hairs on his forehead were unable to hide his wrinkles of tension.
"What's wrong uncle Joe? You look awfully disturbed" I asked sounding concerned.
"No..nothing, I forgot to take my blood pressure medicines. Excuse me" he stumbled and left hastily.
Why did everything seem so out of place to me? must have been the work pressure. I ran my hands over my hair.
My eyes reached the clock, "shucks! It was 8pm, I was to meet the foreign delegates at Pan Pacific by 8:30. Damn you Robert Hudson, how can you forget about such an important meeting?" I cursed under my breath.
I quickly got to my bedroom and changed into a black business suit. The pinstriped jacket had shiny black buttons, and I chose a black silk tie to go with it. Ah, how much I liked black, it surely managed to reflect my insides, dull and lifeless.
Taking a last glance at the mirror and not caring to groom up my unruly brown hair, I decided I looked hot enough to make up for the delay. After all, it was the attitude that mattered; no one would ever dare to reject my presentation. My deep blue eyes, which were just showing every shade of proudness now started showing hints of dismay, as the thought of a failure and uncertainty hit me and I crumbled a piece of facial tissue while growling "Ben Wyatt"
"That was a wonderful presentation, Mr. Hudson. Thanks for walking us to the car, you are a true gentleman" said Mr. Sultan, he was about to sponsor the new project of Hudson Industries. I was very happy that our business was expanding to Dubai as well. But the deal was not finalized yet, well it would be, once we receive the official contract but he looked pleased enough; his smiling face was kinda difficult to ignore because of the golden aura of the two gold teeth that were gracing his mouth. He was dressed in the proper ‘Sheikh’ look; long linen white fabric and round cap which they call ‘pagdi’ in their language. This deal would gain us a lot of profit and Hudson Industries would reach a new milestone. Robert Hudson, you are just on the right path, I said this to myself while adjusting my collars and smirking proudly.
"But I have heard many things about you and your impulsive attitude" Mr. Spellman pointed out; I saw his lips curling a bit under his heavy mustache. Oh I see, he was trying to ruin things for me, I will see you later Mister. Mr. Sultan's smile faded immediately and I could see a question forming in his eyes. My face got tensed up for a moment but I was fast enough to cover it with a sly smile "Mr. Spellman, you know how jealousy works. People tend to spread lots of rumors about me, if I count them all it will be like trying to count stars while sitting under the open sky so I ignore them" I said in a casual, not so caring attitude.
"Yes, yes you are a celebrity after all, it's natural for you to have such kind of rumors" Mr. Sultan smiled again, thankfully.
"I agree these media people tend to exaggerate everything" Mr. Spellman winked at me.
My forehead crooked, what was the man trying to imply by that? Whatever, my problem was resolved, well, for now. But I had to do something about that Mr. Spellman; he could create trouble for me.
After the tiring business meeting, I decided to relax and grab a few drinks at the luxury cocktail bar of the hotel. Hidden behind a small entrance, ‘the bar’ was cocooned in a darkened subterranean lair. Pitched as the first ever mixed-themed cocktail bar, it was called a cocktail lover's paradise.The bar was headed up by top mixologist and his expertise showed in the quality and ingenuity of the drinks served. Its dingy Royal touch ensured the dark wood, brass and glass, thus paying homage to the 17th century.The ambiance was intimate with low lighting and wonderful boothed vaults where one could kick back and relax. Just the kind of place I liked, silent and cool.
This bar was sophisticated, not like the cheap retro bar where Emily had taken me. And the surprising thing was I actually let her take me there, Jeez, I was getting jitters thinking about the not-so-me things I had done to get in the good books of Mr. Wyatt but nothing helped, not even a bit. That bloody old man was as rigid as a rock. Damn! I wish I could burn him into ashes for eating up my peace. I gulped the neat drink quickly, burning my throat and the bartender looked at me in awe, maybe marveling at the capability to handle the burning sensation caused by the very strong drink.
Freya
"Okay, let me ensure I heard it properly, you fell for him because he could pronounce your surname in the very first time?" I asked rolling my eyes at Kate who was busy in mooning over the facebook profile picture of her latest boyfriend. She changed boyfriends more often than I changed my bed sheets.
"Yes, he is so handsome and he is a professor, how cool. I have never dated a professor before" Kate breathed, she was all starry eyed and acting like a total bimbo.
"And you were telling me, she was smart and uptight?" Danny hissed in my ears, mocking her.
I hit his belly with my elbow "shut up. Just endure it, don't forget that she has brought us to this expensive hotel and its her treat" I spoke.
Danny crooked his lips into a half smile "okay boss as you say". I smiled back and he went away to attend a call.
"Are you two having a thing?" Kate winked.
"What? No way, I'm not his type" I said.
"But he is your type, smart and handsome. I bet he will fall for your cuteness. Guys like innocence" Kate stated.
Ya right, and the earth is square in shape. Guys only liked girls who dared to show off their curves, the insides didn't matter to them. I sighed feeling a bit bad for my single status, everyone had someone with them, except for me.
Rick joined us with his date Lara, he had already introduced me to her a few days back, at the mall. And again she was all boobs and butt, fake attitude and filled with information about the latest fashion trends, in a word a blonde bimbo with the perfect curves but zero brains.
Oh great! I was trapped between these dick heads. I frowned staring at my reflection in the glass coffee table in front of me. Hey,
my life wasn’t that pathetic, at least I was looking good. Thanks to the huge sale at the mega mall I could actually afford a sober dress. I was wearing a black and white graphic print bandage dress. The neckline was plunging but did not offer much view to my cleavage. And the dress managed to cover my knees as well. That explained why I was not getting much of male attention. My baggy eyes and worn out look only made it worse.
My black fedora curls were scattered over my shoulder.
"Hey Freya, don't worry you are looking nice," Kate said, maybe she noticed that I looked a bit out of place, but I was not worried about my looks I was worried about saving my life.
Rick excused himself from his girlfriend and sat beside me, he was smiling a lot which seemed fake. "Hey sis, you think Kate is jealous by seeing me happy?" he asked.
Ah, how could I forget that these two had a 'thing' earlier. I raised an eyebrow "she is busy in bragging about her boyfriend, I don't think she even noticed you" I turned him down.
"Bitch! She is so full of herself" Rick spoke with irritation.
"Why are you faking it for her? And what's with this expensive velvet blazer and eye-candy girlfriend?" I raised an eyebrow.
Rick chuckled "hey you are also wearing a new dress and I didn’t even mention that you are making an effort to impress someone," he said while stealing gazes from me.
"Please, don't play these games with me, I know everything" I pouted.
Rick frowned "you win but let's forget it for now. Tell me, do you have any updates on Mr. Monster?" he asked curiously.
Now it was my turn to frown "Nah, he doesn’t care about me. I guess he doesn’t want me anymore which is new for me, I have never been not wanted before. I mean hello" I said pointing towards my face, indicating how beautiful I was.
"Hmm, that could be a problem" Rick rubbed his chin.
"Freya! Quick come with me, I saw Robert outside the bar" Danny said in a barely audible voice and held out his hand for me. Without thinking anything I took his hand and headed out with him. I looked back at Kate, she winked at me and I shook my head, not again, she must have been thinking that Danny was doing something romantic for me. She and her one track mind.
"He is walking on the dark side of the lawn, must have had a heavy dinner. Now, what can we do?" I asked in an uninterested voice. Actually, I was not at all confident about my plan of wooing him and there was a reason for that, it was not working. Yes he was very caring at that night but it has been 3 days after that and he even did not care to call me that and that somehow makes me sad and unwanted. I was angry with him for not wanting me.
But look at him move, his looks, his well-toned body and the personality of a prince charming. Who could ever tell that his heart was made of darkness?
Danny clicked his fingers in front of me "don't keep staring, go to him, he is yours" he encouraged.
"He is yours, you wish! I so want to make him dance like a puppet but he won't even look at me" I frowned leaning on Danny's shoulder.
Danny straightened me up and we saw Robert making way towards us and with that Danny just pushed me. I lost balance due to the high heeled pumps that I was wearing and was about to fall down but Robert was fast enough to support me by wrapping his arms around my waist. What a dumb move Danny! You almost made me fall on my face. Idiot!
Chapter Twenty-Four
Freya
His strong hands had captured me, protecting me from falling down. But why did it feel so good to be in his embrace? I was feeling safe in the arms of my sworn enemy. My face flopped; I was unable to understand my own desires. Arghh Freya! You are impossible, I told myself.
His awesome face was glowing in the darkness, God he was so fair! Normally I would have got scared in the darkness but it seemed like all my fear ran away in his presence. I put my hand on his broad chest to create a barrier between us, as the too much closeness was producing a magnetic effect to my senses. But this was not the plan, I wanted him to want me but why did I desire him? Eeeks what the hell is wrong with me. No Freya you don't like him, just remember that its a mission. I closed my eyes and murmured "he is a monster"
"Ouch! Now who is he? And why is he planning to steal this adorable name of mine?" Robert asked.
Great! Now I said it out loud. People should receive newsletters about my stupid activities.
"You are awfully silent today, where did you lose your feistiness? Don't tell me you are not in a mood because that will give me a reason to worry about you" he asked again maintaining his mocking and cool tone. And his lips had formed that sexy smirk. Ufff he was a total torture to my innocent lady parts.
I needed to think of a witty yet insulting reply, and to think that I needed his hands off from any part of my body. His touch had the ability to freeze the sane part of my brain.
I quickly untangled myself from him. Ufff what a relief!
"Hey, what's wrong?" he furrowed his eyebrows. Yes! My getting away from his embrace had disturbed him.The heavy frown on his face was screaming that he was so into me. I so wanted to do a happy dance but somehow controlled myself.
So far my silent treatment was doing good, I decided to keep it up for some more time. I flipped my hair and turned to walk away from him, like a total classy but bad-assylady. I was so good at it.
"Hello! Freya, are you really ignoring and walking away from me?" there was a tone of shock in his voice.
I turned back "yes! Because I believe in equality" I crooked my eyes.
"Equality? But when did I ignore you? You are the one who was not responding to my messages so I thought you were busy" he stomped in his powerful voice.
Bloody liar!
"I didn’t get any messages" I squealed.
"How often do you check your emails Miss Lawrence?" he raised an eyebrow.
Like never. I never check my personal mail box but I never leave out any mails from my work inbox. Shit, he must be the kind of guy who liked to write rather than speak.
Not knowing what to say, I started biting my nails.
"Let me guess, you didn’t check your mail and got angry with me for no reason. Right?" he asked now wearing a cute and polite smile.
So hot!
I just nodded my head in yes.
He shook his head and walked near me. I looked up to him and before I could react he affectionately pulled out my index finger from my mouth, thus stopping me from biting my nail.
"You should not bite this," he said sexily.
"Then what should I bite? You?" I murmured thinking that I had spoken it in my mind; it took me a while to realize that I had actually spilled those words out. But it was very low, I bet he didn’t hear it.
"Well, I wouldn’t object to that" he whispered with a naughty grin on his face.
No! He heard it. Stupid Freya. I cursed myself. Then tried to smile shyly, well I still had to act that I was enchanted by him.
His intense look and the way he pulled out that finger from my mouth produced a tingling sensation in my belly. Then he did something which made me shiver, he took my finger and pressed in between his lips, all the time keeping his eyes fixed on me. God! I wanted to hide somewhere because I knew that my face had turned red. I sighed deeply and tried to wiggle away my defenseless finger but he wouldn’t let me.
"Freya, what's wrong? I thought we had sorted everything. Are you still mad at me?" he spoke softly.
"That's not the thing. Robert, actually I was sad. Because I somehow felt that you don't want me anymore. Like you ignored me totally after our first night, I thought your ego will not let you come near me" I confessed.
He brought down my hands to his and intertwined our fingers. "Things were different back then, now, I don't know how to say this but...I can't resist staying away from you" he breathed.
He was struggling with his words, and that declared me a winner. Now I could say it proudly that Robert Hudson had fallen for me. I managed to get inside his cruel heart and capture it. Freya, You Rock!
Robert
She w
as smiling; I guessed a million things ran through her mind while she was with me. I loved to see the change in her expressions but that also meant that she was not paying full attention to me. That somehow made me feel bitter.
And now she was pouting, this girl had no idea that these cute antics of her turned me on like nothing else. Even someone like me who had a lot of self-control was turning head over heels for her.
"Robert, I can't believe you are saying all this to me. But I like what you are saying" she smiled shyly licking her lips.
I smiled back and held her face in my hands; she was startled for few seconds but then became normal. I liked the way my touch affected her, every time it felt like I was touching her for the first time. "Freya, I don't know what spell you are casting on me, but let me tell you it's working quite well," I said gazing into her baby brown eyes which were shining from a reflection of a light that was standing far away from us.
She pursed her lips then spoke, "its the opposite, you are the one to trap me. I am innocent"
"Really? Then let me trap you some more" I hissed inching close to her. As my breath fell on her lips she closed her eyes. I swallowed urging my utmost desire to grab and take her right there.
"Freya! Are you there?" a loud voice disturbed our very private moment.
"It's Kate. I should go inside, they must be waiting for me" she said and tried to break free but I was too stubborn to cut her lose.
"Robert, leave me otherwise Kate will reach here looking for me and she is not very accommodating," she said while looking behind and tucking her hair.
"Nope," I demanded holding her firmly. I liked her restless look.
After a second, her fear came true. Kate reached us, followed by two other guys who always roamed around Freya.
