Perfect Revenge (Revenge Series Book 1)

by Catherine Edward

  She mentally rolled her eyes when she said a bit protective, that was definitely not the suitable term.

  “Understandable.” Axel smiled again. She was right, he just asked her out today and the party will be their first official outing as a couple. Meeting her parents was definitely too early.

  He opened his mouth to ask her something when a call from a new client distracted him. Samantha smiled when he left her office with an apologetic smile. He never did that before, he was changing. She could feel that.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  The evening was still young when Eric stopped his car in front of Axel’s driveway. When she had told about the party tonight, Amelia and Sasha insisted on dressing her up considering it was the first time she was going out with Axel.

  It was good that she considered Axel’s suggestion to leave the office early. When she reached home the girls had totally brought out her entire closet. For the next two hours, she just changed from one dress to the other while the girls decided which one looked better.

  Her mother rejected the dresses that showed too much skin or cleavage. At last, they settled on a burgundy gown, with a decent neckline which showed no cleavage. The Mermaid style evening dress was off-shoulder with long lace sleeves, engraved with beaded applique giving it a rich look.

  Her dad bought that gown for her last birthday and she never wore it because it accentuated her broad hips. Though she felt conscious, she decided that it was time for her to face her insecurities.

  Samantha wondered how Axel would react to seeing her in a dress, a small part of her worried that he might rebuke her. However, her family was encouraging her that he would never look away once he set his eyes on her today. They claimed that she looked stunning and she was convinced by their sincere expressions.

  Eric chuckled beside her as he shook her slightly, bringing her out of her thoughts. “Come one, sis. You look gorgeous, just go and have some fun,” he encouraged.

  Samantha gave him a small smile. He offered to drive her to Axel’s place when he found out that she was heading for a party. She was glad to have a family that supported her in every aspect. She didn’t know what she would have done without them. At times, she felt that she was too dependent on them. Nonetheless, she didn’t care.

  Taking a deep breath, she got out of the car and waited until Eric drove off before turning towards the door. Now that she stood outside the door, her knees trembled slightly and she cursed herself for being so nervous. Finally, when she rang the doorbell, it opened wide shortly, revealing a beaming Sara.

  Samantha swore that she never saw the woman this happy before. Henry invited her with a huge grin as he took in her appearance. The old couple seemed to communicate between themselves using their eyes and Samantha could tell that they were happy for their son.

  Samantha’s breath caught in her throat when Axel came down from his room wearing a black tuxedo. It was as if his handsomeness just increased a few folds.

  Axel stopped abruptly when he noticed Samantha. He forgot to breathe momentarily. She looked breath-taking in her mermaid evening gown. The burgundy color complimented her skin tone. When their eyes locked on each other, the background seemingly faded, leaving the two of them.

  A distant clearing of the throat broke them from their trance and Samantha blushed, realizing that she was shamelessly checking out Axel in front of his parents. Henry ushered the couple out of the door and soon they were in Axel’s car, driving towards the Four Seasons.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  The party hall was pretty crowded by the time Axel and Samantha got there. A soft music played in the background as the business magnets chatted with each other with beverages in hands.

  Axel spotted Jenson and his wife Hanshia in the midst of some business associates. Jenson was smiling at something the other men said. Axel could already smell the new deals being finalized as the men shook their hands.

  Jenson had a knack for business and he was glad that he had a partner like him. Over the years, Axel had learned a lot of things from Jenson. He’d been very patient with Axel in the early years.

  Samantha took Axel's right elbow out of habit as they ambled their way towards Jenson's group. She always had the habit of walking hand in hand with her siblings or parents when she went out. Axel didn't seem to mind as he placed his left hand on top of hers and smiled down at her.

  The small yet huge change in their behavior didn't go unnoticed by Jenson. He had years of experience and he knew that it was only a matter of time before Axel acted on his impulse.

  He has always noticed the way Axel's eyes softened at the sight of Samantha and Axel was becoming more talkative during the meetings after her arrival. She was bringing the real Axel out and he was changing for good.

  "Congratulations, Axel. I thought it would take you forever to finally ask Ms. Sinclair out." Jenson grinned widely and clapped on Axel's shoulder.

  Axel looked confused when Jenson mentioned Samantha's surname. He just smiled in response as he realized he never bothered to even ask for her last name. In fact, he knew nothing about her. He did know something about her considering he’d been working with her for a year now, but when it came to personal stuff, he didn’t know much.

  Two hours later, they were still meeting and greeting the businessmen around. Axel was talking to them animatedly as Samantha clung to his arms like a third wheel.

  She was bored out of her mind with usual introductions and all the business talks. It was a Friday night, and she should be lounging on her comfortable couch having a movie marathon while eating all sorts junkies to her heart's content.

  Her eyes glanced at the wall clock above the door with a longing. She couldn't wait to get out this place. The sooner the better. Her six-inch heel was starting to hurt her toes and she ached to just remove them and place her foot on the cold marble floor.

  Excusing herself from the men, she found a quiet table in the corner and went to sit down on the chair. She sighed in relief and her eyes almost rolled back in her head when she removed her wretched party heels and placed her foot on the floor, just the way she wanted.

  The dress was suffocating her as the time passed, and she couldn't wait to get out of them. She took a cup of orange juice from the passing waiter and sipped it, the food didn't seem to please her today. She couldn't concentrate on food with all the crowd around, she loved to eat in a calm environment.

  "Finally, nailed one of the most wanted and mysterious bachelors of the town, I see." A venomous tone brought Samantha out of her reverie.

  She turned around to see a breathtakingly gorgeous yet poisonous Kenley standing behind her. Kenley Brynn was the gossip queen among the socialites, and she was there in every party that was held in New York. Rumors have it that she also leaked the gossips to media to earn a few extra bucks.

  Samantha ignored her and continued to sip the drink. She was not a fool to engage herself with a stray bitch. She knew it was wrong for her to disrespect a fellow woman like that. However, women like Kenley didn't hold any respect in Samantha's world.

  That woman would do anything for money and she was eying Axel like a bag of meat from the moment they entered the party. She was a fool if she thought Samantha didn't know her or notice the way she ogled her date. Eric had said enough tales of this particular woman so that she knew very well to steer clear of her.

  "I wonder what was that he saw in you enough to fall for you. I know about beautiful women who tried and failed. Oh, I mean it literally," Kenley baited.

  Samantha kept her mouth shut controlling the burning rage that was slowly starting to build. What was with the people and their attitude? Should there be always one?

  "Playing the silent game, are we?" Kenley chuckled, not giving up. "I know your kind very well Samantha. You crawl your way up the social ladder by charming, rich men like Axel." Kenley spat venomously as she twirled the dark amber liquid in her glass.

  So the bitch didn't know who she was, better.

  "Of all wo
men, you were the only one he kept for over a year and it really makes me wonder, what is so special about you? Where did you borrow that dress anyway?" Kenley had taken a step towards Samantha and took the liberty to probe at her clothes. "Holy fuck! That's worth more than two grand," she exclaimed.

  "Oh, my! That's an antique solitaire diamond necklace. Where did you get it?" Kenley's eyes were bulging out of her socket. Not everyone could afford the set Samantha sported with. She wondered if Axel was really that rich.

  Samantha smirked and turned to face her. "I am way beyond your league, Kenley. Don't poke your nose around and I won't feel sorry to break it."

  "Oh, if you are wondering about my dress or jewelry, that's none of your concern. I don't owe you an explanation. So, if you may excuse, I need to get to my date."

  Kenley stood dumbfounded at Samantha's response. She didn't expect the innocent looking girl to retort rudely. Not in that way. Kenley furiously stared holes behind Samantha's back. Oh, I will make you pay bitch, she sneered.

  Though he was conversing with men, Axel could feel Samantha's boredom, and he kept an eye on her the entire time. He perked up at the sight of the infamous Kenley and his insides churned wanting to have a go at the woman.

  When Samantha didn't react to whatever Kenley said he was curious to see how it unfolded. At the end, he almost laughed out loud to see Kenley stood there with her mouth ajar as a smirking Samantha made her way towards him sporting a victorious grin.

  "What was that all about?" He asked when she got closer.

  "Oh, it’s nothing. She wanted to know how I succeeded in my attempt to make you fall for me." Samantha shrugged and placed her hands on his arms, noticing how tense, his jaws were, his soft expression changed deadlier as he glared daggers at the woman over her shoulders.

  "I'm done here, Sam. By the looks of it, you didn't enjoy this either," he said taking her hand in his.

  Samantha sighed in content at the thought of going home. "Finally," she mumbled, following his league outside. They shared a quick goodbye to Jenson and exited the hotel.

  Chapter – 11

  Samantha kicked off her shoes once she got inside the car and flexed her cramped leg, inhaling the fresh air.

  "So where do you want to eat?" Axel asked as he pulled his car out of the driveway.

  "Hmm... Do you like Chinese?"

  Axel smiled. "As a matter of fact, I do." It was easier to be around her. He was able to get along with her and the one fact he liked was that she never whined about the extra calories when she ate. He liked the food and so did she.

  "So, what did I spoil by dragging you out for the party tonight?" He asked after a while.

  "Friday movie marathon and loads of junkies," she stated the obvious, making him chuckle softly. He was once like that, until her. Axel shrugged off the bitter memory as he concentrated on the girl who sat beside him.

  He glanced at his watch. It was half-past ten and he definitely could stay up for a few hours.

  "We can still have a movie night if you want?" He suggested and she visibly beamed.

  "Sure." Her roommate was out-of-town with her boyfriend and she was alone anyway.

  "I realized that I didn't know anything about you. So, um... What is your full name?"

  "Samantha Danica Sinclair," Samantha grinned. Someone was really making an effort to know her.

  "And, what do you hate the most?"

  Samantha was surprised by his question. It was not what she expected. "Disloyalty," she answered immediately.

  "I do too. What do you expect in our relationship?"

  "Loyalty, I wish we stayed true to each other about everything, share everything and not keep each other in the dark." Samantha kept her answers straight. She wanted to add that she wanted him to love her, but held her tongue. They were just starting now and love was nowhere on the radar at the moment, though she secretly wished that it worked between them.

  "Agreed, do you have any... uh... previous relationships that I have to know about?" He blurted out. It was hard, but he had to ask. He trusted her as his employee. Now, that she was becoming more he had to know about her.

  "None, I have been on a few dates and kissed two, but nothing serious. My dad and brother have a tendency to chase my suitors away."

  Axel nodded, clearly intrigued. "That means you-you're a -" he couldn't bring himself to say the word as he mulled over the question.

  "A virgin? Yes, I am. My mother has a strict no sex before marriage policy, which my father has no qualms about. Also, I don't appreciate the idea of getting intimate with a man I do not know."

  Axel grinned from ear to ear, pretty much pleased with her answer. She sounded proud when she said she was a Virgin.

  "I can't say the same. It’s hard for me to speak about it, actually. I was blindly in love with a girl when I was in high school. She was my first and she ruined my idea about women. I never thought of getting near one until you," he confessed.

  "I don't really care about your past, Axel. I mean not in a way to hold it against you or point it out when we have petty fights in the future. I do have an idea of what happened, but I want you to know that you can trust me. I will want more details about the other girl, but only when you feel like sharing it with me," she replied sincerely.

  "That sounds good."

  Axel appreciated that she was straightforward with things and didn't beat around the bush. Did he want to tell her about his past? He will have to at some point. They agreed to be truthful to each other and it meant he will have to come forth with the truth.

  "There are things I don't want to talk about. I will share them with you someday when I am ready. At the moment, I really don't want to think about it." He explained.

  Samantha nodded as she gazed outside the car window. The city was beautiful at night with all the lights that were being illuminated by the buildings and street lights. Shops lined up on both the sides with people buzzing around happily.

  "So, which movie you want to watch?" Samantha asked breaking the awkward silence that prevailed among them.

  "Maybe some action or comedy," he suggested.

  "Sure. I think I have stacked up something. So, are you into sports?"

  Axel clenched his jaw as the word sports brought back some unpleasant memories. "I used to be on the school football team. I stopped since -"

  "Good, because I am not much into sports. I simply don't understand the thing. I tried for the sake of my brothers but I just couldn't wrap my brain around the rules and stuff," she cut him off and her answer made him forget the bitter memory, lifting his spirit.

  "So, you don't like sports at all?"

  "Nah...it's not like I don't like them. I just don't understand it much. I do take sides of the teams and do cheerleading in front of my TV if I someone forced me to watch. My knowledge is minimal," she explained.

  "Interesting,” he mused.

  Samantha just shrugged with a small smile as she and pulled her leg up, massaging her aching toes without a care in the world.

  Axel was becoming more and more curious to get to know her. The more he spoke the more he got intrigued. She broke up all those stereotypes.

  Even though she was all dressed up for the evening, she did nothing more than hang around and sip a few drinks. She didn't dance and turned down a few offers politely. It didn't take long to understand that she was not into parties.

  Now, there she was sitting cross-legged in the car, massaging her toes. Few incoherent curses reached his ears. He couldn't help but grin. She was not even trying to do anything to impress him, she was just being Samantha.

  To be honest, he was more attracted to the girl who kicked off her shoes at the first chance she got and massaged her toes, not even giving it a thought that she did it in front of him.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  That night, Axel lay on his bed with a huge smile plastered on his face, grinning like an idiot while he stared at the ceiling in the dark. Surprisingly, he enjoyed his time with Samantha.r />
  They had dinner at her home and watched a romantic comedy eating popcorn. Samantha had changed into a pair of comfortable shorts and T-shirt as soon as they entered her one bedroom apartment she shared with her friend.

  Her tan legs showed lots of skin than usual, which distracted him, yet he managed to keep up his composure throughout their time together. He had to take it slow. After a long time in his life, he felt happy, the real happiness.

  When she yawned, trying to rub the sleep from her eyes, he bid goodbye with a half hug and left her apartment. The living room and the stairs were dimly lit when he arrived home. His mother knocked on his door a few minutes later, checking on him and left with a smile that mirrored his goofy grin.

  Now, he lay there staring at the ceiling thinking about the events that transpired that day until he fell into a dreamless sleep during the ungodly hours.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  The Monday morning had Axel stop a bit in his mother’s garden, plucking a single rose for Samantha.

  Sara, secretly watched her son’s actions from the kitchen, smiling the entire time.

  Samantha walked straight to her office before going off to get Axel’s morning caffeine and was surprised to see a single rose on her desk with a handwritten good morning note from Axel. Her lips twitched as she picked up the rose, caressing the soft petals with her fingers.

  “That smile always makes my day.”

  She turned around to see Axel standing by her office door with a bright smile on his face.

  “Hey,” she greeted as she walked up to him. “Thanks for the rose.”

  “That was from our garden. How was your weekend?”

  “Good. Particularly, I enjoyed the Friday night with you,” Samantha smiled.

  “I’m glad that you enjoyed it, which makes me wonder if you’d like to go out for dinner with me tonight,” Axel asked with a hopeful look.

  “Sure, I’d love to.”

  “Right. So, um… back to work. I’ll see you soon,” Axel grinned as he went back to his office, leaving a smiling Samantha behind.