After about fifteen minutes I step back into my room and snuggle under my covers replaying the events of tonight in my mind. My confessions to Drake, how he reacted when he suspected I had slept with Ace, and when he found out I hadn’t. His words echo in my mind. You’re mine. Always will be no matter what… And I plan to take advantage of that for as long as I can. It’s almost as if he knows there will be an end. And that it’s soon approaching.
I shake the negative thoughts out of my head as I grab my phone off of the night table beside me. It suddenly goes off notifying me I have an unread text. I open it quickly expecting a message from Drake since I asked him to text me, letting me know when he got back to the Astor House, but instead I find the same unknown number from before. Ace. I really ought to save it.
9146662114 – You didn’t show tonight. That wasn’t smart.
I shake my head and decide not to reply when another message comes in.
Horseman – Don’t ignore me again. You know how that will end Red.
Me – Didn’t feel like going to another one of your little parties. I’ve had enough of them. Besides, I had something better to do. Well someone better.
Let’s see if he still thinks I’m to be messed with.
Horseman – Careful Red you’re playing with fire. I’d hate to see you get burned.
Me – You see that’s one of the things you don’t know about me Horseman, I need the fire, I crave the burn.
Horseman – Don’t test me Red. I will bring you to your knees and make you beg for the flames of my inferno to consume you.
Me – You don’t scare me Horseman. I’ve been to hell and walked out without a scratch.
Horseman – Don’t confuse the two. This is hell on earth baby, and the devils here, they’re nothing like the fallen angels under Lucifer’s command.
His warning makes a cold shiver run through me and I decide not to reply back throwing my phone on my bed and turning to face the window of my room. My room is illuminated by a bright lamp shining in from the outside. I close my eyes, but sleep takes long to come. I can’t help feeling that after all, Ace is right about one thing. This is my hell on earth. The only question is, will I survive it, or will I be consumed by the flames of my enemies? My very own personal hellfire.
TWENTY–ONE
SCARLETT
Another two weeks go by thankfully nearing the end of the month’s festivities. With a party every weekend, an infinite number of homework assignments during the week, and still managing to find the time to hang out with the guys, I’m honestly exhausted. After that night at the beach, Drake and I have decided to take a break and press pause on our relationship. We moved too fast and realized that maybe starting a relationship at the same time we entered a new school, in a new home filled with privileged assholes wasn’t the smartest idea. We’re dooming our relationship before it can even really begin. We need some distance to figure out what we want and need from a relationship. It also helps that the Horsemen have been MIA for the last week and a half, apparently some family emergency that required all of them to miss school for an entire week. Oh, to be wealthy and powerful. Stella said she wasn’t sure why, but her uncle and the guys, along with their fathers, were all gone. She went to visit her aunt last weekend but learned no new information.
Now it’s the Friday before Halloween and we’ve come into town to grab our gowns for the masquerade ball tomorrow night. Tomorrow night is All Hallows’ Eve, and therefore the last of the Halloween parties this month. I swear I feel like there has been a party or school event every week since we arrived here. How these kids manage to keep up their grades is beyond me. The masquerade ball is a black tie, formal gala that is being held at Servite Manor, the Servite’s estate at the top of the highest hill in Hillcrest Hills. Stella’s only been a handful of times recently but was always there as a child.
“It’s dark, I know that for sure.” She says about the Manor as we enter a dress shop at the promenade, the indoor shopping center in the town square.
“It’s like some old Victorian castle that’s been in the Servite family for generations. Like centuries ago old. It’s kind of always reminded me of Dracula’s castle.”
“Dark, old, and creepy. Got it,” says Jade, sipping on her iced coffee.
Ruby skipped out on dress shopping today to hang out with Jax, so I told her I’d pick something out for her. The dress shop is full of extravagant dresses made from the softest, most lavish fabrics ranging in all sorts of colors. But according to Stella, wearing a dress of this quality is a requirement. As students of Servite Academy, we represent the school wherever we go, that requires always looking our best. We look through the racks of dresses and I can’t seem to decide which one I wouldn’t mind wearing. I’ve never been a dress and heels kind of girl, always preferring jeans and hoodies or sweatshirts. Especially no dress this expensive. I turn to Stella and see her eyeing a pink lace dress with a heart shaped neckline and full tulle “Cinderella” skirt.
“That one’s cute,” I say to her and she smiles shyly. I turn and find an off the shoulder silver beaded gown with small crystals embedded in its flowing chiffon skirt. “But this one’s perfect for you, Stella.”
She turns to me as I hand her the dress.
“Hell yes! That would look amazing on you, Silver. I swear I don’t know why you don’t play off your name more often. If my last name were Silver, that’s literally the only color I’d wear,” says Jade.
“It’s too flashy and attracts too much attention,” she answers softly.
“Stella, you’re meant to be seen, not hiding out in the shadows,” I say.
“But I prefer not to be. Besides, it’s not like anyone would even notice me.”
“Stella Ivy Silver!” I shout, remembering her middle name. I grab her shoulders, turning her body to face the full-length mirror in front of us. “You are absolutely stunning. You have the most beautiful strawberry blonde hair, literally flawless, porcelain skin, the biggest eyes in the prettiest shade of gray. You are gorgeous, don’t ever let anyone make you feel otherwise.”
She blushes lightly as I tuck a piece of her hair behind her ear.
“But I’m not like you, Scarlett. You’re a different kind of beautiful. A kind that demands attention, demands to be seen. You’re perfect. Beautiful, sexy, and every guy with eyes falls in love with you with just one look.”
“But I know of one that has his eyes on you,” I answer and her skin flushes brighter. “Kai is gonna die when he sees you in that dress,” I say, winking at her.
“I thought you said I shouldn’t.”
“I said you needed to tread carefully. Kai is amazing. Like I said, he’s loyal, protective, fierce but damaged beyond repair. He’s had to deal with some tough shit growing up and it’s only made him jaded and left to feel unworthy. We get it, we’re all the same. But you, Stella, I think you have more in common with us than we first believed. I see in you the same sad, lost look I see in him. I think you’re what he needs,” I say, smiling softly at her.
“And in that dress, there is no way he won’t be able to see it too,” adds Jade.
“Yeah, well what about the two of you? I see the way my cousin looks at you, Jade, and I’ve caught you losing your composure around him, which is something you never do.” Jade’s jaw drops open and I can’t help but laugh. “And you too, Scar. You are hot and heavy with Drake, but I’ve seen, hell we’ve all felt the sexual tension when you and Ace are in the same room. It’s an undeniable pull you two have, like two magnets drawn together. I’ve known Ace a long time and have never seen him have that connection with any girl.”
“Wow, Silver, so it’s true you hide in the shadows but see everything.”
The three of us start laughing but are cut short when Carrington and her posse of spoiled skanks come by.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the dirty little orphan girls and their newest charity case. Or is it the other way around. The orphan and her two charity ca
ses?” sneers Carrington.
“I guess it works both ways, Carrie,” answers Kinsley from beside her.
“Wow, how original, Carrington. We literally have never been called orphans before,” says Jade mockingly.
Carrington rolls her eyes, flipping her bleached blonde hair back.
“Just came to warn you girls about tomorrow night. It’s a classy event being held at a very prestigious location. There will be some particularly important people in attendance so don’t make fools of yourselves,” Carrington sneers.
“In other words, don’t embarrass the academy or my family. The gala is being hosted at my family’s mansion and well, unfortunately, I couldn’t convince daddy to keep out the trash,” says Winter, and I think it’s the first time she’s ever spoken to me. Unlike Carrington or Kinsley, who both run their mouths every chance they get, Winter has always stood back. The more moody and silent type. She has more of the pretentious, better than thou attitude of her brother and the males of her family.
“Don’t worry, Servite, we will be on our best behavior. Well, as best as we lowly orphans know how,” I sneer back.
She rolls her eyes and turns around heading for the door, Drea close on her tail.
“Just watch yourself, skank, and stay away from my man and out of my way,” says Carrington, scowling as she turns and heads for the door as well.
Kinsley grabs a hold of Stella’s silver dress and starts laughing maniacally.
“Like you could ever look good in something this beautiful, Stella. Keep dreaming,” she says before following Carrington out of the shop.
“Ugh, I fucking hate those bitches,” shouts Jade as she turns and continues to look through the rack of dresses, while Stella puts the dress back on the rack.
“Oh no, no, no, you don’t,” I say, handing it back to her. “Don’t you dare believe anything that bitch Kinsley says. She’s just still pissed that your cousin gave her the boot.”
“But she’s right, I can’t pull this off,” Stella says nervously.
“Stella, don’t make me slap some sense into you,” I say, causing her to laugh.
She grabs the dress from my hand and turns to Jade.
“We need to find you the perfect dress to knock my cousin off his feet. I can’t let that bitch win,” she says, and we start laughing.
“He won’t even know what hit him,” answers Jade with a wink.
After another hour at the dress shop, we meet up with the guys for dinner and a movie at the local theatre before heading back to the house. Drake and I hang out in my room, while Stella and Jade practice Stella’s hair and makeup for tomorrow night.
“So, what color is the dress you got?” he asks, munching on a bag of chips.
“It’s a surprise, Dragon. You’ll just have to wait and see.”
“Well, just so I know what to wear.”
“Don’t worry, black goes with everything. I got us matching masks, so I’ll give you that tomorrow.”
He moves from lying beside me, to hovering over so he is now straddling me.
“Get off me Dragon, I’m not yours remember?” I say, pushing him off me.
He groans, sitting back on the bed beside me.
“You know it’s been good these last couple of weeks with Servite and his boys out of town. But I got a feeling tomorrow’s gonna be a nightmare.”
“Just don’t start any trouble, Dragon. I don’t want you getting caught in my mess.”
“They mess with you, they mess with me, Scar, it’s that simple.”
“I know and I appreciate that, but this is different, Drake, and you know it. I can’t risk losing you. And that’s gonna happen if you interfere.” He shakes his head reluctantly. “Just please promise me you won’t get involved. I’m a big girl and I need you to trust me.”
He nods hesitantly, turning his attention back to the movie on my computer screen.
After another couple hours Drake heads out leaving me alone in the quarter. Jade and Stella went over to Stella’s aunt’s house to pick up a few extra pairs of shoes and accessories they need for tomorrow. I pick up my phone and mess with one of the social media apps installed on it. I’ve never had a phone and that means no access to internet or social media. I create an account and browse through the people on it landing on Carrington’s profile. It’s mostly pictures of her in bikinis and lounging by a pool, or with her queens at the beach. But as I keep scrolling, I see some of her and Ace. In all the pictures of them together he’s always turned away from the camera, never looking at her either. They look like the picture-perfect couple. Both blond and blue-eyed. There’s one from just about six months ago at a wedding and Ace hardly has any ink, meaning the ink on his sleeves and torso all must be recent additions. I close out of the app and my phone suddenly starts to ring alerting me of a new text.
I open the message from a blocked caller and cringe at the sight of the words that follow.
UNKNOWN – It’s time little angel, the devil calls upon his most loyal servant.
Me – Who is this?
I type out with trembling fingers.
UNKNOWN – Don’t play coy little girl I’m in no mood for games. Meet me at the Auditorium we need to talk.
Me – I’m not going anywhere with you.
UNKNOWN – Come now little lamb I hate making threats, but need I remind you what will happen to your friends if you disobey me.
Me – Give me ten minutes.
I quickly throw a hoodie on and sneak out heading over to the school auditorium where that first assembly was held. It’s dark and foggy out so I blame incessant trembling and teeth shattering on the cold weather. I make it to the auditorium finding the door unlocked and head inside, the door creaking as it opens, and I’m met with complete darkness. I take my phone out from my pocket and use the flashlight to light my way down the steps.
I look around but don’t see Agent Servite anywhere, so I continue to descend the steps, my body shaking as I arrive at the center stage. As I step up on the stage a loud sound startles me and a bright spotlight above the stage turns on blinding me.
“I’m not in the mood for your tricks. Can we just get this over with? What do you want from me?” I shout, my voice echoing in the empty room.
“Such an eager little girl,” says Agent Servite as he appears from the shadows.
He stands at the top of the steps by the front door where I just entered. I wonder if he was there the whole time?
“So much like her,” he says, walking over to me.
“I’m nothing like my mother.”
He laughs slightly, a wicked grin on his face and it baffles me how truly handsome he is beneath all the evil.
“I see the same snarky attitude. She was a fighter, you know. Always had to be right, the one in charge, didn’t turn out so well for her. She should have learned early on she had no real power. I hold all the power.”
“How do you know her? What do you want with her?”
“Not so fast, no need for answers right now. I just need one thing from you,” he says, now standing directly in front of me.
“What?” I whisper softly.
“I need you to lure her out tomorrow.”
“What!?”
“I have some very reliable information confirming that she will be in attendance tomorrow,” he says, clarifying his earlier remark.
“How do you know she’ll show?”
“She’s running out of money. She needs to get in touch with you. Besides, the masquerade ball was always her favorite.”
“My mom came here?”
“No time for answers. Tomorrow when you arrive you will find a way to sneak away from your friends and up to my study. It’s on the third floor at the end of the right corridor. You can’t miss it. There you will wait for her. There will be a package inside the left drawer of my desk. Pretend to go through my things until you come across the yellow envelope. Inside will be ten thousand dollars
. She will come for it, and I will be hiding close by.”
“What if she doesn’t show?”
He reaches his hand toward me and I look down afraid to look at him, afraid of what he’ll do. His hand grips my chin, and he pulls it forward forcing me to look up at him. My eyes meet his, a cloud of something I can’t quite figure out covering his blue and green marbled eyes.
“She will. You’ll make sure of that.”
I look deeper into his eyes and see that same look he gave me when he first came to the mobile home, then again at the foster home, and every time I’ve seen him since. Lust. Desire. Anger. He licks his lips making me shiver.
“You’re scared of me, genuinely scared,” he says, sounding amused. “Good, you should be. You have no idea the things I’ve done, what I’m capable of should you cross me. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir,” I whisper.
“Good little angel,” he says, releasing my chin.
I turn away about to step off the stage when he grabs me by the arm and turns me toward him. My chest collides with his as he places both his hands on my lower back.
“One more thing,” he says, bringing a hand up to tuck a loose tendril of hair behind my ear. “You need to stay away from my nephew. I’ve seen you have your dragon boy to keep you warm at night. Stay away from Ace. I can see the way he looks at you.” He looks down at me licking his lips once more. “And I can see why. You and your mother are like a deadly disease. Quick to catch, impossible to cure, and leave a large amount of destruction in your wake. Regardless, you’re a distraction and my nephew cannot afford any of those. He has such a bright future ahead of him. You must make sure to avoid him tomorrow as well. I must admit when it comes to you, he doesn’t give in. He needs to know everything, and that can be a dangerous thing for him.”
“Are you threatening him? Your own blood?”
“Of course not, dear. I’m not a monster,” he says with a wicked grin that scares the hell out of me.
TWENTY–TWO
The Four Horsemen : A Servite Academy For Troubled Teens Novel Page 20
