CHAPTER FIVE — YOU CAN'T ESCAPE NOW.

@lucian.banks_paragon followed you back.

My eyes widened and I covered my mouth to prevent myself from screaming out.

Another notification popped in and I almost passed out.

@lucian.banks_paragon sent you a message.

Lucian: Go to bed, kiddo. It's way past your bedtime.

I blinked repeatedly as I stared at the message. Lucian freaking Banks followed and messaged me on I*? The hell!

I flung my phone on the bed table and shut my eyes tight. 

Gawd, my air bags are suddenly choked up.

….

I skipped breakfast again. Not because I wasn't hungry, but because I was avoiding you-know-who.

I sat with Erik in the cafeteria, fiddling with my lunch of bugger and ice cream.

“So tell me something, pretty boy, did you skip sweet breakfast to come eat school junk because of your stepbrother?”

“I….dunno, Erik.” I mumbled. “That jerk scares me and I hate him for that.”

Erik’s lips twitched into a lopsided smirk, “You hate him. Are you sure or are you not sure?”

I blinked slowly, cussing at him under my breath.

“I-I.. don't like Lucian. Definitely don't.”

My phone beeped in my hands and I read the message from mom.

Mom: Robert is hosting a high profile private gala of about a hundred or so guests. Endeavor to return early so you can try on the suit I got for you. Gala’s is 6pm sharp.

A frown settled on my face and I let out an exasperated scoff, turning off the phone.

“What is it this time around?” Erik questioned.

“A private gala is to be hosted at home and I have to be present to smile for the camera. I guess this is part of my life now.”

Erik grinned. “Can we exchange lives then?”

“Hell no!” I exclaimed, wide eyed. “I can't deal with your super religious mom.”

“Oh please!”

….

School was stressful but the thought of coming home was even more stressful.

I stared at the mansion immediately I stepped in, a sudden headache hitting me ferociously. The thought of leaving my shell and attending a party gave me real migraines.

The helps were moving about, probably putting things in order for the evening gala. 

“Hi, Ezran!” Jeanne called out to me and I stopped walking, adjusting the straps of my backpack.

“You’re back from school?”

“Yeah. I had early morning classes, so I had to leave earlier.” My eyes roamed over her. “Didn't you go to school today?

“Nope. I was prepping for the gala. You know, trying on my dress, doing my hair, pedicure, manicure and all that stuff. It takes pretty much time.”

“Hmm. Girls stuff right?”

She nodded and I continued walking with her strolling beside me.

“What is this whole gala stuff about?”

“Dad hosts a monthly gala to relax with friends and associates while discussing deals and business. It's been a tradition since his grandfather’s days.”

“Oh.” I mumbled to myself.

Stepping into my room, I found mom sitting on my bed.

“You’re late, Ezran.”

“It’s 4pm, mom.”

She shrugged her shoulders, pointing towards four suits neatly arranged on mannequins.

A white two piece, an ox-red tuxedo, a black suit and a navy blue tuxedo.

“I’ll go for the black.” 

“Try all of them, sweetie.” she cooed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ears.

“One is fine, mom. I’m exhausted.” I sighed, dragging my tired feet into the bathroom.

“I don't think that is a good choice, Ezran.”

Mom was still talking but I had already taken off my clothes and turned on the shower, drowning her voice in the water.

….

The night started unpredictably. Lucian’s eyes found me immediately. I walked into the ball and I froze, appalled.

“What the hell?” I exclaimed in whispers.

Lucian’s tuxedo was exactly the same as mine. How on Earth did Lucian and I end up wearing matching outfits? 

Was this why mom said it wasn’t a good choice?

I almost felt like crying but I forced a smile for the blinding lights of the cameras. He looked shocked too but quickly masked it with a smirk.  

The jerk.

A toast was made. I smiled politely and laughed when necessary. Lucian barely moved a muscle. I caught him watching me when he thought I wasn’t looking, and it drove me insane.

Later, when the crowd thinned, I found myself alone in the kitchen, sipping a glass of water. And there he was.

“Nice tuxedo.”

His voice came out calm and relaxed. I cast a brief look at him and rolled my eyes.

“You shouldn’t be here alone,” he said quietly, leaning against the doorway.

“I can take care of myself,” I shot back.

“I know you can,” he said, taking a step closer. “But that doesn’t mean I can ignore your reckless tendencies.”

His words were calm, almost mocking, but there was an undercurrent of danger I couldn’t ignore. 

I bristled. “I’m not reckless. I just do what I want.”

He smiled, just slightly, enough to make my stomach flip. “That’s the problem.”

I laughed, nervously, but my chest tightened. “You think you can control me?”

“I don’t think. I know.”

That simple statement sent a shiver down my spine. His confidence, his calm, his presence—it was intoxicating and so infuriating.

And then, in a rare breach of the invisible barrier between us, he stepped even closer, close enough that I could feel the warmth of his body and the faint scent of his cologne. My heart raced, my thoughts scrambled.

“Why…did you follow me on I*******m?”

“You followed first, kid. So I should be the one asking that question.”

I raised my chin in pride, “I only followed because of Paragon. Don't think too highly of yourself, Mr Banks.”

A smirk curled up on his lips and he stepped even closer, creating no room for space between us. I quickly moved backwards, but my back hit the cabinet. A more sinister smirk curled even deeper on his lips.

He bent down to my level, his eyes locking on mine. Slowly, he brushed his lips on my ears, his voice coming out dark and primal.

“You can't escape now, stubborn.”