Chapter 3

“Miss Rose!” Karen rushed towards Rose but was careful in her steps as she eyed the greasy content on the floor with cautioned eyes. Azazel with both his hands tucked in both sides of his jeans' pockets continued his laughter from the sides leaning against a pillar. “It never gets old with you Rosy. Always so oblivious to what's happening around you.” His words only ticked off Rose all the more.

Karen helped Rose get to her feet. “You said no one was around Karen?” Rose asked not wanting to even give Azazel a tiny bit of glance. “Yes Miss. I promise no one was at home not even Azazel. Am just as shocked as you are that he's been home for a while now. As far as I recall he didn't come through the front door. He must have snuck his way in.” Karen tried to explain while being apologetic at the same time.

Now Rose felt bad for accusing Karen. “It's fine Karen don't worry. It's not your fault, I was just being silly.”

“I'll get you some change of clothes right away miss.” Karen immediately disappeared from their sight before Rose turned her eyes to face Azazel. It wasn't a surprise for her because what had just happened was so much like Azazel. He was the complete opposite of his twin brother. Both in mannerisms and approach. Rose could easily tell the huge difference between both brothers. She couldn't help but be more drawn to Stephano than prankster king Azazel.

Rose continued to rub her aching butt and asked, “Isn't the black sheep of the De Luan family tired of being such a pain?” This made Azazel chuckle before he walked further while being careful. He wore boots which were highly resistant against the grease on the floor. “If me being such a pain equals capturing your reaction everytime you fall victim then yes Rosy. I won't get tired at all.”

“When will you grow up Azazel! You're already 25 and turn 26 in a couple of days. You're no more that 10 year old kid. You need to stop all of this and think of your future instead of partying and sleeping around daily with a new girl. That lifestyle is overrated for guys at your age.” Rose smirked and folded her arms. “Geez Rosy you sound just like my mom. Dad also gives me an ear full when he's around. That's why I hardly come home. I came in through the window for a change of clothes but I was surprised to find you here. It's been days since you visited our home since you never miss a day of visiting us. Well not us specifically but someone else...” Azazel flickered his brows with a mischievous smirk.

The smirk on Rose's lips slowly faded and her mouth twitched. “You're not funny.” She pointed out. Azazel couldn't hold in his chuckle and said, “Don't worry Rosy. Your secret is safe with me. Though I will warn you not to get your hopes up with my brother. Just a little advice from a dear friend.” Azazel winked at her.

Rose scoffed. “I don't need your advice.”

“Believe me you will. You might end up getting hurt. So...” Azazel paused while Rose looked at him with a puzzled expression. “And why would you say that?” She asked. She then sighed with a slight shake of her head. “Why am I even listening to you, you don't know Stephano. He would never hurt me.” Before now, Rose was both nervous and determined to let Stephano know about her love for him but after listening to Azazel, she was more than determined to tell Stephano. She wasn't nervous at all anymore.

“Don't mistake my words Rosy. I know my brother would never hurt you physically nor in any other way but I will still say that getting your hopes up might be too much.” Azazel said. “And why? Do you think am not good enough for him?” Rose asked a bit defensive.

“I never said that.” Azazel also defended himself. He sighed and wondered why he even bothered to say that. He had known about Rose's secret crush for Stephano since college. Rose practically begged him not to tell Stephano at that time and she did pay a bit of a price by running to Azazel's errands.

“Ever since I could remember as a little girl, I always believed that I wasn't good enough for anybody because I was born different. While everyone my age would laugh at me and refuse to talk to me, including you because I have a hearing disability. I felt empty inside and all alone. When no one cared, your brother was there for me. He made me feel I was good enough for at least him if not everyone. So don't tell me am getting my hopes up Azazel.” Rose's lips quivered a little.

Azazel lowered his gaze after listening to her words. He knew she was right in saying he was part of those people who mocked her when they were kids. Though he still pranks her till today, he was no doubt upset with his behaviour as a kid. Rose never held it against him until today. “You know what. Forget I even said anything. Am off.” Azazel walked away leaving Rose to her thoughts. Karen appeared shortly after with a fresh pair of clothes for her and Rose thanked her before walking straight to her room. The same room she stayed in as a little girl when she lived here during an entire summer break.

..........

Verner parked the car in the middle of nowhere. Stephano looked at the time on his wrist watch and cursed under his breath. He was late yet again and knew she would be upset about it. He rested his head against the seat and his eyes tore to his left. A big bouquet of red orchids rested on the backseat next to him. He smiled and hoped it would soften her temper.

“Wish me luck Verner.” He said with a deep breath. “You don't need it boss but since you said it, I wish you luck.” Verner smiled through the rear view mirror. It wasn't everyday he saw his boss look so nervous when meeting his love. Stephano smiled before grabbing the bouquet and getting out of the car. He glanced at his phone screen to check himself one last time before he shoved his phone back into his pocket and made his way forward.

It was dark all around him but soon everywhere began to light up. Spots of bright lights were decorated everywhere. He continued further down a straight path which lead to him to a pavilion. A simple and elegant pavilion stood at the center of nowhere with lights illuminating the entire surrounding. A table for two was set up and his eyes quickly caught unto the flawless back of a woman who was sitting on one of the chairs by the table. She was sipping her champagne and scrolling on her phone at the same time. Her long brown wavy hair gracefully covered her exposed back. Her posture was also divine and Stephano couldn't help but smile. He looked at the bouquet he was holding and hoped it would pacify her because he was ninety minutes late. Enough time for a complete football game.

He slowly walked up to her and saw she had caught sight of his presence behind her. He quickly hid the bouquet behind him before she turned her neck around to face him. As he had expected, Angelique was upset. “You're late yet again Stephano.” She said flatly without moving an inch from where she sat. “I know I know and am terribly sorry for that angel. There's a good reason for that.” He rubbed the back of his head nervously before he showed her the bouquet filled with her favourite flowers - Red Orchids.

“I got you your favourite flowers. They smell great.” Stephano smiled extending the bouquet over to Angelique but the latter wasn't even interested in looking at the bouquet but rather that him. “That won't work all the time Stephano. It's gonna expire soon and lately, I hate Red Orchids.” She said and asked the one question Stephano wanted to avoid. “Why were you late again Stephano? What's your excuse this time? Your car broke down? Your meeting had to prolong for another hour or two? Or.... Did you have to attend to Rose's needs again over mine?” Her mouth got bitter at the last part.

“Don't drag Rose into this angel. She's not at fault. It's only my fault am late.” Stephano quickly said. Angelique rolled her eyes and got up from her seat. She folded her arms against her chest and looked at Stephano in the eyes. “You never miss a chance to always defend poor little Rose. So if Rose wasn't the reason for you being late. Tell me why you were so late. I want the truth this time Stephano, please.”

Stephano inhaled deeply and wondered what he had to tell her. He couldn't possibly tell her that the real reason why he was late was because of her. He was helping Angelique sustain her peace of mind by getting rid of that bastard Harvey. Angelique didn't know this side of him being involved in his grandfather's mafia trade. A side of him he would never reveal to her nor anyone else.

“The truth well...my mom's the reason. She literally begged me to run an urgent errand for her NGO organization. She actually wanted me to apologize to you on her behalf since she took up more of my time...” Stephano replied and Angelique suddenly felt bad for even questioning him. At all costs she wanted to be in Mrs De Luan's good books. “It's okay. If your mother needed you to run an errand for her, I totally understand. It's fine. You're here now right.” She smiled and quickly wrapped her arms around his neck before she pulled him closer for a deep kiss.

Stephano moaned in her mouth and threw the bouquet to one side before grabbing a hold of her waist tightly. Angelique pulled away after a while and looked at Stephano with a wide smile. “Congrats on winning that tender.” She whispered to him while circling her fingers on his chest. “That's so like you. You always win no matter the odds. I love that about you.”

“Then why don't you reward me for my achievement angel. This pavilion is a perfect spot for love making. What do you say we make love under the stars?” Stephano smirked as his eyes grew darker with lust and need for her. Angelique giggled. “Aren't you hungry? The caterers already served the food thirty minutes ago.”

“I am hungry but not for food but for you my angel.” Stephano replied deeply before he captured her mouth in a deep and fervent kiss not willing to let her go. His impatient hands went up to pull her thin silk dress off of her body. His lips went down to taste her neck while Angelique moaned and pulled harshly unto his thick black hair. She also reached out to pull off his suit and in the process they both fell to the floor with their mouths still glued towards each other as they got rid of their clothes with the moonlight bearing witness to their love making.