CHAPTER 4

I had sat at my study desk for a nerve wracking moment wondering who and why? I kept studying the paper. Thinking I’d find more clues. I didn’t.

Marti would be back soon. I tucked the paper in one of my textbooks.

I don’t remember the last time I had looked as good as I did now, thanks to Marti. “Trust your face in the hands of a Latina baddie.” She’d said, and she was right.

Marti had gotten back quickly. She was so excited for her find. Surprisingly, she got me something too. “You’re gonna look amaaazzzing tonight!” She said shaking my shoulders.

The face staring back at me in mirror looked like it could be on a magazine cover. My precurled copper blonde hair fell in a soft frame around my face, my brows had been brushed out and laid obediently, a brown mascara made my lashes fuller and longer. My eyelids were painted a shimmery bronze, a matte plum around the corners, with a highlight of soft gold on the inner corners, they accentuated my amber eyes beautifully . A metallic bronze liner added some sparkle and warmth to it. A peachy coral blush ran from the apple of my cheeks blending all the way to my temples. My lips were lined a light brown and blended with soft cinnamon brown lipstick. I looked likable.

I threw on the top Marti had gotten–a daring cherry red halter top with a deep cut that disappeared between my breasts. The fabric hugged my sun kissed skin. I settled on pairing it with a comfortable faded denim skirt that sat comfortably at my waist and left my midriff bare. I put on a white sandals and white purse to match.

When I took a complete look at my in the mirror again I looked like a confident young woman going out to have fun.

Marti stood beside me with a skimpy black dress, she looked equally stunning with her curls in a slicked back bun. “We look amazing!” She squealed and I agreed.

We arrived fashionably late, and the party was already in full swing. Marti handed her keys to the guy at the door and we walked in. Music was pounding and the bass vibrated through my body. I felt self conscious for a moment, then pushed that thought aside. I looked round the dimly lit room, with flashes of disco lights. It was large, and filled with bodies bobbing up and down with the music. Some were pressed together at corners, and occasional loud laughters broke out through the crowd.

Marti yelled something about drinks to me and moved with some guy she seemed to know to the other side of the room. I began pushing through the crowd and broke into a packed hallway, I saw an entrance in the left and branched that, my feet pressed against an expensively carpeted floor. This particular room had people, just not as much as the other room which could have been described as a hall. I saw an island with drinks, and moved to get some for myself and maybe get one to Marti if I could find her. When I felt eyes on me again. I steeled myself, I grabbed a solo cup, and filled it with coke and vodka.. I turned to find the eyes, there across the room, on an couch, Adrian was seated. He had the girl from earlier sprawled over him, and some other guys sitting and chattering around him, his gaze was fixed on me, roaming my body. For a moment the girl noticed and glanced at me. I looked away.

I leaned back on the island, taking a sip of drink, I let my eyes drift. My head was getting lighter and my belly warm. Something pulled me to the dance floor. I hadn’t danced in a while, but at that moment I just join the other bodies in the middle of room, conscious of Adrian’s eyes following my every movement. I didn’t care, maybe it was the alcohol. I let the heat and music course through me.

Some guy asked for a dance, I didn’t even look at his face I just agreed and move with him, his hands on my waist. Marti was right, I needed this. I smell him before I swerve to see him. I didn’t notice the dance floor had parted for him. He stood before me in slim tailored trousers, and a fitted black button down with the top two buttons undone, a tattoo I hadn’t seen before peeked out. His sleeves were slightly rolled.

“What are you doing here?” He asked staring me down.

I poured the rest of my drink down my throat, “Adrian, leave me alone.” I answer then turn away from him and walk towards the kitchen island to refill. I only place the cups on the counter, when I feel a heavy hand grip my wrist and pull me away. I’m about to protest but the freezing look of his face stops me.

Bodies part as Adrian pulled me down the hallway, I follow limply. He pushes a door open, pulls me in and shuts it behind him. I’m trapped and my heart was pounding in my ears. His face was steel and his eyes a sweltering heat.

“Tell me. Did your father ever admit it?” He asked a question that sounded like nails on chalkboard.

“Admit what?”

“That he killed my mother.” His eyes searching my face.

“Stop.” I simply say and bow my head, my eyes welling up.

He only cocked his head, and took a step closer. “Twenty-five years of building an empire. Two best friends. Your father was like a brother to mine. What level of greed made him take her from us?” His voice lifting just a bit. “He must have said something to you”.

“He didn’t” I whispered, looking back up.

“You have a lot of nerve showing up here.” He said sharply.

The tears finally began to fall, “He’s dead now, isn’t that enough!” I yelled stepping up to him.

“Just let me be.”, I said more quietly still sobbing. “Hasn’t your family punished us enough?” I continue searching his face for answers I wouldn’t get. Stormy eyes that I couldn’t decipher stared back at me like they could peel back layers.

I pushed past him, he stepped aside and I storm out towards the main hall wiping my face. I was swaying, I didn’t realize how tipsy I already was. I searched the room for Marti, she was smooching a guy I hadn’t seen before. I didn’t want to interrupt. The person I had been expecting to see when I was clear headed wasn’t here. I grabbed one of the bottles from a cooler and made my way outside.

I took a swig from the expensive bottle in my hand, it burned. I didn’t mind. I was making my way to where a couple of expensive cars were parked when I was pulled behind a SUV. I wanted to scream, but I gasped when I saw the wicked gleam.