Chapter 1 — You Don't Know Me

TARA

I look at him, this handsome stranger. He must be the Sanguinary's first son; he's breathtakingly beautiful. What age would I give him? Thirty-five maybe? He seems much older than my brothers, virile, sculptural, irresistible. I approach, studying him discreetly. Lord… I want him. My heart is pounding: it's the first time a man has affected me like this. Never has any man had this effect on me.

I pretend to greet Aunt Apryl, as if I hadn't just been seized by this violent emotion. For years, she's attended the same events, but her husband is almost never there; I wonder why. I hope someday to meet my future father-in-law, because, in this instant, this boy belongs to me.

— Good evening, Aunt Apryl.

— Good evening, my dear. Excuse me, I can't always tell you apart from your sister. Are you Tara or Sarah?

— I'm Tara.

— Ah… it's you, Tara. You look too much alike.

— Yes, it's true, but we're also very different.

— It doesn't show.

— Will you introduce me to your children?

The eldest boy's gaze darkens. Aunt Apryl continues:

— Let me introduce my first stepson, Mike; he must be thirty-five. And his little brother Damien, thirty. You know my twins: Dina and Silvia. They're the same age as you.

I turn to Mike and extend my hand.

— Good evening, Mike, I'm.

— Tara, I heard. Now go play with children your own age.

What a frosty welcome. What impertinence! By what right does he speak to me like that? Besides being too old for me, he's childish. Only a man with issues behaves like this, I tell myself.

— I didn't give you permission to use 'tu' with me!

— Neither did I!

I quickly finish greeting the rest of the family, then stay nearby, curious to learn more about their father.

— Aunt Apryl, how is your husband?

— He's fine, he sends his regards.

I move closer to ask quietly:

— Tell me, why is Mike so rude?

She smiles knowingly.

— He's like that. I get the impression you like him, don't you?

— Uh… no. I'm just trying to get to know you better.

Her smile tells me she doesn't believe me at all.

— Take some advice: if you want something, go for it. He'll eventually see you differently.

— That will be difficult. He doesn't like people getting close to him.

— That's exactly why he's still single. He's like an angry bear; if you enter his territory, you might discover a tender heart.

— I won't give up without a fight. I haven't said my last word.

— Well said. You're your mother's worthy daughter.

— Thank you. I love hearing that.

— Tell me about your mother, what was she like when you were young?

— She hasn't changed: she gives orders, she knows what she wants, and she gets what she wants. Sometimes it annoys me.

— That's her nature. And thanks to her, our family is what it is. She's the one who helped your Uncle Philippe marry the former president's daughter. See the result: he's happy.

I can't help but glance at the idiot focused on his phone, in the middle of the room. He seems elsewhere, as if he absolutely doesn't want to be there.

Without warning, I snatch the phone from his hands and run out. He immediately gets up, furious, to follow me. Tonight, I sense I'm going to have fun.

I run up the stairs; where could I take him to steal a kiss? The elevator would be perfect for a first trap. While he goes down the other stairs, I take the elevator and make sure he blocks the door with his hands. Hmm… my handsome Mike, you don't know you've just fallen into my net.

— May I know what's wrong with you? Are you going to stop your childish games with me, you hear me? Now give me back my phone.

— You want your phone? Come and get it.

He remains motionless for a moment. I provoke him:

— Are you afraid of a simple woman?

His gaze pierces me, icy enough to make me shiver.

— You don't know me. Don't mess with me, you might regret it.

— That's exactly what I want. Make me regret it.

My heart pounds, but I put on a brave face. I'm ready to play.