Chapter 7 Chapter Seven
It was after six in the night.
Devin told me to be ready by seven, so I was doing my hair. I made it into a bun before putting in my small nub earrings. I decided on another pair of black slippers with straps that reached up to my knees.
I found my black purse and placed a few items inside just to make it feel heavy- people do that all the time.
I glanced in the mirror once more. Small waist, visible hips, and my cleavage was slightly on display. I just hoped I didn't overdress or wear something inappropriate because I wouldn't be able to live with that embarrassment.
I left the room and made my way downstairs.
I slowed my steps when I noticed another man in a suit standing, typing away on his phone. He had about the same height as Devin and he had a darker complexion to him. He was so absorbed in his phone that he didn't even notice me when I approached.
"Hi," I said softly.
His eyes flicked up to mine. He scanned me from head to toe before doing the last thing I expected.
Licking his lips.
I turned my head away with a low groan. Why are men like this?
"Hi, beautiful. What's your name? I'm Hans. Nice to meet you," he said, flashing his pearly whites.
I didn't answer.
I kept my mouth shut knowing full well that he was staring at me like a piece of meat. That's the thing with men nowadays - they don't know who you are yet they lust after you like there's always a possibility that you'll want them. I mean, it's a natural instinct to admire someone pretty but that's not the way you approach them.
"You seem like you don't talk much. Are you Devin's girlfriend?" he then asked, before his lips fell into a thin line.
Before I could utter a word, I saw Devin coming downstairs in his suit. He looked even better than usual, his hair shiny and a small rose tucked into his pocket.
"You look interesting," Hans said before they shared a manly hug.
"Nice to see you again, bro. I see you've met Vanessa," he said as Hans looked at me with the brightest smile I think I've ever seen. I didn't really want to be around him.
"Yes, I have. Is she your girlfriend?" he asked, gesturing between the two of us.
"What? No," Devin said, laughing, before reaching into his pocket for his keys.
"Let's go. We don't want to be late. And oh, Vanessa, you look beautiful."
I didn't have time to say thanks before he walked past us, and we hurried to follow. He really didn't want to be late for this party, a party I was attending as well. He probably knew half the people who were going to be there.
I got into Devin's car, and his brother got into his. It was a white Benz with a somewhat artistic painting on the door. I guessed he really wanted his car to stand out.
"You don't have to worry. It won't be as bad as you think. Just stay close to me and don't drink too much. The liquor is personally mixed strong. I don't want to see you wasted," he said, ending with a small laugh.
I smiled to myself as I looked out the window. I haven't drank alcohol in about a year now. When I use to dance, I use to drink it alot because sometimes I wasn't exactly myself and I know if I failed at my job, I would make Zed angry. Just thinking about his name made me feel a mixture of emotions.
I breathed in and out slowly. I shouldn't focus on anything else but tonight. I knew I was going to feel uncomfortable and unwanted but as long as I stay out of everyone's way I'll be fine.
Hopefully.
About half an hour later, we pulled up.
The place was packed with all kinds of expensive cars. It looked like a party thrown for the president. After Devin parked, he stepped out, and I followed. His hand slid behind my back, guiding me as we made our way down the walkway. I glanced behind me to see his brother, whose eyes were fixed on my lower body.
I turned away and groaned deeply. A few people were standing outside, chatting and laughing while sipping whatever was in their glasses.
He led me inside and I was immediately hit with a subtle blue light. The music wasn't as loud but the place was packed with people dressed in their best and having the times of their lives.
"There's Julia," he said, pointing to the top of the stairs. She was dressed in a maxi silver dress and her hair was done in a bun. Her makeup was simple but still stunning. There were a few persons surrounding her, but only one of them I recognized.
The guy who I accidentally spilled coffee on.
His eyes met mine and his face twisted in so many emotions before going serious. I turned my head a way. Of course he would have to be here.
Could this night get any worse?
"Let's go upstairs", Devin said, a smile on his face.
It just got worse.
I honestly didn't want to go upstairs. It wasn't that I was scared of him. I just don't want to be that close to him especially how arrogant he is. People like those I stay away from.
I decided on something fast.
"You go ahead. I need to use the bathroom," I said, walking off before giving him a chance to reply.
I made my way through the crowd, keeping my head straight. I spotted a small door and slipped through it. It led outside, and I noticed there was no one around.
I started walking down the pathway, letting my hands brush across the flowers. I stopped at a small seat and sat down. The only light in the area came from a standing lamp. I knew I had to go back inside soon, and my only hope was to avoid being seen by him.
"What are you doing here?"
I shrieked, startled, and a small sound escaped my lips. I looked up to see him standing there, hands in his pockets, his face serious. After calming my racing heart, I focused on anything but him
I didn't have to answer to him.
"I asked you a question. I suggest you answer, whatever your name is," he said, voice and tone harsh.
This time I met his eyes. His head was tilted to the side, as if he was studying me. He really thinks that he's all that? He thinks that just because he's rich I should answer to him?.If he wasn't used to people being stubborn to him, he hasn't met me yet.
"And what if I don't answer, whatever your name is?" I responded, looking him up and down.
His expression shifted to complete seriousness, and I knew he wasn't the type to be challenged.
So why was I acting like this? I didn't like being commanded, especially by rich and cocky people.
"If you don't answer, I'll see to it that my guards escort you out of this place, since you have no purpose here," he said next, clenching his jaw.
I stood up and moved to walk past him, but he suddenly grabbed my arm. His nails dug into my skin.
I tried to pry his hand off, but he wasn't letting go.
"What the hell? Let me go! You're hurting my arm!" I shouted at him.
He glared at me before finally letting go. I saw a small bruise on my arm and was about to give him a piece of my mind when I heard my name being called.
"Vanessa!"
I looked ahead and saw Devin with Julia by his side. The guy only smirked before turning and walking away. He was stopped by Julia but Devin made his way up to me.
"I've been looking everywhere for you, but I guess you were more than fine," he said, giving me a small smile.
"Why do you say that?" I asked, slightly wincing from the bruise. I couldn't believe he did that to me.
"Because you were with Mordechai. He's Julia's son and the owner of Lenetti's House of Essence. I'm sure you guys had a nice chat," he replied calmly.
I felt a mixture of different feelings.
Not only was this guy cocky and arrogant, but he was also the owner of a company and... Julia's son. Could I have gotten into trouble if they pop up? Perhaps my body would've been dragged throughout the crowd and out the building.
That would've been beyond embarrassing.