Chapter 37 - A joke

The dim glow of the chandeliers cast a warm hue across the bar where Nicholas and I sat nursing our drinks. We had moved to the bar and it felt like we had been talking for hours. We had been talking for a while now and I managed to tell Nicholas everything. From the threats, to Jace’s theory about the Magias to the possibility of me resetting the timeline.

And how I had almost died. How I thought I died and thought that I had been given a second chance.

We were enjoying each other’s company even though we had long moments of silence. The silence between us was heavy with unspoken tension, each sip of our cocktails doing little to ease the weight on our shoulders. Nicholas had made us our drinks, claiming he was quite good at making cocktails.

Even as he attempted to lighten the mood, the air was thick with uncertainty, and the only sounds that filled the room were the low hum of the air conditioning and the occasional clink of ice against crystal.

Nicholas broke the silence, his voice low and filled with concern. “About that threatening letter you received, I’m convinced that Alex sent it."

I sighed, swirling the ice in my glass as I considered his words. I didn’t think he did. It was hard for me to come up with a reason why he would, but the tone in the letter suggested that it was more than one person who wrote and knew about the message.

And the phrase ‘Arcani scum’ Sure Alex hated me, but he didn’t hate me because I was Arcani. He hated me because I had everything he wanted.

Whoever sent the message hated me for being Arcani. I just couldn’t wrap my head around that person being Alex.

"But why would he? I think we should consider the fact that more people might know that I’m from the Arcani clan."

Nicholas reached across the bar, his hand finding mine. "Well now that you’ve told me we cannot ignore it any longer. If there are people out there who know that you’re Arcani then it’s dangerous for you. They’d want to hurt you."

I nodded, acknowledging the severity of the situation.

"I can't help but wonder how Alex grew up," I admitted, my gaze fixed on the swirling liquid in my glass. "He must have hated me all these years because I had everything he didn't."

Nicholas squeezed my hand, offering comfort. "But it’s not your fault. That’s your father’s fault.”

I nodded but I was still concerned about it.

“Yes, but imagine how he just have grown up. Seeing my father shower me with all his love and affection while he couldn’t even do the same for him.”

“Well Alex should have never taken his issues out on you. You also deserve happiness and your father’s shortcomings shouldn’t be a reason for him to punish you. But I believe we’ll get through this together.”

Despite his reassurance, a nagging fear crept into my heart.

Oh I hoped we would. Alex had been relentless in his attempts to bring me down. He had a hand in my father’s murder, he probably killed my private investigator, he had made it clear that he would do anything to get what he wanted. I was sure he wanted to kill me too, he was probably just looking for the safest way to do it. And I really couldn't shake the feeling that he would find a way to punish me for the life I had led even though I had no hand in anything.

"I'm just afraid he won't stop," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "He's been taking it out on me, and I don't know how to make it stop."

Nicholas looked into my eyes with determination. "I won't let him hurt you, Cleo. I promise. We'll find a way to put an end to this, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect you."

In that moment, the weight on my shoulders lifted ever so slightly, and I felt a surge of gratitude for the man sitting beside me. Nicholas always managed to somehow find a way to comfort me. He had always been my rock, and his unwavering support gave me the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the tension between us peaked, Nicholas leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips. The warmth of his touch enveloped me like a comforting embrace.

“Let’s go back to our room.”

He whispered in my ear and I nodded gently.

...................

The morning sun spilled golden hues across the city, casting long shadows on the pavement as I stepped out of my room dressed and ready to get on with the day. Nicholas had left much earlier than me, he had things to do. Jace was waiting outside next to the car to drive me. We had planned to grab breakfast outside, since I was craving something different, and I was looking forward to a pleasant start to the day.

As I strolled down the stairs, I saw a familiar face and I paused, shocked and confused.

That can’t be. That can’t be Selena.

Selena?!

My annoyance simmered beneath the surface as I quickened my pace. Selena, with her dark hair in a messy bun and an air of smugness, lounged on the plush couch in my living room in nothing but an oversized dark grey shirt. What was she doing in my house?

I walked inside and Selena's gaze flickered towards me. A sly smile played on her lips as she looked me up and down, her eyes filled with mischief. She was wearing Alex’s shirt and I only knew this because it was similar to the one he wore the day before when I was in his office. The smugness on her face shows that it was evident that she wore nothing underneath. She stretched in front of me like a cat, her long slender legs on the coffee table.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, my irritation bubbling to the surface.

Selena tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Cleopatra! What a surprise. I didn’t know you still lived here.”

“Of course I do. This is my home. What are you doing here?!”

I repeated again.

Selena shrugged, “Oh, just enjoying the comforts of home."

I scoffed, "This is my home, not yours. What gives you the right to waltz in here like you own the place?"

A self-satisfied grin danced on Selena's lips. "Well, Cleo, I spent the night here with Alex. I thought it was only fair to enjoy the perks that come with it."

I blinked, incredulous. Selena and Alex? What?! What does that mean? How could this happen?!

The thought was so ludicrous, I burst into laughter. "You're joking, right? Alex and you? That's the most absurd thing I've heard all year."

Selena's grin widened, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Believe what you want, but Alex and I like each other. We actually have a lot in common."

Unable to contain my amusement, I laughed until tears welled up in my eyes. "This has to be a prank, Selena. Aren’t you supposed to be with Michael? What sort of games are you playing now? What do you think you’re doing?”

She frowned, her confidence faltering for a moment. "Why would I be with Michael when we’re related?! I’ve told you many times, nothing happened between us.”

“Anyways, you better get used to me being here because Alex and I are getting closer."

I wiped away a tear from laughing so hard and I managed to compose myself. "Closer? You and Alex? Please, I've heard enough comedy for today."

Selena's irritation flared. "Are you okay in the head, Cleo?"

I grinned, "I'm perfectly fine, thanks for asking. Now, if you don't mind, I'd appreciate it if you left my house. Your jokes are funny but I don’t have time for them right now."

Selena crossed her arms defiantly. "Your home? Your brother owns half of this property and I’m his guest, so I'm not going anywhere."

Unbelievable.

Was this another plan of Alex?!

To be with Selena to rile me up?

Was this the plan?

The absurdity of the situation reached new heights as Alex swaggered into the room, he was dressed in nothing but a pair of boxers briefs. His hair was all messed up and it looked like he just got out of bed. He walked towards Selena, a possessive arm slung around Selena. He shot me a glare that could freeze hell over and said, "Cleo. What’s the problem now? Why are you shouting so early in the morning?!”

“I want this woman out of my house Alex. I don’t want her here.”

Alex glared at me.

“She’s not leaving. You’re gonna have to deal with it because she’s gonna be around here a lot.”

"You're serious?" I managed to choke out between laughs. "This is not a joke?"

Alex's expression hardened. "Dead serious. Selena is staying, and you need to accept it."

“As a matter of fact, I’m going to need you to stop harassing her because Selena is now my girlfriend.”