Chapter 44 Forty Four
AMELIA XAVIER
It is said that there is truth in every lie told, but no one had ever wondered if there was at least a truth in a lie told to oneself. I sighed as I stepped into Owen's home, the warm nature of the house hitting my face like a strong wind.
I should like this.
“So, how the fuck are we going to do this? Keep hiding till my stomach starts to swell?” I asked, but my words came out more like a statement than a question.
“Let's take this one step at a time, pumpkin,” he said and kissed my hair, his lips felt warm.
I walked over to the couch and sunk myself in. My life had changed in just a day — or a night.
“I might not stay home tonight…”
“Of course, you won't,” I said sarcastically, rubbing my forehead. Annie's relationship with father was better than what I was facing — though toxic.
Owen shrugged, and walked over to me, his frosty coloured eyes looked rather pale. He knelt on one knee.
“I have work to do tonight. Serious work, but I promise to be back before morning,” he explained and I understood.
He stood to leave, but stopped midway. Bringing out a pistol he tossed it at me. “Seems like people are after us. Be careful,” he said and left without looking back.
I couldn't explain this, but there was a glint in his eyes… a glint so sinister and wicked.
It looked murderous.
What are you up to, Owen Winters.
OWEN WINTERS
I walked over to the basement outside of town… deep into the woods. I could feel the moon shining upon me — a great night indeed. “Amy should be asleep,” I muttered, subconsciously combing my hair with my fingers.
Pushing aside the thought of Amy, I focused on my current mission. “Too bad I was proclaimed heir just after my missions finished,” I blurted out going into the basement.
The basement wasn't big, but well built. It had sound proofs and the interior, entirely made of strong metal.
“Boss, we have the culprit here!” One of my men said as I stepped into the room.
My smile turned wicked and the glint in my eyes, bloody. “Bring him,” I instructed.
The culprit who burnt down the museum had been found and strangely, it didn't take long. “So, Mr Lee…”
“It's Li,” the culprit said, interrupting me. Other people in my line of work would have flared, but I was different.
I laughed. “Don't mind my accent, Mr Li, I hope you're not too offended-” I looked at him, my eyes locking his. I smelt fear — just the way I liked it.
I continued, “- because I am offended, Sir. How could an old man like you do something so devious! You burnt down history in just a day.” He scoffed, irritating me.
“You talk like you're not guilty of the same crime! I only did what I was asked to…” he let his voice trail realizing the mistake he had made. He fell right into my trap.
“Oh really, I understand you. Doing something against your own will, but who would instruct you to do such evil to the Winters?” I asked like I cared. I didn't.
He said nothing.
“Get me some wine and two glasses please!” I ordered my men as I brought a chair and sat opposite him.
“Let's drink!” I said when they brought the wine. Pouring the wine into the glass, I downed it to show it wasn't poisoned. A ritual crime families did to show their loyalty and to make peace among themselves.
“Boire,” I said, handing him the drink. “Oh, your hands are tied. Someone should help him out.”
I watched as one of my men fed him the entire bottle of wine, but left little for myself for when the show was over. I checked the time, it was already late and Amy needed me.
Don't think of her now! I screamed to myself wanting to get over with this. “So now, let's make a deal, me and you would duel, if you win, I'll let you go and clear your name, but if I win, let's say this dim room would be the last thing you'll see,” I offered and placed a pen knife in front of him.
“Untie him,” I instructed standing to dust invisible dirt.
My senses sharpened, I could hear his heart beat, the shuffling of his feet, and that the fucker was running towards me. With the grace of a fighter — I am a fighter, I moved before he could pierce the knife into my stomach.
“Mr Li you're fast! A worthy opponent finally!” I screamed, my eyes still on him. “Shut up, you talk too much.” He charged at me. Fuck! He lunged at the vital points on my neck.
Fucking Chinese!
Swiftly, but carefully, I dodged, bringing out my pocket knife, I stabbed him at the back. Mr Li fell to the floor, but he wasn't done… so was I.
He charged forward and gave me an uppercut, I jabbed his ribs with force before hitting the ground. I must've broken one or two of his ribs.
Clenching my blood, the taste of my own blood left a tingling metallic feeling on my tongue. Mr Li tried to get composure, but I wouldn't let him, I landed a fist at the back of his head. A vital point.
He collapsed.
I cracked my neck, the pain sent signals to my brain and it hit me. I was bleeding.
Going to the table, I finished my glass of wine and groaned.
“Should we dispose of the body?” One of my men asked, probably the youngest among them. “No, he's not dead. We need to find out who sent him. Take him to father for interrogation,” I answered. My eyes shifted to my wrist watch.
12:00am
“Fuck, I need to get home. Clean up this mess,” I said hurrying out of the basement and into the night.
AMELIA XAVIER
I woke up with the smell of food hanging in the air; coffee, scrambled eggs, toast… . My eyes popped open as I let out a yawn, stretching my body.
Where the fuck am I?
“Shit,” I muttered, slapping myself as reality struck me in the face — hidden pregnancy and an unsure future.
I walked downstairs to the kitchen where Owen stood making breakfast. “Hello, pumpkin. Did you miss me last night?” He asked before I could even open my mouth to say a word. “No,” I murmured, going to sit on the kitchen stool.
His face fell, and he turned to look at me, his expression full of disappointment, then, a smile crawled its way to his lips. “What? Is something on my face?” I asked genuinely confused.
“No, you just look so beautiful this morning…”
“Oh cut the crap, Owen.” I sighed.
Last night, he left and handed a pregnant woman a gun and this morning here he was acting all sweet — I hoped he meant the act. “I know you're angry about last night, mon cœur, so I wanted to make it up to you,” he said, his voice husky and deep.
“What did you call me?” I asked, loving the way he looked as I teased him. “Mon cœur? Do you not like it?” He inquired moving towards me. I didn't move.
“I like it… but pumpkin is better,” I teased.
He moved closer until our faces were two cm away.
“Mon cœur,” he muttered. I rolled my eyes. “Pumpkin…”
“Mon cœur,” he said, his voice a soft whisper. I opened my mouth to protest, but he smashed his lips into mine holding me to keep me from falling.
“You… the fuck… the fucking eggs, Owen,” I stuttered pushing him away, but he didn't leave. “The eggs are burning,” I muttered.
He didn't care.