Chapter 8 Chapter Eight
"I'm glad you came. Nice dress, by the way."
"Thanks," I replied, taking a sip of my cocktail. It was a peach Bellini, as Julia called it, and it tasted really good, perhaps the best cocktail I'd ever had.
We had come back inside a little earlier, and Julia and I were talking at the side of the room. After what Devin told me about Mordechai, an uneasy feeling settled in.
All I knew was that I didn't want to get involved with him at all, especially after what he'd done to my arm. He was rich, and one wrong move from me could lead to something I didn't want, maybe even a lawsuit.
"How is your job coming on?" she asked, taking a small sip of her red wine.
"It's going good," I replied, glancing upstairs. My eyes landed on Mordechai who was talking to a woman. She was dressed in a royal blue maxi dress and matching accessories. She screamed luxury from head to toe.
I averted my eyes and focused on the conversation at hand.
"My husband is here," Julia said. She got up and made her way towards a man with a small beard, and he wasn't the least bit unattractive. I also noticed the guy beside him, and his name started to ring many bells in my head. Matteo. His suit looked more suited for a carnival, bright pink with yellow flowers all over it.
Whoever dressed him needed to be fired.
"Care to dance?"
This was the second time I'd been startled. It was a bad habit to do that to people. The guy was smiling as if he'd just won the lottery and cashed out. He was dressed in a navy blue suit, and his hair was neat and shiny.
"Thank you for admiring my attire. Now, may I have this dance?" he asked, looking at me with a cocky smile.
Was I admiring him? He was definitely getting the wrong idea. I wasn't even interested in talking to strangers when I came here.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not interested," I said, but he didn't move. Instead, his lips curved into a smirk as he stepped closer to me.
"It's just a dance beautiful, you don't have to be interested," he said not once breaking eye contact with me.
I didn't know whether I should be annoyed or just give him the dance. I groaned before putting my glass down and my purse knowing full well no one would try to steal it because it was practically empty.
I took his hand and he grinned before pulling me to the middle of the floor. The music had changed to a slow romantic song which I found irritating.
I don't like anything that has to do with romance.
Almost everyone was dancing to the song. Some men with their wives or others with random people. I was dancing with a stranger that couldn't keep his hands from wandering further down to my backside.
"So what's your name gorgeous?" he said, very closely to my ear.
My eyes caught Devin who gave me a thumbs up. I groaned deeply before shaking my head disapprovingly.
"It's Vanessa," I replied with no emotion. I continued to move slowly towards the beat of the music.
"Well Vanessa, I'm Keith and it's very nice to meet you," he said, holding me tighter.
Before I could pull away, before things could go any further, I noticed Mordechai's eyes on me. His expression was one I couldn't quite read, and it made me wonder what was going on inside that arrogant mind of his.
Probably thinking of a way to get me out of this place.
I continued to dance not taking my eyes off him. This time when Keith brought his hand lower, I pinched his side very hard. He groaned before putting his hands back on my waist.
I felt satisfaction as I half smiled to myself.
About two hours later, the party was finally over.
My feet hurt but not as bad as when I would leave work. Devin had some important things to do tomorrow so he wanted to go home to get some proper rest.
Keith left my side to go get a drink and never returned.
Thank God.
"Vanessa, I'll definitely see you again but I'm not sure when," Julia said as we bid our goodbyes.
"That's alright," I replied with a small smile. I really wanted to go home and just flop down in my bed.
"Honey, are you ready?" Her husband said, grabbing her waist and kissing her cheek.
I decided to wait outside by Devin's car.
I just don't find romance romantic anymore. The only person who I actually cared about died and that made me realize that no matter how much you love someone or something, it will eventually leave.
It was inevitable. I don't know what the future holds but for now, I don't want any relationships or even male friendships. It's a cold world and you can't trust anyone.
"How do you know my mom?"
This time I didn't shriek. I already knew who it was by the sound and tone of the voice. He was in front of me with the same expression from earlier. He abused my arm and now he wants to talk to me? Can't he see that I was not interested in having conversations with him?
"Can't you just leave me be?" I asked, folding my arms and glaring at him.
"I asked you a question Vanessa, and I don't like being challenged. Especially by someone who has no significance here," he spat at me.
"Look, I don't care who you are, but you don't control my mouth. I can say what I want or be quiet if I want. Just because you're rich doesn't mean I have to answer to you, get that in your thick, arrogant head!"
He was in rage. I could see it in the way his breathing sped up and how his eyes narrowed down at me. I only talk for my rights and no one can take them away from me.
Not even him.
"Vanessa, let's go."
Devin passed us and went to start the car. I walked away without looking at him and got in my seat. I glanced in the rear mirror but he was long gone.
Glad he was out of my presence. At least for now.
Half an hour later we were finally back home and my bed was calling my name.
"It wasn't all that bad right? You even found yourself a guy!"
I groaned and ignored Devin's statement. I couldn't deny that the party wasn't as bad I planned it would be, but I didn't find myself any guy.
"Anyways, I'm off to bed. Goodnight," he said, as he started walking away.
"Goodnight," I replied and went to my room.
After removing my clothes, I was about to head straight to bed, but I decided to take a warm shower instead. It always feels good to be fresh before sleeping. It makes the night's rest even better.
I stripped off my undergarments and stepped into the shower. Warm water cascaded over me, and my mind drifted in a hundred directions. I couldn't understand why Mordechai had such a problem with me. Even when I'm not around, my presence seems to bother him. I was glad I told him things as they are. Wealth doesn't make you the boss of everyone else, at least not to me.
After a few more minutes, I stepped out of the bathroom and dried myself. Naked, I slipped into a small nightgown before leaving my room. I was thirsty, so I headed downstairs and noticed that the kitchen light was on. I was sure Devin was asleep, so hearing his voice as I got closer left me a bit confused.
"Yeah, I know."
I peeked and saw him with his back turned and no shirt on. He was on his phone. This call had to be important for him to be up at this time, especially when he has somewhere to be tomorrow.
"You looked so sexy tonight. I wish I could've touched you."
I was puzzled.
It is clear that he was talking to a woman and they saw each other at the party. I was still quite thirsty but I didn't feel like bothering him and ruining his conversation. I turned and was about to go back to my room when I heard something even more puzzling.
"Your husband was all over you, I hated it."
With a very confused mind, I went straight back to my room and locked the door.
I sat on my bed before going deep into my thoughts. I knew it wasn't my business but, he seems to be sleeping with the woman on the phone, who was married. I was never the one to judge people, ever. But, something was off and whatever it was I didn't want to be involved in it.
Just a few seconds ago, I heard too much and I thanked God that Devin didn't see me. He would've probably kicked me out for eavesdropping which I wasn't doing intentionally.
I sighed before slipping under the blanket and finding a comfortable position to get some good rest.