She stood up and stood before me. “I do not want another man. I want you. It’s either you concede to my demands or there will be severe consequences.”
My mood thundered with her threats. “I don’t work well with threats. I cannot oblige your ultimatums. You will stop this maddening obsession and move on.”
She exhaled and looked conflicted. She knew I would rather keel over than oblige her blasted threats.
“You are going to regret this Blake!” She haughtily marched out of the apartment and slammed the door shut on her way out of the office.
Camilla was deranged. A raving bat-shit, loony bin-bound crazy!
Unbloodyfuckingbelievable.
Another measure of absurdity was just added to my chaotic life.
I pulled out my phone and called my grandfather’s head of security. It’s high time I pay heed to my grandfather’s request and have one for myself. I can’t have another incident of being followed without knowing. I have Sienna to protect and I can’t have her exposed or be in any danger.
Before I ended the call, I also requested Camilla’s apartment to be swiped clean of any connection to me. I needed her laptop and all other devices to be swiped clean.
I didn’t want to take any more risks. She knew too much about me and about Sienna. That alone was enough to send alarm bells ringing.
25
Sienna
Chad and I decided to meet up for lunch in Locanda Locatelli on Seymour Street. I’ve been in school and spoke to one of my teachers. Classes were soon over and winter break was on the horizon. That entailed Christmas. Where do I spend it this year? I wondered in dejectedly.
Last year, I spent it with Blake, Luce and Toby. Toby’s birthday is on the twenty fourth, the day before Christmas. Toby took us to his distant Aunt’s chalet in Courchevel in Tarentaise Valley or part of the famed The Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) in the French Alps.
The holiday season’s a very sensitive and delicate subject, especially to an orphan like me. I used to spend it with Kyle and his family. I know his family would welcome me with open arms but I couldn’t simply do that to Kyle. I would rather be miserable on Christmas than hurt Kyle again.
Last Christmas, Blake and I stargazed as we tucked ourselves in a heated blanket. We were warmed by an outdoor fireplace as we studied the stars. I remembered a moment where he looked at me weird, well I thought it weird back then. But now when I recalled his face, I think he wanted to kiss me but held back. I’d give anything to have that man back in my life.
For two nights in a row, he slept on his side of the bed. He thought I was asleep but I wasn’t. I’ve been waiting up for him and made sure he was fast asleep before I turned over and studied his sleeping face. I am in his life—but only a part of it. How long could I possibly endure him treating me like this? Did he find me repugnant and disgusting?
I knew Chad was already inside the restaurant, so I strolled in and looked for my friend. To my surprise, Luke was with him. “Hello, hello!” I greeted both gentlemen with a delighted smile.
“Hello, Sienna! Sorry to intrude but I won’t be long. I needed to see my boyfriend for a second then I head back to work.” Luke took another sip of his wine and stood up.
“Oh, of course. No need for apologies. We should get together soon.”
He kissed Chad and gave me a chaste peck on the cheek. The dashing blonde smiled, “Certainly. I’ll call you guys soon.”
Luke and Chad make the hottest g*y couple. I wasn’t being biased or anything, but they absolutely do.
“The poor Luke couldn’t keep his hands off you, babe.” I teased the ever beaming Chad.
“I know, right? I truly think he’s my soul mate, baby love. I’ve never felt this kind of connection with any of my boytoys before. I feel like I’ve known him all my life—but I’ve just met him. It’s weird, but you know what I mean?”
I took a copious sip of my wine. The soul mate crap was total crock of shit. But for Chad, I’d summon my happy face. “I know what you mean babe. I’m so happy for you!” I reached over and pinched his cheek. I have this odd habit with him and only him. I suppose I love him to bits and he’s just so adorable when he’s irresistibly happy.
“Blake will be joining us by the way. He should be here soon.” My body tensed when he mentioned his name. Boy, I got it so bad for him.
“Right,” I uttered under my breath as the waiter came by and refilled my glass of wine, which was down in half in a quick second.
“Oh here comes—the mighty Knightly,” Chad announced. Dressed in his signature all black designer suit, he sauntered in with confidence. He looked powerfully hot and dominated the room with clear authority. Women did a double take and gave him covetous stares. Sigh, the daily life of being Blake.
Must I endure an entire meal with him being indifferent to me? Maybe I could excuse myself and leave….
“Chad, Sienna.” He greeted us and softly grazed my cheek. His personal delicious scent enveloped my already hot and screaming senses. He sat across me, next to Chad.
“Blake,” I muttered, a little breathy.
Oh yeah, I had to clench my thighs just looking at him. My body has its own stupid mind and I had no clue how to stop it. He once told me my body knew its master….could he be right? Because my body started to melt and simmer before his eyes.
“Have you guys ordered?” He casually inquired as he browsed through the menu with total coolness.
“We did—I mean I took the liberty in ordering for Sienna,” Chad said. “She always orders the same thing anyway.” True, I do order the same salmon dish. But I’d rather delve into the dessert section and skip the meal this time.
When the waiter took Blake’s order, I hastily added my tiramisu and Amedei cioccolato—to be served along with my entrée.
“Jesus, Sienna. Are you pregnant or something?” Chad found it funny, but I was mortified. Blake totally looked aghast and shocked. Great, this is stupid and so messed up! I’m going to strangle Chad with my bare hands.
“Right, hell the f**k no! My uterus is not bothering you, or is it Chad?—if not, mind your own business!” I snapped back. My sarcastic retort made him realize his joke wasn’t at all funny.
“I’m sorry,” Chad apologized. “That was a little rude, forgive me.”
You bet you’re sorry ass. I nodded in annoyance.
Blake cleared his throat. I looked at anywhere, but at him. “I actually wanted to speak to you about work, Chad. The Marbella casino design needs a little revision. The design team and I couldn’t agree on anything feasible. I was hoping your artful eye can look into it? If things go according to plan, I want you to head the team. Your work is impressive. Each portrait evoked an emotion and I want the same kind of beauty to surround my clients when they enter the Casino. If this project succeeds under you, I might just indulge you in doing the hotel as well.”