When Clarke had informed me that he had business to attend to the following evening, I really hadn't expected an evening of such grandeur. A black-tie event set in the most breathtaking of manor houses I would ever set my eyes on certainly wasn't the first thing on my list. In fact, it wasn't on my list at all.
Clarke scrubs up incredibly well. I'd go as far as to say if I didn't know what an egotistical jerk he is underneath his clothing, I could consider him a potential date.
We meet in the corridor, as previously planned. His eyes locate me in a flash and shamelessly trail down my body, lingering long enough for me to force a cough to attract his attention.
No doubt he is taking in my attire for the evening, a floor-length, figure-hugging ball gown, paired with champagne gold glittery heels, that currently are causing me a great deal of pain.
I have pinned my hair up in a messy bun, just to remove the stray hairs from my face. Having practically no experience wearing such swanky clothing, I must say I'm rather self-conscious with all the glamour, but Clarke had managed to convince me.
Well, not so much as convince me. His exact words were 'wear that or wear nothing.' And I know all too well it isn't a good idea to mess with the big bad wolf.
"Why, Octavia. You certainly look good enough to eat this evening," Clarke's mischievous eyes flit to mine once again and a grin that would rival the Cheshire Cat spreads across his lips, " I'll have to keep you close by tonight."
I dart to the opposite side of the narrow hallway to avoid his inappropriate grabbing and nearly stumble on my mini stilts. Clarke raises a dark brow, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly and throws me a devilish smile.
"Suit yourself," he says simply before striding ahead, "Don't come running to me if anything untoward happens."
Reaching forward, I grab Clarke's arm and spin him back to face me, "Hold your horses, Mister. What the hell do you mean by that?"
With an eyebrow raised towards the ceiling, he skims over my body once more before letting out an exhausted sigh, "You're a very attractive, dare I say it, Lady, Octavia. And in a couple of hours you'll be surrounded by an abundance of, mostly, single men," he explains as we continue walking.
"I'm not looking for a relationship," I reply haughtily.
Clarke produces a noise that stands somewhere between a laugh and a snort, "Neither are they Doll."
My eyes narrow at his absurd suggestion, and I stare daggers into the side of his head. The constant sly smile adorning his lips assures me that he's conscious of it, but he ignores me as expected.
It feels great to step outside again, even if the wind blows so strong it billows beneath my dress, threatening to lift it right up for all to see in what was sure to be an embarrassing Marilyn Monroe reenactment. Well, for Clarke to see. And that would be just as bad.
None of the other gang members seem present tonight, in fact, unusually so I couldn't remember seeing them all day. Usually, I'd spot at least one of them lurking in the shadows, keeping a close eye on me.
After a short walk through the trees, I find myself sat in the back of a shiny black Mercedes S Class with Clarke, heading toward our destination, driven by a tall man in a top hat. I must say, all of this seems very over the top and lavish for bloodthirsty killers.
I'd been incredibly reluctant to get into the vehicle with Clarke, after what happened during our last trip. Who would have thought being caught in a car chase whilst used as target practice would make one so nervous?
YOU ARE READING
Bloodlines
Action......................... There's no such thing as Happy Families. Octavia thought she had a happy family life until she met Clarke Winters. The day her world was turned upside down. He thought capturing her would be a piece of cake but Octavia will...
