Otto's cutlery jangled on his plate, indicating that he had finally finished. I barely touched the food, even though it was delicious. Instead, I stared at the door, with a sensitive stomach, waiting for White to appear. I was beginning to feel like he wouldn't even show up here today. Maybe I'm crazy for nothing.
„Are you all right, Otto?" I asked a friend, who was fidgeting on the spot. Brown eyes lifted from the empty plate and looked directly at me.
„Yes, I am. I'm just a little nervous," a friend confessed. „Do you think Sasha will kill me if I go to her and ask her to dance?"
There was a short laugh from me. He's afraid of being rejected for dancing, but the fact that we may be killed today doesn't bother him at all. Typical Otto Wilder.
"I don't know, but it's worth a try," I said with a small smile. „Go," I said, showing him my thumbs up.
„Okay," Otto muttered, standing up. „I can do it," he said firmly. He turned on his heel and headed for Sasha's table. He took three steps and turned back to me. „No, I can't."
„Yes, you can," I encouraged him. „Only a few girls can resist your charm. You have already enchanted so many girls. I don't know how, but you did it." Otto feigned insult.
„Hello? Have you seen my divine face and body, and you still ask how I did it?"
„Well yeah, I have," I agreed amusedly and giggled.
„As if," Otto pulled out, „Now watch me closely." Otto took a deep breath and decided to take a second chance. Walking towards a pretty danger with a good ass - that's his thing.
Otto stopped at where Sasha was sitting. He talked to her for a moment, looking impatiently from foot to foot. Then he laughed hard, and to my surprise, Sasha rose from the table. Otto took her hand and led her to the floor. For a moment our eyes met, and I gave him a smile as big as a proud mother.
I hypnotized the pair by circling on the parquet. I was pleasantly surprised to see what a good dancer Otto was. His movements have changed a lot since the school ball. Either he was training, or this time he was motivated by the fear that if he stepped on Sasha's shoes, she would beat him like a snake.
„And you, miss, don't you want to dance?" A familiar voice came from behind me. I swear my heart stopped at that second. No. That can't be... As much as I wanted to know if it just seemed to me or it was real, I didn't force myself to turn around or even breathe. „Come on, Ria, you didn't think I'd let you jump headlong into trouble, and only with that dumb Wilder." I couldn't help but smile a little at Leo's words. „I know you're smiling, I can feel it," he whispered in my ear, to which my body responded with chills. He's really here. „Turn around and look at your prince," Leo didn't give up. I disobeyed him and continued sitting. „Does the princess want to play? All right then," he admitted. I waited for her to behave.
Suddenly I felt Leo's lips on my neck. They lightly touched my cold skin and warmed it with small kisses. What is he doing?
„W-what are you doing here, Leo? How did you get inside? And why-" I showered him with questions, one after the other. I needed to hear answers from him, but at the same time, I didn't want him to stop what he was doing.
Leo pulled away. Oh no... Go back and finish what you started! My inside screamed at him, longing for more touches.
„Come dance with me and I'll explain everything to you," Leo said, placing a hand in front of me. I slowly grabbed her and intertwined my fingers with him. We looked at each other. I don't know if it was the lavish environment or the champagne in the blood, but Leo Tokarewski looked especially breathtaking today. The black jacket, covering his heavenly body, only added to his appeal. I wasn't bothered by the mask, which prevented others from looking at his face. I had read it; I knew exactly what was behind it. I recognized every groove, scar... „I haven't told you yet, but... you look beautiful," Leo complimented me, pulling me closer.
„Why did you come?" I wanted to know. „I made it clear to you that-"
„You don't need me, I know," Leo finished for me and began to lead. We slowly fluctuated in the rhythm of the music and stopped perceiving people around us. „You were right," he said, his voice shaking. „I was too selfish to admit it. Deep down, I knew you could do it. And you should know that too. After all, you're still standing on your feet... you're strong. If you have doubts about yourself, you should get them out of your head right away, because you can do anything you can. We can do it together," he emphasized. I listened intently to every word he uttered. I felt like in a fairy tale. I was at a fancy-dress ball, I was wearing a beautiful dress and next to the man I loved...
Yes. Exactly. I was headless in love with Leo, and even though I tried to suppress these feelings for a long time, I could no longer resist them. They were stronger than me. They affected all my senses and forced me to do crazy things. Just because of him.
„I will never let you do anything alone again. Not because you need me, because it's not like that - but because I'm worried about you. I'm afraid to sleep if you're not lying next to me. I can't exist as long as I know you're out there and something can happen to you, just like it happened to Chelsea." There was a surprise on my face. Leo took a deep breath and continued, „Tom told me you knew about it. I should have confided in you myself. I should have told you many things, especially that your father was behind Beatrice's kidnapping. I thought I'd protect you if you didn't know the truth. Ria, please forgive me for all of this. I acted like a total idiot."
„That's a fact," I said, and Leo's face twisted painfully. „But that's fine. I acted stupid, too." I smiled softly and pressed my forehead against his. I've never been this close to him before. I wanted to dissolve in a moment to last forever. I wanted to take his lips and taste what I had never been allowed so many times. „I will forgive you if..."
„If?" Playful sparks flashed in Leo's eyes.
„You kiss me," I added, blinking with my lashes seductively.
„What?" Leo asked.
„You heard me right," I told him. „Kiss me, Leo Tokarewski." Leo stared at me for a moment, but then he didn't waste another second.
„It will be my pleasure Ria O'Donnell," he said, our lips coming together in a long-awaited kiss. It was definitely the most beautiful moment of my life. I didn't care that several curious pairs of eyes were looking at us. It didn't bother me that later we might have to fight for our lives. I lived for this moment, for Leo's kisses, for the passion and love we both shared.
The music died down. I let it fade in my ears and looked around. At first, I noticed Otto. This time it was him who had a proud parental smile on his face. Dedicated to me.
Then I saw a woman in an evening gown standing on stage behind a microphone. She cleared her throat and said:
„Ladies and gentlemen, let me interrupt this dance and let you know that the host of this banquet, Mr. Carmine William White, has arrived." There was loud applause from the hall. The woman looked toward the door, and I copied her movement. The man in the white suit immediately got my attention. And among all these people, he seemed to be focusing on me.
With my eyes fixed on Whit's cold face, I watched him float contentedly toward the stage. The appearance was no different from the video recording. Maybe it's just that he looked more exhausted and was wearing a whiter suit. And I thought there was nothing whiter. He shone among people like a single star in the dark night sky. In addition, a blood-red handkerchief protruded from it, tucked in the front pocket.
White stepped onto the podium and greeted the woman with light kisses on his cheeks. Then he took the microphone from her and started:
„Good evening, dear friends and guests!" His voice echoed throughout the hall, accompanied by echoes. I felt like he was everywhere around me. I was shaking with disgust. „I'm glad you accepted the invitation and came to have fun together. I hope you don't miss anything and that you leave these areas not only with a smile on your lips but also with eternal good memories of this evening." Phew, as if.
I couldn't control myself and rolled my eyes. How many of these people do dirty work for him? How many killers are in this room? It's all just nonsense. A theater headed by himself.
White waited for the brief applause to subside and continued:
„I would especially like to thank my special guest who visited here today. I ask you to raise your glasses to the young and beautiful Ria O'Donnell!"
Several people stepped aside. I stood in the middle of the floor like a wobbly fish in an aquarium. If I hadn't held Leo's hand, I would probably have fallen to the ground.
„To Ria O'Donnell!" The surroundings chanted, and those at the tables lifted their glasses high. I felt uncomfortable. All these people cheered me on, and maybe they didn't even know who I was. That I'm a murderer whose father is an even bigger killer.
When the roar stopped, the music began again and White walked toward the table. The place where he sat was, obviously, the most decorated, strewn with white rose petals.
I kept my eyes on the enemy. White turned a little and motioned for me to go to him. I tilted my face and gave Leo a barely perceptible smile.
„Be careful," he whispered.
„I will," I said flatly, stepping forward. Leo turned me to him one last time and gave me a kiss on the back of my hand.
I walked over to White and tried to cover up the unrest.
„How are you, Miss O'Donnell?" He addressed me as soon as I sat down on his sign.
„Are you having a good time?" I didn't know exactly what he wanted to hear, so I remained silent. Yes, yes, I'm having fun, I can't wait for a moment until you shoot my heart. However, I did not look away. „I didn't expect you to come," he began again as the silence between us lasted too long.
„Oh, really? I would rather say that you were absolutely sure. That's why you sent those masks, "I replied sharply. But White didn't bother. He drank from Prosecco and tapped the glass a few times with his finger.
„You seem to like it," he said. I immediately regretted calling at all. „There's no reason to be unnecessarily rude." I frowned. Along with these words, my interior set on fire.
„Should I be nice to you? You're a killer!" I exploded angrily. But I was careful about the intensity of the voice. I tried to keep it at a safe volume.
White looked blankly. His gaze was completely glassy as if he had no emotions. Nothing but cold, cold, cold...
„I present myself more as a businessman, an entrepreneur... but yes, sometimes I force order and respect in a violent way," he remarked matter-of-factly and stroked his thick gray chin.
„You're sick," came out of me in frustration. Why am I even trying to reach an agreement with this person?
„Hmm...," he pulled thoughtfully. Then he leaned forward to see my face better. „Perhaps you have forgotten the blood you carry on your hands, miss. How many people did you kill?"
This question left me silent. The feeling of shame and anger on my cheek colored into the shade of ripe tomatoes. White nodded benevolently.
„You see," he said. „As the saying goes: The end justifies the means. And now let's talk about why you are here. I guess you didn't accept this invitation because of caviar or champagne?" He raised an eyebrow curiously.
„No. I want to make a deal, "I explained truthfully. I tried desperately to calm down. Yes, Ria, I understand that you would like to be on the other side of the world right now, but now is not the time for your rebellious temperament to do whatever it pleases, I finished in my mind and took a deep breath.
„But... Did you come to negotiate with me?" The corners of his mouth flickered, barely anyone noticed.
„Take it as a friendly agreement," I said seriously. White let out a strangled laugh.
„I like you, Ria. Go on," he urged me. He rested his chin on his hand and seemed to enjoy my company. It was more than clear that he was really having fun with me.
I didn't distract myself and spoke in a monotone voice.
„I've got something you want. And I'll give it to you if you tell me where my mother is." White leaned back in his chair.
„Why do you think I know about your mother?" He demanded.
„And don't you?" I doubted. He smiled at me. I swear this was the first time his eyes shone since the beginning of our meeting.
„I know," he admitted, my heart skipping a beat. He knows that. White knows what's going on with mom. "But if I were you, I would leave it at that. The truth can hurt you unpleasantly."
I clenched my fist on the table. I almost jumped out of my chair.
„The only thing that hurts me is her absence and the way everyone treats me like a weakling!" I snapped, trying in vain to hide the desperate breath in my voice. He would hear even a deaf man.
„If you give people reasons for this, don't be surprised that they call you weak or treat you with kid gloves," he countered, sending me back into place. „I assume you have the USB recording," he asked.
„Yes," I nodded.
„And how do you guarantee me you didn't make a copy?" He thought aloud.
„You have my word." White laughed again.
„My God, she's sweet, isn't she?" He turned to his bodyguards, who were listening to our conversation from a safe distance. None of the men moved. „I asked if she was sweet," their boss growled. Both men began to nod eagerly and muttered in agreement with the humble 'yes, she is.'
White paid attention to me again.
„Shall we make a deal, then?" I asked, clenching my jaw. I admit I did not expect any favorable results. White smiled playfully.
„I'm sorry, dear Ria. I like you, but I can't trust you. An apple doesn't fall far from a tree, so I can't be sure if you haven't ill intentions as your father. You can leave. I wish you a pleasant rest of the evening," White ended the conversation. Slowly, I stood up and narrowed my eyes at the man, who began to eat, as if nothing had happened.
„That is all? Are you just going to let me keep drinking expensive champagne here with a video that can ruin you?" I didn't stop and I had to call again. White chuckled and put his hand in front of his mouth. The features of his face softened.
„To destroy? Nothing can destroy me and not a stupid record at all. That video isn't that important at all." I blinked my eyes a few times. I didn't understand anything. The longer I talked to him and waited for answers, the more I got involved.
„Then why did you..." I wondered.
„Pretend to want it?" He finished. „Well, I like games. And I like it, even more, when I can play with someone as beautiful as you. From today, consider yourself an orphan and forget about your parents. Goodbye." I overcame the shiver. My breath caught in my throat. I forgot to breathe. Forget about your parents... Are Lucifer and Beatrice ... dead? No. He's definitely making it up. I don't trust him. My parents aren't dead, I know it!
I walked numbly away from White and his lies. The pressure in my chest prevented me from breathing properly. I was only sure of one thing:
White won't let us out that easily. That is why we need to step in.
I checked the positions of my friends. They were all in place. Even Leo. Tom must have informed him of the plan.
I reached for my weapon and indicated Otto's quiet „Now!" A friend waved his hand and tossed the bottle toward White's table. None of them expected it. Even White froze in surprise. I fired two shots. I hit the center of the bottle first. It shattered and activated a smoke bomb causing an unpleasantly pungent veil. We also thought about the Molotov cocktail, but we could hurt innocent people.
I didn't want to add more names to the list. Even if it meant I could have White's name on it too.
The second shot was to kill White. However, I didn't expect him to react so deftly. White grabbed one of the security guards and used it as a shield. I hit right between the eyes. Except for the wrong person.
The fire started. There was no time for further attempts, I had to run away. I escaped from the hall, toward the emergency exit, as we had agreed. Otto ran to the opposite side, where Thomas was waiting for him. His job was to take Otto to safety, under any circumstances. I believed he could do it. The only thing that bothered me now was Leo. I was hoping he'd be fine.
I leg it like a lightning. I pushed myself among the people and noticed my salvation.
Emergency exit, yes!
I quickly grabbed the handle and nodded a few times. The door was locked.
On the left, I heard White's men. They were close. Shit.
I only had two options. I'll either get shot by them or find another way out. My eyes fell on another door. I tried my luck and opened them. It seems like it's time for a kitchen inspection, ladies and gentlemen!
I entered the kitchen and was immediately overwhelmed by the stifling air, along with the delicious smell of the food. Curious staff peered from behind the pots to take a closer look at the unwelcome intruder. One of them noticed that I was holding a gun in my hand and started screaming:
„Watch out, she's armed!"
And that caused panic. Everyone around started running around and hiding from me. I didn't even try to calm them down - after all, the only one whose life was at stake was me and my friends. I went deeper, into a new room where plates, glasses, and other things were stored.
Oh, no. It's a dead end, I sighed inside. I jumped. I was frightened by the noisy shooting near me. My eyes fluttered wildly as if I had a seizure. Yes, I know!
I moved toward the ventilation shaft, but something stopped me. It was a dress that clung to my closed door. I pulled hard on them, but it didn't work. Damn, I'm stuck! I gripped the fabric stiffer in my hands until my slings were white and she used it a few times.
„SHE WENT THERE!" A voice said from behind. I was drenched in a cold sweat. I stepped on my clothes and jerked them. The glitter separated from the rest and I was free. I took a broom from the corner and put it by the handle. Two meters away, a small table was laid, which I pushed to the door. To be sure, I also used a chair to barricade. I aimed my pistol at the ventilation grilles. I fired four times. The bullets crashed into the screws. I crouched down and denied myself with all my might. The nets were loosened. Great. I threw them on the ground, and there was a loud rumble. White's men started banging on the door.
„We'll get you, you bitch!" Someone muttered. I didn't hesitate for a second and started climbing. The shaft was cold, but I didn't mind it. Adrenaline flowed through my body and didn't let me feel cold.
I moved like a toddler, unaware of the catastrophe I led myself this time. I turned right, there left again, but for nothing in the world, I didn't decide to look back. Intuition told me I was nearing the end. A few seconds later, bars appeared in front of me again. I kicked them out and climbed out. I didn't see anything; it was as dark as a corner.
Where the hell am I?
Holding on to the wall, I slowly put my foot in front of my foot and prayed that I would hit the door as soon as possible. I came across something.
The lights came on and I covered my eyes with my hands, which they had already gotten used to the dark environment. Something crackled. I knew the sound very well. It was loading a weapon.
I opened my eyes. A faint sigh came out of me.
„I'm sorry, dear, but this chase makes me tired," a cold voice said. All the air escaped my lungs. No.
White aimed his gun right at my head. I thought back to the memories of a similar incident. How I was in my mother's house and how I stood face to face with David Jensen. If I knew how it would turn out, would I go anyway?
Just a moment ago I felt full of life and now... Why am I actually fighting it? A few days ago, I threw myself into death's arms, and now I am trying to escape by force. Is this a sign from God - if he exists at all? Have I committed so many terrible sins that I no longer deserve to live? Is this the end of my journey?
The flow of thoughts was interrupted by a strong pain that ran through my body. I fell to my knees like a penitent, then to the hard ground. The last thing I remember was White's self-satisfied smirk.