Copyright 2019 © Rosesareforever
Fighting the Inevitable
Chapter 4
Masquerade
Running her fingers through her maroon locks, trying to tame the wild mess of curls, Rachelle took a final accessing look in the bathroom mirror. She looked exhausted, and it was not even midnight. According to her work schedule, she had to work until two a.m., the predicted end of the event. Most of the time, though, things ran late and she had to do overtime. It rarely happened that an event ended when it was supposed to.
Two days ago, Eleonore, her boss, had called her to inform her she would be helping out to serve food at the opening of a new club in the city. Rachelle had been surprised. It wasn't their usual venue. It happened very rarely that someone booked their event agency for a corporate event. They were specialized in weddings, baby showers, birthday parties,... not grand openings of new businesses.
The sole reason Eleonore probably accepted the offer was because their agency wasn't doing as well as it used to. Her boss might not be forthcoming about the financial health of the company, but it was obvious that they weren't being booked as much as they used to. Competition was tough. Only last year three new agencies had started, and they'd been gradually seizing clients from them.
As Rachelle left the bathroom, her eyes downcast, she was straightening her blouse when she suddenly bumped into a brick wall. Stumbling, she swung her arms in the air, trying to remain upright until a pair of hands landed on top of her shoulders and helped her regain her balance. Sighing in relief, she clasped a hand across her wildly beating heart and looked up.
Her breathing staggered. "You, again," she gasped, her tone accusatory.
The cocky bastard smirked. "Good evening, Rachelle."
Thinking the man would leave her alone if she ignored his texts, Rachelle had decided to keep Ethan at bay by making sure he wasn't able to contact her. Clearly, her plan had not worked. Fate just couldn't seem to keep them apart. "What are you even doing here?"Somehow he always appeared where she least expected him.
The man chuckled. "Me?" he asked. "I'm the owner, darling." What? Exactly how many companies did the man own?
Her eyes turned to slits. "You deliberately hired the event agency I work at, so I'd be here tonight?" she presumed, taking a wild guess. It would solve the mystery behind the agency being hired for a corporate event.
"That's very presumptuous of you," Ethan grinned.
She cocked an eyebrow in question. "Is it wrong?"
"No, I did hire the agency because I hoped it would bring you on my path again."
Oh my god. "That's very stalker-ish of you." Rachelle didn't know whether to feel flattered or scared shitless that he'd go that far in trying to get into contact with her.
Again, the man just chuckled, his eyes running up and down her body in appreciation. "I'd call it adamant."
"Why are you being so damn insistent?" She didn't get it. Why on earth she'd caught the eye of a rich, arrogant guy, she would never understand. The man could have anyone he wanted, yet he continued trying to persuade her.
Ethan leaned closer, making Rachelle take a step back, her back now pressed against the closed bathroom door. "Isn't that obvious?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, "I want to fuck you."
Caught off guard by his bluntness, Rachelle's jaw dropped and her eyes widened. He...she...he... What the hell?
Shaking his head, Ethan's grin widened. "You seem surprised."
"You'd invest this much time and effort into trying to get laid?" Who did that?
The man shrugged. "What can I say? I like the chase."
She stared at him, her mouth still agape. "So you're only pushing this hard because I don't willingly drop at your feet?" If that was the case she evidently needed to change her strategy.
Leaning closer, Ethan cupped her cheek, his thumb running across the soft skin. "You intrigue me. You're hot as fuck, undeniably sexy, you have an attitude and don't bat your eyelashes to get things your way – when you easily could with how gorgeous you are."
"I don't know whether to feel insulted or flattered. I really don't." While it certainly boosted her confidence, Rachelle didn't need the complication in her life. She was okay with being single. In fact, she rather stayed single. Her battery-operated-boyfriend induced the orgasms and her life was easy, simple. She knew what to expect. There were no disappointments or setbacks. She was safe – safe from being hurt.
Still brushing his finger across her cheek, Ethan leaned closer. "Just give in. Enjoy living on the edge."
Closing her eyes, Rachelle tried to concentrate, a difficult task in close proximity to him. She couldn't deny being allured. "That's not me. I toe the line."
"Give the dark side a chance. You might be surprised by how much you like it over here," he whispered, his lips touching her earlobe.
Laying her hand flat against his chest, Rachelle pushed, forcing him to take a step back. "No," she proclaimed, straightening. She wasn't about to be charmed by the devil incarcerated. Life had taught her that taking unnecessary risks only led to trouble. "We're not doing this." He could continue his assault, but it would be to no avail. She wasn't going to cave in – not now, not ever.
"So stubborn," Ethan murmured, absentmindedly rubbing his chest where she'd just touched him.
"Some call it stubborn, some determined." Turning on her heel, Rachelle left him standing on his own in the dark hallway and went back to work before her boss would come looking for her. It wasn't meant to be. If fate had wanted her to give him a chance, they'd have thrown him on her path when she was still breathing – not when she was drowning so deep in her own sorrow that she didn't know if she'd ever breathe easy again.
***
Watching her from a distance, her maroon hair like a beam of light catching his eye, Ethan smiled. She looked stunning wearing the same ensemble all waitresses had on, a simple black halter dress with a black eye-mask and three-inch heels. Somehow he couldn't help but stare every time she caught his eye – which happened quite often. No matter how many beautiful people surrounded him, Ethan had only eyes for Rachelle.
It was a strange feeling. He'd never been so enchanted by a woman that she had his sole attention. It must be her stubbornness. The fact that she kept rejecting him, only made him want her more. There was nothing sweeter than victory, certainly not after working your ass off. It'd be all worth it – if he were able to penetrate those brick walls she'd built around her.
"You've done an outstanding job." Looking up, Ethan noticed that Brandon had joined him. He'd been so deep in thought that he hadn't heard him approach.
"I'm pleased with the way everything turned out." The past week had been hell from start to finish. First, there was a leak behind the bar which had caused part of the floor to be damaged. Fortunately, he'd found someone that could fix the issue. He'd barely managed to solve that first problem when his staff manager called him to inform him that three servers had last-minute decided not to take the job they'd been offered.
Finding good staff was difficult, finding reliable one nearly impossible. It wasn't until twelve hours before the opening that he'd finally managed to recruit the last candidate. Then something had gone wrong with the invites. Only half the people received their entrance ticket. To make matters worse, his secretary had fallen ill, so Ethan had to make all the phone calls himself.
It was safe to say he was exhausted, exhausted but fulfilled. It had been a long, frustrating week, but the end product was marvelous. He couldn't be prouder. The club looked awesome, the opening was a success, and so far no issues had arisen. The dancers he'd booked had arrived on time, their routine was perfect and their costumes sensational. The event agency had done its job – food was being served, and drinks were carried around by both the servers of the agency and the ones he'd hired for the club. Even the masks he'd ordered to be handed out upon guests' arrival turned out great.
"I can imagine. This surpassed my expectations by far. You've truly outdone yourself."
Ethan shrugged. "I've had help." Without his brother's aid, he couldn't have done it. Ben did all the marketing research, helped create a concept that would work with the customers they had in mind and had been responsible for publicity. His brother was the source of the success. His ideas were the ones that turned 'Masquerade' into the nightclub everyone wanted to visit.
The entire staff (including servers, bartenders, security guards and dancers) would always work wearing a mask to keep their identity hidden – and to keep the mystery appeal. The club looked dark and enigmatic, the music seductive and the drinks leaving people wanting more of them. Entrance was denied to everyone that refused to wear a mask, and special edition masks could be bought in the store at the entrance of the building.
"There's no reason to be humble. I know how hard you've worked for this."
He had worked hard. It had cost blood, sweat and tears – but he couldn't deny that without the help of numerous of people he wouldn't have gotten that far.
Brandon looked across the room, his eyes halting on Rachelle. "That the redhead that has you all twisted up inside?"
Following Brandon's gaze, Ethan shook his head, grinning. "She doesn't have me all twisted up."
"You're infatuated with her. I've never seen you behave this way."
Staring at her legs a little too long, Ethan forced himself to return his attention to his friend. "I'm persistent in my pursuit. It has nothing to do with being infatuated," he protested.
"Keep telling yourself that, my friend," Brandon smirked. "Just remember my advice, yeah?"
"Like I'd forget."
***
Wandering down the dim-lit hallway in the back of the building, Ethan followed the noise of chattering women. It was ten to three in the morning. The final guests had finally left the premises, and his team was finishing the cleanup. The manager of the event agency had informed him that they'd finished packing up their stuff and would be leaving soon.
The perfect time to intervene before Rachelle got away. As he rounded the corner, his eyes scanned the room, halting when they found their target. His lips curled into a smile as he took three long strides towards her, ignoring the lingering gazes of the suddenly quiet women.
When he reached her, Rachelle looked up, noticing him for the first time. Her pale blue eyes widened a fraction before they turned to slits. She scowled. "You just can't leave me alone, can you?"
He had to admit he was threading a fine line, his behavior borderline stalker. Then again, if he felt like she really didn't want him around, he'd have given up a long time ago. His little redhead was a puzzle. While her lips were saying no, her body spoke a different language. She was intrigued, but something held her back. He just had to figure out what it was and conquer the beast.
"Good to see you, too, sweetheart," he greeted, his smile wicked. "Ready to leave?"
Rachelle frowned. "Why did that sound like you were planning on taking me home?"
Ethan's refrained a chuckle. His little red was a smart one. "Because I am."
"No, you're not," she disagreed, sending a quick glare to everyone that was openly staring at them. Heads turned quickly. Damn. The woman was fierce to the bone.
Taking another step closer, purposely disturbing her personal space, Ethan rested his hand against her hip – satisfied when she shuddered and inhaled deeply. "You're dead on your feet," he stated, observing her tired eyes. "Don't waste energy by arguing when you could be at home in bed. We both know this is not an argument you'll win. Admit defeat now, and you'll be home sooner."
He saw the wheels turning behind her eyes as she mulled over his suggestion, clearly not ready to back down. He admired her backbone as much as he hated it. "Tomorrow you can continue ignoring me," he added, squeezing her hip in a familiar way.
It had been the right thing to say. Moments later, her shoulders dropped, and she nodded, too stubborn to voice her agreement. He could live with that. Taking her by the elbow, he started to lead her out of the room, noticing the many curious glances. Ethan ignored them. Why was it people were drawn to drama? It never ceased to amaze him.
"My car is parked in the back. Wait here a second. I'll go grab my keys," he told her when they passed the staff room.
When he got back, she was leaning against the brick wall, her eyes closed. He took a moment to take her in, from her exhausted features to her blistering feet. She'd obviously had a tough night. He should take it easy on her. Yet, somehow, no matter how good his intentions were, she always managed to rattle him.
"Let's get you home," he said softly, startling her. She'd obviously not heard him approach. Quickly straightening her posture, she took a step forward, her pupils dilated. If she was trying to hide her exhaustion, she was doing a bad job. Her eyes said it all.
Once they were in his car, Ethan broke the silence, getting antsy. He wasn't used to her not spitting fire every three seconds. "Long night?"
Turning her head to the side, she looked at him and frowned. "Long week," she eventually admitted, closing her eyes.
"You never returned my texts," he went on, hoping she'd take the bait.
She didn't. "I was ignoring you."
He hadn't expected her to confess the truth blatantly. "Why?" he asked, honestly curious.
"I'd hoped it would make you lose interest."
Ethan chuckled. Sleep drunk Rachelle was honest to the core. It was refreshing. "It only managed to make the opposite happen," he informed her. Maybe if she'd been starry-eyed when they met, he'd have forgotten about her. He honestly didn't know. What he did know was that her aloofness had piqued his interest. Not many women fought his attention. In fact, she was the first.
"I can see I made a mistake," she agreed, yawning.
"Why do you push me away when it's clear part of you wants to give in?" It truly baffled him. Her self-control was admirable.
Cocking her head to the side, she watched him for a moment, her lips pressed tightly together. "Because it's safe. Allowing people into your life only opens you up to get hurt. I'm done hurting. I rather stay safe and content than take the risk."
Damn. Every time he thought she was going to ignore his question and change the topic, she revealed another truth. Their conversation was unintentionally turning deep. "What if the risk is worth it in the end?"
She laughed humorlessly, her voice scratchy. "It's never worth it," she told him.
"Then you've been taking the wrong risks." Life was boring if you didn't turn up the volume from time to time. Risks were necessary to keep things interesting.
"People who live easy can take risks," she mumbled. "If life doesn't give you the tools to breathe easy, you shouldn't test your luck."
Ethan inhaled deeply, her words hitting home. She was right. When everything in life went great, taking a few risks wouldn't shift the balance. However, if you were hanging by a thread, a risk could be catastrophic. "What's happened to you?" he wondered, realizing for the first time that the reason behind her restraint had nothing to do with him – and everything with where life had led her. She was wise beyond her years because of misfortune.
He should take a step back, allow her the space she craved. She was not the kind of woman you took to bed, only to throw her out of it hours later. She was not his type – not even close. Rachelle was the kind of woman he should stay away from. The weight she carried around was enough. He shouldn't burden her.
"Life happened," she simply told him as she unbuckled her belt. Looking ahead of him, Ethan realized he'd parked in front of her apartment. He hadn't even realized they'd arrived - his focus gone.
"Stay content, darling," he told her before she could leave the car, his hand covering hers. "Breathe easy." He was saying goodbye. The past had taught him to be cautious when a woman showed signs of being real. Rachelle was one hundred percent real. She would be hurting if he screwed her over. It would scar her. And Ethan would be damned before he did anything that could possibly cause her pain. He might not know her very well – but what he did know was that she didn't deserve anything less than the best.
"Goodbye, Ethan," she whispered, squeezing his hand.
"Bye, beautiful. Take care of yourself." He pressed a feather-light kiss against her temple before pulling back and watching her leave. He waited until she was safely inside before starting the engine of the car and driving off. Knowing he made the right decision, Ethan couldn't help but feel disappointed that he wasn't going to see her again. He'd started looking forward to their meetings. Rachelle was one hell of a woman. He truly hoped she found what she was looking for in life.
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I realize I'm kind of leaving you hanging with this horrible cliffhanger, but I promise it'll be worth it! I'm very excited about the next chapter.
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