The Story of Blood and Roses

I tried to hold myself together. Years of training had taught me to always trust my instincts. Yet in that excruciating moment, I was confused between digging up the skeletons in Jasper's closet and simply running away from all of this. My instincts told me to talk as fast as I could and persistently glance over my shoulder just to make sure no one was following me. This was just the beginning yet I was already trying hard to hold myself together.

Maybe I was going mad.

I just 'knew' that I needed to get out.

'How?' I found myself asking.

'I need to excavate everything there is about that scumbag Anthony and I need to keep my stupid emotions at bay. Only until I can kill him,' I reminded myself.

'No. I wouldn't run. This is just me being paranoid. I'm safe. My resolve will not crumble. I will finish what I started. I'm not weak. I'm not pathetic. I'm strong and brave. I'll take them all out, one by one, painfully. I'll save Anthony for last.'

Even as I said those words in my mind, I could hear how crazy I sounded.

I took in a deep breath, closed my eyes and then a smile spread across my features.

'Keep calm and pave the way to success. You will see the day you've been so long for,' I promised.

'Relax, it's not like you're going to die!' I thought as I searched for a container to put the black rose in.

It was, no doubt, a beautiful little thing. I looked like death—beautiful and stagnant, cold and untouched by time. It was the ashes of a love that hid the sparks of fire brewing beneath it. It was…

It was like smoke.

I paused for a moment and took in a cleansing breath before trying to formulate a plan which would help me gain access to information on Anthony. For now, we knew how he looked, who Sean was, what crimes Anthony had committed, but I was yet to find out how he had gone about those audacious deeds.

I jumped when my phone started to vibrate.

'So much for being always prepared,' I snorted.

It was a text message from Anthony. I glared at the screen as I read what he had written. He had asked me to dress for the 'hunt' and be at the 'Poseidon's Realm' club by ten.

Why couldn't he be like Jasper? Send me a gift to accompany a not so subtle command... He could at least do that!

'Yeah, because he's your boss,' I answered myself bitterly.

And there I was thinking receiving mysterious notes was distressing. This Anthony Murray should be hanged for his maltreatment of people.

Imbeciles—these mobsters…

I hated them.

'Cut the crap, Mia. You can't let him affect you like this. You can't afford to lose control. Concentrate!'

It was about seven in the evening, and I still had three hours to go. I sank onto the couch and flipped through the channels on the television. By the time I realized that the news was getting particularly boring, it was almost eight.

I hurried to my bedroom and wondered about what I'd wear. I remembered Anthony's expression from earlier. I hadn't worn any revealing clothes on the two occasions we'd met and to say that he had been disappointed would be an understatement. This time, I would show him.

The memories of him trying to unbutton my jacket flashed through my mind. Oh, yes. I'd be wearing a jacket again.

I couldn't help, but grin as I opened my closet and looked on the rows of clothes that adorned the shelves.

Black. I was definitely wearing black.

I pulled out my black leather jacket that hugged my curves just right and brushed my hand over the collar.

It was beautiful, one of my favorite articles of clothing. I had taken his comment about being the predator seriously and chosen something that would mirror that very image… literally.

I drew on some intricate leopard prints on my eyelids and couple it with some nude lip gloss. The look popped with a bit of shiny black nail polish and mascara.

'Your wish is my command,' I thought smugly.

I slipped into my clothes and stared at myself in satisfaction.

'I hope this is enough for you, my dear old Anthony.'

I winked at my reflection and then slung my jacket over my arm.

.

There was a small line of people standing outside the club, waiting for their turn. I walked past them, ignoring their protests, and smiled at the bouncer.

"Your name?" he asked eyeing my breasts.

"She's with me," Anthony said.

He was standing right behind the bouncer, his eyes trained on me as he smiled. I could see that he was impressed. I had put my jacket on while I was in the car. By the look on his face, he definitely liked the jacket. As much as I relished the feel of the leather against my skin, I knew it needed to go as soon as we entered the club. Anthony held his hand out to me, and without a second of hesitation, I took it and followed him into the club.

Now that I took a closer look, he looked more domineering as the blue and purple lights illuminated his face. He turned his head towards me, a smile on his face and shouted over the booming music.

"Welcome to Poseidon's Realm, Mia."

I tilted my head to a side and fiddled with my necklace. His eyes darted to my hands and his smile grew.

"I see that you've worn a jacket again, my kitten," he said lightly. I couldn't help it, I laughed.

"Something funny?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I shook my head before slowly unbuttoning the jacket, slowly. His smile vanished instantly. His eyes traveled lower as my hands glided over the fabric. Even in that lighting, I could tell the shift in his eyes… he looked hungry.

'Tut tut, Anthony.'

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