The Story of Blood and Roses

"Get the lady whatever she wants," the man said. I felt myself smile as I realized that I had finally reached the stage where he could no longer keep away. He slid into the spot where the lady had previously been seated. "Could I interest you in joining me?" he asked, as politely as possible.

I nodded, pretending to be shy. I kept a little distance from him, trying to play with his mind. I didn't want him to think that I was as easy as the others, but I didn't want to look unavailable either. Even though the act would not last longer than a few hours, I was excited to have to use my skills to gauge the proportion of emotions that I was supposed to display. The thrill made me flush with pleasure.

I knew that I was being watched, but it was not the women who were glaring at me. It was more than just spite; there was something intensely curious about the stare I was receiving. I had no doubt about who it was.

"Drink for the lady," he announced as the bartender placed the glasses in front of us. "May I?" he requested, moving forward. I nodded at him, letting him take my glass. "Would you like to join me and my friends?" he asked me quietly. I smiled, waiting for him to continue. "We are headed towards the booths, so that no one can disturb us. You can join if you want."

I gave out a breathy laugh before shrugging and replying with a brief, "why not?"

He seemed pleased with my answer. He guided me towards an empty booth. It was secluded from the other parts of the bar, and had a curtain that seemed to make the area a bit more private. He asked his other companions to follow him.

I noticed the guards speaking among themselves, trying to understand if I was safe enough to be allowed near their boss. But I knew that despite their opinions, their boss would want me by his side that evening.

From where I was sitting, I could see Anthony clearly. His eyes were fixed on my form; he paid no mind to the others surrounding me. I leaned back into the couch and took relaxing sips of my drink.

A slow smile spread across my lips as I felt warm hands on my knees. I pretended not to notice. The hand soon shifted up to my thigh and traced patterns on my denim. I refrained from chuckling and turned to the older man with the sexiest smile I could muster up. Seeing the light tinge of mischievousness, Armando leaned in to press his lips against my chin and forming a trail down my neck.

I let him take his time as I continued drinking.

He had no effect on me, that was for sure, and I grew impatient with him and his companions soon enough. I turned my head towards him, trying to rush the process. He took advantage and placed his lips on mine. I felt his tongue against my skin. I used one hand to hold on to his hair, making sure that I could pull back when I wanted to. He moaned in earnest and I found myself growing more amused as time passed.

The display came to a sudden halt when we heard the clearing of someone's throat. It was not one of Armando's companions, but the devil himself.

How dare he come in here and ruin my plans!

I pulled my hands out of Francis' hair and went back to my original spot. Anthony, on the other hand, looked dangerous. His hair was wild and his eyes manic. He had a wicked smile on his lips. The vein in his forehead was pulsing and his smile looked almost like a sneer.

"Armando," his voice was grave. A spark travelled down my veins and pumped my muscles to react. I rolled my eyes, internally, at the reaction of my body. I have a full make-out session with someone and it stays by my side, but one angry snarl from the bastard and she starts dancing.

Traitor.

"Mr. Murray, what a surprise!" he exclaimed, bouncing up to his feet. I found myself reclining back, amused by the star-struck expression on the man's face. The plan formed in my head slowly. I let it sink in, feeling devious.

It would be a pleasure to kill someone in front of Anthony, just to remind him. I inched my hands nearer to my gun and waited for the right opportunity. The most delicious thought ran across my mind.

Kill Anthony.

Kill him.

Yes, I had the gun ready and all I needed to do was point and shoot. It would definitely spice things up, but would I want to ruin my chances at finishing my mission before taking the man out?

No.

I trusted Jacob to do it for me, and frankly, I didn't want to dirty my hands by having his blood on them. He didn't deserve it.

"And who might the lovely lady be?" he asked, turning his eyes towards me. He dipped his head, his eyes staring intensely back at me. I looked away, waiting for Armando's reaction.

"She is my lady love," he laughed, heartily. I found myself cocking my brow at him, mirroring Anthony's reaction.

"Love, eh?" Anthony tried to suppress his amusement. "Tell me, Armando, where did you meet this bewitching creature?" he offered me a sly wink.

Armando laughed again, embarrassing himself further.

Foolish man.

"I don't mind sharing, Mr. Murray-"

"I'm sure you don't mind, but I don't like to share things that are mine, Armando." He turned to glare at the idiotic man. "The art of possession is a difficult one, and you seem to have no training in it." He turned to the others in the booth and gave them a stern look. "Could you leave us alone for a bit? I have some business related matters to discuss with Francis."

Francis took in a shuddering breath, delighted at the prospect. He nodded at the others, and they left silently. I, too, got up begrudgingly and tried to walk out.

"Not you, Mia," he hissed. "Sit back down." I didn't know why I laughed, but I think it was surprise.

He was definitely trying to ruin my plans.

He turned back to close the curtains and then turned back towards us.

I could see the bewildered expression on Armando's face.

"I will assume that you know by now about my little spat with Luke," he began. Armando nodded. "You will also know that I dabble in dealing of armaments," his voice was low and menacing. "I appreciate that you have been trying to keep out of my path for the past few years, and I hope it remains that way in the future."

"Rest assured that I am here for pleasure and not on business, Mr. Murray. I would never dream of trying to encroach on your area." His voice was almost apologetic and pleading.

"Do you have any sample of your products?" Anthony asked, suddenly, his eyes alight with humor. Armando nodded, pulling out his gun from behind him. He handed it to Anthony in haste and waited for the reaction.

Anthony, on the other hand, took his sweet time to check the gun over and the bullets. He then pointed it at Armando with a smile.

"Mr. Murray?" he gasped. His eyes turned to me, a lot crossed his eyes and I knew that he planned on using me to escape.

"No offence, Francis, but I already told you that I don't share." The growl that followed made me chuckle.

"Do it and I will kill you, you bastard," I hissed. Anthony's eyes slowly turned to me.

"My kitten," he acknowledged before turning back to Armando. "You see, your lady love is trying to protect you. I hate it. And honestly, I don't like you." His fingers twitched on the trigger and Francis slumped against me.

I clenched my jaw, trying to reign in my anger as I pushed the body aside and then stood up.

"I should kill you for that stunt, Anthony, but you are not my project any longer. Rest assured, your time will come," I shoved my hands inside my jacket and then moved out of the room.

"You are welcome," I heard him say. I moved faster, knowing what was coming. I heard the rushed footsteps and the accusations flying. His voice was there, too.

Before they could catch me, I slid into my intended vehicle and sped off.

Anthony Murray was a hound, he tore everything in his path to get what he wanted. This time, it seemed, he wanted me.

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