“Mummy, which dress do I wear?” asked Jessica bemused, holding a black dress, a blue skirt and blouse and looking at the wall clock at the same time. It was obvious that she wasn’t thinking straight.
“Baby, relax. I understand its an important dinner, but you don’t have to act this way”, taking a critical look at her daughter, Beauty knew Jessica wasn’t listening to her, she carried on with what she was saying, “If you do, you’ll behave badly. I choose the black dress.”
Nodding her head in appreciation and without uttering a sound, Jessica ran back to her room to get dressed. Few minutes later, she was out. From the stair case, she spotted Richmond. Not looking bad, she thought. She scrutinized him like her eyes were like a security camera. She stared at his golden hair, which were a little bit spiky. It sparked. Her eyes went to his body, it was covered with a black suit, a bow tie and trouser, with brogues on his feet. Her eyes went from him to the next guy to him, then the other standing. Unlike the way she examined Richmond, she inspected the standing guy from his feet.They were covered with boots, his legs with a black jean, and his arms with a denim jacket. His face-hard, strong, so beautiful. He didn’t smile, his pink lips were formed perfectly….She loved what she saw and was contented. Their eyes met.He’d been staring at her too. His gaze was so strong, Jessica couldn’t move, she didn’t even have the guts to say a word. Her heart began racing faster and faster, she was sweating. Those blue beautiful eyes locked to hers told her something. They stood apart, the distance between them was much but they seemed to be close, so close. Jessica felt she’ll never move, till she heard Richmond’s voice.
“Jessica? Are you okay?”
Recovering from her fantasies about the blue eyed guy, Jessica replied, stuttering, “Ehm…yes, I’m okay.”
“Come down, please.”
Jessica started walking down the stairs. When she got to the last step, Richmond was already there, waiting for her. She strectched out her hand and he took it into his palm. They walked together to meet the other guests.
“Jessica, you look gorgeous. Attractive in your close-fitting dress.”
“Thank you.” She sat down and crossed her legs. Using her hands to fan herself.
“I’d like you to meet my friend, Evan. Evan, meet Jessica, my colleague and friend.”
Jessica stood up, smiling, offered her hand to Evan for a handshake. He took it and held it firmly. “Nice to meet you, Evan.”
“Likewise. You’re pretty.”
“Thank you.”
“Lets go then,” announced Richmond.
Jessica became a little sad. Richmond hadn’t introduced her to the other man who never sat down. She wondered why he didn’t. But she shouldn’t care. Its Evan she should know. But her heart yearned to know the man she couldn’t stop staring at-the way his eyes made her feel, she had never felt that way before. She’d seen guys as cute as he was, he was different, he was…..
“Wait a minute”, she bravely voiced out her feelings, she desired to know him.
“Why should we, beautiful?” Evan asked staring at her with libido.
“Who’s that guy?” she asked, pointing to the blue eyed man. “You didn’t introduce me to him.” Her eyes met his, smling coyly. Her smile made him feel uncomfortable.
Evan and Richmond made eye contacts. Their faces changed from the smile they had to blunt expressions. They both turned to look at they guy wearing a black jean,he gave them an I-have-no-idea look.
Jessica noticed the expressions on Richmond’s and Evan’s faces. “Did I say or do anything wrong?”
“No, no”, Richmond replied waking up from his supposed thoughts. “I’m sorry. Its just that I forgot to introduce him. He’s not that important you know.”
Jessica felt hurt a little hearing that a beautiful guy was not important as Richmond said. She defended him, “Why did you bring his if he’s not that important?” Jessica asked mimicking Richmond’s accent.
“He’s just a bodyguard of mine.” Evan said wickedly. “He’s not given much importance. He is Issac.”
Disregarding whatever Evan said, Jessica moved closer to Isaac. His smell, scent was good. She felt a lot more better close to him. They shook hands, she refused to let his go. “I’m sorry about the stare, but I don’t regret it.” she whispered those words into his ears. He responded to a nod. She frowned, but quickly turned to a smiling face.She didn’t know why he didn’t speak. Maybe his boss asked him not to. “We can all leave now.”
No one said a word,Evan and Rich led the way, Jess followed, but moved slowly. As she got to the door, she stopped on purpose, Isaac got there. He waited for her to move, she didn’t. “Ma’am, please move.They’re waiting for us.” Jessica’s lips curved into a smile. She gave him an alluring look. Her lips moved.
“I thought you wouldn’t ever speak.”
He cleared his throat. “My boss doesn’t like it when I speak to his woman. I don’t want trouble,” he said flatly.
“I love this place, Evan. Thanks for bringing me here!” Jessica shouted.
“I’m glad you do.”
Drawing herself closer to him, she shouted, “Speak louder, I can’t hear you, the music’s too loud!”
Raising his voice, he spoke, “I said I’m happy you love this place.” He looked around, couples where dancing. He gestured towards her, “Come, lets dance!”
She grinned. “Give me a minute!”
Jessica finished up the spaghetti casserole on her plate, drank a little water.
“I’m ready!” smiling Jessica said.
Jessica was really happy tonight. Gazing at Isaac gave her Joy she couldn’t understand. She was happy she said yes to Richmond. She got off her seat and went to meet Evan.
He took her by the waist, pulling her closer to his body, placed his two hands on her waist. She placed hers on his neck. They danced slowly. The music was slow too. They changed dance steps as the rythm of the song changed…..slow and fast. But it was so loud.
**** **** **** ****
“I don’t want you to get close to Jessica, she’s not for you.” said Richmond angrily.
“I know that, sir,” Isaac replied innocently.
Those words of Isaac-I know that sir, got Richmond fuming. His eyes turned red. The smile he’d always give Jessica was no more there. He chuckled wickedly. He walked towards a wooden door, a small door leading to an old room before the main entrance of the club. Richmond used his fists to hit the wall 3 times. “You know?!” He yelled at Isaac. “You know!” he repeated. “But you let her get close to you. What the hell did she tell you? D–n it!” He struck the door, again.
Isaac didn’t move. He just stood there watching his boss. Richmond always behaved that way when he was mad. He had even beaten up a woman several times in the name of chanelling out the anger he was unable to control. No one dared to stop or challenge him, whoever dared to, would regret it. Isaac knew a lot about his boss, sometimes he thought he knew too much and that Richmond would get rid of him. Soon. Very soon.
Richmond asked Isaac the same question for the second time. Isaac remained silent. Furious, Richmond rushed to him, shook him violently and grabbed him by the collar. He just couldn’t lift him off the ground. Isaac was much more stronger than Richmond. In a futile attempt to lift him up, Richmond hit Isaac on the chest causing him to stagger for several minutes. Isaac regained his balance. He didnt fight back.
“Talk! Tell me!” Richmond screamed again. He was fortunate Jessica couldn’t hear him do that ’cause the music was too loud. She’d never believe Richmond could scream that way.
“All right, all right. I’ll tell you” Isaac said, walking backwards away from Richmond who was snarling at him, saying some wicked words. “Don’t look at me that way! I didn’t get close to her. That woman is smart, she noticed the way you and Evan looked at me when she asked to be introduced to me. She only apologised. That’s all.” Trying to calm him down, Isaac continued. “I know what you want with her, I understand it all and I’m not going to get in your way,” he paused, thinking about what he now felt for Jessica. “I don’t want your wrath.”
Losing the tie around his neck, to get some air for he was sweating, Richmond said, “I hope you don’t ruin my plans, if you do, you die.” He walked away.
Morning seemed to have come too quickly. I couldn’t even get enough rest, the man lying on a large foam, shirtless thought. He scratched his head, sighed deeply. He laid back in bed, hoping to get more sleep. Few minutes passed, his eyes remained shut. He was unable to sleep. He hesitated before he got up from the bed. He walked round the small room pacing.
He was affluent, but he chose to live in a small apartment. Peace of mind and rest were his reasons of choosing such a small place. He didn’t seem to be getting peace. Some thing was wrong. He walked to the night stand, turned on the table lamp. He picked up his wrist watch, it was 07:00 a.m. He grabbed his cell phone, dialled a number and waited for response at the other end.
“Its too early, isn’t it?” a male voice over the phone said.
“I know, but I’m restless. Come over and give me every detail,” he demanded.
“I’m going to be so busy today. I don’t think I’ll make it now,” the other voice responded.
His brows creased. “Be on your way. No one should know you’re leaving. I’ll be waiting.” He didn’t let the man at the other end speak, he disconnected the call. I’ve got a bad feeling about this, he thought. Nothing must go wrong. Absolutely nothing.
In a flash, he was in the bathroom and out. He dressed hurriedly. By the time he was done, he stood in front of the wall mirror and smirked, checking out his clothing. His hair was short, side parted. He wore cargo pants and a polo shirt, boots on his feet. He was about leaving the room when he noticed his hair was slightly rough. Taking a brush, he put his hair in order and smiled. “Perfect.”
The door bell rang.
“Coming!”
He ran to the sitting room, opened the door and welcomed his guest.
“Sit,” he ordered.
Evan sat on the chaise longue.
The unknown mysterious guy sat on a rocky chair. “Evan, fill me in.”
“She’s so pretty. I like her a lot.”
“You know what I mean, tell me everything that happened last night.”
“I get the feeling she likes Isaac. That good-for-nothing low life! Almost all my woman look at him. I don’t know what he’s got that I don’t have!” Evan’s anger towards Isaac was still fresh. He was also jealous of him.
“Evan!” the unknown guy cautioned, “Don’t take it personal. Continue.”
“It all went well. We ate, danced and had fun. I believe Richmond put that scumbag in his place. Lets get rid of him now.” he pleaded.
“Isaac is so useful. Its a shame this would be his last job with us. When Jessica dies, he must go with her.” They laughed wickedly.
Isaac turned away. He’d been listening to their conversation. He wasn’t gonna die. They will. He swallowed hard. I must live.
