The Dark of You (GxG)

3. Challenged accepted

The limo pulled up onto the house of one of my dear friends, Jude. She is the only one that has stuck around for the past few years. Not that my father has made it any easier for me as I'm guarded at all times. Jude has been supportive and been there for me when needed. 

As I watched people dressed in fancy dresses and suits, I looked forward at Rylan. She met eyes with me shortly as she was as well staring out the window in silence. I was about to open the car door when she rushed forward to lock it. Raising my eyebrows at her, she picked out her phone from her black suit jacket. 

"We need to talk about your trip to Europe," She said for the hundredth time since yesterday after we had spoken to my father. I have avoided her drastically all day, not that she is hard to stay away from. She is quiet and reserved, not much of an attention seeker. 

"I don't have time," I said on the way to unlock the door, but she laid her hand over mine—her skin, smooth and warm. I looked at her hand, and she quickly took it away. 

"Fine," I sighed and sat back in place. 

"Your flight is scheduled to leave on the first of October at 13:00 and will land in London. I will be with you at all times," 

"Don't you have a life, Rylan?" I rudely interrupted her, but like always, she glares at me. 

"We will then go to Berlin, Paris, and then Barcelona," She added, ignoring my comment completely. It all sounded nice if you look at it, but I know I won't be allowed to leave my hotel room. These beautiful places and I'm hidden away as if I was only permitted to exist, not live. 

"I will inform you more later," She said, and I unlocked the door to open it. 

"Don't worry, Rylan, you won't be here when I'm leaving," I smiled ironically before I left and shut the door close. Like everyone else, she will leave; I'll make sure of that like I always do. I know the reason for me going to these places is for my father to extend his business. I have done it here in the US before. It's not unknown to me. I straightened my black dress and entered the crowded fancy house. 

Jude's guests are carrying around a glass of champagne or wine. Women are wearing blue, red, and all sorts of colorful dresses as they are deep in conversation with each other. You can hear the loud laughs, complaints, and gossip flowing through the room. The smell of smoke, alcohol, and cologne is hanging in the air. It's a terrible mix if you ask me. The classical music is played in the background by a band dressed in white suits.

I roll my eyes as I find my way to the bar. I hate these parties; they are so stiff and filled with nothing but lies. I know Jude is not fond of them either, but her husband throws them a few times a year to keep up his reputation among their group of friends. 

I asked the bartender for a drink and waited, seeing that Rylan came through the door. Her hands are hidden in the pockets of her black suit pants. Scanning through the room with her cold blue eyes, she saw me. Instead of finding her way over to me, she walked alongside the wall and leaned on it. 

"Hadley," I heard my name and smiled as Jude appeared. 

"How are you?" She asked, and I took a deep breath; I don't want to explode. I haven't spoken to her in a couple of weeks.

"That good, huh?" She chuckled nervously as she brushed her brown hair behind her ear. 

"Yeah," My drink was placed on the bar, and I didn't hesitate to take it. 

"So, where is Ronny?" She asked, looking around in search of my old security guard.

"She is right there?" I pointed at the woman who is across the room. She seems to be aware of everything around her as she gazes in every direction. 

"Oh," Jude looked at me, surprised. 

"Oh!" She said louder now, her green eyes wide open as if it has finally hit her. 

"A woman," She looked more shocked than I did.

"Maybe your father has realized that you have issues with men now," She commented and took a drink of her glass to hide as she glanced over at Rylan.

"Thanks," I said, shaking my head at her terrible words. 

"It's true," She lifted her hand.

"If only I were gay," She sighed, staring at Rylan all dreamy. I don't think I want to be in her mind right now. I looked in the same direction as Jude at my new guard. Rylan's hair is up in a ponytail; not one hair is out of place. Her black suit clings onto every little curve and muscle on her body. She defiantly looked handsome and beautiful in her way, but I don't see anything else but another guard to watch me wherever I go, which is more of a reminder of the tight leash my father has around me. 

"What's her name?" Jude asked me. 

"Rylan," I shrugged and took a sip of my drink, feeling the burn in my throat. 

"Hot," She said, and I almost swallowed down in the wrong pipe. 

"Are you sure you are not gay?" I wondered, placing my glass back on the bar. 

"Maybe a little bit," She indicated with her fingers with a small amount. 

"I mean, look at her," Jude moved up her hand in Rylan's direction, but I didn't bother to watch her. 

"She is just another bodyguard, Jude; she will be gone before you know it," I reminded her. 

"Talking about leaving," I said, and Jude frowned at me. 

"How come you never stay for more than ten minutes before you go and find a club to screw a girl," She said harshly but low for no one to hear. 

"You are very welcome to join," I winked. 

"I wish," She breathed. 

"Fine, standard procedure?" She wondered, and she drank up the rest of the drink before giving me the empty glass. 

"I'm not sure if you can flirt your way with this one," I chuckled and laid the glass on the bar.

"Oh, challenged accepted," She teased and found her way over to Rylan to keep her occupied so I can find my way out the back. Placing the glass on top of the bar, I watched and waited as Jude stole Rylan's attention away from the room. 

Slowly walking backward and slip into the crowd. Keeping myself low as I sneak through the kitchen. I stopped for a moment in front of the mirror in the hallway and placed my hair back in place. Reaching for the door handle, I opened it, and I'm met with Rylan's frown as her arms are crossed over her chest. I'm not sure if I should be impressed or annoyed. Nobody has ever caught me here on their first time. 

"Don't think I'm a fool, Hadley. You can run and hide where ever you want. I will find you," She warned me, and I bit my tongue with a quick laugh. 

"I'm not joking," She shook her head seriously. Clearly, she is different. Yet, I'm not sure if I find it intriguing or aggravating because there is something about that determination in her, and it's pushing all of my plugs. 

"Yes, ma'am," I grinned, which made her clench her jaw as I walked past her.