The Archer (18+)

XXI

A few days had passed since that talk with my mother. What Broderick had brewing, strangely alarmed me. He not only destroyed my reputation but he had my mother on his side. It was truly me against the world at this point.

I made it my mission to find out what was going on and not let any of the girls knew of my plans regarding that matter. Some of them may be in on it already and plotting my demise. I had to be on high alert at all times.

Today was the day I agreed to see Fila. I didn't tell the girls exactly when I would be returning to the mansion. I selfishly wanted everything to be on my terms and only tell them the bare minimum. If that meant I had to cozy up with one of Aurelio's accomplices then so be it. I just wanted to do it without being judged.

I informed Jackson that I would be taking the car. His face lit up as he requested to join me but I declined. He then informed me that he had some updates regarding the port. The police ruled out the mass murder to be gang affiliated. At least something went well so far.

I patted my chest securely before hopping in our rented car and pulling off the curb. I saw Raine peek through the blinds in curiosity as I slowly drove away. This was the first time I was driving myself anywhere from the start of the mission. Surely it could cause some buzz.

I pulled up to the gates of the mansion in record time. I ought to drive more carefully.

"Good day ma'am. What is your business here?" A tall, balding guard asked.

"I was told to come see Fila today."

"And your name?"

"Archer."

"One second please madam."

Within a few minutes, I was allowed to enter.

I drove at a steady pace down the drive way. The sight was enthralling, much more so now when the sun was out.

There were men roaming everywhere, not even hiding their menacing glares and offending guns. I kept my cool and parked as per the instruction of the boy, who pointed me to an empty spot.

I smoothed down my ponytail and daintily exited my vehicle. A doorman opened the door for me and another round of questioning ensued. I answered all of them without hesitation and he let me through without a moment to waste.

As expected, the mansion was much more glorious in the daytime. Without the cluster of people, the true beauty of the decor glistened. The deep red floor radiated with light from a very wide chandelier. Men were still ambling about, but the number was drastically different from that night.

These men regarded me with indifference and were not afraid that an outsider was seeing their weapons. All type of guns and knifes seemed glued to their robust bodies.

I took a deep breath and slowly walked to where the man at the door instructed me to wait.

"It's nice to see you here again." A random tall man greeted me. He firmly offered me a hand to shake. I accepted reluctantly.

I smiled transparently as I slowly removed my hand from his before he could brush his lips against my skin.

"I'm sorry?" I asked sheepishly.

"Mikhail Dom." His baritone voice resonated with a Russian accent.

I smiled in embarrassment as I tried to remember where I met this man before. I felt incredibly underdressed in my plain white tee and jeans, compared to his lavish slacks and designer T-shirt.

"We met at the ball." He answered my unspoken question.

"Why yes, I remember you. Your name must have slipped me." I lied through my teeth to consolidate the man.