Estelle

7 | Spiked Drink

Accelius's threat is all I can think about as I get ready in the morning.

It is the weekend and I am supposed to be relaxing. However, with the date of Accelius acting on his promise quickly approaching, he is consuming my thoughts.

I have noticed less men but I doubt that I will be safe or free for long.

People like Accelius Vallorani don't give up. Accelius won't give up.

The other thing in my mind is Mr. Irey. His odd behavior, his mysterious outburst the other day, the way his gray eyes captivate me.

I have not gotten Mr. Irey to tell me why he came back from his work trip so abruptly. He refuses to speak anymore when I ask.

Accelius and Mr. Irey battle in my mind for dominance and I decide quickly that I cannot be alone this weekend.

I call up Blue and we both decide to meet at a new bar at 7pm. Blue has been wanting for me to meet her new date, Alec.

When I walk into the bar, I quickly spot where Blue and Alec are sitting.

"Jane!" Blue smiles at me as I sit down.

"This is Alec Rossi."

Alec has strong features but a set of welcoming bright blue eyes and sandy blonde hair. His Italian accent is smooth but not as deep as Adonis's.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Jane."

I smile. "You look familiar. Have we met before?" I ask.

"I don't know. I mean I work for a man named Adonis Irey." Alec smiles with a charming grin and I can see why Blue likes him.

"That's my boss. I'm his secretary."

"Oh! Your Miss. Monte?"

Alec's eyes light up everytime he looks at Blue. Never have I seen Blue this happy. It is like all thoughts of her past and her family is gone and there is only Alec in her eyes.

As I watch Blue interact with Alec, I realize how well they communicate and how strong the chemistry is. I have never been one to feel jealousy or loneliness. Instead, I feel overjoyed that my friend is finding happiness.

The rest of the night goes on with us talking about work and ordering food before moving to the bar.

The dance lights turn on and fill the bar room with harsh colored lights.

The changing of colors casts harsh shadows over people's faces and the walls reflect the colors. The haziness of the bar picks up as more people join.

Through the lights and drinks in my hand, my thoughts about Accelius disappear. I am able to laugh with Blue and enjoy myself.

Each time a man comes over to me and tries to chat with me, I feel a twist in my stomach as if I am doing something I shouldn't. Each time, I turn them away.

"No, grazie".

The lights shift and I get deja vu as I catch a face in the crowd.

This face has harsh features, obsidian hair, and piercing gray orbs. My heart picks up and I freeze as I search for the face again.

Nothing.

It must have been my imagination.

Later that night, I feel someone brush past me and something about the hand on my back feels familiar. I try to spin around but bump into people around me, slowing me down. The man is gone before I can catch who it was.

As the night wears on, I begin to feel off. I only had two fruity drunks and yet I can hardly walk. I stumble to the bar and climb onto a bar stool as I try to calm my spinning head.