Chase Me

11

Krystal

The last few hours of my life have been a rollercoaster. I didn't know what to focus on first. The kiss; the fact that I told Alteo that I want him; him saying that I will be his? I needed space from him, I needed to get my thoughts sorted out. I need Imani to tell me wtf to do.

I pushed through the wooden doors that led to the dining room making sure that I blended in with the crowd. I held my head low not wanting to be the centre of attention and I was almost certain my lipstick was smudged and my eyes still red from crying. Why was I even crying? Am I drunk or just stupid? I only had two glasses of wine.. so it must be the latter.

I saw the bathroom symbol and dashed towards its direction. I was relieved when I made it there and it was empty. I opened one of the stalls and sat on the toilet. I needed to send Imani a text to meet me here and help me figure out how to get through this.

I reached over to grab my purse but then realized I had left it on the table. Shit. I quickly stood up and made my way over to the sink. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes were surprisingly not red and my lipstick was well gone. Luckily no traces of it lingered on my face. I was very familiar with the person looking back at me. The face of a coward, how beautiful. Why couldn't I just take what I wanted? I'm far from being a virgin so what's my fucking problem? After fighting with my inner thoughts I washed my hands and made my way out. I still needed to find Imani and more importantly, get my phone.

Once I left the washroom I saw them at a distance. All three were gathered at our table and my purse was secured in Alteo's hand. Great, I guess there's no avoiding him now. As I approached them I couldn't hide the smile that grew on my face. My body yearned to be next to his. I wanted to kiss him again, wanted to run my hands down his hard chest and arms. He turned towards my direction and winked at me. If only he knew the thoughts I was having now. What I've gathered about him tonight is that he isn't only rich but he's a powerful man. Everyone seemed to be walking on eggshells when he was around and I didn't know why. Did they feel his dark energy too? Did it threaten to pull them in as well or does it keep them at a safe distance?

"Krystal!, where did you go?" Imani asked as I grabbed my seat. Alteo swiftly got up to pull it out for me. Such a gentleman. I blushed and whispered thanks to him. A pang of embarrassment washed over me as I replayed our last conversation in my mind. He seemed at ease while I was having a mental breakdown.

I cleared my throat,

"I-I just needed to use the washroom"

She eyed me suspiciously. I really wanted to tell her everything but I couldn't right now because he's here. Mark then whispered something in her ear and her eyes went wide while her smile got wider. They both started to get up. No no no, don't leave me with him....

"Babe we have to umm go, but call me if you need me" Imani said to me flustered. Mark said his goodbyes to Alteo and I and then we were all alone, once more.

I watched as Imani clung on to Mark's arm as he led her through the crowd. I guess I'll be navigating tonight all on my own. I'm hoping that I don't screw up even more.

I turned my attention to the man sitting beside me. I was greeted by his piercing gaze. His expression was blank and I couldn't tell what he was thinking. I looked away quickly but I still felt his eyes on me. I took a deep breath and faced him once more taking in his features. His jaw was clenched and his brows were slightly knitted. What's going on in that head of yours? He studied my face, searching for something.

"Alteo....."

I wanted to the lessen the tension he was causing. He didn't answer but I didn't miss the smile that quickly formed on his face. The silence was deafening and I needed him to say something, anything.

"Alteo, please say something" I whispered.

He sighed loudly and stood up extending his hand to me.

"Do you want the night to end here Krystal?" He asked in a dreary tone. I just know he doesn't want me anymore after my stunt outside.

I stood, balancing myself by holding onto his hand. He didn't pull me closer, or kiss me on my cheek or give me any affection as before. I held my head down once more.

"Yes" I managed to force out.

I started to pull my hand away from his feeling somewhat rejected but he tightened his grip. I could feel my heart flutter, am I this pathetic? He's obviously toying with me. Or am I just overcomplicating things?

"Very well then"

He handed me my purse which I would have surely forgotten about and led me through the crowd. Once we made it outside the cameras started in a frenzy. Although I could hear people shouting and screaming his name, I was lost in thought. I was feeling self conscious, I'm sure everyone thinks I'm with him, if he's as rich and powerful as I think, he should have that type of woman by his side, not some barely middle classes woman from Seattle who's scared of her feelings for him.

This isn't a fairy tale. Women like me don't get these type of men. Imani is obviously the exception, I don't know why I agreed to come here. I don't know why I told him I wanted him. Why did I agree to be his date? I'm already hurt and he's done nothing.

I was so out of touch with reality that I did not realize we were now underground. In a parking lot it seems. Three tall men dressed in all black attire appeared out of the shadows. Their faces were covered and they had machine guns strapped to the front of their bodies. My heart started to race and I held onto him for dear life. The men then greeted Alteo and blocked off the entrance. Oh. It seems these are his men....