Roman Roulette - Countryhumans America x China

Lipstick

Click, click, click, click. 

"Don't tell me," he said. "that you lost them. Again." 

Click, click, click, click. 

"I lost them?" 

"Who else?"

Click, click, click, click.

"Maybe if you keep talking, you'll lose your tongue!"

"Woah, better not pick on high heels," 

Click, click, click, click. 

Click.

"I hate you." I whispered. "I could get rid of you right now." 

Silver flash. Click. I took out my handgun, Trident and ticked the safety latch off. 

"Hah. You can do better." 

I licked my lips. The taste of blood still hung with the artificial hazelnut smell. I did lose them. Again. I flicked the latch back on. 

"Who am I?" I stopped. "And who are you? You can get rid of them in an instant. I have to work." 

"Maybe...if you'd tried harder...they'd be dead faster."

I turned. Click. 

"What can I do?" I hissed. "I'm punished enough to be running after these two infuriating maggots. I have  sector to run. Mind you, a very vital sector."

"I hardly count dining as vital," 

"Ah," I said dryly. "You'll want to starve, eh?" 

Laughter. "That's why you women make such bad businesspeople. All emotions, all these feelings running your system. Nothing to silence your heart and your head and your greed." 

I swallowed back millions of words that threatened to come out. 

"I hate you." I repeat. "I could make sure you don't see the sun rise today." 

"That's hardly a good argument there," he chuckled. "A compact handgun won't satiate your revenge. My death won't satisfy you or me or them. Then again, is it wise to anger them at this stage of your failure?" 

This time I laugh. "They don't care. All they want is their money. I want power." My hands clenched into fists. "Raw power."

A softer chuckle. "Well then my dear. You're not the only one vying for the crown. I also want my share of the throne." 

"Who says I'm sharing?" I retort. "And anyway..."

"I know, I know...You hate me." 

"That's right," I nod. "I do. Glad you're catching on."

"And yet, how do you believe you're the heir?" he continued in his horrible slithery way, so unlike the way he was before the cameras: Sweet and shy. The one I loved. Unlike the monster that was next to me. "They adore me. And there are others. Countless grassroots who dress in velvets and parade like nobles. We're all pawns thinking we're kings." he looked up. "there's only one king...well, two."

"Who adores you?" I ask. "your reflection?"

"They do," he says softly, barely stirring air. "The crowds, the people, and of course...you know who."

I picked my jet-black nail. "Please enlighten me," 

He looked at me. Behind sunglasses, his eyes were unreadable. They don't hide the malice in their beholder. "You know; don't lie."

"Oh my gosh," I huff. "you mean Italia and Rossiya? I have to meet with them now."

I expected him to flinch. Many do when I say their names. It gives me satisfaction. Instead he smiled. 

"Just because nepotism worked for you before doesn't mean it'll work now. Besides, who are you?"

"I am Ukraine," I marched up to him and poked my finger to his chest. Even on high heels I only came up to his chin. I wished I were taller. "who are you?"

"Your eternal love," he laughed. "well, once upon a time, that is."

I turned away from him and applied a fresh coat of black lipstick. "Huh, nice one. I don't think they love you enough. I'm family, yes. But who are you?" 

"As I said before."

I rolled my eyes. "For such a business minded individual you sure effuse this sentimental nonsense," I huffed. "And then again, after my meeting I have to work." 

"I'm sure you do," he nodded seriously. "I'll go do my own work then." 

We stopped at the end of the hall. It was just a door at the end. 

"Here you are," he rapped the dark door. A rough come in sounded from inside. 

"If you excuse me for now," He said. "I'll be going."

He turned and started to leave. 

"I don't know what you're going to do now, shortie," he sighed. "But just for now, we're on the same side. I'll spare you their fury. I'll provide them my own plan, as if we co-worked on it."

I shook my head. I didn't like when people called me by my nickname I earned in my late teens.

"Don't rest on your laurels just because my plan failed." I warned. "Who knows, maybe you'll fail too."

"Ahhh," he smiled, showing me his eyes. The sickening cobalt glowed in the rising sun rays. "Maybe unlike you, I know how to play with people. And their affection. Nobody can resist me."

He turned and walked away, leaving alone, facing the ebony door. I cursed loudly. And then softer.

I knew his plan would work. I just knew it. 

Because the mask he wears under his horrible visage is as sweet like honey and godly divine.

I too fell for him once.

I too, once was his prey.

I response I added more lipstick.