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ALIANOVA'S POV CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
MR. BLACKBOURNE LOOMED OVER ME WITH A BLANK EXPRESSION THAT SENT SHIVERS DOWN MY SPINE.
"Well?" He asked, his steel-grey eyes peering into my soul. With a sigh, I nodded. "It's not a big deal. Honestly. I don't really understand why it's so bad that I don't celebrate my birthday...it's just another day."
Blondie and Kota looked like I'd stormed over and smacked them, there eyes were blown wide, and their mouth agape.
Gabriel looked worse, "What the fuck? Sweetie, celebrating your birthday is important. You only turn nineteen once."
My lips twisted, "I thought people said that when your turn eighteen, Gabriel."
"What the fuck ever," He retorted rolling his eyes. "We have to throw a party!" He brightened up.
My eyes widened, "That's not needed." He acted as if I didn't say anything,
"Fuck--we need to get started getting everything set up! North!" Gabriel screamed, causing the man in question to jump.
"What?" He rumbled, glaring at Gabriel.
"Go out and get a cake. Kota, go and polish dining room table! I expect it to be shining when I get there!" He ordered.
I'd expected Kota to argue, but he only sighed and left. He seemed to understand there was not use arguing with Gabriel.
"Owen?" Gabriel asked respectfully, not daring to raise his voice to the man standing beside me.
Mr. Blackbourne clasped his hands together, "Yes?"
"Can you take Alia out? I'll call you when we need her back."
What? Go out? ...with Mr. Blackbourne? Is he crazy?
Mr. Blackbourne examined my expression with amusement. His lips turned up slightly, "Come along, Miss. Romanoff."
Without waiting for my reply, he turned and strolled to the front door. I swallowed and looked back to a chuckling North.
"It's better not to keep him waiting, little angel." He told me, "Happy birthday." He winked before I turned and walked away.
SITTING IN MR. BLACKBOURNE'S BMW, I WONDERED WHERE WE WERE GOING.
Mr. Blackbourne had classical music softly playing as he drove to gods know where. My hands were firmly planted in my lap as I looked out the window and back to his form in the driver's seat.
"Mr. Blackbourne?"
"Hmm?"
"Where are we going?" I couldn't help but ask. Mr. Blackbourne didn't look at me, "Where would you like to go?"
