dangerously yours (masquerade)

Chapter ten

The dinner was horrible. Awful. The whole time he had spoken about himself and his fortune, although what could you expect from staying in a five star hotel.

Afterwards he had insisted I accompany him to the ball. I finally accepted but to my delight he never asked me to dance, he just drank and continued his whole entire un asked for life story.

"I am going to get another drink, Countess Rattoilia." He slurred

At least he got the countess part I thought.

I took that opportunity to quickly get a smoke. I needed it. I wandered out the door and there he was. Rudolph, standing in his usual spot, cigarette in mouth. I paused for a moment unsure what to do. He turned to me.

"Evening, Catherine." He smiled.

"Hello, Rudolph." I replied.

I went to go and stand next to him.

"How has your evening been?" He asked.

I turned to him. My facial expression said everything.

"Oh I see." He laughed.

"I've been Countess Rattoillia, Rabolan, Crewshola, Debolan. I mean Debolan doesnt even sound like Rashola!" I laughed but quickly stopped myself.

I realised that I had rejected him earlier and talking about the man I had dined with instead maybe wasn't a very kind idea.

"Rudolph, I am very sorry about earlier I-"

"No, Catherine, don't apologise. You were right to reject me then. I... I've been really busy and I was not avoiding you! Not at all. In Fact I couldn't really stop thinking about you..." He scratched his head and chuckled.

"Oh, right." I laughed. "I see."

"I suppose I offer you a big explanation." He laughed.

I smiled.

"Well I-"
Before Rudolph could continue, the door burst open.

Really?  Again? Every time Rudolph is about to tell me something somebody always comes flying through that door. When I saw who it was my heart stopped. Of Course it had to be Bajnok.

"FINALLY there you are!" He yelled angrily, slurring nearly all of his words. "Why are sneaking off I thou-"

He noticed Rudolph.

"Oh if it isn't Count Estafan."

"Mr Lakatos, is it really necessary to be yelling?" Rudolph responded.

"Well yes when this whore is hanging over here with YOU!" He yelled.

"Don't call her that." Rudolph said coldly. His voice had completely shifted and it sent shivers down my back.

"COURSE YOU'D FUCKING SAY THAT!" Bajnok slurred.

Rudolph gently touched my arm and gestured for us to walk away from the situation.

"OK THEN, GO WITH HIM! I'LL JUST FIND ANOTHER GIRL FOR THIS EVENING!" He yelled. "YOU HEAR?!" He ran up and grabbed me from behind. "I SAID YOU FUCKING HEAR!"

Without hesitation Rudolph turned and shoved him off me and to the floor.

Bajnok laughed. "There we go Estefan. COME ON THEN! Let's handle this like men."

"Rudolph, leave it!" I said, trying to diffuse the situation.

I didn't even need to convince him twice before, Rudolph loosened his fists and turned away from the conflict.