Stained Recovery

Am I? || Chapter 18

Peace — a little luxury I couldn't afford.

I've been dragging my ass all morning during practice. All of our crews were extra energetic since the next show will be the last of the European Leg before the holidays.

They wanna make sure that everything will run smoothly and perfectly. I, on the other hand, wanted to just stay in bed. Last night was so exhausting, the moment Cleo and I got back to the hotel, we fucking snoozed.

I was definitely drained by Scooter's news, making my head almost spin in anger. He even suggested that Cleo and I should lay-low and stop seeing each other until everything cools down.

This all started with my post. It was just a photo of Cleo, it wasn't even showing her face, damn it!

I didn't think that it would cause a lot of issues — especially for Cleo. I knew that she has always been about privacy... like she was not hidden... but she also doesn't want to be seen.

It was shocking to know that her records were sealed and kept top secret. That speaks volumes — that would mean that her family were really powerful and can do anything at their bidding.

The Cleo I knew was so low-key and low maintenance, I didn't even think she was a fucking billionare for fuck's sake! She was so down to earth, and while she dressed to impress, she was so simple.

Things wouldn't be too complicated if whoever dug into her records didn't publish it. That was purely invation of privacy — of course her parents would do something about it. They fucking poked the dragon.

"You know, thinking too much about it wouldn't help, honey." Vic soothed my arm as she stroked softly. My head snapped at the direction of her voice. She sat, with her leg tucked under the other beside me.

We were currently hanging out in my hotel room. Well, technically, Cleo and mine's room. But she was out to meet up with her parents in Heathrow.

"I'm okay." I answered shortly.

If I'd be honest — I was freaking out internally.

Cleo told me that her parents wanted to meet me — aside from talking about the situation, she told me that her mom was bugging her to introduce us to each other.

Fuck — what if she asked what the deal was between her daughter and I? What would I tell her? Oh, we fuck all the time and I've already fallen for your daughter but she was too pussy to ask me out.

"Ari, we've been friends for a long time. You're obviously freaking out. Don't worry, Aunt Leona and Uncle Gil's pretty cool." Jasmine said with a comforting smile on her face.

I almost believed her, but she always gotta ruin it. "But, aside from the fact that these people are billionaires and they look really terrifying if you don't know them — they are really protective of Cleo, so I get where you're coming from."

Courtney's eyes buldged and she choked on her iced tea. She threw a coughing fit, luckily — Alexa was right beside her and offered to help her recover.

"Wait a damn minute — what are you talking about? I'm a little lost... you mean, Cleo — our Cleo?" She asked.

My eyebrows immediately raised.

"It's 'my' Cleo, Courtney. Just to be clear." I hissed. I was really territorial when it comes to her.

"Woah — messaged received, you cavewoman." She chuckled. "But seriously, can somebody explain to me what's going on?"

Jas rolled her eyes and faced Courtney. "Cleo's been outed to the public, all her private information and records, that were sealed for 25 fucking years were suddenly out in the open. Now, everybody knows that she's the only heir of some crazy rich Asian — came from old money, daughter of Gilbert and Leona Philips. Plus — her... extra secret came out too. Daddy G's a bit pissed about that part."