Madame

Chapter 5

Karina's POV

I awkwardly sit in between the door and Elizabeth, my leg bouncing up and down under my dress. We were going to a dinner party hosted by Mr. Ali, the man who was with me at the gala weeks ago. But my leg wasn't shaking because of him, it was because of Elizabeth. She wasn't too happy that Dev allowed me to see Lili, I guess she was a secret to be kept, but obviously, Dev didn't get the memo.

Elizabeth has been on edge these past few days because of it; I crossed her in the garden while she was walking with Lili and she tried to come over and give me a hug but Elizabeth pulled her back and berated me on how I shouldn't encourage her daughter. She made no sense, but I let her chide me anyways.

"I hope you understand what you're doing tonight" She adjusts the sleeve on her blouse and looks out the opposite window. "Yes." I say simply earning a satisfied hum from her. "Play dumb and do not speak, you will get hit if you speak out of line" She warns turning to briefly look at me. I nod my head, biting my tongue to avoid saying something that will most definitely earn me a nasty look.

We pulled up to a fancy-looking hotel in the city, that was still bustling with people, and we stepped out of the car, "You stay here until we come back. No funny business," Elizabeth says to the teddy bear man whose name I found out is Cairo. "Yes, Madam." he nods his head and drives off after Elizabeth closes the door. We walk side by side into the hotel and are pointed in the direction of the dining hall we'd be in.

The hall was huge with bright lights and gold everywhere, looked like some sort of Greek temple. The tables were set with lavish cutlery and plates along with glasses that look more expensive than my car. I had little time to take everything in before being grabbed and pulled away from Elizabeth, who could care less about the situation I was being put in.

"I'm so glad you came!" His voice makes my stomach sink and chills run up my back and down my arms. I smile graciously at him and he grabs my face in his hands, "You're prettier than before. Is it because you knew you'd see me?" He asks.

Assuming he wants an answer I go to open my mouth but Elizabeth talks over me, "Took her ages to get ready," She chuckles dryly, making painfully long eye contact with Mr. Ali. He gives a pleased bellow, holding his stomach that is barely being held in with his belt.

"Please remind me of your name, my love." I dig my nails into my palm behind my back, "Scarlett, sir." I smile. His smile takes up half of his face, his teeth showing, "A lovely name to go with a lovely woman. You spoil me, Elizabeth." He chuckles, wrapping his fat arm around my waist, his arthritic fingers gripping it in a possessive manner.

I feel my stomach sink again and it takes everything in me not to pull away in disgust. I look up at Elizabeth, hoping she's at least pity me but her eyes were narrowed in on Mr. Ali, her lips forming a thin line.

Something flashes in her eyes as she gives a smaller smile than before, her eyes quickly looking me over before returning to the man at my side. "Nothing but the best for you, Mr. Ali." She flashes a more genuine smile. Mr. Ali nods his head and continues to talk about stupid shit as he leads us to the head table, forcing me to sit between him and Elizabeth, his hand resting on my thigh as he continues to speak to her.

They talk about Mr. Ali and his children and how they are doing. Elizabeth seems rather interested when he starts to talk about his oldest child, probably because she knows they'll take over the family business after Mr. Ali passes away, which hopefully is sooner than later. The conversation quickly changes to business though, making Elizabeth's fake smile drop, making her face unreadable.

"One of our transporters was shot the other month. My son believes it is the Americans but everyone is under my suspicion." He lowers his voice and leans in a little, coming closer to me. Elizabeth shifts a little in her seat, "But you are not any concern to me Elizabeth, I hope," He smiles, his hand gripping my thigh a little tighter. "No, of course not. My loyalty is with you and you only. You have my word." Her voice sends chills down my spine and I press my thighs together, earning the attention of Mr. Ali, "Are you cold?" He asks, completely ignoring what Elizabeth said. I quickly shake my head no and give the sweetest smile that I can muster. He nods his head approvingly and loses interest in Elizabeth completely.