The Illusion

Nineteen

I extended 2 fingers on my left hand and scratched the top of my head, giving Isla the information about what cards James had in front of me. Lili was rambling on about something she'd pulled from a reality TV show, spinning it so it seemed like her own story. We had this down to a T now. This was the 7th of these events I'd been to in the past few years and watching the boys loose time and time again to us over a game they swore to everyone they were brilliant at never got old. I sipped on my wine, responding to Lili like I was even half interested.

Leo was stood against the back wall, not even trying to look inconspicuous. I guess in a place like this, you know there's going to be security around so there's no need to hide it as some random guy. Either way, he was holding up his side of the promise in watching me all night. Every time I bent over in his view, you could feel the air getting denser. I'd look over my shoulder and watch his jaw tighten, chest puffing a little with flaring nostrils. The whole thing made me giggle like a school girl. I love how easy men are to tease when they're invested.

"For fuck sake Isla." James slammed his cards on the table and she laughed. "How? How do you always beat me here but at home you don't even know the rules?" Me and Lili took two steps to the right, continuing our conversation as if we'd been stood there all along when he looked back. "Are you three cheating?" I looked at James quickly.

"What?"

"Are you helping Isla win?"

"How the hell would we do that James? We've been talking about Lili's recent shopping trips for like an hour." I rolled my eyes. "You're so dramatic. So, you lost to your girlfriend. Get over it." I turned back to Lili, looking unimpressed with my oldest sibling. "Sorry Lili, go on."

"Why is he so rude?" He groaned and I had to sip on my glass to stop myself laughing.

"He's always been a sore loser. Why'd you think Monopoly is banned in the house."

"Here, right, no. The monopoly fist fight of 2008 was all your fault."

"Pretty sure my dolls shattered heads would disagree with you there James. Isla?"

"Mhm?" She grinned at James, sticking her tongue out before smirking.

"Another drink?"

"Please Freya." I nodded my head at Lili and we started walking across the room to the bar.

"I can't believe they still haven't worked it out."

"God, I know. It's hilarious. They're a little bit dumber than I thought they were."

"Mm. Speaking of boys. I'm just going to see if Isaac needs a top up. I'll meet you at the bar." I nodded, carrying on as she took a detour to another table.

The bar area was packed out. It wasn't a problem, the bar tenders always moved pretty fast and it gave me a second to breathe. I hadn't been alone since before Leo came into my room earlier tonight and as someone who liked her own space, I was learning moments like this were rare and far between now. I either had Leo beside me or someone from home. The only time I really had alone was whenever I was in the bathroom showering or using the toilet. If I could get 2 minutes in a packed out room to just sit with my thoughts, I sure as hell was grasping it with both hands.

"Didn't think I'd be seeing you out baby girl." Every muscle in my body tensed, an instant wave as nausea. I didn't move.

"Zane." He stood beside me, hands crossed in front of his belt buckle. "I don't think it's a smart idea that you're here, unless you were coming looking for your blood across the floor, in which case, let me get out the way first." A slight smirk.

"I actually wasn't going to come tonight. But I had a few people let me know my precious little prisoner was finally showing her face again after her miraculous escape and I had to see it for myself." I kept my eyes fixed forward, watching him purely from my peripheral vision. "So how about I get you a drink and you tell me how you did it?"

"If you think I'm putting a thing you touch near my mouth you are severely underestimating my intelligence."

"Maybe. My house is impenetrable and yet somehow. You got out. Alive nonetheless." I looked up now, flashing an innocent smile.

"I never told you I could walk through walls did I?" His smirk vanished. "Here's the thing Ace. There is approximately 50 or so guys in here watching my every move tonight. You haven't got a chance of getting out of here with me in your grasp."

"Hm. You're right." He nodded, ordering himself a drink, waiting, taking a sip. "But, there's one thing you didn't consider with that Freya."

"Highly doubt that but go ahead, tell me." I tilted my head.

"I don't need you to leave this room to hurt your family." He swilled his glass nonchalantly. One punch. One punch and I could have that look falling off his face in a second. "I don't need you in my basement princess. There's one girl your family adore who isn't here tonight and right about now, her bedroom window's being shattered and she's being thrown in the back of a car like you were. Only difference now is I don't like her as much as I like you." Breathe Freya. "Last chance angel. The clock is tick tocking if you want Alara safe and sound, you've got 48 hours to get me what I want. After that. I'm not breaking bones. I'll be tearing them from her body and pushing them through your letterbox." He downed his drink in one. "Oh. And I wouldn't suggest letting any of your family drive home sweet girl. They'll be out cold in about 10 minutes. Don't worry. I haven't killed them. I know you need them to get what I want." He turned, disappearing into the crowd as my heart pounded in my chest. Alara.