BOUND BY DESTINY

CHAPTER TEN

Dinner was over, as well as the after party and few of the guests had already left the mansion. After all, we were still in the middle of a school week for the younger guests and for others who had to work early the next day. I watched as others reluctantly followed their drive for the night to their cars either too tired for last minute talk or a little tipsy to drive home on their own.

It didn't mean that those who'd stayed, wasn't a consequent amount of people. I estimated around 20 more guests among the close friends and relatives of the household - far less than the hundreds of guests earlier. The atmosphere had also changed in a sense, from festive and impersonal to more intimate and I could feel that these people had known each other for a while and were really close to the family.

Leon and I were among these close group of people and we naturally stayed back for late night drinks and conversation. As compared to my brother however, I was not as closed to the Hunt family as he was, although I'd known Nathan Hunt and the twins for years. With Kelly and Keisha off to bed, I didn't really have any one to socialize with aside from Leon - who was busy flirting with the pretty blond, Lacy Mathews.

It didn't mean I was bored and wished for the comfort of my home, not at all - maybe a little - on the contrary. The smaller crowd made it easier to explore the house and admire the modern décor design of this mansion from the XIX century.

I quickly recognized the style as extravagant and chic. It was obvious from the choice of furniture and painting, that the design had been entirely created; if not supervised by Mrs. Hunt herself. Every article in the place was costly and evidently not something one could find from any local store.

As a designer, I had once too many times dealt with these kind of clients - rich and conceited who thought they knew everything including your job - they are the hardest to deal with. With time, I had finally accepted that these people can never be pleased and whatever you might do will never be enough for them.

I was now on the outside balcony that faced the garden. I needed to breath and take a break from these people. I wasn't a social freak at all, but occasionally, I needed time by myself, away from everyone especially after a big event - Kyle's disappearance was a pretty big one and I had not given myself enough alone time to fully digest the situation and everything that's happened ever since. I just needed to compose myself and order my thoughts, then I'd ask Leon to drive me home or call a cab.

I took in the view - the bright moon and stars in the sky, the wind blowing through my hair, the scent of roses from the well-kept garden - I could feel myself relax and I sighed in contempt.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

A voice I recognized right away - from listening to it all night - said from behind me and I jumped. I had been expecting this meeting all night but I still jumped albeit I hadn't seen her approaching.

I turned to look at the guest of honor and watched as she chuckled at my reaction and the sound of her soft voice made me smile. She returned the smile and looked at me.

I used this time to stare at the woman. From afar, she was already extremely beautiful but up-close, with only a few meters between us, I felt more than a little intimidated. She was gorgeous and most certainly the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.

She'd dye her long black hair to dirty blond but it still looked naturally soft. She had rosy cheeks and her eyes sparkled in the moonlight. She looked so feminine and soft, even if it was clear that she worked out. Hard. I didn't know if I should be jealous or amazed by her physique.

I blinked a few times and blushed because I'd been staring. I coughed in my hand to hid my surely flushed cheeks before she could see. When I looked up to her, I noticed her pink cheeks and embarrassed smile. Oh my God! Maybe she did notice me stare.