Hell's Company

Chapter 16 (Edited)

I was at a welcoming party, my first in what felt like months, but was probably longer. It was Luca's idea and I was more than apprehensive about attending. He assured me that nothing would happen in such a public place and that I had nothing to worry about. I helped the bartender out of boredom while the lords and ladies were announcing new residents.

"You know, I haven't seen you around here in awhile." It was the same one I had flirted with to get faster drinks for myself and Michael. He leaned against the bar as I wiped it down idly.

"I've just been busy." It wasn't a lie. I had been busy but not on these nights specifically. I usually just stayed home while Luca was here.

"I think Lady Lucielle has been looking for you and I think maybe Lord Vincent, as well. I may or may not have eavesdropped while I was setting up earlier. Are you in trouble or something?" He looked a little scared for my well-being, which was precious.

"Interesting, and no, not really." I played it off.

"I wonder why they're looking for you then." He trailed off, muttering to himself.

"How have you been?"

"Same old, same old. I'm great."

"That's good," I said blandly. I was deathly bored here and just wanted to go home. I didn't see the point of Luca wanting me to tag along to this event. I had been noticed by the leaders already, dirty looks from Callista, intense stares from Lucielle, and mildly interested glances from Vincent. The most intense gaze of them all was the piercing gray one ridiculing how there was an unsupervised man within five feet from me. I started debating whether or not to start praying for it to be over soon.

Eventually, the introductions were over, the dancing started, the bar became increasingly busy, and the bartender picked an impeccable time to ask a question right as I saw Luca's unruly hair bobbing its way to me through the crowd.

"So, what are you doing later, after the party?" The tone implied other things.

Of course, Luca had just entered hearing range. I didn't reply. He answered for me. "She's busy."

The bartender didn't look up from serving someone, replying with wit. "She's busy, is she? Why not let the lady speak for herself?" When he did look up, I could probably point out the exact moment he soiled his pants.

Luca grinned in a chilling way. "What was that? I'm afraid I think I didn't hear you correctly."

"Forgive me, Lord Luca. I didn't know she was... yours." He bowed deeply.

He looked too smug for my liking. I punched him on the arm. "Luca wishes."

"Persephone doesn't think she can be contained by any man." He laughed and leaned across the bar. "I'd like a vodka on the rocks."

"Actually, I know I can't," I smiled and leaned across the bar to smooth out his wrinkled shirt. "Pay up."

He kissed me on the lips. "Good enough?"

"Showing me affection in public? Disgusting." I mocked but got him his drink. "If you're just going to socialize with me the entire time you're here, what was the point of dragging me along? Why can't we just go home?"

"Because I have to be here and it's so terribly boring, so I wanted to bring you to keep me entertained."

"Poor you. Your friends up there," I nodded my head towards the balcony where the other lords and ladies were. "Aren't interesting enough for you?"

"Nope."

"Whatever will you do when you suddenly find me boring? It will be the end of the world. Maybe Hell will freeze over."