Poison

Chapter Seven

A few days have passed since the little run in with the assholes that attempted to kidnap me at my job, the job which I no longer hold because the building is now under reconstruction.

I can't believe I finally move out to be on my own after being under my fathers intense death grip my whole life to be right back to square one, living with another controlling asshole.

I just wanted a little slice of freedom, god knows I deserve it, but living with Austin has given me anything but. It's like he's scared something is going to happen again and I have to stay by his side every second of the day. It's driving me insane!

For a week I've stared at the same two hundred and fourteen walls. Yes two hundred and fourteen. I was so bored one morning that I decided to walk around the mansion and count ever single wall just to pass time by. I even calculated how may had the same color and which ones looked older than the others. Pathetic I know, but what else is there to do in this place while some creepy Italian dude with no sense of humor or emotional features follows you around without uttering a single word?

The man wouldn't even tell me his name until the third day he followed me around while I was going to make a sandwich. He was standing outside my door waiting for me to come out and wouldn't stop following me. At first I thought it was a coincidence so I ignored it, but after we descended the stairs and started walking through the dining area I knew he was following me. So being the weird paranoid person that I am I changed it up and walked outside on the deck toward the pool house and when he continued to follow me I made another detour and headed to Austin's office where we all had a nice chat about personal space.

Apparently Austin hired him to be my personal babysitter while he attended to business. The discussion ended with me calling him an idiot amongst other things and storming out of his office, with Burke behind me of course. Oh yeah, his name is Burke. He's big, Italian, and has no time for fun and games. Nothing more nothing less. I know this because I've asked him to play cards with me for a week now and he always declines. I think I'm growing o him though, when I first asked he didn't answer he just turned away, but now I'm getting audible sounds.

Burke and I are currently going over my plans for the day. There is supposedly going to be a charity ball held at the house tonight? Something about a Laurentis family tradition to host an annual charity event every year. I'm not really up for it, but it would be nice to see some new faces. I've been stuck in this house for almost a month now.

"Alright so are we familiar with the plans Ms. Cooper?" Burke mumbles while looking down at his phone, probably scanning the checklist for tonight making little eye contact as usual. To be honest I missed everything that he just said.

"Uh...yeah sure whatever's good." I lie.

"You weren't listening were you?" He groans.

"No I'm sorry and please for the hundredth time call me Meredith. I really don't mind." I pout. That seems to be the only thing that gets him to warm up to me. He sighs and scrolls all the way back to the top of the page.

"Ms. Cooper you know I like to keep it strictly professional. Nothing more nothing less. Now back to the plans for today." I sigh and nod for him to continue.

"First we have the hairdresser where you will be pampered to perfection..." Pampered to perfection? Austin. I scoff and listen to the rest of the list.

"Then we will do a little shopping to get your personal items and return home by 5, giving you enough time to get ready and down in the main hall by 7. Any questions?" I throw my head back and grown catching him off guard.

"Yes, why do I have to go?" I hate rich people events. They're all snobby and every single one of them thinks they can down talk people just because they sit on top of millions.

"Because Mr. Laurentis wants you to be there? Now get ready, the car will be here in an hour." With that he turns and leaves the room.

"Wait," I yell causing him to halt. "What about my dress and shoes?" He sighs for what seems like hours and turns to look at me. Someone must be on their period today.

"They will be here by the time we get back." He slams the door shut causing me to jump back a little. Well, someones in a mood today. The door opens slowly and Burke peaks his head back in.

"Mr. Laurentis wants to speak with you." He says this like I'm in trouble.

"About?"

"I have strict orders to take you to him, nothing more-" I cut him off knowing where this is heading.

"Nothing less, yeah I got it," I spit as I walk past him towards the King of Insanity himself.

When we finally reach his office door Burke knocks and we both head inside.

Austin sits behind his desk in a white button down as usual, typing something on his computer. When he sees that I've entered the room he takes a quick glance at me before shutting his laptop. He keeps his eyes trained on me as he opens his mouth to speak.

"Lasciaci," He utters without spearing a single glance at Burke. A small shiver runs through me from the coldness in his voice. I don't know what he just said, but it sounded harsh.

(Leave us)

I don't know what's about to happen, but it doesn't look like it's gonna end well for me.