Aeson's Ox Blood

Chapter One

I recognized her smirk before she even made it. Her brown eyes modestly lined in black rake across my face, darkening with amusement. Instead of her black hair that was shaved at the side being pulled back in a loose, messy ponytail, it was down in wavy curls around her shoulder, curled to perfection.

She lifted her black nail-polished hand and gave me a sarcastic finger wave, the other wrapped around my coworker's and best friend's bicep. She was wearing a glittering dress that accented her curves and reached the floor in the color of midnight. She practically glowed.

Awkwardly, I averted my eyes and sipped on the flute of champagne handed to me. Why am I staring at her? I've only met her once. I finish the glass and set it down on a passing waitress' tray. Maybe it's the shock of seeing her again, in this scenario, that sets me off.

I brush my hands on my pants as the two approach. "Tselios!" Ben Mercer grinned and held out his hand for me to take. I shook his hand firmly, returning the grin. His next words were full of mirth and playful sarcasm. "See, I knew you of all people wouldn't risk not coming this event. It's highly influential for those of your role."

I nodded, the professional side taking over me. I wouldn't let even Ben make me loosen up. "Yes, I'm hoping to find Jacques here tonight. Do you know if him and his wife will be here?" Ben quirked his eyebrows thoughtfully.

"Yeah, I think I heard he's here. I have no idea where though." Ben glanced around the woman at his arm, looking for the man. After he was not found immediately, he shrugged and put his attention on the woman, smiling softly.

"Ace, I'd like you to meet someone." The familiar woman lit up at the fact someone acknowledged her, her dark red full lips lifting. "This is Danielle Mercer. Danielle, this is the friend I was talking about, Aeson Tselios."

Tightening her hold on Ben, she too held out her hand for me to shake. Taking it, I say, "Well, Ben, you didn't tell me you were married." Nor did she.

"That's because he isn't. Aeson, is it?" Danielle said, seeming to be fighting back a laugh. Her voice was deep and sultry. "I'm his older sister. I knew you were a businessman, but never did I think I'd find you here at this party."

Beside her, her brother's eyes bulged. "Danny, you know Ace?"

"We've talked briefly at another party." She dismissed Ben and smiled lightly. It seemed forced. My eyes were wide. I don't think I'd call that terrifying encounter a "party", or that we "talked briefly".

"W-well," I choked, losing all my built up professionalism. "T-that isn't quite true--"

"It's fine, Ace, you don't have to explain yourself to me." Ben laughed. "Although, I think I'd enjoy hearing this story another time." He winked and I stiffened. Did he know? Or was he just being good ole Ben Mercer?

Just as I opened my mouth to defend myself, Ben detached himself from his sister and sent me an apologetic smile. He held up a finger and walked away to a short elderly woman in an elegant red dress.

That left Danielle and I. Danielle, in her confidently held aura, grabbed two glasses of wine from a waiter presenting them to her. Handing one to me, she took a gulp and winked at me. Blood rushed to my cheeks.

She swallowed. "Well, Aeson. It's been awhile since I've seen you." Danielle's eyes glanced at the maroon lip print left on the glass, smudged. "You look as radiant and... bright as ever." Frozen, I watched her face. It was different than before. I started to pass it off due to the fact it was dim in the club, then I realized: she removed her facial piercings. It was like one of those moments where you're staring at someone's face then you realize they have no eyebrows. Weird.