The Prestigious

House On The Hill

Kim entered her apartment quietly, her ears assaulted by soft moans and giggles. Entering her living room, she found Royal lying down drinking a beer watching a blue movie consisting of heavy girl-on-girl action. He glanced up at her, feigning innocence.

"What, a man can't enjoy himself?"

Kim walked out of the room, refusing to verbally spar with the man of her nightmares. She could hear his heavy feet pad down the hallway, hot on her heels, ready to start an argument.

"No 'welcome home' kiss? Kim, this is no way to satisfy a man."

"Royal, leave me alone. I don't feel like hearing you and your bullshit. You're making my life miserable and I need you to just go away," she replied, entering her bedroom and flicking on the light.

A dress bag lay across her bed, a box from Christian Louboutin next to it. Royal pecked her on the cheek, amused by her discomfort. "Be ready in an hour."

Kim plopped down on her bed closed her eyes. "I don't feel well."

Royal bent down to her level, his hazel eyes threatening. "If you don't start getting ready, then I'll have the party brought to you."

Kim bit her lip. "What?"

"We have a function to attend tonight. Everyone wants to meet you and see how beautiful you are. And we don't want to disappoint anyone."

Kim suddenly thought of the officer at 105th and how much her jumping on board and playing the role would help them send everyone The Prestigious to jail forever. If it could ensure her freedom in the future, Kim would play along for the moment. She stood up to get ready, wondering where the night would take her.

***

The large mansion was grand and exquisite. It sat atop a mountain, surrounded by a vast ocean, which looked beautiful as the moonlight reflected off of it. The heavily wooded area kept the home secluded, hidden from the world. Kim imagined that anything could happen behind the wrought iron fence that protected the Rodriguez estate. Anything like her entering and not coming out.

Her eyes wandered over to the access panel Royal punched a six digit code into. 408074. She could remember those six numbers for as long as she had to, repeating them until they played in the background of her mind. The gate opened and Royal steered the Lexus down the long, winding driveway. Kim felt goose bumps as the car grew closer to the house. The aura of people suffering made her stomach churn.

"Are you ready?"

Royal was staring at her, his gaze unreadable. "I'm ready."

Royal swung their hands back and forth, excited to be out with the woman he loved. "I'm glad that you're getting with the program."

"Royal, I'm not like you; I don't take things lying down."

He laughed. "Kim, if you go in there and say anything out of line, I will beat you everywhere that won't hurt the baby."

Kim wanted to reply but figured she missed the opportunity; the door was wide open and a stunning woman stood in the doorway wearing a couture dress that looked as if it cost more than the house.

"Royal, darling, how are you? It's been a while since you've visited Grandmother." Kim watched quietly as they gave each other endless hugs and kisses. The woman, as Kim could see, was aging gracefully. She had glossy black hair and the intriguing brown eyes to match. Her curvy figure and supple young skin was enough to make Kim wonder if there was some kind fountain of youth drug that is tested on these women. Because after meeting the rest of Royals family, Kim noticed that, they all still looked extremely young.