Crown Of Hearts

Chapter 7

" Are you scared?" Peter said when he noticed how close I was seated next to him.

" I'm still not used to the jet." I flinched when the jet took a hard left.

He sighed, " Would you like a sleeping tablet? I stole one from Lindsey's desk. I had a feeling that even after a few days, you still wouldn't be accustomed to the ride."

I shook my head, " No, thank you."

The mood in the jet changed. Why was that? I looked over at Peter again. But this time there was a different look in his eye.

He studied me for a second, his head tilting to the side. " Do you have a boyfriend Clara?"

I blinked than I remembered that he was in the seduced and destroy subdivision.

" No, I don't. I don't have the luxury of time to talk to people."

" Oh." He said carefully. So this is who the real Peter is. No longer the cold and polite boy from before. The boy who sat in front of me was comfortable and very certain of the words coming out of his mouth. He knew his presence to the female population. Even as I sat here knowing full well of his position, I could feel my face warm.

He looked away and covered his face. " I'm sorry. I'm awkward around pretty girls. " What was that? Why did my heart flutter?

I found myself laughing awkwardly at his comment.

I glanced up when I felt something brush against my shoulder. It was Peter, he had scooted even closer so that our shoulders were touching. He was still looking away, his chin rested on one hand while his other was millimeters away from mine.

My heart lurch and the air crackle between us with tension.

Suddenly he laughed. " I'm sorry Clara. I shouldn't have practiced on you."

I flushed. Oh.

" Did I make you uncomfortable?" He noticed how red I had gotten.

I shook my head, " It's okay. I understand you wouldn't have gotten a genuine response if I had known. You can take my reaction as payment for what I did back at the warehouse." I turned into a girl I didn't even recognize. Just like all of them, I had separated the girl I was, into the girl they needed. And she scared me.

I smiled and he returned it with a polite smile in return.

" We're here." He announced.

" Thanks for coming with me."

The next few days were grueling. There were blueprints of the building to memorize in case I needed a fast escape, names to remember, more scenarios to go over.

" What happens after you take two lefts and one right Clara?" Zak asked firmly.

" That will take me to the third boardroom. My father will not be there. In the boardroom will be Mr. Nie, Miss Fellon, and Mr. Herton."

I was skipping my shifts, my pay would be docked and I would be in so much trouble. But I didn't care.

" Close, you're missing the assistants for each director."

I sighed and leaned back. This is so hard. I don't understand why I need to memorize every one.

" Clara, focus."

I lowered my eyes, " Trick question. Assistants are not allowed during meetings."

He smiled, " Good job."

At that moment Ian entered the room,
" I got it." He waved a small velvet box around before tossing it to Zak.

Inside was two dainty earrings. Two plain dots of metal. Something no one would question why a maid like me would wear. It didn't look expensive nor eye-catching. It was just there.

" Put them on. Inside each earring is a listening device. We'll be able to communicate while you're inside."

Peter walked in, " The jet's ready." I lowered my eyes. I still haven't been able to look him in the face since the jet ride.

I haven't been able to calm the storm in my heart. It was his job to charm his way through girls. So why did it feel like it was real?

It was a stupid crush that I developed because he was nice to me. I can't think about this anymore. I have a mission that Zak needs me to complete and I will.

As I walked towards the door, I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was from Peter. I squeaked.

" Hey, did I creep you out on the jet?"

" No, why would you say that?"

" Because you're still not looking me in the eye." I glanced up, were his eyes always this brilliant? Did he always style his hair like this? Clara, get it together. You've known this guy for a week.

He hesitated, " I'm seeing someone." Oh.

I shook the thoughts out of my head and smiled to the best of my ability.

" Everything's fine. I'm just nervous. We should go, we're holding everyone up."

I braided my hair the way Melissa would put the contacts on, and slid the glasses on. I brushed the apron carefully.

The entire trip, I could feel Peter's eyes burning into my skull but I refused to look at anyone but Zak.

We landed a few blocks away from Bailey Enterprises. Which would give me around ten minutes to get there.

" Good luck." Zak gave a reassuring squeeze on my shoulder.

" Go-" Peter started but I had jumped down to the ground and was already heading towards the building.

It was a hot day, in the middle of a weekday. I couldn't linger for too long. If officers found me, I would be screwed. They would take me back to the closest house and the lady of the house would thank them for returning such a bad maid.

My heart was beating so fast, I pressed my fingers against my chest and took a breath.

" Clara, how close are you to the building?" Zak's voice was slightly muffled.

" I'm standing in front of it." It was much taller than I expected. Dozens if not hundreds of windows.

" You have less than a minute. Now's the time."

I exhaled. I've done this so many times with Ian, Peter, Zak. It's just another drill.

I adjusted my glasses one last time and walked in.