PRISONERS

Chapter 43

• Chapter 43 •

Everybody went silent when the birthday man appeared on the stage, the orchestra drifting slowly away the tune. All eyes were fixed on our target for tonight; Bruce Coil. The president of a small community which I don't even know the name of and the new governor. He had thick brows and a very well trimmed mustache, his brown eyes deep with mischief and darkness, his smile fake. He was clearly a man with no morals or sense of sympathy for anyone. A man ruled by his obsession for money, a 'man' who claims to be engaged to his 'one love', but his eyes say otherwise whenever a fit woman walks by. His fiance stood beside him, wearing a long deep purple strapless dress that showed off her perfect tan and well cared cleavage. Her short blonde hair was reaching above her shoulders, her blue eyes wide with excitement and happiness.

I looked around, acting casual, but my eyes were searching for Harry in the crowd of suits and perfect satin dresses. Stephen was still positioned next to that woman with the hat, looking incredibly careless over whatever Bruce Coil was talking about.

A waitor appeared in front of me with a round silver tray, offering me little cherry snacks. "My lady." he said kindly, eyes looking at me intently.

I picked up a small cherry jelly snack with some creme on the top, our eyes staring at each other. He was one of James' partners, disguised as a waitor, just like many others in this room.

"James says go to the front exit the moment he dies." he whispered to me, ticking his head towards Bruce, who was laughing at something the lead singer joked about.

I frowned lowly and nodded, letting him go swiftly back to his position. The plan is for Harry and I to sneak through the staff room and get oitside from the back once we get the diamonds and kill Bruce. Now my brother wants me to go to the front? Probably to act normal and not hide away, because that could actually make me look out more of a creep and a snitch.

A male figure approached me, his familiar cologne having me feeling stiff and awkward. I masked my feelings as I ignored his eyes, acting cool and casual.

"This is your last chance to escape, you know." he muttered, turning his gaze elsewhere, standing by my side with confidence radiating off him.

I sighed lightly and shook my head, "There's no reason for me to escape, I'm fine, Harry promised to help me." I argued carefully.

He scoffed, "Yeah, right." He took a swing of his wine and stared at his glass for a few seconds before speaking again. "It's your choice either way, you do whatever you want. Don't say I didn't warn you."

"You want me gone, don't you?"

My question seemed to catch him off guard. We finally looked at each other, the tension growing off on us. Both of us seemed overwhelmed, ready to lose control and give into a round of emotional outbreak. My heart ached slightly at the sadness that appeared over his features.

"I want you free." he corrected me firmly. "Because mine.... you will never be." he added in a murmur.

I sucked in a breath, holding back the frustrated tears. Why does this feel so wrong right now? Why do I want to wrap my arms around him and hold him to me? Why does Harry's figure in the crowd excite me more? Why can't I unwrap my head out of Harry and follow the logic that keeps shouting at me?

Maybe Elijah is right. I am falling for Harry way harder than I thought.

"Elijah, I..."

"You don't have to say anything." he assured calmly. "You want him. It's obvious. You'll never be loved by him and I'll never love you, though. It's just how it is." he shrugged at the end, pursing his lips sadly.