𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨 | 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟒 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚

𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧

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| 2 2 |

7:58pm

The transition from Richards car to Michaels went smoothly, they were escorted inside promptly and were met by many grinning hallowed faces disguised under costumes and makeup. The women barely wore anything, and danced to the pumping music from inside. Drinks were being passed around, and so were expensive delicacies. Rose stared in awe at the sight of such rich and influential people, she was so close to them. Some she had seen in movies growing up, and others in shows. "This is insane." She muttered, grabbing a glass of wine as a man with a server tray walked past all of them. She watched Richard do the same and stared at him down his drink without grimacing at the alcohol. He looked on edge, his shoulders seemed tense. In a way, he reminded her of a cat that had just gotten it's back rubbed. March remained by his side quietly and grabbed a drink for himself while awkwardly swaying to the music.

Richard clenched his jaw for a few seconds before glancing around and then at March, "I think we're going to head out." He eyed a few women, which made Rose feel a bit strange. "No, no— stay for a little!" she begged loudly over the music and clung onto his arm while pouting, Michael had disappeared into the crowd to say hello to a few people, leaving the three alone in their own company. March glanced around with his usual smile and back to Rose and Richard, he seemed like he was just as ready to leave as Richard. A few people walked by and complimented all of them. Just as Rose was about to ask the other if he was okay, Michael appeared behind her and wrapped an arm around her torso— "Are you leaving?" He cocked an eyebrow with a smirk sitting on his lips, Richard bit into the inside of his cheek hard, causing a temporary hallow from the outside. He could taste blood inside his mouth. Swallowing wryly he nodded, "yeah, we're heading out—time is limited for March..I'll see you both later or who knows."

Rose offered a sympathetic smile and nodded lightly, she moved away from Michael and approached March. "It was nice to meet you, maybe I'll see you again some day." The girl pulled him into a hug before he could perform any of his usual kiss to the hand move. "Of course, The Cortez will always be waiting with open arms—" he stepped back to let Richard say goodbye. Just as he did, Richard pulled Rose in and slammed a hard kiss on her lips while holding onto her jaw. She could taste the lingering blood and wine mixed in with their saliva. What she didn't realize, was that Richard performed the kiss while staring Michael down. Pulling away he smirked, "Goodbye babydoll." He grabbed the cigar March was smoking and turned around, the pair walked away and disappeared past the crowd.

Rose stood in awe, unaware of Michael glaring at the back of Richards head. Clearing his throat, he nudged the girl in the ribs with his elbow and smiled, "I'd like for you to meet some people— I think they could really help you settle down once Richard is done with you..take it as a gift..from me." Michael extended his hand and watched her reach for his hand, softly she laced their fingers together and nodded. "I really appreciate it, thank you for always looking out for me." She softly squeezed his hand and followed behind him shyly. Michael led her to the back where she was faced with Donatella Versace herself. "Who is this beautiful girl you've brought with you Michael?" Shortly after, they were introduced and carried a great conversation. The pair exchanged contact information and she carried on the night just like that, Meeting incredibly influential models, and designers.

"I knew how incredibly awkward it would be for you to go into acting, it never seemed like your thing—but I always put a good word in for you. Especially on my days out where she wanted to see me—those long days where I came home extremely late."  Rose stared at him with big eyes and nearly began to cry, sniffling lightly and rubbing her nose while hiding away her face to avoid the embarrassment of possibly seeing her cry. "You're so considerate, I am in debt to you—how could I possibly repay you for this?" Thinking about it, she should have never asked. Michael was cunning below the surface. He had already been thinking of a way to entrap Rose to him. If he couldn't have her, no one could. Especially not someone like Richard. It was obvious he was some sort of competition. Richard was quick to move and make sure everyone knew his place in her life. Like a demon he had crawled his way under her skin and lingered behind her. Even when he was gone, the creeping presence of his being lingered. Men knew, like dogs— a scent stayed there. But it drove them even crazier. In a way, men liked the idea of challenging other men when it came to women. Sadly for Rose, she was too naive and too innocent to realize how backhanded the situation could go if it turned sour.

Michael slowly moved her hands away from her face and shook his head, "don't worry about it for now." He tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear and sipped from his drink quietly, his eyes looked darker than usual as he eyed her. "Don't worry about it for now." He repeated, Rose silently nodded and took the drink he offered her. The rest of the night was spent with meeting people, the occasional dancing— and heavy drinking and smoking. The rest turned into a blur for her, before she knew it. They were home and she was being carried to bed. Feeling safe, she closed her eyes and let the darkness of her slumber take over her.

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End of page 22

Hello again my loves, goodness— this writers block has been dragging me for weeks!! Regardless, I'll continue dropping pages when I can. Thanks for all the support and votes!

Kira.