Chapter 12 - Steady As She Goes
~ Erik ~
“What’s gotten into you? Why would you invite Daniella into the Club?” asked Vincent to me when we were left alone in the table.
This man is notorious for his keen eyesight that’s why we call him the Tactical Operations Specialist. He’d look at say, a blueprint of a castle, and in just an amount of thirty minutes he could already memorize all of the details in it. My plan, even though it is embedded in my brain, didn’t escape his inquisition. Even though he looks like the combined Shakespeare and Beethoven with his talent in Arts and Music, he is one hard core killer.
Like me.
The only difference between us is I have killed more damned souls than him, and I enjoy it.
“I have my own reasons Vincent,” I stated whilst shifting in my seat. I stared at the half-finished cranberry juice Daniella had left, specifically the trace of pink lipstick on its rim.
“Yeah right... reasons," he cracked a mocking grin. “I hope it is more important than her safety.”
“She will be safe,” I remarked, addressing it in a different way. I can’t really say that my selfish reasons are more important than her safety, but I can assure myself and the club that she’ll be safe...with me. I have to nail this fact since I can’t make the same mistake again like last year.
“Do tell me how when you know very well that our Club isn’t just a club.” He tapped a finger in his clean plate and waited for me to answer, but I didn’t give him one. I just continued staring on the pink smudge; a wave of longing coming over me.
I heard him sigh then. “Really Erik, tell me what she means to you other than sharing one unexpected incident last year. I can’t believe you are doing this, especially now that our goal is going uphill.”
And I can’t believe that this man in my front is nagging at me like an old hag. It made me cringe. It annoyed me. It pissed me off, so much that I announced without a second thought, “She is nothing to me.”
“God, you’re a big fat liar,” just as quickly, he reacted, disbelief stamped in his face, and like the tease that he is, he immediately proclaimed, “If she is nothing to you, then I can court her.”
Somehow, when I saw the determination in his eyes, it made me feel that he wasn’t teasing at all.
Damn, this Altair man.
My blood boiled for some reason.
“President, would you mind if you take that death-like stare away from me, please?” he stated even though he wasn’t even looking at me and was focusing on the raspberry mascarpone he took from Daniella’s plate.
Not waiting for him to scoop the stolen dessert, I stood up from my seat. “I’m going back to the chateau,” I announced dryly.
“Wait!” I saw him drop the spoon then. “I’m coming with you!”
“I thought you used your own car.”
He stood up and using his fingers, he raked his wavy hair. “I didn’t. I hitched a ride with Enrique earlier, but since he drove Daniella back, I don’t have any means of transportation anymore.”
I pressed my lips thinly. “Then, keep up the pace,” said I as I turned around.
“God, you’re so stiff, Erik,” he mumbled, scrambling to get behind me.
~ Daniella ~
There were two things that I did once I returned in my guest room.
First was I called my mother and informed her of my supposed decision. It was a good alibi; telling her that the Club wanted me as their member (which was true, except in a different way) and needed me to stay for six months to join their Club activities. Of course, my mother was all hyped up on it. She knew that I always dreamed about living in the chateau, and now that it was happening, she was all thumbs up on me without one hint of suspicion.
‘Consider it your long overdue vacation,’ she told through the phone. I just nodded and made sounds of giggles so that she would think I was happy and excited about it. I am not honestly, but I would have if not for the Fancii blackmail brand stamped on my forehead.
The second thing that I did was to finish packing my bags. I only got one large suitcase and a small personal bag. Since Erik told me to wait in my room for Ian, I did whilst recollecting Ericka’s over-the-top reaction when I shared the truth to her a few hours ago.
“Oh my God! Really? Really?! You are going to become his personal maid?” She was jumping excitedly in the center of her bed. I rolled my eyes in response. I was sitting in a sofa near the coffee table; in my front were the papers that I have signed.
“Shhh, keep your voice down! I don’t want anybody to know that secret.” I admonished her.
“Oh. My. God!” She squealed again and dragged her eyes heavenward, dismissing my words. “You and the President. I can’t believe it!”
“I am just his maid, Kee. Don’t think of anything beyond that,” I told her firmly, crossing my arms. Under normal circumstances, I would have rejoiced with her. I’ve had my own share of fantasies you know. I have daydreamed about a man who would sweep me off my feet like the ones I’ve read on billionaire-maid romance books. It is just unfortunate that I don’t see anything other than bickering in between Erik and I, no matter how fucking hot and handsome he is.
“I know, I know...” she sighed and then bit her bottom lip. “I just couldn’t hold myself. You know me, a hopeless romantic, but who knows, maybe this hunch of mine might hap—”
“Okay, stop,” I stood, unable to take in her goading. “I’m going back to my room. Kiss my mom for me when you get back in NY.”
She gave me a cheeky grin and although she was still in the middle of her fangirling, she answered, “Sure, I will, boss. Enjoy your stay here.”
The last thing I did was release an exasperated sigh before leaving her room. I couldn’t help it, she just gave me a silly wink the ones like cartoon Cupids are supposed to do before they shoot an arrow to poor helpless humanity.
At exactly three o’clock in the afternoon, I heard a knock on my door. I immediately thought that it was the man Erik had sent to fetch me. I strolled out of my bedroom to the receiving room and then opened the main door.
“Good afternoon Madame,” a gray-haired man greeted, standing poised but with his head bent. He was wearing a well-ironed uniform similar to those I saw the chateau staff were wearing but he had a brooch of the Fancy Pants Club logo of two golden horses and a crown atop the FP initials. “I am Ian Thacher. The President told me to guide you to your new room.”
“Good afternoon too, Mr. Ian. Yes, he informed me too.”
“Are you ready Madame?”
“Yes, I am.” I opened the door wider and revealed the big luggage stationed in a corner.
He stepped forward and took it. “Let me.”
“Uh, thank you.” I smiled.
My new room, he said, was in the fourth floor which only members can stay, so I expected that we had to manage the third floor staircase going up. When we reached the end of my hallway however, he raised his hand and motioned for me to follow him in another hallway that was slightly narrow. We managed a few more twists and turns and then reached into what looked to be a dead end, but upon closer inspection was actually an elevator.
Mr. Ian pressed the button and then dragged my suitcase inside, leaving me following behind him.
‘Impressive’ I said to myself. The club members really are strict on keeping their personal lives. They even have a private elevator to bring them to their own floor.
Since my guide was silent, I was silent. I didn’t expect him to act like a tour guide for me at all. Anyway, I got an inkling that he most likely swore secrecy on any club information.
When we reached the fourth floor however, I couldn’t contain my voice from escaping.
“Wow,” I said whilst scanning the whole area. The foyer was huge and it even boasted an octagon skylight that showed the blue sky. In every corner were Greek statues of women wearing flower wreaths and holding small jars and in the middle was the Greek God, Ares, but with a twist. It was actually holding a freaking life-like assault rifle instead of a sword.
For me it seemed odd, for everything looked fancy except this.
“This way Madame Rosecraft,” my attention of Ares was cut off when Mr. Ian showed me the way.
“Oh, okay.” I jogged towards him.
We entered the west hallway where in the sides geode displays the size of four footballs could be seen. I watched in admiration at them, noticing thick mahogany doors as we passed by. We stopped in a door which was second to the last. The last one was right in the dead end, colored white, quite different from the previous doors which were maroon.
“This is your room Madame,” informed Mr. Ian to me. He opened the door and I went inside before him.
“Wow,” again I exclaimed. The room was much, much different from the guest room I had. It had more elaborate interior designs with beige as its main color motif. The drapes were damask, very fancy. The furniture was Victorian, very fancy too. And the crystal chandelier, wow, the fanciest of all in my eyes.
Thinking that I would be staying here for six months, I guess lessened my frustration. I am, in the first place, a sucker for all things elaborate and beauteous. But then, when I heard Mr. Ian’s statement, I felt myself blanch.
“You are neighbors with the President, Madame. The one with the white door is his chamber.”
“What?!” I said although I’m quite sure I heard it right.
“And this is yours.” He pulled a small thin box from his uniform jacket and handed it to me.
“A cellphone?” And not just any cellphone, what I had in my hand is the latest model that Apple had developed.
My mouth dropped.
“The President says that you keep it. He had already readied it with applications so don’t be surprised why the box seal is broken.”
I shook my head slowly. “No, I can’t take this. This is just too much,” I complained not realizing that I said it to the wrong man.
Mr. Ian gave me a kind smile and stated, “I guess you will have to tell that to President Erik himself, Madame.”
“Is he inside his chamber now?” I asked directly, feeling like doing it ASAP. This kind of gift just makes me feel uneasy. In no way am I going to sleep peacefully tonight if this isn’t returned to him.
“He is still...out of the chateau, but I believe he will be in his chamber come evening.”
I nodded in acknowledgement. “Good. Thank you for the information Mr. Ian.”
“You’re welcome Madame,” he bowed low. “Well, if you don’t have any more questions I will leave you to your comfort. And oh, by the way, how would you like your dinner served, Madame? Are you going to dine in the Club dining area or I will just send your food here?”
“Here is fine, Sir,” I replied after realizing that I am not yet ready to meet any other club members who would most likely bombard me with the same questions like what Vincent and Enrique had asked me earlier.
“I see. Then, here it is. I will serve it by seven later.” He nodded once and then closed the door leaving me with the new phone and a bigger problem to solve.
How am I going to face Erik later?
~ Erik ~
Diverting away from our usual Club fancy activities, the members and I had a meeting in the fourth floor this afternoon. All were present except one, Luca Vitalis, my half-Russian, half-American mostly MIA member. It didn’t matter anyway if he is present or not, just as long as he gives us the information we needed to go on with our precious facade, that’s enough.
I silently thanked myself that I was able to procure Daniella’s new cellphone online and arranged it for Ian to give. Otherwise, if I hadn’t done it earlier, I would have been uncomfortable sitting in the meeting which lasted for fucking five hours.
I need her to have it now since I plan to ring her early tomorrow morning. Since she is my personal maid, I would need her services the moment I open my eyes.
By the time the meeting ended, I quickly left the board room, crossed the foyer and glided my way towards the west hallway. I didn’t intend it to suddenly pause in front of Daniella’s door but I did, debating to myself on whether I should pay her a visit or not. Or maybe I should invite her to dinner.
It probably lasted for ten minutes standing there, but in the end, I didn’t have the balls. I’m not like Enrique who could breeze his way into a woman, ask her on a date and get an instant yes.
I continued on to my room instead and in there, I luxuriate myself with the crisp cold air in the balcony and half a glass of brandy in hand.
Although it was a boring thing having no companion while looking at the night sky, I enjoyed it immensely. Like I said, I am no social man. This was one of the pleasures I always look forward to whenever another club confidential activity was solved. However, when I heard a dull knock on my main door, I raised a brow.
No one dared to visit me at this hour, or rather, no one even dared to visit me in my chamber. Unless... my new club member had the audacity to do it.
I grinned thinking that this night isn’t going to be a boring night as what I first thought it to be.
“Is there a problem?” I snapped once I opened the door wide. I placed my elbow above my head, against the door frame to look like I disliked her intrusion.
“Yes,” Daniella said in monotone. Although she looked frustrated over something, she still looked beautiful in that simple faded jeans and white tee ensemble. “What is this?”
The new phone I bought for her came to view as she raised it in our front. She twisted her lips and waited for me to reply.
Testing her reaction, I said in sarcasm, “It’s a cellphone Daniella. I think you are educated enough to know what that is and how it works.”
Her eyes flared. Gotcha. “I know what this is! What I want know is why you are giving this to me?”
Huh, it seems she is a fiery vixen when provoked.
Releasing a sigh, I stared into her beautiful infuriated hazel eyes. “Come inside,” I ordered, turning away, but then she said, “Uh, no way. Answer the question right here, President.”
I paused and looked at her once again. “Daniella, it is only proper that you do what your master tells you to do.”
“You’re not my master,” she rebutted quickly.
“You’re my slave,” I retaliated. “You are bound to pass in and out of my room anyway. Why not start now?”
I believe she understood my point because she suddenly went silent, ashen and stiff. It looks to me that she could pass on as a vampire wannabe — the sexy, seductive one.
“Com’n Daniella, look alive,” I managed to say just to lessen the tension. “Come inside, I’m not going to fuck you.”
I heard her release a low grumble, probably dismissing a certain word as just a joke and it was, well... at least while she was standing in my doorway.
I walked inside, leaving the door open for her to enter. One minute later, she did, and that, for some reason, made my heart jump and my eyes flare with desire.
“Sit,” I ordered when she strolled near a sofa chair in my receiving room.
My room is custom made to my liking. I don’t like a dull living room so I had the interior designer make one for me that had a mini bar complete with blue neon lights on the wall outline.
Needing a quick distraction, I stood far away from her, in the corner of the mini bar next to a row of upside down wine glasses, my hand finding the glass of brandy I had left earlier before I opened the door.
“My number is on speed dial #1 if you need to call me,” I started whilst watching her sit with hands on her lap and feet close together. “But other than that, if I’m going to need your assistance, I’ll ring you through that cellphone. You are expected to answer my call immediately.”
I expected her to ask why, but she asked me this in the end, “Are you telling me to bring two cellphones always?”
“Yes,” I smirked, partly amused of her concern.
“That is just too bulky.”
“Then why not transfer your data, your friend’s numbers and messages to your new cellphone?” I quickly suggested. I always have a backup plan on different matters, especially hers. “I’ll have Karl, the Club’s Webmaster, do that for you.”
Then, she shot me a questioning brow. “He can do that?”
“He can do anything, Sweet Rose.” I left the bar counter and sat coolly in a sofa opposite her. “Now, what say you?”
I don’t think she would reject my offer. For starters, the phone I bought was the latest iPhone model. No one would dare decline that over an old gadget, her included. Two, the phone was better, more user friendly, and with the fact that her old device’s data would be saved in the new one, it was a great bargain.
“Fine,” she finally answered after a long minute of deliberating.
I thought so.
Curving a pleased smile, I said, “We’ll go to his office tomorrow morning. You don’t need to do anything with your old or new phone tonight. Leave it to Karl.”
“Alright,” was her simple reply and then stood up, turning towards the door.
“Wait, where are you going?” I stood up too. Suddenly, I felt a tad bit of panic inside me when I saw her back.
“I’m going back to my room.” Her brows furrowed as if she found my question odd.
“Stay,” I ordered in a firm voice.
“Why? My question has been answered, I don’t think I need to stay here any longer.”
“Warm my...bath first.” I blurted out without a careful thought.
Shit.
“Your what?” She looked surprised. “I believe you have a hot and cold shower, President. I don’t think you need my services for that.”
“I don’t want a shower. I want to soak in my tub. It takes minutes for me to prepare it, but I have some work to do, so I’d like for you to set that up for me,” I managed to say without pausing.
Based on her facial expression, she was either taken aback or thought of my order absurd.
Then, I gave her a cold eye. “You are my maid, are you not?”
With that her normal fiery self returned. “Fine,” she huffed and placed one confident hand in her lovely waist. “Where’s your bathroom so that I can get on with it. The sooner I do this, the earlier I get to leave this place.”
In the back of my head, I was grinning with victory.
“There, past my bedroom,” I motioned my head to a white painted door. Inside it is my haven. The only place I can rest and clear my head of the many responsibilities dumped on me. It is also the only place where I dare not think of this woman else I might find myself aching for her in what all men calls a normal desire.
But how stupid am I now. I am only torturing myself even more by asking her to set up the bathtub. Even her presence in my room is a great problem already, but I knew of this since the beginning... in that moment when I blackmailed her to be my maid.
One thing is just clear right now with all of these mess in my head, it is just that I wanted her to be close to me that’s why I halted her from leaving my chamber.
Without saying anything, I watched her open the door of my bedroom and strolled inside as if she wasn’t even worried that it was a man’s lair. She wasn’t even worried that I could pounce on her, bring her to my bed and...
Shit.
“Stop now Erik, or else you’ll be in a tight mess,” I said to myself, releasing a frustrated huff thereafter.
I glanced at the clock, read it at ten past eight. It will be about fifteen minutes before she finishes setting up my bath so for the meantime I will just leave her alone and check on the reports my inside man had sent to me about Lotus Spade’s recent activities. In my mini office across the receiving room, I entered, planning to wait until eight twenty-five before I check back on her.
Exactly 8:25 pm. No more, no less.
I quickly stood up from my seat, left my office desk, and raced to my bedroom walk-in closet to change into my bathroom attire: shirtless with a loose black pant.
I carefully opened the bathroom door just so she wouldn’t jerk in surprise and found her back to me sitting at the third step of my elevated bathtub; one hand was dipped in the almost full tub and the other was under her chin.
She was muttering unintelligible words to herself, but in one moment, I heard her call me a bastard clearly. I had to smirk, finding her condition very cute and the fact that she was oblivious of my presence.
Looking at her and how her skin molded with the premium alabaster floor created a vicious tug in my restraints — a restraint that I have been tightening since I left her in a French hospital a year ago.
Shit. I had to clear my thoughts now or else both of our nights would turn out unfavorable.
“Are you done?” She speedily stood up and turned with a start at my snappy voice. Her eyes fell from my face to my naked torso and I swear I could see an interested, appreciative glint in there.
“Ye—yes...” she uttered, or rather sighed. She was momentarily lost.
I smirked, amused with her obvious reaction. When she saw it, her face blushed furiously. Blinking many times and taking a deep, deep breath, she speedily walked past me after dropping a heavy, “I’m leaving!”
It didn’t take long when the bang of my main door was heard, loudly I should add. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and inwardly thanked myself that my torture is over.
Well, for this night at least...