Page 19 of His Retribution

“In a few hours. You should pack some things. It should only be a few days and I have no doubt you will be comfortable, safe, and well cared for.”

I bristle in discomfort at the realization it will be so soon. “Where are you sending me?” I ask.

“Please don’t freak out again. I promise it won’t be so bad.” Christian replies.

“Christian,” I say again through clenched teeth. “Where are you sending me?”

“Selena has graciously extended an invitation for you to stay with her at the safe house in the city.” Christian answers.

“Selena!” I scream. “You are sending me to stay with her? Of all the people in this city, Christian, seriously.”

“Come now, angel. It won’t be so bad. It’s only a few days. Besides, if you can survive being Le Manchot’s prisoner for a few days, this should be a walk in the park.” He’s got me there. Drats, I hate when he uses things like that against me. I crumble in defeat and hang my head.

“Fine. If you need me, I’ll be packing.” I stomp off to prepare a bag.

Afewhourslaterand I watch as he unloads my bags from the car. Christian thought it would be best if Clay was the one to drive me to Selena’s. He’s trying not to attract any unwanted attention, and this safe house must remain a secret. My life and hers both depend on secrecy. I can respect that. It’s not as if I hate Selena. We used to be friends until we let our ambitions drive us apart. In our world, everything is cutthroat. For some, it means betraying their family if it benefits them. We went our separate ways peacefully for the most part, but it didn’t stop the silent competition. Of course, we both tried to outdo the other, constantly fighting for the attention of those in our world in pursuit of being the best. We avoided crossing paths, ignoring one another often while simultaneously keeping score.

“Are you ready, Miss Quinn?” Clay says, interrupting my thoughts.

I nod and make my way solemnly up the front drive. The house itself is quaint, almost pleasant, and unsuspicious. The well-manicured lawn with the lush emerald greens, and neatly trimmed Italian Cypress trees compliments the brown brick exterior. On the porch a napping cat lays curled up in a rocking chair. It opens one eye as we approach, but determines we are not a threat and resumes his napping. Clay reaches up and keys in the door code on the lock.

“Is no one else here?” I ask, a small inkling of hope in my voice.

“No, Miss Quinn. It’s best just to blend in and act like we belong here. The neighbors believe this is one of those vacation rental houses. All the lights are set to daily timers, the gardener comes every Tuesday, and the cleaning crew makes an appearance every so often. You know the drill,” Clay replies.

“Yes, I know the drill all too well unfortunately,” I reply flat and emotionless.

Clay hangs his head with guilt and shame. He’s willingly participated on more than one occasion. Today being just one prime example. He opens the door for me and together we step inside. Memories wash over me in waves as I take in the semi familiar surroundings. The decor may have changed to give things a more updated look, but the inside of this house is distinctly familiar. I’ve stayed here countless times before the falling out between our two families. It’s still strange to think about all the time Selena and I spent together here. Things could have been different, and perhaps they still can be. I wonder if she feels the same way, reminiscent. If that’s why she’s been such a willing participant.

“It’s not.” Her voice rasps from the shadows.

“Excuse me, what?” I reply, not having heard her clearly the first time.

“I said it’s not,” she repeats herself. “Look, I know what you are thinking and it’s probably all sappy, but the answer is, it’s not. I didn’t volunteer to turn over a new leaf. He blackmailed me, same as always. Anytime Christian has the upper hand and plays his cards of protection. He just blackmails everyone into giving him precisely what he wants and bada bing, bada boom, here we both are.”

I sigh, nope it’s not what I was thinking. These next few days are going to go one of two ways. It will either be unbearable and horrible as we remind each other over and over why we are frenemies, or we will end up having a blast torturing each other endlessly while we remind one another just how much we don’t get along. I guess a lot rides on my ability to be a good sport and go along with things. Funny, I am regretting my promise to Christian that I will make the accommodations work and play nicely. He’s banking on this new alliance with the Peacocks and to pull it off, he has to keep Selena happy.

I bite my tongue and keep my thoughts in check. It’s only a couple of days. Like Christian said, I survived Le Manchot. Spending a few days locked in a house with Selena should be a cakewalk.

“Anyway, pick whichever room you want except mine,” Selena instructs. “No going outside, but there’s an indoor pool and sauna in the basement, if you fancy a swim.”

I nod my head, impressed. “The pool is a nice touch. I would take you up on that, but I packed light, so no suit.”

Selena shrugs. I take it as a hint that I am dismissed and walk off down the hall, then up the staircase.

“Bye Quinn.” Clay hollers after me. “Christian will send instructions for a pick up once we finish cleaning up our loose ends. Have a pleasant stay.” He says goodbye to Selena as well, “Thanks again Selena. We owe you one.”

“I don’t plan to let you forget it either,” she replies in a haughty tone.

Behind me, I hear the door closing and locking. I check my phone for a message from Christian. Knowing Christian, it will be a few minutes. Once Clay reports, I am safely tucked away. After today I know he’ll message when he has a spare minute. It might be a few hours or only a few days. While I wait for the familiar chime, I climb the staircase in search of a room to claim. I smile to myself, thinking about what he’s going to say while he spends the next few times groveling to make up for these living arrangements. I grab the first room at the top of the stairs. There’s no sense in over complicating things. As I sit down on the bed. I hear the familiar tone. Christian’s right on time.

Christian: I love you with all my heart. Please forgive me, my love. I promise as soon as I tie the loose ends up, we’ll go home. The contractors finished up this morning and I have important plans for breaking in the new bed.

Me: Be safe Puddin. I need you in tiptop shape if we are going to break in a new bed.

Christian: Don’t worry about me, angel. Now that I know you are safe, I can take on Le Manchot without second guessing myself. We’ve had eyes on him for the last twenty-four hours. Try to make the best of your stay. I wish I could spend eternity making it up to you, my little jewel.

Me: I would let you make it up to me for all eternity. I can be your goddess while you beg for redemption.

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