Amanah peeked at the time again. Romeo and her twin had yet to return. What in the world was taking so long? The shift had started thirty minutes ago. Maybe she should make a fuss about her sister getting special treatment. Just as she pondered how to use that to her advantage, Serenah came rushing into the room.
She watched her twin's hasty apology to Jackson before going to the conference room to work. She fumed over the fact that Serenah didn't get into trouble for her tardiness. They definitely treated the two of them differently here. The fawning over her sister and Romeo pissed her off. Attention of any type should always be on her, not her useless, pathetic twin.
At a frown from Jackson, Amanah got back to work. She surreptitiously glanced at the conference room, noting every one of Serenah's expressions. Her twin was agitated, though she didn't know why. She would find out, one way or another. Her attention was diverted to the door when Romeo entered.
He was handsome enough to snag her attention the first time she'd laid eyes on him. His blond hair and grey eyes held the power to mesmerize others. His six-foot-three, muscular body was mouth-watering. She craved him and would have him soon. She had to remain patient. He wasn't easy prey to catch. She liked the chase. Soon, all obstacles would be removed.
She shook her head, forcing her thoughts to focus on the mundane work before her. She didn't need Jackson to fuss at her. Halfway through the shift, she watched Serenah hastily leave the conference room with Romeo on her heels.
"Going to the bathroom!" Amanah announced, hurrying after the pair before Jackson could stop her.
She came out the door and saw Romeo chasing after Serenah. She smirked and followed. An opportunity was knocking. It was time to take it.
~***~
Serenah couldn't calm down. She was upset with Romeo and with herself. She couldn't believe he had dragged someone else into this mess. She sighed. She knew he hadn't meant any harm. He'd only been trying to help. That's what made it so much worse. His genuine concern was like poison. She had to keep him and his family safe.
She sat in the conference room, brooding, while working to accomplish her tasks for the day. When Romeo finally came, she didn't speak to him. She was embarrassed by her earlier behavior. The silence was tense. Finally, Romeo broke it.
"Sera, I'm sorry."
She jerked her gaze up to him. He looked miserable, adding to her guilt.
"I shouldn't have sprung that on you. Next time, I'll ask," he promised.
She couldn't stay mad at him. "Okay," she replied.
The air around them relaxed, and they returned to their work. Serenah's phone vibrated and she tapped the screen. The message flashed in front of her. She stiffened, fear filling her. Her father's message stared back at her, mocking the calm she had managed to gain.
Remember to confirm the dinner details with the Lancasters today. You and your sister will both be in attendance. No exceptions. If they want to change this arrangement, you will not be going. Do not disappoint me.
Serenah trembled. She had forgotten about the dinner in two weeks. Trust her father to remind her while rubbing salt into the wound. She just knew the dinner would be a disaster. Amanah would make sure of that. And their father would blame her for its failure. She flinched, thinking of the beating she'd surely get at that time.
"Sera? Hey!"
She flung herself backward, startled by Romeo's snapping fingers near her face. "Romeo, you scared me!" she yelped.
"Sorry, I was trying to get your attention. You didn't hear me."
"Oh," she tried to calm her racing heart.
"Is everything alright?"
"I…Are we still on for dinner in two weeks?"
"Yes, unless something comes up. My father and I will have dinner with you and your sister."
"Ah, okay," she stammered, her relief at not having to face her father's fury making her stumble over her words.
"Personally, I don't want your sister there. I only wanted you," Romeo stated. "Maybe we can ditch her somewhere else while we have dinner."
"You can't do that!" shouted Serenah, panic dancing through her nerves. "She has to be there. It's okay. I'm okay with it."
Romeo's eyes narrowed, his voice going low. "Sera, will something happen to you if your sister is not there at the dinner?"
"I don't want to talk about this! I-I need to use the bathroom." She shoved her seat back and was out the door before Romeo could stop her.
Her chest felt tight; she needed air! The fear and panic were suffocating her. She only wanted to be happy! Why did her life have to be so miserable? Couldn't fate be kind to her for once? A hand grabbed her arm, and she screamed.
Her eyes focused on Romeo, who stood next to her, his concerned gaze on her face. Her eyes dropped down to his hand on her arm.
"Sera, it's okay, I'm here."
His gentle tone almost undid her. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. She tried to calm her body and emotions, but failed. She opened her mouth to speak.
"Romeo, there you are!" called a syrupy sweet voice.
Serenah's eyes widened in horror. Her sister was coming toward them with a malicious grin. This was going to be awful, she could feel it in her soul.
~***~
Amanah followed the pair and paused when Romeo finally caught up to her sister. She suppressed her grin at her sister's expression. She knew what had triggered her sister. Their father must have sent the reminder text about the dinner. It was time to capitalize on this moment.
Time to shatter her sister's confidence. Pasting an alluring smile on her face, she called out, "Romeo, there you are!"
She ignored his glare as she sidled up to him and slid her arm through his free one.
"Hey, I tried to catch you, but you left the room so fast I didn't get a chance to. We still on for dinner in two weeks?"
He stiffened, and she almost laughed at her sister's scared face. Time to stick the knife in further.
She stroked his arm and pressed her bosom against his arm. "I'm so looking forward to some quality time with you and your father." From the corner of her eye, she saw Serenah's shoulders slump, her hurt expression like music to Amanah's ears.
She was startled when Romeo pushed her away. Did he dare to touch her without permission?
"Get away from me, Amy. Don't touch me ever again. I don't know what game you're playing, but I'm not a piece in it. Sera is the only girl for me. Get that through your head. She is the only one who can make me happy."
"You'll regret this," Amanah hissed at him, shoving Serenah aside as she stomped away from the pair. She would make them both pay for this!