Oliver
~
Unsurprisingly, the race between the girls was a big hit with the crowd.
The crew was instructed to stay away from the hard stuff, so I couldn't even blame it on the alcohol.
They were slow, of course.. but very enthusiastic and nice to look at, which pleased most of our members.
Soon bets were placed to spice up the outcome, and after a gruelling 27 minutes, we crowned the female champion.
Miss Henny Mites. Who turned out to be a semi decent driver.
Ayshe and Marie ignored her standing on the top of the podium and argued about their own times, which was very close but ..
Ayshe came in second, but the way she puffed her chest out, one would mistake her for the winner.
Once the girls finished their turn, everyone else got a chance, and seeing the slow but popular event that just finished, even those less than skilled behind the wheel signed up for a turn of their own.
I had zero excuses to leave, and Asin and Desi didn't show up, not once.
Marie got a call with a quick apology, and I got a few texts from the aids of the council informing me of the date of our meeting.
Tuesday night it is.
" .. meeting? He spends all this time discussing the upcoming meeting? " asked Marie visibly, upset by Asin's absence.
We were waiting for the last of the racers to finish and shared some drinks before splitting up getting ready for tonight.
" Not just about the meeting.. obviously. " I rolled my eyes. " They discussing stuff that essentially affect the entire capital one way or another. "
I couldn't believe that after all this time, the girls still didn't understand the weight of becoming a leader, to be part of the council.
" Either way .. he will tell me after he is done. Once he shows up. " Marie nodded with confidence.
Well.. he might tell some.. but nothing real, I thought, putting my glass down. Before I leaned back, I felt my sleeve pull.
Ayshe signalled towards the outside.
A minute later, we were both walking towards the beach as the setting sun coloured everything around us in a pleasant warm orange hue.
Watching her back and walking ahead of me, I had a pretty good feeling what was this about ..
" How mad are you? " she asked without turning around.
I sighed a little relieved, fastened my pace, and walked beside her.
" A little mad .. " I lied, taking her hand. " Nothing that can't be solved. "
I'm mostly curious .. I thought as she squeezed my hand tight and looked right at me.
" You're more than a little mad .. I feel it. Since this whole residency thing came up, you been acting a little distant. "
I had a hard time keeping a straight face. I wasn't even mad that she lied about something I myself set up for her. Nor the fact she took the opportunity.
But I guess I did act a little distant, which alarmed her.
This was the time, though ..
One last chance to just flat out ask her, what's going on..
If I could just ask her directly.. but somehow, I knew I wouldn't get a straight answer.
But I do need to alleviate some of her worries..
As smoothly as I could, I picked her up, laying a quick kiss on her lips.
I felt her body tensing up rather than immediately relaxing after our lips touched..
This was the moment.. I would have to start lying to her as well. The unity we shared over my past .. was over.
I'm well and truly alone with this.
———
Asin.
~
" Well .. this was fun. "
As my screen went black and was finally able to relax, Desiree's upbeat voice entered my ear. She was even kind enough to massage my aching shoulders.
" Tense fun.. but fun. " I smiled with my eyes closed, enjoying her hands. " .. you as well. Well done. I mean, 4 hours of listening to us without sleeping or getting on your phone? It must've been a challenge. "
" I get paid very well. " I heard her above me.
" Worth every penny. " I tapped her hand appreciatively. " I'm glad you can handle everything so easy .. makes it easier for me as well. "
It was the truth.
Me suddenly, including her, into our business, could've gone terribly wrong.
She could've buckled under the pressure, be frightened about the potential dangers, shaking in fear from the very look of the 10 man I finished talking through the screen ..
Yet..
She was solid as rock.
Desi took my compliment with a nice smile and picked up, then opened her laptop she used for taking notes.
" Best job I've ever had.. " she sat back down her chair, reading off from her screen. " The initiation is scheduled on Tuesday night .. location forthcoming. After that we will have to choose.. revenue streams. "
She looked up in the hopes that I already had a decision made but after a few seconds of stone facing her, she gave up and returned reading.
" .. right. So after that is done.. we need to assign your 26 Dalmatians to appropriate care and ..
" Pftt.. Come on! " I leaned back laughing.
" Fine. 26 blood brothers.. " she corrected herself with a full smile. " Will need to set up a system among themselves looking after the locals.. good luck with that .. And lastly tonights masquerade ball should be the bomb!! "
I enjoyed seeing that enthusiastic smile of hers.
Even though it wasn't my first choice to spend our last night.. at least for a while .. on our island, but Oliver actually stood up for the idea once Desi brought it up, making it stick.
As for the necessary furniture and the masks themselves .. after a few strings were pulled, they all should arrive by plane before the night.
" I still don't understand the fascination with the..
" Of course you don't! " She stood up suddenly, putting her things away. " You're a boy. See you tonight, boss.. "
I didn't move and let the faint sounds of the crews bustling lull me into a semi mediational state.
With all the fun this trip was .. I kinda missed home. Not to mention the 11 month and 28 days that's left until this insanity restart again.
I just couldn't wait ..
I'm going to wear my own mask. I thought randomly after shutting the computer off.
I remember those silly mask they ordered from shows and movies.. they looked ridiculous on a man.
Besides, what was the point of being a masked criminal leader if you can't flaunt it sometimes?
~
Inside our capsule for the weekend, I found the entire girl brigade ..
" Brother Asin.. welcome back. " Lilly looked up and waived from the bed.
Ayshe and Henny were busy with their makeup but still nodded towards my direction and my dear wife ..
Well, she was a little mad.
Marie was currently working on her hair with a straightener, ignoring me wholeheartedly.
" Girls.. I see you almost ready. " I walked towards the wardrobe, looking for my ensemble. " .. Here it is. Alright, I go and change at Oliver's, and I will see you all at ..
" You wouldn't dare. " Marie interrupted me nonchalantly, playing with her curls.
I contemplated pushing her buttons just a little more .. but it would only guarantee a lonely night.
" Alright.. everyone out.. let me solve this. Exept the sergeant, of course .." I sat down.
The girls shared a few amused looks among themselves before gathering their stuff and left.
" I apologised over the phone.. " I reminded her.
I saw her shoulder slump a little before stiffening again with new resolve.
" Irrelevant. You promised and couldn't deliver. " she turned around with an expectant smile. " Now the only question remains.. how you're going to make it up for me? "
Should've thought..
Looks like my wife sexual awakening will last a while longer.
~
" .. babe, have you seen my mask? "
After the most successful and pleasurable apology I've ever given, we transformed.
It was an elegant event so our clothes reflected that.
Only one thing was missing ..
" I rolled on it earlier.. " she cheked the bed. " Ahh.. here it is. "
She offered me a black .. peacock mask with actual feathers growing from its eyebrows .. exactly as ridiculous as I imagined .. they were the ones I was afraid to wear.
" No.. not that. My own mask. White? Tears on the side? .. come on, babe, keep up. " I continued to look, this time in my suitcase.
" Well, excuse me, Mr Masked .. vigilante .. criminal..
As she was lost finding new and innovative ways to insult me, I spotted the edges of the mask under my underwear.
" .. maybe next time we can bring a maid and she can totally ..
" I found it .. you getting unhinged honey. " I turned around. " Where's your mask? "
She forgot her pretend anger, looked ready to go, wearing a black little dress that perfectly highlighted her dreamlike pear figure I loved so much, matching shoes and ..
" I'm afraid I lose it.. why did I let you convince me to wear it. " she ignored my question playing with the family diamond necklace.
I walked behind her, resting my chin on the top of her head.
" You look gorgeous.. and I told you. What's the point of having them if you are never going to wear it? "
I hated seeing how others stockpiled extravagantly priced things only to never ever use or even look at them.
I'm still haunted by that warehouse my mother had for all those useless antiques and paintings she bought and had no space in the house for.
With her confidence reinforced and mask on face .. which looked a lot more sexy than the man's version.. we were off into the vibrant night filled with similarly dressed and masked youngsters heading toward a brightly lit tent that promised all sorts of shenanigans.
~
It was a classicly elegant affair.
Oliver and the crew spared no expense.
The large military tent was expanded and filled with various furniture that wasn't there yesterday.
In addition there were half a dozen trapeze dancers suspended mid-air wearing black macabre versions of our own masks and skintight black outfits, a few jesters with clown mask dancing or performing tricks, blowing fire, juggling torches and such.
The added lights and the setup reminded me of a stuffy fundraiser my mother loved to thrown but those attending were cut from an entirely different cloth and the music was Oliver's own which drawn a smile to my face.
Seeing all of ours enjoying his musical gifts must've been good for his ego. Perhaps he releases some of them someday.
All the crew wore black-ties and alluring dresses, but that didn't stop them from being .. rowdy.
When we arrived, Oliver was busy pulling apart two angry crew members. A fight occurred from the looks.
" What did they fight about? " asked him Marie as we closed in.
Oliver wiped the sweat off his brow, giving a few death glares to others, making fun of the situation before answering.
" Well .. they got into a heated argument about the ascension ..
" The ascension? " I cut in.
Oliver pulled himself together and adjusted his tie while he answered.
" The name someone came up for our initiation next week with the council.. anyways, they have been arguing that those who will attend with us, they will get preferential treatment as we go ahead. "
" Ridiculous. " I snorted.
They should've known better. We never had preferential treatment before, and we won't start now.
Ayshe and the girls spotted us from the bar, and Marie excused herself.
" Babe, take it easy .. at least be able to walk home, yes?" I called after my wife.
" Yes, husband, whatever makes you happy. " she bowed sarcastically, making a scene.
" You can't take her anywhere. " Oliver stood beside me.
I smiled and stepped back, taking a look at him.
" Looking good.. considering the work you must put in. " I complimented him.
Having set this up 300 miles away from the closest land was impressive.
His furrowed eyebrows relaxed and patted himself a little. " Well, thank you. Nice to be appreciated. Hate to do this, but we should talk..
" What? " I asked a little worried.
It was foolish to think we could have a few days for ourselves without something happening.
" I got a call from the aids .. The Mountains and The Blade .. they are thinking about X-ing the races for a while.. considering..
He let it hang in the air, but I understood anyway.
There was too much happening.. also, Anthony died. It's still hard to believe what had happened.
Today, I felt incredible sitting behind the wheel again, but I couldn't help but remember the last time..
The adrenaline and also.. fear. Something I thought I left behind.
" I see.. " I nodded.
Oliver relaxed again but looked confused.
" That's it!? " he asked, examining my face.
I shrugged and started slowly walking towards the girls.
" I had a feeling this will happen. At least for a while. Besides.." I stopped and faced him. " .. we could use the time to find our missing pieces. "
Oliver nodded, slowly looking relived.
" Good.. let's. I thought you might be more upset.." he said as we continued.
I was .. but ..
" .. from next week onwards, we have to stop pretending to be .. some unruly racing team with an adrenaline addiction. Time to .. grow up a little. That reminds me .. about those who want out..
" Don't worry. " He smiled at Ayshe and the others. " Everything's ready. Tuesday morning, we talk to them.. "
He thought of it already .. I shook my head as a familiar comfort settled in my mind. I wasn't alone..
" I'm lucky you're with me throughout all of this .. brother. "
He turned to me with a happy smile.
" I'm the lucky one. "
———
Ayshe.
~
I wanted to have some fun.
That was the motto for tonight.
Not drunk fun .. or being blackmailed fun in the forest.. no.
Just plain old normal fun with my good-looking boyfriend who looked mighty fine in a tuxedo.
Asin took the glass from Marie and took her to the dance floor, which was bare until now and started slow dancing.
It gave me a very nostalgic vibe remembering their first dance way back then ..
I felt my hand squeezed and being pulled.
Oliver couldn't help hiding his happy smile as we took to the dance floor.
" Had the same thoughts, huh? " I asked as we settled to the rhythm of the music.
" Couldn't help myself .. " he smiled, resting his forehead on mine. " You look gorgeous, by the way .. "
I felt his hand around my hips .. felt the same sense of shivering that I felt that night. Exept than I was the one who kidnapped him for a dance.
" You're not so bad yourself.. " I rested my head on his shoulder. " Good job with the party.. you nailed it. "
" That was never in question.." he chuckled above me.
Everything was lovely.
So, of course, that harpies face had to float next to mine.
I leaned up quickly, drawing Oliver's questioning gaze until he noticed the couple next to us.
Desiree was dancing with that guy Kol introduced us earlier.
" Hey guys .. " she smiled into my face.
Oliver stone faced it, but I couldn't hide my anger..
" Are you okay .. Ayshe, right? " asked her dance partner.
" Cesur.. you a good dancer. " said Oliver, sidestepping Cesur question.
" Thank you .. I got lucky. " he looked at Desiree warmly. " I took a chance, and she said yes.. "
I forced a polite smile on my face, trying to avoid further comments on my wellbeing, and turned away towards my sister.
.. she was so entranced by her husband's face that she didn't even notice us or Desiree.
" .. you still dance, Oli. That's nice to see.. "
I turned back to see Oliver's face distorting a little bit before he slipped back into his business persona.
" .. yes, it would've been a shame to stop just because.. I chose the wrong partner. " he smiled, sounding casual.
I had to hide my face and smile, seeing the large arrogant smile on Desiree's face slowly dying. He knew how to push her buttons..
The slow love song thankfully ended, and as if planned the song, Oliver and Marie started playing next.
" Oh my god .. "
I turned around, catching Marie's face turning red as the reality set it.
" Ohh .. right.. I forgot about that. My bad? " Oliver asked with an evil smile.
Asin had good reflexes and caught Marie mid launch towards his best friend who was hiding behind me..
" Babe, let me down! .. than let me hurt him ..
" Hush little baby, don't say a word .. papa's gonna buy you ..
" A-re .. are you singing a nursery rhyme to calm me!? " Marie asked, trying to get free from his hands.
As we laughed at the scene, I noticed from the corner of my eye, Desiree leaning up and whispered something into Cesur's ear before leaving the floor in a hurry.
Now, where would you slink out all so sudden?
I excused myself from the group, Asin and Marie were still busy being a comedy duo, which made it easier.
Oliver went for drinks and was now busy scanning the crew for any more signs of disobedience.
I blended in with a bunch of girls heading for the toilets inside their capsule homes.
" .. the boys just use the bushes!? " asked one of them, shocked.
" I know .. it's gross. Just wait until Mr Aster hears about this ..
As I passed them silently.. I had to give it to Oliver. He ran a tight ship.
For a second, it crossed my mind that Desiree just excused herself as well?
But I still followed.
Where is she going?
We were heading further inside the forest towards the south of the island. Just passed the spot we talked yesterday.
She took a breather, cheking her phone before picking up the pace.
I looked back towards the tent, and the people left behind, then turned around following her.
Desiree arrived at a small clearing and waited, almost motionless.
It was a little spooky here, I hugged my shoulders, pushing the delicious mix of excitement and fear away.
5 minutes passed with nothing but the sounds of crickets and the faintest sound of music from the background.
( CRACK )
I covered my own mouth as the sounds came directly behind me.
For a second, I thought I got caught or followed by someone else ..
But it was a false alarm.
The sounds came behind me, but to my far left, and they were in a hurry .. someone wearing a black cloak covering anything discernable about them.
Once arrived, Desiree stepped forward using the flashlight on her phone just as the stranger removed the hood of their cloak.
" Anna .. you risking everything. I hope you know this.. "
I see .. had a sneaking feeling, but getting confirmation always felt better.
Anna Lambert played with her now red hear and wasn't even a little bothered by her friend's warning.
" I told you.. I wanna see him. How do I look? " she asked, twisting a little, allowing full view.
She wore an elegant little red piece that covered her arms as well, nothing racey or even sexy and it complimented her new hair that I assumed was a wig.
Desiree sighed loud enough for me to hear behind my cover of a wide bodied tree.
" Fine .. I doubt he'll recognise you. Is the team nearby in case..
" Yes, yes .. calm down, Sweet D. " she stepped forward, shaking Desiree, eliciting a little laughter from her. " .. They ready with the diversion and a plan B .. just in case. Soon .. all this will be a bad memory. Now let's go .. I wanna..
" See him .. I know. " Desiree cut her off this time, pointing the way. " I'll make my way back and distract Oli .. the only one who can recognise you. Wait 5 minutes and follow. Make sure to stay away from ..
They passed by me without a care or look as I kept low and felt my heart almost jumping out of my chest.
" Bla Bla .. Did you two talk about me? What did he say??? " Anna asked, jumping a little.
I couldn't hear the answer but was satisfied with what I gathered overall.
That girl is unhinged!
She is risking a considerable amount if caught by Asin .. hmm .. that gave me and idea..maybe he will catch her .. and get rid of our collective troubles once and for all.
Now .. is there a way to play this?
——
Oliver.
~
Ayshe thought she was slick.
After a few seconds of pretending I followed her fully understanding, she was following Desiree herself.
This was getting very awkward.
The fact I had to covertly follow her instead of being by her side was weird enough, but this entire weekend was supposed to be fun and relaxing, and now it turned into a who will follow who.
.. we sure going far, huh?
I couldn't see the beach anymore from any angle until it appeared in the distance in front of me.
We crossed the entire island?
I heard slow but steady footsteps a few feet beside me as a familiar figure walked past me.
She didn't need to reveal herself.. I knew it was Anna. She had a certain.. mad aura now.
I was too far away to hear any of their conversation and couldn't risk getting closer..
After 5 minute of them just talking, they started walking right towards me.
I heard Anna's question.
" .. so still feel nothing for him, huh? "
" I told you. I'm not here for him.. besides Oliver is the least of my problem. Your family staying put? "
Desiree could've spotted me but was busy scanning Anna's face in the darkness.
" .. Mom is flaming the others. Push for more and more.. truth is .. they want everyone to look and talk about them like they do the Martell's..
" Pfft.. right. " Desi snorted. " Maybe once Asin knows the truth, he liberates us and ..
Unfortunately, I couldn't crawl after them, so that was the last word I caught.
What the hell is going on!!??
Anna doing what on the island?
Her parents actually want to die?
I'm the least of her problems?
Asin was supposed to liberate them from whom?
Did she mean her words .. feels nothing for me?
All these questions and..
Ayshe...
She was slowly getting back on a separate route, and just when I thought of doing the same, my phone went off..
As I fumbled for it, praying that the sound got drowned out by the music, I noticed Desiree's ID on the screen.
I silenced the damn thing and looked towards Ayshe.. she was still heading back, showing no signs of hearing my ringtone.
I answered the phone once my heart stopped pounding.
" .. took you all day to answer my texts? " I asked, pretending to be mad.
" Oh .. that was you? " Desi asked, and I heard a small chuckle from the background from Anna.
They're not exactly covert, that's for sure.
" .. Why the call? " I got to the point.
I slowly walked after Ayshe, keeping my eye on her back until the crowd around the capsules swallowed her.
I heard a dramatic sigh on the other side before her answer.
" Let's talk. You obviously want something from me.. come to the North beach. It nice and private..
As she droned on, my brain registered the intent behind her words.
That lunatic Anna wants to see Asin! .. since I can recognise her with ease, they want me away from the main tent.
Almost clever.
" .. Fine. I'll be there in 10 minutes. " I said, putting my phone away.
This might actually work for me ..
Ayshe probably gets busy with Anna and .. whatever her plan was, giving me time to get some information out of Desiree.
Anna would never be stupid enough to reveal herself.. not ever.
~
The north side of the island was surprisingly empty.
I caught Desiree sitting on the sand way before she noticed my presence.
For a second, I admired her figure being illuminated by the moon.
' So you feel nothing .. I told you I'm not here for him .. '
Those were her words.
I ignored the rising flames in my chest and walked beside her, joining in on watching the endless ocean ahead of us.
For a full minute, neither of us said anything.
I bet she wants to draw this out as long as possible .. giving time to Anna .. to do whatever she came here to do.
Just when I was about to insert something snarky to get her moving, she opened her mouth without looking at me.
" I forgive you.. "
Her voice was strong.. full of conviction and strength.
I was a little stunned hearing that .. for I did not foresee her ever openly forgiven me for the past.
" .. you were young. Only a child.. you sacrificed our love for .. Asin. " she finally looked at me smiling.
It was .. the truth, I suppose.
I kept my secret.. even from her. Feed her false information, and she lost a good friend.. a sister. The funny thing was .. I was never specifically told to keep it a secret. Asin's parents trusted my judgement .. it was my choice.
" Thank you .. I guess. " I broke the silence, taking a seat a little further from her. " ..it's not like I needed to go on .. but thanks. "
Desi slowly nodded, almost like she knew what I was going to say and returned her gaze towards the water.
" So .. tell me the reason behind those texts and strange looks you have been giving me since this morning.. "
I looked right at her.
" Right .. that something you use to blackmail the girls. You will tell me. "
I enjoyed her neck making a noise as she snapped towards me. Her face was a mix of shock and confusion.
Her brain desperately tried to put the picture together.
" Did your girlfriend say something ..
" No .. " I cut her off. " .. in fact, Ayshe decided to keep me out of .. whatever it is. Let's not get bogged down by boring details such as how I know what I know .. I know. "
I kept her gaze without blinking seeing a roller coster of emotions passing by.. weighing her options.
Until she silently accepted.. she had to give me something.
" Let's just say .. Asin should look out unless he wants a knife in his ba..
I grabbed her hand, resting on the sand, and squeezed it .. less than gently, stifling the rest.. unacceptable!
She clawed at me with her other hand, but I wasn't having it.
" I told you ..
" E..nough!! "
She showed incredible critical thinking and jabbed at the nerve on my forearm, making me release her.
She shifted a little, away from me, and got up dusting her clothes.
" You didn't let me finish!! " Desi ignored our surroundings and was shouting. " I told you I wouldn't do anything to hurt him.. it's his wife!! "
What .. Marie?
" Speak clearly .. I swear to God Desi ..
I had very little self-control left. Ever since this devil returned to my life, it's been nothing but misery.
No more riddles..
She seemed like she had enough as well.. I knew that whatever she's going to say now would be the truth.
" That precious mental case of a wife of his .. she
——
Marie.
~
What a wonderful night.
We looked incredible, the music was excellent. We been dancing straight for 20 minutes now, and Asin couldn't keep his hand to himself..
" .. stop. Or face the consequences. " I whispered in his ear during a slow song.
" You look .. delectable. " he swallowed dramatically. " You can't blame a healthy young man and ..
" Asin! "
He looked annoyed as someone shouted right behind us.
" What is it, Morgan!? " he turned around.
The little guy asking him took a few steps back seeing his face but managed to get out his question.
" I-its .. Mr .. we couldn't find Oliver and ..
" Couldn't find who? "
Like Beetle Juice, Oliver appeared behind the bar holding a cocktail in a coconut shell.
The guy called Morgan turned towards him, then back to us bowing a little and ran to Oliver.
" So .. if they can't find him .. than ..
" It's me .. yes. " he nodded as we returned to dancing. " It's a pretty fair system. "
" How is it fair? .. Oliver seems to be doing most of the work, and you ..
" I'm him, sweetheart.. understand?..him. " He smiled, resting his forehead on mine.
He spun me around a little just in time as the song ended.
The dance floor cleared as the performers took our places to amaze the crowd once again.
" Two swifts and a ..
" Alcohol free. " Asin inserted.
The bartender gave me a sympathetic look, as in she couldn't do anything and started on our drinks.
" One wouldn't make me drunk and ..
" Oh, stop .. it's just making me sad. "
I pouted a little but secretly agreed..
Alcohol was a slippery slope. You have one and feel fine .. than before you know it, you had 6 and no longer can tell time or count to five.
Ayshe was missing.. so is that witch Desiree.
I couldn't see either of them. That made me a little anxious. Are they talking right now?
It was one thing handing over the face to face to my sister.. but that didn't prevent my own mind to make up increasingly bothering scenarios involving Asin and divorce papers.
My mother words .. which once sounded insane might be more applicable than I thought.
A baby would..
" Babe?.. you spacing out again!? "
I quickly wiped my face hearing Asin's accusations.
" I'm was just thinking if other married couples go through the same hurdles we do .. "
Asin made a confused face while murmuring something about my mental state and such ..
I spotted my sister from a far and could instantly tell she wanted a word.
" My love? " I kissed Asin's cheek, gaining his attention. " I'm going to talk to my sister for a bit.. consider my words earlier. "
He stayed silent for a bit .. than nodded towards the waiting Ayshe and towards me.
As I crossed the dance floor, a thought occurred to me..
How long before he gets suspicious? How long before he questions or worst .. digs?
I hope Ayshe has some good news.