Page 86 of Scarred King

I pick up a glass of whiskey and gulp it quickly, shaking my head as the liquid burns it way down and I sit back up again.

The brunette comes over. “Duchess, Elena, you were amazing!” She strokes my shoulder and returns to her place. One by one the girls come to me and sing my praises. I nod heavily, take the second glass of whiskey and toss it down in one swallow.

“Ralph, where the hell were you?” I ask again.

“I was out of town on private business.” He signals Johanna over and asks her to bring the bottle.

“Didn’t you get my messages?” I ask and lean back. “Didn’t you hear they were arrested? Didn’t you know that you had to be here by midnight?”

“My phone was turned off. I needed to clear my head.” He doesn’t even thank Johanna when she returns with the bottle and puts it in front of him. He just refills my glass and pours himself one. “When I heard the messages, I knew I wouldn’t make it back in time. But you know me,” he empties the glass into his mouth and laughs, “I wasn’t going to give up without a fight.”

“It’s a good thing you finally got here.” I finish my third drink and realize that I’d better stop.

“Were they the first ones?” He wrinkles his forehead in shock.

“No,” I groan. “The Russians were first, then the French and then the Italians.” I shiver and he looks shaken up.

“How did you—”

“Not now.” I raise my hand and yawn. “I need to say goodbye to some important customers.” I stand up and arrange my skirt. I raise my head, draw out my black fan and cover my face halfway. I walk through the connecting door with Ralph behind me. I clap twice and the music stops. “Thank you for coming tonight.” I press my hands together in gratitude, and the men who are sprawled on the couches jump up and shake their hands in disgust.

“Oh, it was awful!” one cries, and they all burst into uncontrollable laughter. “I never want to see tits again for the rest of my life!” another says, and they continue laughing.

“What's this?” Ralph asks in revulsion, “Are these supposed to be men?”

“They’re better men than any of the others I met tonight,” I say dryly and look at him. Victor and Leo approach me and I hug them affectionately.

Victor takes my hand and kisses it. “Duchess, you deserve an Oscar for your performance tonight.”

“Thank you,” I say and escape back to the bar as I feel tears of relief filling my eyes.

“How did you persuade the bitches to cooperate with you?” Ralph asks as we return to the round table.

“I just asked nicely.” I am so exhausted, I can barely even open my mouth. “Can I go now?” I ask and yawn.

“Where do you want to go?” he sounds concerned all of a sudden.

“To my apartment. I need some quiet. Tonight I had enough drama to last for a whole year.”

“I'll get you a ride.” He calls over one of his bodyguards. “And you will have a personal guard. You can relax.”

“I’m so glad you’re back,” I say my voice is trembling as I stand up.

He stands up in front of me. “Elena, you did very well without me. You really are something special.” He caresses my cheek and bends down on one knee. “I apologize,” he lowers his head and kisses my hand,

"Duchess.”

33

Johanna and I are sitting together in our last class, listening quietly to Professor Sawyer’s fascinating lecture. My brain is back to functioning normal and nothing can distract it as it soaks up the studying material. As soon as class is dismissed, I feel how exhausted I am from last night. The pain of missing my man, and my fear of his reaction when he learns of my involvement in last night’s events.

I hear Professor Sawyer calling me, and ask Johanna to wait for me on the lawn. She looks oddly calm and peaceful, and I know that she is once again under the influence of the white powder.

“How are you feeling today?” he asks, and I manage a genuine smile.

“I always feel better during your lectures.”

“I think I’d better tell you something.” He scratches his goatee and looks disturbed. “I received a very good offer from the University of California.” My smile vanishes. “I didn’t want to say anything until it was finalized, but I’ve received confirmation by email, and I’ve handed in my letter of resignation. I’m going there this weekend for a small conference and to formally sign my contract.”