Traffic

Chapter 6

After showering and thinking a lot, Elena got dressed to talk with her keeper. She opened the closet, which was more like another room; clothes of every kind welcomed her, along with accessories, shoes, and jewelry. She couldn't believe how many clothes were there; it was amazing.

She wandered through the place slowly, thinking about what to wear; it was a cold day. She picked a denim skirt, brown leggings, a long-sleeved blouse with a V neck, light brown knee-length boots, and a denim jacket.

She didn't put make-up on; she only smeared some pale pink lipstick, dried her hair and combed it. She looked at herself in the mirror; she wasn't ready for a formal gala, but she looked good, casual and elegant.

She smiled at herself and left the room. While she was stepping down the stairs, she remembered the little speech that she had rehearsed in the shower. Jack had a stronger effect on her than she wanted to admit; having to apologize for her inappropriate behavior made it worse.

She breathed several times for courage; it was only an apology and she had done it before. It wasn't such a big deal. She heard music rumbling and smiled; it was one of her favorite songs. She felt better and walked to the beat, forgetting her concerns.

Jack was still lying on the sofa; his head was clear now. He was smiling widely and playing imaginary drums. He didn't see her or heard her; she didn't see him either. She gave over to the music and started moving her hips.

Jack sat for the bass solo and mimicked the movements; he stood on the sofa, his back to the girl, so he couldn't see her doing the same, dancing and playing an air guitar.

Elena turned around and saw him. She stopped; seeing him so happy made her feel tenderness. But she was ashamed for her dancing and blushed; she folded her arms nervously. He didn't seem to have noticed her. She sighed relieved and waited for the end of the song.

Jack got down from the sofa and took the remote; he waited for the final guitar chord and turned the stereo off. He turned to pick the cushions that he kicked off the sofa, and he saw her.

"Elena" he almost yelled, "I didn't hear you."

"I doubt you could hear me through that noise" she smiled, "Why did you turn it off? I love the next song."

"Do you like rock?" he asked ashamed; he was sure she saw his show.

"Yes, it's my favorite genre" she replied; "It's almost the only music I hear" she smiled.

"You have good taste. I like this and jazz."

"I like jazz too, but only for dancing" she confessed.

"Do you dance?" he asked excitedly.

She went red.

"I can do it, but I do it only in special occasions, or when I'm forced to."

Jack folded his arms; he was surprised.

"Seems like we have something in common" he smiled. He likes the way she blushed.

"You're right" she looked down.

"All right" he said to break that scene; "Since you're ready, there's someone who wants to meet you" he went to her and offered his hand.

"Who is it?" she asked nervously; she took his hand.

"It's a very important person for me" he smiled at the touch of her hand, "She's the most marvelous woman on Earth; I don't know what I'd do without her."

"Your mother?" she asked naively.

He stopped; he didn't expect her to say that, but it was clear that she didn't know his story. He felt a bit hurt by the thought, but he decided the situation would change.

"My parents died when I was ten," he said plainly, "My uncles took care of me since then."

"I'm sorry, I..." she said embarrassed, "I didn't know that, please forgive me. I shouldn't have asked."

"It's ok. I know about you, so you can say we're even."

Elena smiled; she had no idea he was also an orphan. She felt something hard in her chest.

"So who am I meeting?" she asked confused while the entered the kitchen.

Lisa was putting the dishes in the dishwasher when she saw them coming in.

"Lisa" he said, "I want you to meet someone."

She turned at his voice; she smiled at her and ran to her to hug her.

"Hi, darling" she kissed her on the cheek, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you; your uncles have told me a lot about you, even Jack."

Jack coughed, uneasy.

"Lisa Donovan" she shook her hand happily.

"Nice to meet you" she smiled, "I'm Elena Reaser."

Lisa hugged her again. Jack frowned, why did everybody hug her? He didn't like that.

Elena hugged her back; Lisa was warm and kind.

"I apologize for my enthusiasm" she finally let her go, "But it's been a while since a woman entered this house."

"Nobody else lives here?" her question made them smile.

"Only my uncles, Lisa, Harold, the gardener, and two maids that are on vacations" Jack explained.

"Oh" she nodded, "It's a huge house; I thought there were more people living here."

"Have you seen the house?" Lisa glanced at Jack puckering her lips.

"She arrived yesterday morning" he explained, "She's been here for only a day."

"That's not an excuse" she folded her arms.

"Ms. Donovan" Elena said, "Are you a Chef?"

Lisa blinked surprised; nobody had called her that in years.

"Oh, darling, I'm everything here" she put a hand on her shoulder; "I cook, clean, and give advice."

"She has been working in the house the longest time" he approached, understanding her reaction, "She raised me; you could say she's my second mother" he kissed her blushed cheek.

Elena smiled at the scene; she could notice the love he felt for her. Jack was a good man.

"It was a pleasure, and you know that" she hugged him, "You were a beautiful child; I was there the day you were born. Your mother was my best friend."

"Did you meet Mr. Bailey's mother when you were young?" she asked, curiosity rising in her.

"We met when we were fifteen. When Claudia came here for the first time I had been working for one year; we were the same age and we got along really fast" she remembered, "Besides, there were only men here: Alejandro, Thomas, William and your grandfather Joseph" she looked at him, "I was lonely and she found me here."

"Why did she come here?"

"Her father brought her to meet his partners' sons, so they would befriend."

"Yeah, friends..." Jack smiled.

"Isn't that right, Mr. Bailey?"

Lisa looked at her frowning; now she understood that she wasn't the only one that went through this.

"They sent her to pick a husband" he said, "And she picked my dad."

"Really?" she looked at them surprised, "Was it an arranged marriage?"

"It was at the beginning" Lisa confessed, "But Will fell in love with her. The rest came naturally; they were married at twenty."

"That's so romantic" Elena said excitedly.

"It lasted more than that, dear" she smiled at her face.

"Come, Elena, I'll show you the house. I don't want my uncles scolding me again" he got away from Lisa and took Elena by the shoulders.

"Oh Jack, wait! I want to know more about her!" she groaned.

He pulled a face.

"She's twenty, she lived abroad, her parents died in an accident some weeks ago, she likes rock music and falling asleep while reading on the library floor, and she's very stubborn" he shot.

"Well, that's enough by now" she smiled at them, "Dear, can you call me Lisa? Nobody calls me otherwise."

She nodded smiling. Jack frowned and felt a sting in his chest. Was this personal? Would he be the only one that she would call by last name? He took her hand and led her out of the kitchen. Elena and Lisa were surprised; she didn't know how Jack knew all that about her, but she was glad. Lisa, on the other hand, felt happy; it was clear that Jack wanted to have something with her. The way she took her out of the kitchen said more than words.

She let them go and continued working; she would talk to Alejandro later when he arrived. She had the feeling that the girl was there to marry Jack.

***

Alejandro opened his eyes. The office was dark; he fell asleep. For how long? He sat slowly; there was a blanket on him. He rubbed his eyes; he couldn't remember a thing.

"Are you feeling better?" he heard someone say. He turned around; Karen was on the other sofa.

"Karen, you scared me" he smiled, "I'm fine, thank you" he removed the blanket.

"I went out to turn in the mail; I came back and you were asleep" she explained.

"You tucked me in. You didn't have to" he yawned, "I shouldn't be sleeping. I have work to do; I was waiting for some important calls."

"I took care of that" she smiled, "I told them you weren't available; some were annoyed, but they will call tomorrow."

"You are amazing" he whispered, "I find it hard to delay meetings. You got to tell me your secret."

She stood up and picked the blanket. Alejandro also got on his feet. Karen looked at him for a moment.

"The secret is how you treat them" she whispered and approached him.

"What are you doing?" he asked a bit nervous.

"Nothing. Why? Am I scaring you?"

"No, of course not" he stepped back.

"Then why do you run from me?" she asked in an undertone.

Alejandro took another step back and fell on the sofa. Karen was on him the next second; she hugged him by the neck and put her face against his.

"Karen, please stop" he swallowed the knot in his throat, "I told you we can't have this type of relationship."

"I change my mind" she said in a husky voice, "I want to be with you now, no compromises, just sex."

Alejandro got on his feet and put his hands on her face; he was offended.

"Stop it! You're better than this" he gave her a furious stare, "You don't have to act like that with me. You're a wonderful woman."

"I know you want me..."

"I do!" he yelled, "But we already had this conversation. How can I think about having something with you after what my pig of a brother did to you? I can't, Karen!" he frowned frustrated, "I can't."

She freed from his hands; she gave him one more glance and went to the door.

"Karen" he called her. She kept on walking, "I'm sorry, I..." he turned and grabbed her arm, "I'm sorry; it's hard for me to tell you."

"I know" she said calmly, "I just wanted to make sure that it was you" she smiled.

"What are you...?" he whispered. She looked at him smiling and blushed. He whispered, "Oh, darling, you shouldn't have" he took her face again and kissed her.

Karen held to him; it has been a long time since the last time they kissed, and she missed that sweet mouth close to her. He took her by the waist and reciprocated every movement after some minutes, Alejandro grunted and stepped back.

"You shouldn't have bothered" he said putting his forehead against hers, "If you wanted a kiss, you just had to ask for it."

"You didn't seem to mean that some minutes ago."

"I said a kiss" he smiled, "You wanted more than that."

Karen pouted her lips.

"I told you I knew the difference. Your brother would never turn down such an offer."

He let go a roaring laughter; Karen had changed so much; she was more daring. Her innocence was now pure self-confidence that made her more attractive.

"Tell me you haven't tried with that man" his husky low voice drove her mad.

"I haven't even been close enough to him" she cleared.

"Don't" he whispered, "You have no idea what he is capable of."

"I do have an idea" he kissed his nose, "I don't care. You're not like him."

Alejandro felt that sting in his chest; he wasn't like him and he wasn't worst than him, but the things he'd done made him a dark, sinister person.

"Listen" he asked, "You know you're important for me" he stroked her cheek, "You also know my feelings for you, that's why we can't be together."

"We are together now" she smiled, trying to stay strong.

"You know what I mean" his lips tightened; he was also struggling to be strong.

"We don't need to tell no one" she whispered with hope, "Only the two of us will know."

Alejandro lost a bit of control at this; the idea wasn't that bad.

"Do you mean you'd like to have a secret relationship?" excitement drew a smile on his face.

"Maybe" she touched his cheek with a single finger. He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately.

He would take the risk; it's been a long time since he felt something for someone, and he wouldn't let his brother's shadow keep him in darkness.

"I agree" he said, "I know it will be hard, but I want to be with you."

Her face lightened up; she hugged him happily and burst in tears.

"Yes, yes, yes" she repeated; she was so happy. All the waiting and all the time she spent alone was worth it; it didn't matter now.

"Darling, we must be very careful" he explained, "You know what my brother is capable of."

"I know" she kissed him, "I'll be careful."

"We'll be fine this month; he's very into a contract that he wants to close" he lied, "Even so, please, if I don't call you, don't come see me. I'll try to look serious when I'm with you in public."

"I'll do too" she affirmed, "The last thing I want is your brother to discover us."

Alejandro kissed her. He would let himself have some happiness with someone he loved, but most importantly, he would make someone he loved happy. He hugged her again; he shuddered. He knew that Thomas couldn't control himself when he was angry, and he knew that as soon as he found out about their relationship, hell would unleash for them.

After all, it wasn't the first time it happened.

***

"We'll start by the entrance" he said smiling and dragged Elena to the main door and out of the house.

"You're a very peculiar person, Mr. Bailey" she giggled, "Why did you bring me here?"

"It's simple" he held her hand tightly; "I wanted to show you this" he pointed.

"That's beautiful" she smiled delighted.

In front of them laid a roundabout where a fountain of horses surrounded by a wall of flowers galloped somewhere stood. The water went up and showered them delicately. It was a brilliant and beautiful image.

"When I was a kid, I liked to ride them" he started saying, remembering those days, "My father didn't like it because my mother got really nervous when I got on there" he frowned, "I always liked horses, so my father bought me a real one."

"That's nice" she whispered. Listening to such personal memories made realize that Jack trusted her. She was touched.

"They were the best. They always gave me what I wanted; I was a bit spoiled, I admit" he smiled.

"It's not wrong for a father to indulge his son" she said getting closer to the fountain. She attempted to remove her hand from his, but he didn't let go, "My father was the same. He always kept me and my mother surrounded by luxury and granted wished" she looked at him trying to understand why he wouldn't let her go, "But I wasn't rebel. I appreciated everything they gave me."

"Me too, though I'd be lying if I'd say that I was never selfish. I wanted them to be with me all the time, but they left..." his voice dropped, "It was weird at the beginning. I was a naïve child who had no idea of what death was. I just found myself in a place full of people who looked at me pitifully; my uncles talked to relatives that I hadn't met" he squeezed her hand, "Lisa was holding me and saying that everything would be fine."

Elena looked at him surprised; it was a very sad story. He went through that when he was very little; it must have been hell. Growing up parentless was the worst that could happen to a child.

She felt some itching in her forehead, like the beginning of a migraine. She frowned at the pain. Images of two children about five years old came to her mind; they were alone in an orphanage. Who were they? She shook her head and the images were gone. He looked at him, who was looking at the roundabout, lost in his memories.

"Why are you telling me this?" she asked in a low voice. She appreciated it, but she found it incredible since they met just the day before.

Jack smiled and looked at her for a moment. She raised his hand with her hand in it.

"I trust you, Elena."

She smiled. Her cheeks were so red that she thought she'd faint; she looked at her hand clasped in his and felt more abashed.

"Thank you. I don't know how you do it despite my behavior."

"My dear, the fact that you yell at me and put me in my place doesn't make me think wrong about you" he assured, "Neither the fact that you invade my bed at night."

"I'm sorry" she said at last, "I didn't mean to" she frowned, "I woke up in the morning not knowing how I got there."

"Oh yes, I was very surprised to find you asleep in the library" he said and pulled her to the entrance. He opened the door, "I was scared, actually; I thought you were attacked by an army of books" he smiled.

"You took me to my room?" now she wanted to die.

"Sure. I'm taking care of you, have you forgotten?" he looked at her face surprised; he thought she would faint, "My uncles don't know about it, don't worry.

"I thought Alejandro carried me there" she confessed in a whisper. She couldn't believe it; she was so ashamed.

He frowned at her words.

"Alejandro stayed with Thomas in the living room talking about work" he said annoyed. Why was he acting like a fool?

"Oh" she whispered. Her free hand was covering her mouth; this was too much for her head.

"It's ok, there's no problem. Would you rather sleep on the floor?"

"No" she whispered.

"Then don't think badly. I assure you I didn't do nothing wrong."

"That's not what I said..."

"No, you didn't, but I'm sure the idea crossed your little head; that's why you're so blushed" he stroked her cheek.

"I'm sorry" she looked him in the eyes, "I know you wouldn't hurt me.

"Never" he emphasized, "I will protect you."

She smiled at his words; she liked the phrase a little more each time she heard it. The idea of having him near was irresistible. They reached the living room; Jack was starting to feel comfortable. He was very attracted to Elena.

" I want to apologize for what I said yesterday at dinner" she looked at him, "Alejandro is right; it's rude to not call someone the way he asked you to" she blushed again.

He opened his mouth. Was he serious?

"You don't need to" he heard himself say. Why? He had no idea.

"I want to" she said after a breath, "I promise I won't call you like that again, Jack."

His heart ran faster. She finally called him Jack; there was a knot in his throat. He was delighted.

"Say it again" he asked smiling; he knew it was childish, but he didn't care.

"Jack?" she laughed looking at him. She didn't expect that reaction.

He was smiling like a fool; he was finally hearing those words. Though he met her just the day before, he admitted that he liked her.

"Jack" she called him again, "What is it?"

"I'm sorry" he apologized; he put his eyes on her, "I'm glad that you call me that."

"It's nothing" he whispered nervously, "Will you show me the rest of the house?"

"Of course, this way" he pointed, took her hand again, and led her to the next room, "I liked it more the first time you called me by my first name, you know?" he smiled amused.

"The first time?" she asked. What was he talking about?

"Yes, last night when I carried you to your bedroom you said my name" she gasped, "I was surprised. Actually I was a bit angry; I thought you were joking, but you weren't."

I can't believe it...

"I don't know what to say..." she looked down; embarrassment was flooding her. Could she be more ashamed?

"I won't ask you to do it; it wouldn't be fair" Jack said remembering the weird way he noticed she wasn't a pillow in his bed.

Now we're even, gorgeous.

"Thank you" she whispered, not quite understanding.

"Well, having said that, I'll show you the business room" he opened the door.

The place was more than an office; a bar covered the left side of the room. There was a gigantic pool table, a poker table, a huge flat screen, and some couches that looked really comfortable.

"Is this a business room?" she looked at him with an arched eyebrow.

"There is no better way to close a deal than playing your favorite game" he affirmed, "If the dealer is relaxed and happy, he is not reluctant to negotiating."

"What a sophisticated way to manipulate" she winced, "Do you work?"

"Yes, but not by now" he remembered his talk with Alejandro; he must watch over Elena.

"You sound like a corporate killer" she winced again.

"Business world is a jungle; the strongest ones eat the weakest."

"I know, but I don't think it is right to take advantage of other people's weakness."

"You can tell that to my uncles" he dared her amusingly.

"I'll do, Jack, you can count on that."

He felt a wave of pleasure run from his back up to his neck; hearing her affected his body. It was amazing.

"I have to see that" he let go of her hand as a precaution, "Should we bet?"

"You don't think I'll do it?" she folded her arms in an offended way.

"Of course not, I'm just trying to make this more interesting" he looked at her, "Are you scared?"

She tightened her lips; of course she accepted.

"It's a deal, Jack" she offered her hand.

He smiled pleased; he got her.

"What are the terms?" Elena frowned; she was convinced he would lose.

"Let's see; if I win" he smiled, thinking the best penalty he could give her, "You'll do anything I order for one whole day."

Elena tightened her lips; that was daring.

"All right" she accepted, "If I win, you'll obey me for one week."

"Be fair, dear" he arched an eyebrow, "Because then I'll have to change my time frame to a week as well."

"Go ahead" she dared him, "I'm not afraid of losing."

"I like that attitude" he smiled with utter excitement; this would be fascinating.

"So if I don't tell your uncles what I think about their working ways, you win."

Elena nodded; she was confident she would win, and this made her feel self-assured. Jack, on the other hand, was eager for night to come; Alejandro texted him some minutes ago telling him that he and Thomas would be out of town and would come back the next noon. He tried to hide his joy; Elena was a strong competitor, but he had an advantage that would be a perfect punishment for her.

***

Thomas Bailey arrived to Vancouver at 12 pm. He went before time to a meeting with the main associates. He phone-called them all when he talked to his brother; they would freeze all pending operations. He summoned them in the farthest place from the city so they could tie up all the loose ends.

He got in the car that waited for him at the airport; the trip in Executive class just made him hungry for luxury; the girl that welcomed him in the seat offered him a glass of rum. He accepted the drink and finished it in one gulp. The beautiful brunette got near him and caressed his hair.

Thomas surveyed her; her make-up was perfect, she had a lustful honey-colored stare, desirable and marked lips, dark curly hair, and was wearing a golden dress that took his breath away paired with stilettos that emphasized her rich and tempting bum.

Thomas Bailey liked few things: good music, gourmet food, high-quality liquors, beautiful women, and expensive cars. This combined with his personality resulted in havoc; he was authoritarian, he had no patience, he needed to be the focus of attention, he never felt guilty for his actions' consequences, he lost control over his emotions; he was a dangerous man.

He took the brunette by the neck and sniffed her perfume; an expensive aroma flooded his nostrils. He licked her neck, her collarbone, and her ear in one continuous movement. He felt her shudder; he bit lightly her earlobe and caressed her huge breasts. His hands got in through the cleavage easily and played with her breasts for a while.

The woman was moaning in a low voice; she was biting her lip and frowning. He took one of her breasts out of the prison of his hand and moved it down to her legs, then up to the corner that was expectant, hot and humid.

She didn't say a thing; it was one of the requirements he imposed for women. They should be quiet and obliging; they should be always ready for action and never protest. He lifted the thin fabric of the dress to reveal tiny underwear, no bra.

She put two fingers in her and watched her wriggle, trying to speak. She opened her mouth and begged him with a stare to be allowed to talk; he frowned and covered her mouth with his free hand. He moved his hand with more aggressive movements; she whined like a young teenager. He smiled feeling more motivated than ever and unzipped his trousers.

In one movement, he sat her on his lap and penetrated her deeply. She saw her agony expression; he didn't even know her name. He moved frantically and finished in her, as usual; if she got pregnant, he wouldn't take responsibility.

He licked her neck again and bit her, leaving a red halo that pulsed on her tanned skin. The car pulled over; Thomas lifted her up and put her aside, zipped his trousers, and got out of the car.

The noon light was dim through clouds that covered the sky; it was extremely cold. He buttoned his gabardine and put on dark glasses. He walked to the entrance of the Radisson hotel, a gigantic and majestic russet building that stood before his eyes. He found one of the associates by the door and greeting him with a nod; the man nodded and walked towards him.

"Cute girl" he smiled, "Is she new?"

"Not anymore" he said licking his lips, "Are you interested?"

"I'm always interested in finely equipped brunettes" he caressed his chin.

"You can have her; I don't need her anymore."

"I appreciate it" he whispered and shuddered at the thought of what he would do with that honey-colored creature.

There was only one desk clerk in the lobby; he reserved the complete hotel for the meeting. The marble floor welcomed them; this was a five star place, with artworks on the walls and an antique diamond candelabra overseeing the room, pouring golden light on it; a double staircase decorated with lights would lead them to the meeting place.

"What's the news, Lovera?" Thomas ordered while they climbed the stairs.

"We're only waiting for the Thailand guys... and your brother" he said, "But we can start if you want to."

They went in the elevator to the next floor; in the tiny space, Thomas was reviewing his plan. He needed everyone in the room, and his idiotic brother wasn't there yet.

"He's a jerk" he hissed.

He pulled out his cell phone and called him several times; he didn't pick up. He squeezed furiously the phone and finally pitched in on the floor. Aaron Lovera tensed up; he knew that it wasn't a good idea to be in the same elevator as Thomas Bailey when he was enraged. He felt worried.

"We'll start without them" he said in a loud voice, "Let the others inform about this" he stepped on the phone; the elevator bell rang and the doors slid open. They stepped out of it.

He signaled Aaron to go ahead, and he stayed in the corridor; he breathed several times to calm himself down. He felt no difference, though; he frowned. Aaron entered the conference room silently. Thomas closed his eyes; his hands were shaking from fury, his head was throbbing. He needed to let off his steam.

He remembered when he was fifteen; his brother drove him mad. They looked almost like triplets, except that William wasn't very blond, and since he was the oldest one he looked better; Thomas hated this. His father liked him better; the family always complimented him on every stupid thing he did, even the maid preferred him.

He tolerated this; he knew he was better than anybody. He didn't care how many useless achievements his brother got; in the end, he would be victorious. When little Claudia got in their lives, his hate for his brother grew darker and strong; he wanted to destroy him, not because he wanted the girl, but because now his father would put him on a pedestal he would never reach. When they gave birth to Jack, his anger towards the pathetic family drained him; he was the only one that deserved to be happy, no one else had the same right.

He regained control; he now noticed a pain in his hand. He realized he had punched the wall; he made a hole on it and hurt his hand. It was bleeding, but he didn't feel pain. Some employees looked at him terrified; he pulled his hand from the wall and tasted the blood that ran out lazily. Those memories affected him more than he realized.

He covered his wound with a kerchief and headed to the conference room. He would allow nobody to spoil his plans, even if that somebody was his own blood; he would be merciless.

***

Alejandro put on his clothes. He forgot about the world for a moment. Karen was sleeping placidly on his bed, naked, covered by a white sheet, a smiled pasted on her face. He smiled at the feeling that flooded his body. He was fearless; the uncertainties were gone. He could see clearly now and didn't want this to end. He would fight for Karen with all he got and, most importantly, he would hide the truth from his brother.

His cell phone rang some minutes later; he tensed up. His twin's name flashed on the screen. He muted it. He had to attend that meeting even if he didn't want to; he put on his shirt and took his coat. He left a note for Karen, went to her and kissed her forehead.

"I'll be back" he said in a low voice, "I promise."

He left.