Destined

CHAPTER THREE-3

“Jonathan, this place is amazing.” Jinghua ran around the outside terrace of the mansion and dropped her suitcase.

The rest of the women from The Circle fluttered past Lydia and Dee, gawking with opened mouths.

Shauna turned in a circle, checking out the giant property. “It looks more amazing than in the pictures you showed us.”

“The UK’s so beautiful.” Ana gushed.

Jonathan walked up the steps of the platform, glancing at Dee with an arrogant twinkle in his eye. “At least someone appreciates it.”

“Wow.” Tran touched the fabulous architecture. “It’s your very own palace.”

“It’s our palace.” Jonathan walked from behind the fire pit. “Here, we can be whoever we want to be.”

The women seemed too engaged with their surroundings to pay him much attention. “Society is no more,” he declared. “This is the only world we’ll ever need.”

“God, he’s nuts,” Lydia whispered, scratching her head.

Dee looked up, catching Rena’s dull expression and wondered what caused her to be in such a mood. “You all right, Rena?”

Emma hung over the terrace. “She’s been depressed.”

“She misses her brother,” Asia said.

“Is that true, Rena?” Jonathan pulled her to him. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”

She held a thin, white scarf across her vivacious bosom. “How should I feel?”

“Happy!” Ana twirled around the fire pit. “Rena, this is what we’ve worked for. We have

our own little world. Our Utopia. There’s no reason to be upset.”

“Exactly.” Jonathan lifted Rena’s chin. “I’ve missed you.” He gave her a feverish kiss and she pulled away.

His forehead wrinkled as if he really were concerned about Rena’s feelings. “I’ve missed all of you.” Jonathan spun Ana around, French-kissing her afterwards.

She giggled.

“Who shall have the honor of making love with me tonight?”

Ana, Emma, and Asia raised their hands.

“Gross,” Lydia whispered.

“How about I have you all?” Jonathan grabbed Asia by her braids and gave her a loud smooch. “Hm?”

“Yeah.” Emma caressed his pecs through his shirt. “We’ve been dying without you, Jonathan.”

“Yeah, we’ve missed you so much.” Jinghua hugged him from behind. “Just promise me one thing.”

He snickered. “What?”

She sashayed in front of him, putting more emphasis on the movement of her hips. “I get to go first.”

Jonathan laughed.

Dee walked to Rena. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” She fidgeted. “Just tired from the trip, that’s all.”

“We’re all together again.” Jonathan clapped. “This calls for a celebration. How about we have a costume party?”

“I like that.” Rake, Jonathan’s British associate, stood on the grass, rocking his head of moussed spikes.

“We’ll have so much fun,” Jonathan said.

“Count Lydia and me out,” Dee said.

“Oh, no, no, my darling. You’re a member of The Circle and Lydia will be soon.”

“Over my dead body,” Lydia said.

“You’ll participate in everything we do here.” Jonathan grimaced at Dee. “And I mean everything.”

“What about me?” Candra asked. “Can I come too?”

“Course you can.” Jonathan kissed her nose. “In fact it’s time I claimed you. What do you think, ladies? Should Candra be a part of The Circle?”

Asia frowned while the others mumbled and shrugged.

Jonathan kissed Candra’s cheek. “We’ll get the plans ready for your initiation.”

“Oh, Jonathan thank you!” She hopped into his arms. “You’ve made me so happy.”

He ran his finger across the deep scar on her throat. “I’ll always make every one of you happy.” He stared at Dee. “Happier than you’ve ever dreamed.”