Mated to Three, Marked by One

Chapter 8

My eyes widened as I felt his lips on mine, too startled to move, I simply stood there with my mouth hanging open, trying to comprehend this situation in front of me. Armani is kissing me, he was actually kissing me. My heart beat frantically against my chest, the blood rushing through my veins in an adrenaline rush.

Minutes later, I snapped out of it, pushing him away. I slapped him hard. His cheeks reddened and he stumbled backwards as if punched. He stared at me, different emotions running through his expression, he was shocked at first, his face contorted into an expression I didn’t understand.

“How dare you kiss me!” I blurted out without even thinking about what I’d just done.

I had never hit someone before. But this wasn’t some random boy. This was Armani. Armani, who could crush me right now if he wanted to, I couldn't even think properly as I imagined what he would do next. My palms suddenly became sweaty.

His eyes narrowed, his face twisted up in a snarl, he clenched his fists at his sides and said, “You’re going to regret slapping me.”

“You’ll definitely pay for slapping me.” He added before storming off, leaving me standing there feeling scared. I shivered remembering all he has been putting me through in the house and how much he meant that threat when he said I’ll regret it.

My eyes watered, I was so scared of what he’ll do to me when he comes back, no one would help me, his brothers will probably join him in making my life hell. He already showed me what he could do in school, and now I pissed him off big time and from the way he stormed off, I knew my life will turn out to be worse than I could ever imagine.

“Hey commoner.” A voice boomed from behind me and I jumped. My heart was beating quickly as I remembered what happened moments ago. At first I thought Armani was back, but I didn't expect to see Carl.

I turned around slowly, Carl stood there with a smirk playing on his lips as if I were prey being picked off by a predator.

He stared at me for a while, his eyes twinkling with delight, there was mischief dancing there and I wondered what he wanted with me. He looked like he had a lot planned and it was definitely something I won’t like.

“Coming to continue what your brother didn’t finish.” I muttered softly, he raised his eyebrows.

“What did you say?” He stared at me weirdly.

“Nothing.” I said shortly, happy he didn’t hear me.

“Come with me.” Carl ordered suddenly, signaling me with his hands.

“What? Where are we going?” I cautiously asked, not quite sure where he was taking me.

He smiled widely, “I need someone to be my model, and you’re right here.”

“Why should I do that?” I asked, I was still confused by why Carl wanted to have me pose for him. It didn’t make sense to me because I knew how he viewed me and I couldn’t imagine him ever wanting anything to do with me, let alone me posing for him. I was too skeptical about his offer.

“Not that I care if you know, but I’m designing clothes for women and I need a model so I can see how the clothes look.” He shrugged nonchalantly.

“Oh really?” I asked skeptically, wondering what he was really up to.

Carl nodded vigorously, “Yup, so let’s go.” He started walking away.

“I don’t want to do it.” I blurted out and his smile vanished.

His eyes widened, he looked pissed, “What did you say?”

“I said I don’t want to do it.” I repeated myself, louder this time.

I expected him to yell at me, but he just stared at me, a sly smile on his face.

“I think you’re forgetting something.” He finally said, his eyes gleaming.

“And what is that ?” I stuttered.

“Your place in this house.” He replied coldly,

“you’re just a maid, you were born to serve and listen, and as the lower class that you are, you’ll be listening to everyone here.” He added, he took a step towards me, I backed away from him automatically, “and I expect you to follow orders, not question them.”

“So don’t you ever try that again next time, you won’t like what I’ll do if you try that questioning anything you’re told to do.” He added

My breath caught in my throat, I was reminded of status and place in the house. I followed him reluctantly, his smirk widening.

My eyes widened as I realized he was really leading me to his room, I wondered if he had designs or just had something planned for me, maybe to humiliate me more than he has been doing.

I sighed, frustration building inside me, why couldn’t these stupid things happen to anyone else. I thought to myself bitterly. Why is my life always miserable somehow?

I followed him into his huge bedroom, a gasp left lips immediately I entered.

The energy in the room shifted, everyone seated there turned to me, my eyes widened as I kept blinking rapidly trying to take everything in.

The guys from the elite high school stared back at me, surprise etched on their faces, they hadn’t expected me to show up especially in Carl’s room, I didn’t expect to see them as well.

Sweat poured down my temple, the heat and the awkwardness surrounding the room made the room uncomfortably hot, even though it was only mid summer.

I swallowed nervously, glancing at each and every person in the room as they watched me.

“Isn’t that the weird new girl?” I heard one ask his friend.

“Yes.” The other agreed, their eyes on me.

“What are you doing here?” Another asked looking at me intently, they all stared at me waiting for me to answer.

My heart hammered loudly against my chest as I stared at them wondering what to say.