My own assassin

A meeting

So much for trying to make her see me. Roland thought. She will never understand. She wasn’t the only one that grew up without a mother. I don’t blame her for hating me. His thoughts were scattered.

I tried so hard to please father. I have never even been disrespectful. At least Selena knew her mother. Would mine have made me kill someone? Would she force me to marry someone that she chose? Someone that I didn’t love?

Roland hadn’t even been aware of where he was walking. He circled Selena’s block four times. When he looked ahead and noticed where he was, he was shocked. He threw his fists down at the ground. “Fine.” He went back to her door and knocked. No answer.

“Selena?” He yelled. Again, no answer. The door was unlocked. He let himself in. Clothes were everywhere. He didn’t really know if something was amiss. What he saw earlier wasn’t exactly tidy. Roland frantically searched every room. “Selena!” She was gone.

Roland sat on her Selena’s couch and covered his face with his hands. He rocked back and forth on his heels. “What have I done?” He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled out of his mouth. “Selena, if something has happened to you…” he trailed off. “I swear to God….”

It took all of the courage that Selena could muster. She walked right up to the front door of the Derossa mansion. All the dignity and wounded pride that she had, couldn’t stop her from asking for the wretched man. What was worse, she didn’t really even understand why.

The butler came back within moments. “This way please.” She followed him down the corridor and into the third chamber. Cigar smoke billowed from the room as the door opened.

Red carpet led to a huge black desk. Two chairs in front of it were empty. The chair behind it was facing the window. He puffed on his cigar as he turned toward her. The man in the chair, was none other than Lile Derossa.

“Have a seat, Miss Clemott. “ He beckoned her in. “Or do you prefer to stand?” He asked her mockingly, blowing out another puff of smoke. “I understand you wanted to see me?”

She hesitated. She left her luggage by the door. She thought about running, and then slowly made her way toward the chair. She grabbed the back of it and stood where she was. Selena took a deep breath. “I have considered your arrangement.” She said casually. She blinked a few times, and swallowed. “I have decided to agree to marry your son.” She tilted her chin to him defiantly.

Lile laughed. He placed his cigar on the ashtray and let it smolder. He smiled at her and laced his fingers together on the desk. “Excellent.” He reached under his desk and retrieved two glasses and bottle of Brandy. “Do you require a dress?”

“I have one.” She informed him.

“One condition, Miss Clemott.” He poured them each a glass. He offered it to her. She took it from his hand hesitantly.

“What’s that?” She asked looking straight at him.

“Bottoms up.” He said. They drank the warming liquid straight. Once Lile had swallowed his drink, he said “That you do not consider Roland my assassin. He’s not my assassin. He’s my heir.” He smiled at her and poured himself another shot.

She smiled back as she sat the glass down. She shook off the cough that came from a drink that strong. She placed a hand on her chest.

“Look don’t make a big deal out of things either. I do hate drama.” Lile told her matter-of-factly. “We’ll have the wedding at noon. So, we’ll be related soon. Get used to it. Fast.” He winked and gulped his shot down in one breath.

Selena looked around his study and back at the door. “Where is Roland’s room?” She asked with more confidence than she felt.

Lile creased his brows and a smirk played at his lips. “Whys that?”

“I’ll wait for him there.” She paused for a moment. “If you don’t mind.” She blushed and looked at him.

Lile laughed heartily. “It’s the only room atop the stairs. You can’t miss it.” He waved her off with a shake of his hand and another chortle followed.

Selena walked out of his office and quietly closed the door behind her. She picked up her suitcase where she had left it and headed up the stairs. She slowly climbed to the top, apprehensively, looking toward the door. She was surprised by what she found inside. His room was large enough, there were solid oak dressers and vanities with mirrors. He had a walk-in closet, and a decent view from his window. It had lush, white carpeting.

-Definitely not like my apartment. - She thought to herself. She walked to the bed. Her heartbeat quickened. She felt the microfiber smoothness of his luxurious blankets. -This might be kind of awesome. -Selena thought. -It’s like a f***ing hotel room! - She made herself at home.

Roland searched the entire town. He looked for Selena everywhere that he remembered seeing her in the past. His nerves were shot. Once he had given up for the night, he was confronted by his father, in the living room.

“Did you get a new suit yet?” Lile asked his son. “Your nuptials are tomorrow.”

“No father.” Roland sighed. “I’m not getting married.” Roland hung his head and waited for his punishment.

Lile laughed at his son, before responding. “What the hell do you mean you’re not getting married?”

“I tried to talk to Selena today. She hates me! She will never understand! Or forgive me for what I have done.” Roland looked his father in the eyes. “For what you made me do!” He yelled at his father and pointed his finger.

Lile glared at his son, but said nothing. He shook his head and walked away.

Roland raced up the stairs. He threw open his bedroom door and his mouth dropped open wide. There was someone in his bed. -What could his father have possibly done now? What trick was this? A wedding present? -

Roland came closer to his bed. He saw the brown hair flung out over the pillow. He recognized the color. His heart half skipped a beat. -There’s no way. - He thought.

Selena turned slightly in her sleep. She moved just enough so that he could see her. Roland sighed in relief. She was safe. She was here! She was sleeping on his bed!

Roland went back downstairs, quietly. He retreated to the restroom and cleaned himself up from the day's excursions. He washed his hands and face. He brushed his hair back and shaved away the stubble forming under his chin. Roland removed his shoes and socks. Next, he took his shirt off. He threw his dirty clothes in the hamper in the bathroom. He softly made his way back upstairs.