Games
751 Words
Present Time
I tuck my Colt back into my purse and give myself one last glance in the mirror.
My long brown hair is still pulled back in a French braid, and my cerulean blue eyes stare back at me. The signs of my swollen, red eyes have been concealed with powder and foundation. Only a faint flicker in my gaze reveals the part of me that I lost tonight.
Just like that, I am back to normal. At least on the surface.
I turn toward the door, but as I reach for the handle, a soft voice stops me.
"I have no idea who made you cry," says the woman who has been my silent companion as she adjusts her hair, "but give them hell."
I open the door. "Oh, I will."
I return to the party downstairs, head held high, shoulders pulled back, my crimson dress flowing behind me like I’m on a runway.
Once I make it through the hall, I stop just below the archway and observe the waiters racing between tables adorned with white cloths and flower arrangements. I pull out my phone, fingers swiping across the glass surface before putting it to my ear.
The line rings once before it connects.
"Yes, my lady?" Kevin answers immediately.
"I want you to seal off the exits. Let no one leave and have all our men on standby." I scan the room until I find Jake leaning casually against the bar, drink in hand. His suit slightly disheveled, as if he'd been making out with a certain w***e.
Funny how I never noticed these things before. How utterly stupid I'd been, dancing right in the palm of their hands.
My chest aches for a second before I snuff it out, replacing it with fire. "And bring Jessica to me."
There's a quiet pause before Kevin responds. "As you wish, my lady."
I end the call and drop the phone into my purse. I glance back at Jake and catch his eyes.
His beautiful brown eyes, the ones I was so used to admiring on early mornings during breakfast, now remind me of filth. Just like him.
He smiles at me, raising his drink.
I smile back.
You want to play games, Jake? I'll show you how it's done.
I walk to the center of the room, eyes darting to me as I stride past the crowd. Once I'm in the middle, I clap my hands together. Immediately, the chatter dies. The room goes silent, everyone staring at me expectantly.
"Greetings, my lovely guests. I'm so glad you could make it to my party tonight." I lift a hand, motioning to everyone seated at their tables. "It's such a pleasure to know I can always count on you for a good time."
There's a series of claps and whistles.
"Now, for those of you who decided to stay, you're in luck, because I'll be hosting a special event."
From the corner of my eye, I spot a pair of familiar dark eyes watching me. He sits back lazily in his pristine attire, observing me from the shadows like a predator. Something in the way his lip twitches makes my heart accelerate.
I focus back on the crowd, which has broken into whispers.
"What special event?"
"I knew this party wasn't over."
"Now then," I say brightly as Kevin appears with Jessica trailing beside him, her face contorted in confusion and annoyance.
My jaw tightens. The mere sight of her makes bile rise in my throat.
Jessica stops in front of me, arms crossed, her black Versace dress immaculate despite the fact that she'd been on her knees sucking my husband's d**k.
"What's the meaning of this?" She frowns.
"Oh, Jessica, you're just in time!" I exclaim, taking a step closer, a fake smile plastered on my face. "We're going to be playing a game. Just you and me."
She lets out a breath. "Esme, I never agreed to this. I'm not in the mood to play games." She rolls her eyes. “I'm leaving.” She begins turning on her heel, but I dart my eyes to Kevin and give him a nod.
He grabs Jessica's arm and pulls her forcefully back.
"What the hell?" she snarls, pushing at his chest.
Kevin's grip tightens.
Jessica whips her head toward me, confusion flashing in her gaze.
I smile at her, my eyes piercing hers.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you." My smile turns razor sharp. "This game is mandatory."
- Writer
