THE STRANGER IN ME

“Daddy please don’t. A young girl begs as she ran to the other side of the room. “You have been a bad girl and should be taught a lesson. The man responded as he slowly moved towards the young girl with his left hand holding a golf club. “Daddy, I will do better next time please don’t punish me. She begs. The middle aged man raised his golf club and hit her several times. Paris Pearson sat straight on her bed, she slid open her emergency drawer, pulled out two snickers bars, and tossed one into her mouth. She closes her eyes and whispers repeatedly. “When you eat something sweet, your life becomes sweet”. She opened her eyes and look at the clock in the other side of the room it was some minutes pass 9am. “s**t!. Late. That is all she was good at she hurried up and went into the bathroom, and didn’t hesitate to run the shower and tossed her nightwear away. Soon she was out of the bathroom, and headed towards her wardrobe which was full of white clothes it’s obviously her favorite color. She settled for a white flare gown with a blue collar, she tucked her dark curly her in a ponytail. There was no sign of a mirror in the small apartment. Laptop, briefcase, cellphone...check. Minutes later slid behind the wheel of her silver BMW, engaged the engine, then made way to the main arterial road leading into the city. Traffic at this hour was heavy, and making it through electronically controlled intersections without at least two enforced stops was rare. Consequently it was almost ten when Paris took the lift from the basement parking area to a high floor in the tall modern building. A luxurious office suite with prime views over the inner harbor, executive furniture. ‘Good morning.’ Her smile held genuine warmth as she passed through Reception and trod the wide passageway. “Miss Pearson.’ ‘Sir! The traffic was.. ‘Oh!.. spare me that Miss Pearson, if you were not intelligent and hardworking young lady I would not hesitate to fire you.’ ‘I promise this won’t happen again.’ ‘You better keep to your promise this time Miss Pearson.’ ‘Thank you sir. ‘Don’t thank me yet, you are needed in the field now. ‘Field?. I ‘Something wrong with that?. No, it’s just that I have never worked outside before. ‘Well, it’s your lucky day!. Here.. He handed a bunch of documents. ‘Susan Adams is on sick leave so you are to take her place the bus will be close to the cafe at fourth street go there and you will be told what to do also make sure to pass the documents to Fred. ‘Fredrick is on the case?. ‘Yeah, hurry up and leave. Fredrick Rodriguez was every girl dream. He was tall, muscular, a good fighter and the most beautiful creature that Paris has ever work with well.. from afar. She was a computer genius and works with the FBI but she was with the smallest and most secretive unit of the force. Her job was simple, she was always on her laptop monitoring the outside operations and now she was not only meeting her crush she was working with him a dream come true. She stood outside the SUV and knock on the windshield. ‘Yes?. a man calmly responded. ‘I am Paris Pearson.' Oh, the replacement. The man opens the door of the car and directed her to come in. Paris immediately accepted she was now in the middle of both men and Fredrick was one of them. ‘It’s nice to meet you Miss Paris!. ‘Likewise, what Am I needed for?. ‘Fredrick do you mind. The man was in his early forties and you could tell he was serious with his job. ‘Yeah.. sure. Paris right?. ‘Yes. ‘Put this on. He hands her a earplug which she took from him. ‘All you have to do is go to that cafe which is across the room there you will find a man in a black leather jacket, blue eyes,pretty tall. You have to make sure you are invited to his party which is tomorrow night. ‘How?. ‘I dunno!.. You can flirt with him a bit, he has a thing for beautiful woman. My eyes widened did Fred just compliments me?. ‘You don’t have to worry we have eyes inside and will be with you every step of the way’. The middle man added. I nods, got down from the car and made my way across the streets. Why does this have to happen today?. I am not wearing my lucky shoes and what if the stranger noticed something odd about me?. Soon enough I was at the front of the cafe and my heart beats faster than usual. Should I back out? Then Fred will know I am a loser who sits on the computer all day waiting for my superiors to tell me what to do next and what not to do. ‘Miss Paris, can you hear me? ‘Yes sir!. ‘You’ve been standing there for awhile don’t you think is time you go inside?. ‘Yes, sure’. I won’t be known as a disappointment. I closed my eyes and opened the door to the cafeteria my eyes slowly opened and I walk inside, sat on a chair close to the window and pick up the menu which was on the table. ‘Miss Paris, your left.' I turned and saw the leather jacket man he was staring at his phone, he hadn’t ordered anything yet or has he?. ‘Miss! What’s your choice? A lady asked as she took the menu from me. ‘A bottle of coke, I would be at my friend’s table’. I stood up and walk to were the stranger he was still busy with his phone and didn’t raise his head up. ‘Hi..I am.. ‘I don’t care. ‘Say something. Fred voice from the earplug came out impatiently. ‘Hm.. She rubbed her sweaty palm on her neck. ‘Here’s the drink you ordered Miss. ‘Oh. Thank you. It came out in a whisper but the waitress was off already. ‘Who sent you? ‘No one!. ‘Then why are you here?. I look at my watch it was time. ‘No.. no, not now!. I search my bag for some candy or anything sweet but I had forgotten to buy one. ‘What’s going on miss Paris? ‘When you eat something sweet your life becomes sweet. ‘What did you just say?. The confused stranger asked. ‘I need something sweet, anything. a candy or.. or’.. My head hurts all of a sudden then I blackout. ‘Miss Paris are you okay?. Miss Paris!. ‘Can you shut the f**k up!. ‘What the hell is your problem? ‘You’ve a beautiful eyes’. ‘What did you just say?. ‘Your eyes, I could stare at them forever. Luca had been watching her ever since she arrived though he made sure she hadn’t notice him. She looked to be in her early twenties. Her face was both intriguing and beautiful breasts in proportion to her hips, tapered waist, the promise of great legs underneath her white flare gown. No artificial fingernails or false eyelashes and she was perfect without them. He watched her speak to the woman who had earlier ask him what he wanted the woman that sat with him was much more different than the shy innocent girl that wanted some candy which he found awkward some minutes ago. Luca has never been fond of women to him they were odd species and one can never understand their true intentions but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have fun with them. He looked up, and her lips curved. He was amazed does this woman know who he was. ‘Tell me, miss... ‘Paris!. ‘Do you have any idea who you are talking to?. ‘I don’t mind finding out tonight, that’s if you’re free’. His hands touched hers. She gazed down at it but didn’t draw away. He began toying with the tips of her fingers, letting her know this was more than a casual flirtation. This was a seduction. ‘I wouldn’t mind seeing you at my place tonight I’m actually having a party. ‘What’s the occasion. ‘Should there be one? ‘Hm.. I like that, how can I get there?. ‘Ask around you will definitely locate my place. He added in a whisper. “I am kinda famous”. He flung a handful of bills on the table. He rose placed both hands in his pocket and walked out from her sight. Paris smiled and watch as he left the cafe. She could tell he was dangerous and wouldn’t mind playing with danger. Paris Pearson was a different person and Fred and the others could tell though she did get the invite but her strange behavior was uncalled for. “Fredrick! You think you’re a god that can get any girl if determined but you are just a asshole to me!” She had barked at Fred when asked what was wrong with her. Her nagging and curses didn’t end there. It was super embarrassing for Fred. He had never felt that way all his life no lady would deal say that to his face and now this nobody a junior he never knew existed was now pouring out what she actually thought about him. “You did well Miss Paris. Her boss who raised his hand for a handshake welcomed comes her but she strode pass him without much of a acknowledgement. He could tell she was having a bad day and that was not normal for her. Paris was one of a kind a cheerful child that loves wearing a smile even when everyone was down. “Who kept this here?. Paris sat on her desk the once noisy room was now as silent as a graveyard. “Have you all suddenly gone deaf?!. “It’s mine, remember you agree to help me with the paperwork yesterday. The young man who had been watching her ever since she entered the room replied with authority. You could tell he was superior to Paris. He was dressed up in black suits, white sleeves and a blue striped tie. ‘Oh!.. it’s yours Micheal. ‘Micheal?. She had never call him by his name and this was bizarre. “Micheal do you know how much I have been dying to tell you this?. “What!. Everybody in the room watch as the calmest girl in the office catwalk to one of her superiors. ‘You are such a piss of s**t! ‘What?! ‘I am no longer the girl you and your colleagues take time in bullying. I am not that sick, weak little girl. You can solve your own documents you can run your own errands and you can pick up your own trash because you made it not me so, you better get that into that dull brain of yours. And that goes to everyone expecting something from me. You all get me!. Micheal stood for a while before redrawing to his office and soon the office was back to its previous nosy place. ‘Miss Paris?. ‘Yes! ‘About tonight. I was thinking... ‘Yes.. I was also thinking about my raise. ‘What do you mean?. ‘Boss, don’t you think it’s fair considering I am putting my life on the line. ‘Don’t be greedy. You were both the first choice non the second you were the only one available at that time. ‘What are you saying boss? ‘You will receive the same amount as always. ‘I guess I will stick with the same job as always. ‘What the hell is wrong with you!. He was furious and everyone could tell. He took a deep breath and slowly inhaled. ‘Okay. You will be compensated. ‘Really!. ‘Yes. But if only you finish up with the mission. ‘No problem boss! Thank you. ‘Are you sure you’re okay?. She was definitely acting strange and he could tell. She was always the shy but cheerful girl now seeing how she acts and react makes him doubtful of her. ‘Yea, sure. Home was much more boring than the office. She was glad when her boss sent her home earlier to freshen up but now she hated being here. Paris looks at her wardrobe it was full with clothes but they were clothes she hated and colors she would rather die than wear. She was different from the old Paris and she was going to keep it this way. She hissed through her teeth. This clothes would make a bad impression and her reputation would be ruined. Paris took her credit card and left the room she was going to be the bad b***h of the party and bad bitches clothes speaks fire. She did I take her car since she passed by a clothing line on her way from work it was just two block from her house. ‘You’re welcome! The saleswoman greeted with a warm smile as soon as she walked in which she replied with a soft nod. ‘What kind of clothes do you seek?. ‘Well, I’m looking for something amazing it’s for a party. ‘Here in fashion fair everything is amazing but will do have some new designs that just came, if you don’t mind follow me so you can try them on. ‘Okay, after you. Paris was loving the atmosphere and the attention she wouldn’t mind rating it five stars. ‘Tell me miss. What do you prefer? Long or short? ‘Short obviously. ‘ I love your choice. Your legs are so beautiful it should be shown too the whole world. ‘Yeah! They’re’. She smiled feeling more and more confident about herself. ‘Shirts, shorts or gowns?. ‘Since I’m going there for seduction I would say... shirt and a leather jacket then something nice and revealing underneath the jacket. ‘Perfect!. Absolutely perfect. She picked out different sets of clothes and then led her to the tasting room. ‘Go in and try them on. ‘But how come you know my exact size? ‘This is what I do! Hurry up. She smiled and gently pushed her inside the tiny room. After third set Paris came out now wanting to see herself in the mirror. She had turned down the woman’s opinions and advised for her to look at the mirror before concluding that it fits or not. ‘Wow, you love beautiful but in a bad way. I would never allow my son to go out with you. ‘Darling, I don’t go out with kids. She was a salesperson and Paris knew that convincing her to buy from her was her number one priority. ‘Can I bring out the mirror now?. ‘Yes. ‘Thank goodness!. ’ she whispered before hurrying out of Paris sight only to return with the standing mirror. Mirrors were never a thing for Paris she had always hated her appearance ever since she was little and her hatred for mirrors was one of the secret she would never reveal. ‘Wow!.’ Paris exclaimed. Maybe the other shy and calm Paris hated mirrors but the new one standing and staring at this beautiful woman in the mirror loves it. The short black leather skirt was perfect and dangerously short but it was so damn beautiful gold little buttons were placed in the middle in other for it to remain closed, her legs were indeed beautiful the saleswoman wasn’t wrong about that. The leather jacket wasn’t too long but it wasn’t too short either it was the exact thing she had pictured, it was black and had a zipper pocket in both sides which had a silver color. Gold colored cropped top with a off shoulder neck revealing was the best description. ‘I look beautiful!. ‘It came out well. After sorting out the bill she headed to the salon her legs was sole and she wouldn’t mind sitting down to relax her wish was soon granted as she sat down did manicure and pedicure for the first, let her curls run free from the ponytailed she did everyday and a dark makeup completed her looks. She was ready to make money while having fun. Fredrick had met her outside her apartment was he was astonished by her appearance she was wearing a smile and her perfect white teeth was welcoming, her stomach was bit exposed he could tell that she was perfect for the job. How come he hadn’t noticed all this before? Her long legs, her slim waist, her full breasts suddenly he was sexually attracted to her. ‘So!..What do you think? ‘You look okay.’ He swallowed. ‘Let’s hurry up. She followed him to the car and he explained everything to her as they both met with the other man who was now on the driver side apparently he was the one that drove here. ‘Miss Paris, you look beautiful. ‘Thank you! It wasn’t that long before they arrived two blocks away from Luca’s house. ‘Can someone now explain what I’m getting myself into?. ‘Luca Amon is the last and only surviving child of his family, he is twenty seven and was twelve years old when he lost his family. they died in a fire incident long time ago though Luca claimed he saw the perpetrator and it wasn’t an accident the police couldn’t trace anything or anyone responsible for their deaths. He lost his both parents, his three eldest siblings. The Amon family was known to be one of the deadliest family at that time and it seems like Luca has been busy with the family business. ‘What’s that exactly?. ‘His family had various companies in every part of the world but everyone knows his family deals on drugs though the investigation was not conclusive because of the sudden death it was suddenly opened due to the rapid supply of drugs and all information always find way to him. ‘Why don’t you just arrest him? ‘It’s not that easy, the evidences is not solid and every time he is taken away his lawyers always made sure he doesn’t stay long in police custody he had a record as the highest he had ever stayed at the police custody was an hour. ‘An hour? ‘Yeah... well, this is your earplugs we had eyes inside so don’t be afraid. ‘Hmm..but I’m confused. What was he doing alone in a cafe and why was in not in suit or one of those corporate wears? ‘We got a vital information that he was meeting with someone one of his dealers apparently but the time you arrived the deal was already done. He sometimes goes alone because he likes keeping things underneath his sleeve. All we want from you is for you to be closer to him, make sure he trusts you with his life. I know it won’t be easy but you have to try that’s the only way he can tell you all his secrets and only then we can make him pay. ‘That’s what I’m getting paid for?.. She was silent for a while. ‘Are you okay?. ‘Yeah.. I guess I better start going’.. she was about going when Fredrick grabs her by the wrist. ‘Are you sure you are fine?. ‘Like you care!.. she pulled off his grip from her wrist and stride away. It wasn’t what she had expected her legs crumbled. was she afraid? No way...she was no scaredy-cat but she did cursed this heels, it wasn’t comfortable and her hatred for it was making her hit it on anything she could find though it hurt. The mansion was massive and she silently cursed Fredrick for not letting her bring her car. The gate were wide opened and various cars drove in and out, the mansion was very far from the gate one would think it was an estate. People offered to help her out but she refused saying she wanted to get a better view of the lovely garden which she knew deep down was bullshit. Some pitied her why others made mockery of her but she didn’t care. After the long walk she finally got to the front door but were stooped by two gigantic men. ‘Your invite Miss!. One had asked with a thunderous voice. ‘I was invited by your boss himself’. She knew she was screwed Luca never mentioned anything about a card. ‘Then can we see the card?.. The other man asked much politely. ‘I don’t have it.... I mean I left mine at home, can you please make an exception for me?.. pretty please!. ‘Sorry Miss but that can’t be done!.. She was having a feeling that this rude stranger doesn’t want her here. ‘What should I do?.. ‘Try convincing them. Use your charms. ‘You can go back home missy!.. ‘Com on! Let the young lady in. She turned back to see a handsome dark skinned man coming towards her. ‘Sir.. but she doesn’t have an invite. ‘Loosen up Harry. You can’t possibly send her home. She is here for a party you can at least let her have that. ‘I doubt that! She might be in the wrong place concerning her appearance. ‘I think she looks sexy!.. a voice came out from inside, they all turned to see Luca smiling face. ‘Boss!!. ‘She is my guest so it’s best you let her in. Done you think so?. ‘Yes boss... we are sorry for the inconveniences... please do come in. ‘You see pretty girls don’t lie. The man whom had been standing beside Paris said as he led her inside. ‘After you!. ‘I see you’ve met already. ‘Still don’t know his name though. ‘Jim, Paris.. Paris, Jim’. ‘Nice meeting you and thank you for standing up for me. ‘You’re welcome beautiful... I have to get something to drink I hate being sober. Paris watched as he left them. He had a nice smile and he was friendly. She was happy and grateful, someone stood up for her for the first time. ‘Do you like him?. ‘What’s not to like?. By the way thank you for the invite. ‘I am sorry for what the boys put you through. ‘That’s a start!.. ‘You look... tempting. He whispered. ‘ too tempting! Every man here has eyes on you. ‘Isn’t that a good thing?. ‘I don’t like sharing what is mine. His lips were almost touching her ears and it drove cold down her spine. ‘Come with me.’ He commanded and took her arm then led her up stairs out of the hall into a big bedroom. ‘If only you knew what I wanted. ‘What exactly?. ‘You!. They were both alone in the big room and a lot more can happen in that enormous bed than just standing close to each other. Luca’s phone rang and he pick up the call while Paris sat down on the bed. ‘Yes!... You can come in now. Soon the door opened and two women walked in. one was with a red long off shoulder dress, the other was with a black heel and a diamond set of necklace and earrings. ‘I will be down stairs waiting. He left without much of a gaze. The women assisted her to take off her expensive clothes which she had earlier spent a lot on. ‘They’re expensive be careful!. She was furious but tried much to hide her feelings. She took the jewelry from her and told them to go out that she would be out soon. ‘Miss Paris? ‘Fred I won’t be able to talk to you since I will be with him all day. ‘You are right. How did you managed to keep the earplug away from him earlier?.. ‘That’s my little secret. See you soon! ‘Paris?...Be safe. ‘Yeah, sure.. She kept the plugs in the silver stoned bag the women brought along side with dress. She was impressed, she was transferred to a beautiful damsel and she was digging the the new look. She stood up and headed towards the door but she suddenly felt dizzy. The room spin fast, she stretched out her left hand to open the door but she fell down immediately after she blacked out. ‘Miss Paris!.. a female voice called out. ‘Miss Paris!!.. The woman jumped in fear of seeing her in such condition. She rush to assist her in getting back to her feet. ‘Are you okay? ‘Yes, I am fine. It was all confusing where the hell was she, what was she wearing. ‘Sir Luca awaits you!. The lady calmly said. ‘Sir What?... what Am I wearing?. ‘How you sure you can continue this mission? You don’t seem alright. ‘Who are you again? ‘I am Maggi and I was assigned here to make sure you don’t ruin things for us!.. well come along I don’t want him to start looking for you. The woman grabs hold of her wrist and led her out of the room. ‘But... but... I don’t understand!.. Soon she was in the hall full of people who were staring at her and murmured to one another, she was surprised when the woman left go of her wrist and whispered into her ears before finding her way through the crowd. ‘You need to find him.’. But who was this sir Luca and why should she look for him. ‘You look so beautiful’. A voice says behind her. ‘ would your mind?. The stranger put his hand on her waist and she wondered if this was the sir Luca. ‘Who are you?.. ‘Don’t tell me you haven’t seen this face before. ‘No... “she felt uncomfortable and the stranger could tell but he wasn’t paying attention to it. ‘Well, I am Andre Oscar. He said proudly. ‘So who are you?. ‘She is mine!. A gentle voice replied from behind her. She stood in the midst of both men, she managed to pushback from Andre but she ended up collapsing in the arms of the other man. ‘You!.. she says out loud. ‘Luca...Luca...Luca! Men, have been looking all over for you. ‘Andre, here I am. ‘I see you find yourself a little snack!. ‘Yes I did.. You know I don’t share what’s mine Andre!.. ‘Yea, but you better keep her off the kitchen or someone else might eat her for lunch!.. Remember I don’t let go of what I catch.” He smirk before walking away. ‘Miss Paris are you okay?. He gently let go of her. ‘I am fine. ‘Come with me.’ Luca ushered her into a spacious foyer whose floor featured beautiful marble tiling in a large circular star-burst design, above whose center an exquisite crystal chandelier provided prisms of light. Antique tables, exquisitely crafted chairs, wall sconces paintings, graced an area whose focal point was a sweeping double marble staircase featuring ornate wrought-iron balustrades leading to an upper floor balcony. Paris moved on autopilot, so acutely conscious of his presence at her side. She hadn’t been herself. Almost as if he knew, Luca captured her hand and held it loosely within him own. To prevent her sudden need to escape? The house... mansion, she corrected, seemed incredibly large, not to mention an unknown entity. “You have a nice place, I might get lost.’ ‘It’s quite simple. Personal suites and home office situated to the left, guest suites to the right. Ground floor, formal and informal lounge and dining rooms, media, home theater, kitchen, utilities. Lower floor, gym, entertainment room, indoor pool. Outdoor pool. Self-contained flat for staff over detached garages. “Should I order for a wine to kickstart! Any wine of your choice. ‘I... only drink beverages. She said almost in a whisper. Luca was confused he could tell she wasn’t herself, she was different from the girl was some minutes back. He summoned a faint smile as his eyes locked with hers, and the air between them seemed filled with electric tension. Even in killer heels she was conscious of his height, his restrained strength. A fruitless exercise as he drew her close, splaying the hand at her spine to hold her there. ‘Who are you?.’ He dangerously asked as his lips touched her ears. ‘why!. ‘You were sent here by someone’. He let go of her. ‘Tell me who!. ‘No one.. I swear. ‘I can tell you’re hiding something. ‘No I’m not. Luca grabbed her by the wrist of her left hand and the sleeve on her dress moved revealing her bare shoulder which had a scar. He stopped on noticing the scar. ‘You’re hurting me!. ‘You?. He let go of her but continue to stare at the scar which Paris immediately covered up. ‘Where did you get that scar?. ‘I’m not sure... I..I was younger when I got it. Luca recalls when he first met her and what she said. “When you eat something sweet your life becomes sweet.’ That was his!..