Chapter 6

Myra

“Better.” I lowered the weapon, and he was on me like a lightning strike maneuvering the weapon out of my grasp.

“You shouldn’t play like that. It is dangerous. You know, Mira, I saw that glint in your eyes just now. It reminded me of something I read in the news today. You know what happened to that preacher and his lover already, don’t you?”

One of my lips lifted in a semi-smile. “Why, Mira? I am sorry for losing myself, but I want to know why you reject me. Have you met someone?”

I rolled my eyes. “Do you feel guilty?” I humped a shoulder.

“Is it Leon?” He pressed genuinely. I took a sharp inhale knowing as soon as I’d done it I had given it away.

Ander’s eyes widened before he burst into laughter. He laughed until he clutched his stomach as if I had told him the greatest joke on the planet.

Sobering he admonished, “Mira, seriously? You must get over those foolish notions and fantasies. Leon is a man. He wants a woman, one who knows herself, her purpose, and how to please him. If you’re holding out on true sex just because you want Leon to be your first, then you are delusional. Grow up, Mira, Leon will never view you that way.”

I pushed off the counter not caring to remind him of the plan to wait a couple more minutes before following me and strode to the door. I would not tolerate Ander’s opinion on Leon even if his words had stung.

I flung open the door not minding who might get a glimpse of Ander and know what could have transpired in that restroom.

In my haste to make a speedy exit, I did not look where I was going and slammed straight into what felt like a door made of solid wood. I gathered my bearings only to look up into the face of Fran.

He had a slight glare on his face as his eyes toggled between Ander and me. I could only imagine what it might look like to him. I was panting and Ander’s shirt was unbuttoned about a quarter of the way down revealing the sheen of sweat on his chest.

Undesirous to explain myself to a cross Fran, I shot him a warning look and pushed by him eager to be in the presence of the hustle and bustle of The Siren and, of course, Leon.

I made my way upstairs returning to Leon’s side. I saw a beautiful and buxom woman talking to Leon. I was so jealous! She was a light honey colored beauty. Her loose curls were piled atop her head in an intricate arrangement.

This was the kind of woman Leon would like. She fit the perfect description of all the other women I had seen be escorted to a bedchamber by him.

I couldn’t help but see the silently as he led her to the dance floor.

“That’s Marlene Bolin. She’s the daughter of the powerful Mark Bolin. I hear Mr. Ian suggested to Mark that they would be a good pair together, your stepfather and Marlene. I wonder if your father will refuse such an offer by a powerful man. Do you think he will marry her?” Ander, my bodyguard, behaved as if he didn’t know he had just uttered all of that nonsense in my ear.

I was jealous and frustrated and needed to do something about Marlene and my father. I spotted a fine specimen of a man across the way. He couldn’t have been anything but a couple of years older than me, so I made my way over to him in hopes he would lead me out to that dance floor.

Before I could make it to the drink table the man I had my sights set on approached me.

“Hello. I don’t mean to seem too upfront, but I’m not good at these kinds of things. I wanted to know if you would like to dance.”

Not sure of his intentions I wanted to hold my cards close to my chest and keep him guessing. “Hi. Um… I was just about to get a drink.”

“Ah, yes, but you don’t look thirsty. Why don’t I give you a reason to go to the drink table by working up a thirst on the dance floor? What do you say?” He held out his hand to me, and I could see that his palm was sweaty.

He glanced over his shoulder at a woman who could be no one other than his mother. Had she been twenty years younger, she would have been his twin. I smiled at him a little seeing that he was facing the pressure of his mummy dearest to socialize with a lady. Well a lady I was indeed, and I really needed to get on that dance floor.

“I say that sounds like a wonderful idea. What is your name?” I slipped my hand into his.

“Lucas. Lucas Bolin. My father owns Bolin Enterprise. I mean. I’m not saying that to brag, I was just making conversation. Anyway, enough about me what is your name?” Ahh, so this was the son of the man that sent ships out to thwart Giordano shipment boats. Marlene must be related to him as they have the same last name.

“Mia,” the alias rolled off my tongue like butter.

Lucas sent me on a twirl causing a partner switch for a few moments, which bought me some time to think of another question so that he wouldn’t question me.

I was switched back to him, and at that moment we glided beside Leon and Marlene. Leon did not spare me a glance as he was busy whispering something in Marlene’s neck causing her to titter like a fool.

When Leon was intent on something, specifically finding someone to warm his bed, nothing could get his attention except chaos. I gauged the distance between Marlene and myself.

I was sure that my actions would be inconspicuous. Now is my chance. I smiled into Lucas’ eyes as I slipped my foot out catching the hem of Marlene’s dress.

“Oh!” she cried, as the sound of fabric ripping was music to my ears.

Lucas was distracted by this allowing me a moment to trip us as well.

“Ahhh!” I yelped helplessly as I started to stumble. Sure enough, just as I had predicted Leon caught me. I groaned pathetically, ignoring Lucas’ apology, while batting my mascara-filled lashes up at him. “I don’t feel well, father.