Fatal Alliances: Chapter 34

As we were about to leave the restaurant, I swore I felt like I was being watched. This was the third time, how could that even be a coincidence? Turning to the side, I saw two men from a table at the back staring at me.

Oh my God.

Panic flooded through my entire body as I saw the men. I knew them, I knew them well enough. They were the same men that chased me through the Floris hotel, the ones that killed Vanessa Harper who worked for the Sovereignty Cult. Rocillie’s men. I recognized scar face too well. If I hadn’t seen him, then I probably wouldn’t have identified them. Oh god, what were they doing here? Were they stalking us since we came here? Or maybe it was just me? What did they want? I quickly clutched Adrian’s arm when we were walking out and spoke softly to him.

“Those men- they-” I said, trying to find my voice but was unable to.

“I know, just keep walking,” Vandermir replied as he led me out to the car with him.

On our way back, I turned to Adrian, worry plaguing me, “What were they here for? Were they here to kill us?”

“If they were here to kill us, Greene, then trust me, you’d have been dead long ago.”

“So what do they want then?”

“Pack your bag as soon as we get back, we’re leaving from here.” He said, ignoring my question.

“We’re running from them?”

“I don’t run from anyone, Miss Greene,” He stated sharply, “I’m just carrying on my business. There’s no reason to stay here anymore.”

The way he said that felt like a stab in my stomach. Is that the way he would think after I sign the other part of the partnership dismissal documents? Of course, he would, what would he want from me again? The only reason we’re together right now is because of that cursed partnership crap I’m mixed up in. I’m just one of his bloody pawns.

Entering the house, I felt a bit saddened that I would leave it again. At first, I wasn’t too thrilled about being here, but how could I forget about this place? It’s where I grew up, played with my sister, and was loved by my mother. They were my real memories. Although my mother had been involved in this lethal business I was now linked to, she never made it seem like she was ever depressed or uninterested in bringing up her children. She was a wonderful mother, and I loved her. She didn’t deserve to pay such a heavy price, she didn’t deserve to die.

Adrian looked at me exhaustively, as he took off his jacket, “Get some rest, we’ll leave in the morning.”

And with that, he walked to his room. I was a bit confused as to why the sudden change of his plan. He didn’t seem like the type of man to change decisions at the last minute. It was odd. What really bothered me throughout the night though were Rocillie’s men. Did Adrian really feel safe knowing that we were being watched? What was going through his head?

Early the next morning, I quickly packed my things in the car and we drove to the airport. I was a bit surprised he took a flight but then again, I didn’t expect him to be driving all the way there. Thankfully, it wasn’t that long until we arrived in Montana.

“Hurry,” He scowled as he noticed how slow I was walking.

“Where are you going?” I asked trying to keep up with him and the weight of my suitcase dragging behind me.

Ignoring me, he stopped and looked around.

“Who are you looking for? Are the others here?”

No answer.

“Adrian!” I scolded, frustrated with his constant ignorance of me.

“Damn it! Would you just shut up for once in your life? And stop it with all the questions!” He lashed.

“Don’t yell at me!” I snapped back, “You’re so screwed up, would it hurt if you could at least answer me for once? Maybe if you just answered me the first time, you wouldn’t be so bothered right now!”

Before he could say anything to me, someone interrupted, “Mr. Vandermir?”

“Kelly.” Adrian greeted the old man with greying hair in front of us.

“Oh, I didn’t know you got married.” The man laughed.

Vandermir seemed almost shocked at that, “What?”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Vandermir,” Kelly said, shaking my hand.

I was dumbfounded. Did he think that Adrian and I were… married? No way.

“Anyway, let’s not waste any time. I brought one for you.” Kelly continued, turning to Vandermir who suddenly snapped back into reality.

“Sure, let me see it.”

As Adrian walked beside the old man, I followed as well. They stopped near an old red convertible.

“This is it,” Kelly stated as he gave Adrian a cheque to sign which he quickly did.

“It’s great.” Vandermir smiled, “Thanks.”

“Glad you like it, now I have to get back. It was a pleasure meeting you again.” The old man said and turned to me with a goodbye nod, “Miss.”

When Kelly left, Adrian sat at the driver’s seat and looked at me standing outside, “Do I need to extend an invitation for you to get in, Mrs. Vandermir?”

“You bought this ugly thing?” I asked getting in.

“Don’t be so harsh baby,” He chuckled, his voice smooth and charming, “It’s a 1966 Ford Mustang GT.”

Turning to him, I smiled and nodded clueless about what he just said. Hell, I didn’t even know what GT meant. And in my defense, I grew up with two sisters, not brothers.

“It’s a classic.” He sighed, understanding my lack of education on cars. Within a minute, he roared the car and drove off.

It was strange seeing Adrian like that, so I guessed he liked cars. Wow, so now I know another fun fact about him along with his favourite colour. You deserve an award, Greene. I mentally laughed at my stupid thought. I should probably stop. Taking out a book I brought from home, I began reading. Honestly, I didn’t want to just sit with this guy in utter awkwardness. I’d rather be productive. It was really annoying trying to read and have the wind batter the pages of the book constantly. Guess that’s why they made kindles.

“Urghh,” I tilted my head back and slammed the book shut.

“Finally lost it, Greene?” Adrian grinned wolfishly.

Taking that as a rhetorical question, I looked at the scenery of the place. The sunshine tickled my skin as we drove along an empty road. Spring green pastures painted the earth’s surface while the mountains highlighted the beauty of the place. Wow. I’d never been to Montana before but I wished I had been. The cool crispy breeze licked against my face, it was so different here, so serene. Unfortunately, the serenity turned into complete uneasiness. I wished Adrian was a talkative person, maybe I wouldn’t feel so uncomfortable right now.

“How long again will it take to reach wherever you’re headed?” I brought myself to ask.

“Two more hours.”

Gosh… I’m literally going to die with his silence. I wondered how he had been when he was younger. Was he fun and playful like the kid I saw him be in the album? And if he was, what happened to him that made him so cold? His parents’ death? I recalled Mr. Dawnly saying that his parents were dead, but what happened to Adrian after? I mean, to become the person he is today, a cold multi-billionaire who acted like he didn’t care, who made all the right decisions, who seemed to be so perfect. Was he really?

Taking a deep breath, I looked out my side of the car and asked, “Was it difficult?”

“What?”

“Was it difficult to become the person you are today? Successful? How hard was it?” I questioned. No answer. Why did I even waste my time by asking him anything?

Shutting my eyes tightly, he replied in a tense voice, “Like hell.”

“So, it wasn’t all gumdrop and sugar pop for you too then,” I replied looking straight ahead. Picturing Adrian as an average guy who struggled to build himself to where he was today seemed like such a difficult thing to do, I couldn’t visualize him at all like a normal person. He wasn’t normal, he was different. He’s perfect, yet maddening and irritating at the same time. Perfectly maddening filled with irritation.

“No.” He softly chuckled.

“I can’t imagine you like that.” I admitted, “You’re a leader, right? Dominant, autocratic, you’re like the real bad guy, but were you born like that? You know, the whole leadership trait theory of management. Were you like that or did you learn to be like that?”

Adrian’s face turned into that of a curious one and I saw the ghost of a smile upon his lips, “You’re still young, Greene, you have a lot to learn yet. What are you? 20?”

“22.” I corrected.

“Exactly.” he laughed.

“The way you say it, you make yourself sound like an old man, Mr. Vandermir.”

“That’s because I am an old man.” He said with a hint of a smile tugging at the edge of his lips.

“Huh, how nice to note, no wonder you’re no fun.”

“You should get rid of that attitude of yours, Miss Greene, it’s very immature.”

“I’ll get rid of mine when you stop being such a twat.” I retorted wickedly.

“A what?” he laughed back.

“You know, detestable, abominable, loathsome. It’s an insult. Shall I continue with some more, my sardonic sweetheart?” I asked teasingly.

“You take stupidity to a new level, darling.”

“Stop it- I don’t want to hear you-la- la- la- la- la- la- la- la-” I childishly sang, putting my hands over my ears.

I knew it irritated him, but that’s what I was aiming for. When he was about to say something, I turned the radio on and increased the volume with a sweet smile towards him. His eyes seemed to flicker a bit more when I did that, but not out of anger. Maybe he noticed I was staring into his eyes too much because he put his shades on. Damn, I had to admit, he was hot. I tried not to think about it, about him. Looking at the endless road ahead, I stood up holding on to the passenger’s assist handle. It felt nice to have the wind brush through my hair like that. It almost made me feel carefree like I had absolutely no worries at all. I needed this. This moment. Maybe if our current situation wasn’t so damning and maybe if Adrian and I were actually friends, then this moment would have actually been quite pleasant. Still, I wasn’t complaining, I should just enjoy this.

Noticing a kaleidoscope of colours from a field far ahead, I smiled, “That’s pretty.”

“You don’t get out much, do you?”

“Is it that obvious?” I laughed.

“Well, you’re striking the Titanic pose in my car.”

“What? No, if you haven’t noticed, I’m clutching on to the safety handle here. I’ll fall if I let go.”

He gave me an amused look when I said that, “Please, by all means, let go.”

“Oh just admit it, Mr. V, you love me.” I laughed teasingly.

“Why, of course, I do Ms. Greene, I’m insane for you.” Adrian grinned, obviously being sarcastic.

“You are such a pig.” I rolled my eyes sitting back down and tucking my hair behind my ear.

“Aren’t I?” He smirked, probably tired of opposing me all the time.

“You know, Mrs. Dawnly told me about a lot of different men, but you… well, you fall in a new genre.”

“How nice.”

“Really, someone should slap some humanity into you.” I giggled.

“Well, you’re an abusive little thing.” He chuckled curving the edge of his lips slightly.

“Aren’t I?”

Adrian held the wheel tighter as he increased the speed of the vehicle. There was so much about him. He was a curious man. I wonder what he’s like behind that wall of his. I mean even his name is curious. Now that I mention it, I never met anyone else with his name.

“Adrian Vandermir,” I stated almost tasting his name.

“Thinking about me, Miss Greene?” He smiled.

I couldn’t help but laugh at that, “All the time.”

“How interesting to know.”

“But really Adrian, I want to know!”

“Know what?” He arched an eyebrow.

“You- I mean, your name.”

“If I tell you, will you stop whining like a little brat?” He asked with a scowled.

“Oh yes, Mr. Cryptic.”

He suddenly gave me a disapproving glance. With that, I smiled sweetly and corrected myself with a tease, “I mean yes, my love.”

“My grandfather’s name was Vandermir. Vandermir Osinov.”

“Osinov? Wait, you’re…Russian?” I almost blushed.

Okay, I lied. I did blush at the thought. Damn me.

“Only my grandfather. I carried his first name as my surname.”

“Oh…”

“Are you satisfied now?” He frowned.

“Am I ever?”

“You’re a hard lady to please, Miss Greene. You expect too much.”

“Well, on the contrary, Mr. V., you’re giving a little too less.”

Adrian suddenly smiled to himself. What the hell was up with him?

“You should mind the language sweetheart, you basically ask for it.”

“Ask for what?”

No answer.

God, I detest this man.

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