CALISTA
The heiress is the one person I’ve always enjoyed visiting in this town.
Escaping the confines of Drache Manor for a little while, losing myself in Tahira Malik’s frigid presence and warm body until our time together comes to an end.
It is a short period I have always appreciated, even anticipated at times.
But that does not seem to be the case today.
“Miss Drache?”
The servant clears his throat, attempting to catch my attention yet again.
“The heiress will see you now.” He hesitates, glancing around the vacant room before landing back on me, “Please follow me.”
I follow him through the grand entrance of the Malik Palace, white marble gleaming from every direction. It’s a smaller replicaof their fortress in the Middle East, an Arabic castle that had to be downsized due to the limiting confines of Wolf Hollow’s borders.
A catastrophic moment for Jaafar’s ego, I am sure.
Crimson carpets and gold-infused tapestries decorate the vast space, an endless display of wealth that resembles an extravagant cave of wonders. Pillars and guards stand in unison throughout the palace, their stoic expressions and silent presence the perfect addition to the hollow halls and empty rooms.
The Malik family crest hisses out above the arch of each doorway, the golden coil of a cobra spewing venom and wicked promises down on anyone who dares to enter. Fangs pierce through the impenetrable stone, Jaafar's love of executions radiating through hypnotizing ruby eyes.
“Miss Malik has been waiting for you.” The servant stutters softly, the slight lilt in his voice matching the nervous dart of his eyes, “She has been quite... restless lately.”
“Marriage will do that to a woman.” My flippant response has his eyes widening, “Particularly one that is neither desired nor necessary.”
“The master knows what is best for his daughter.”
His back straightens, the cream coloured uniform laced with a single gold thread, a simple drop of the tycoon’s fortune.
“Just as he knows what is best for us all.”
“If that is the case then I do hope Jaafar finds himself unsatisfied with Wolf Hollow’s borders.” My brow lifts, amusementand an underlying challenge filtering through my voice, “For his reign would not last long among the animals of this town.”
A pink flush darkens the man’s cheeks, his lips pinching together as though he’s decided his tongue is worth keeping after all.
“Calista. There you are.”
Annoyance laces Tahira’s tone, a displeasure that does not go unnoticed by the servants mingling around her. Platters of food on sparkling trays, flutes of champagne and the world’s largest artificial leaves create a cooling wind over the billionaire’s daughter lounging on a golden throne.
Her crop top does not do much to cover the generous curves I have always been envious of. The bust that’s filled my hands on countless occasions now peeks out beneath a dangerously low slit, an opening that teases piercings and jewellery decorating the brown skin hiding underneath.
“What took you so long?”
The question is aimed at me, but it is the servant who bows his head.
“My deepest apologies. There was a matter of miscommunication that led to our delay.”
The sharp cut of her eyes has him making a hasty retreat.
“But now that Miss Drache has arrived, I shall attend to my other duties.”
“See that no othermiscommunicationbefalls you.” Irritation creases her brows as she swings her head towards the servants idling nearby, “And as for the rest of you. Get out of my sight.”
It’s a command made by a spoilt bitch who knows her power. A single look from the heiress has the helpers running for the closest door, mounds of fruit spilling across marble floors as they make a hasty exit.
A bundle of grapes hits the marble and green bulbs scatter in every direction. One bumps quietly into the sole of my red bottoms, a surprisingly pleasant offer for my hungry state.
