Page 9 of Bittersweet Revenge

Was it disappointment that I could hear in her voice?I nodded. “No, I really don’t. I’ve requested from your father your old phone and computer; they’re being brought into your room now. Call your boyfriend for all I care.” I was impressed with myself and my ability to hide the jealousy caused by my own words. I didn't want her to misinterpret my jealousy. I was not jealous because I cared, not anymore. No, I was just never good at sharing my toys.

I sighed looking at my watch. “Benjamin will show you to your room. I have to go; don’t wait up,” I added and left the house. I’d let her puppy eyes get the best of me.

I drove to the Stonewood Club - ‘Our gentlemen’s club’as my father had proudly announced on my induction when I was thirteen. A club that was created by the Astor and Forbes families back in 1852.

It was a stuffy, old-fashioned place that I only visited on rare occasions, but today I was running away from my home. I needed an outlet for my frustration and the club was the best available now because fucking Esmeralda was out of the question and Aleksandra was too clingy to give it another shot.

The valet rushed to open my door, completely disregarding the car before mine, another plus of being of the bloodline of the club’s founding members. I threw him my keys and walked into the club.

“Mr. Astor, what a pleasure to have you here today,” said the club Majordomo as he helped me out of my jacket.

“Is there anybody available for fencing?” I replied. I needed to take my frustration away and nothing could quite take the edge off than pretend-stabbing an adversary multiple times. As an expert swordsman, I rarely lost a match.

“I believe Mr. McAllister is here, sir. I can enquire if you wish.”

“Which McAllister? Stuart is a decent opponent, but if it is Leopold, don't bother asking. I’d get a better bout from the training dummy.”

The Majordomo’s lips tipped up in a half-smile. “Stuart, sir, I would never offer Sir Leopold.”

“Very well. I’ll go get ready. Tell Stuart I’ll be in the Blue Room.”

“Very good, sir,” the Majordomo said before turning on his heel and striding away.

And for the next hour I fenced, winning every point and never conceding one. I knew I was lethal both in life and on the piste. I was aggressive, conniving, strategic and athletic. Stuart hadn't held a chance, but at least I was now sore and tired enough to go home and let Esmeralda’s presence go.

I took my time to relax, bathed in the hammam, even grabbed dinner in my family’s private salon, before going home quite late into the night.

“Did she give you a hard time?” I asked Benjamin as he met me in the corridor to take my jacket. I wondered if this man ever slept at all. It didn’t matter what time I came back, he was always there to tend to my needs.

“No Sir, I haven't seen Miss Forbes since I showed her to her room.”

I frowned, turning toward him. “What do you mean?”

He straightened, giving me a wary look. “I’m not sure I understand your question, sir.”

“Did she stay in her room the whole time? What did she have for dinner?”

“The windows and door alerts are on, sir, and they remained silent, so yes, she stayed in her room. As for dinner, she didn’t.”

My frown deepened. “Have you offered her food?”

“Of course!” Benjamin scoffed, clearly offended. It was rare for him to lose his perfect composure, but he’d been working for my family since before I was born and he was better than perfect. I decided to let his lack of decorum slide. “I enquired to her room twice, sir, but she politely refused the first time and didn’t respond the second time.”

I nodded, grinding my teeth so hard I was surprised they didn't shatter in my mouth. I tightened my hands into fists. The anger and frustration I thought I’d left at the club was back with a vengeance.

I took the stairs two at the time and by the time I reached her room, my anger had grown further, almost blinding every coherent thought I could have. I pounded my fist against the door with all I had. “Esmeralda, open the door!” I roared, pounding on the door again. “I swear Esmeralda if you don’t open…”

“You what?”

I sighed with relief at the sound of her voice which annoyed me even more.No Caleb, don't feel relief. You don’t care, remember?

“You’ll have dinner with me now!” I ordered, not sure why. I’d already had dinner and spending time with her was the last thing I should want…and yet.

“No.”

“No? No?!” I glared at the door, wishing it to burn away. I had a master key to open it, but I didn't want to have to use that trick now.

“No.”

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