Chapter 2

I brushed my hair watching the thin strands flow behind my back, I kept my hair open. I glared at myself in the mirror playfully, my silk robe was still clung to my slender body. I took my sweet time in getting ready for the ball, still seated on the plush bed; lazily.

The feel of the; soft, Chinese silk on my skin, the plush sheets and the cool breeze coming from the large French style balcony, didn't let me want to go just yet. I wanted to slither around more and take my pleasure before actually getting dressed.

I let myself fall on the bed, just relaxing myself more in the cool wind breeze, closing my eyes I cozied up a bit. The ringing sound on my iPhone made me squint my eyes in annoyance, "Now, who is it?" I grumbled as I reached for it, I noticed that it was an unknown caller ID.

Nevertheless, I picked the call pressing it to my ear, "Hello?" I greeted lazily.

"Hey, babygirl. Be ready, I'm coming to get you." A velvety, male voice spoke making me blush a little at the endearment. I felt a stroke of pleasure waltz down my spine causing me to sit up straight, before I could've answered back, the call had ended.

I groaned and decided to get dressed anyways.

I slipped on the champagne color evening gown my mom gave me with black lace wedges. I looked at myself in the full length mirror. There is no denying I looked hot. At least to me I did, meaning─ I was satisfied. The dress made my body look slightly more curvaceous, and the pearl shine lipgloss just made the look even more alluring. Thanks to the makeup artist, I should give her an extra tip later.

I've worn a simple choker around my neck and a stunning rose gold bracelet studded with diamonds and topaz, thus; completing my look.

The bracelet; it has become a legacy of my family now─ an heirloom, it has been passed down to only the women of the Saxon family. Rhea Saxon; my great-grandmamma passed it down to her daughter and so on, finally it came to my mom who gifted it to me on my eighteenth birthday. So, this piece of jewelry has been through a long history, I'll say.

I headed downstairs and sat on a loveseat in the living room fiddling with my bracelet that clung to my wrist.

"Honey, come on. Mommy is ready, she'll be here." Dad said breaking me from my trance, I nodded standing up.

"You look beautiful, sweetheart." he complimented, his eyes shone with love. I kissed his cheek, smiling at him.

I saw mom descending from the stairs; she wore a green, Giovanni evening gown with a string of pearls. "You, look absolutely stunning!" she grinned and my smile just widened more. I saw many emotions dancing in her eyes; love, adoration. Selena, who was sitting on the sofa, rolled her eyes.

Dad wrapped an arm around mom's waist, and got into the limo waiting for us. The rest of the car ride was not so exciting, I couldn't wait just to get out and feel the cool air on my skin. Besides, what would you do when your parents were basically glued together? Selena was the only one that gave me some company by her funny antics.

The charity ball was placed in one of the floors of the Grand Sultanate hotel, which was more like a sultan's palace.

There were braziers placed between each of the alabaster columns light up the lower levels of the hotel and allow shadows to play and dance where light cannot reach. I liked the intricately carved woodwork hanging from the sloped ceiling as it danced in the flickering light while marble sculptures looked down upon the white, porcelain floor of this regal hall.

I walked to the bar to get a drink for myself. And others, mom and dad were talking to some business officials.

"White Russian." I ordered. I'm not a drinker but I like taking a few shots sometimes and trying new drinks once in a while. The bartender hands me my drink with small smirk playing on his face. "Here you go, miss...?"

"Raylin." I smiled. I licked the cream a little and took small sips tasting the bittersweet liquid as I cocooned myself in my bubble.

I sat there one leg on the other enjoying. I looked around in a daze watching the people dressed in elegant dresses and suits, scattered around with fake smiles and a glass of Champaign in their hand. I rolled my eyes when I saw a lady around my age, trying to get attention of guy when she 'accidentally' slipped her fan from her hands.

Good point about these parties is that they serve amazing drinks. So I come here for the drinks only, I like getting drunk sometimes. Mom and Dad are gonna catch me soon but I can manipulate the situation pretty well.

"What's pretty young lady doing here all alone?" a masculine voice said from behind me. Of course, I recognize that somewhere.

"What's up Tyger guy?" I grinned at him. Tyler poked my nose, smiling. I groaned, what's with everyone trying to poke me all the time. Good thing I'm not on Facebook. Nonetheless, I smiled back at him and we both fell into our light banters again whilst noticing Tyler checking out some guys and I secretly hoped it is the butler he has his main target at. So, I helped him in the best way I can, I urged my best friend to go make some new friends here.

"Are you sure? Won't you be lonely without me?"

"Huh. I'm not as socially awkward as you, now go, loser!" I pushed him.

"I'll prove ya wrong, ya li'l rat!" and with that, he was gone. I chuckled, rolling my eyes.

I stood and walked up to him, at least I'll be with someone I know. I'm supposed to meet business associates and elites but here I am trying to start chat with a...ex-fuckbuddy instead.

Apparently, Elliot─ as his name is, was just another random billionaire's son whom I've slept with in the past. I don't know if he counts as an 'associate' but he sure is an acquaintance.

"Hey, remember me?"

He looked at me, lowering the magazine to his nose level, squinting his eyes at me, he grinned, "Though I have to say goodbye?"

Nostalgia engulfed me, remembering the time we both continued the conversations when we coincidently said the lyrics of a song. I beamed at the coco's reference, and continued, "Remember me!"

"Don't let it make you cry, though even if we had fucked once, I have no place for you in my heart!"

Narrowing my eyes at him, but still smiling I blurted, "I dance in joy to finally get rid of you each night we are apart!"

"Remember me!" we both fell into fits of laughter, as we sang the next lyric simultaneously. I took a seat next to him on the plush sofa, clutching my stomach and glad I at least found a company who would keep me entertained all night. "We ruined the Oscar winning song in the nastiest way possible!"

"A great way to greet your ex, right?" he chuckled, keeping the magazine aside and handing me a glass of wine. "We should do that to other songs as well, how about... whenever wherever?" he asked. I looked at him in horror, "Elliot, in which century you are living in? That is so old!"

"Old is gold!"

"But never sold!"

"Why can't you see, I don't want you now!" he sang his own made up lyrics.

"Forever, forever!" I just rolled my eyes at our lame ways. Later, he asked me to accompany him to the balcony, and I agreed because I honestly wanted some fresh air and distance from these caked up ladies and also it was getting a little sweaty in here. We were nearing one of the large balconies that overlooked the view of the entire city. We leaned against the railing, watching the orange hues blend in as the sun slowly descended and darkness fell in.

We both stood there, until the moon goddess took her place high up in the night sky, illuminating it. I just love how nature, after all its hard work, shines bright and proud with its beauty. What an irony, the beauty definitely does not go unnoticed yet still we all are blind to it. Blind to ourselves, who do so much to modify the natural beauty, and still trade nature with manmade looks, that are nothing compared to our true selves.

Maybe you should apply that concept in your own life.

"Beautiful, is it not?" Elliot whispered voicing my thoughts, and breaking me from my trance. I agreed, smiling and staring at the sky. I felt Elliot's gaze on me, I turned sideways. "I know I'm hot Ell, can't resist yourself can you?" I shook my head, turning my back and enjoying the view once again.

"Never, how can anyone ignore this beauty?" He murmured, caressing my cheek with his thumb. I smiled, blushing a little. "I thought you didn't want me?"

He put an arm around me. "I don't. I'm just appreciating nature."

I hit him with my elbow in the gut. "I'm very much pleased." With that we again fell into a comfortable silence. Later, he offered to get us another drink, and of course wouldn't mind another one, let's get most of this evening and loosen up a bit, eh? And so I waited.

And, I could get a drink on the way. Let's see what this place can offer, besides the plastic Barbies. But, it's not that I hate Barbie, I sort of like watching Barbie movies, because even if they don't have so much meaning to offer.

Well, to see it on the real side of it, balls as such are not really filled with plastic Barbies nor caked up dolls, all of those women I saw here were here for a noble cause. They sure were dressed elegantly, the problem is with me. It's just that I do not like attending crowded places, you see, I'm claustrophobic.

Rather, I believe in going out there in the open and donate something worth it to the unprivileged.

My mind raced back to the call I received earlier this evening, I couldn't help but smile. "Who could it be?" I whispered, more like to myself. I bit my lower lip trying to stop that blush from creeping up my cheeks.

Then, suddenly I felt a whiz of cold wind behind me, it seemed like someone sped up to the other side. I turned around, to find the balcony doors closed.

"Who is that?" I called out, just to see if someone was playing a prank on me.

Walking towards the door I made an attempt to open it. I pulled the handle, with both my hands.

"Darn it!" I hissed, the doors were quite heavy. "Hello? Somebody please open, I'm still out here!" I thought of banging the doors. I raised my right fisted hand, but someone was quick to get a hold of it. Tightly.

The person spun me around, nailing me against the doors itself and soft, lips enveloped mine which moved rather hot and rough against mine. I, with all my force, pushed him away and he did back away, covering my mouth with hid large hand. But, had strong grip on me still. I started struggling under this grip.

"MEEV ME MONE! GHET MFF MHH─"I screamed but my screams were muffled by the soft, intoxicating fabric covering my nasal area. I jerked my knee with force to teach him a lesson, but his own knee came in contact with mine, putting it back in place.

"Don't burn me already, malyshka," He murmured, before pushing the cloth further in my face, I succumbed to the strong intoxicating scent of the fabric. All my struggles went in vain, as I felt myself weaken by the second, leaving me still in his arms as black spots blurred my vision gradually. "We've got a long way to go."

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