Her Nectar, His Peak

Melanie.

Am on my noon appointment, showing off a property to a client in a private section of LA. My mind, distracted.

 I can't believe what happened to Regan's sister. To believe because of me, Juanita Carmel got exposed as a cheating wife is thrilling and disheartening.

I watched the news; saw the Heartstones' vain struggle to control the situation, despite the horrible exposure. 

To believe she fathered her son with her lover and only for the truth to be revealed.

I haven't seen Malachi since yesterday, I received the message from him. I only received another message from him last night, that he was away on a job. I wondered what job he had to do into the night. I didn't wake up to him, either. 

"Mrs Tenshaw, congratulations on your wedding." The client greets, excitedly, disrupting my thoughts.

I smile. He intends to buy the property for his wife as a gift. Abel Ronald a renowned movie actor. 

"Thank you, Sir." I smile, wanly. 

"I'd have loved to attend the occasion, but…"

"It was a private ceremony, Ronald. Spare my wife your complaints." 

My eyes turn sharply to the warmth of that familiar voice, which I've come to signify as my anchor for vengeance.

Malachi, wearing a dull grey suit, fills the doorway of the room, with his intimidating presence. His well-trimmed facial hairs, dusting his jawline.

His eyes fall on me, a smile on his face, which I find charming. Slowly, he closes the space between us, standing by my side. 

"Ah… The knight comes to defend his lady." Abel Ronald teases. "Hello Malachi." Abel greets, extending a handshake. 

Malachi laughs, shaking Ronald's hand. The two seem to know each other well. I steal a furtive glance at Malachi, wondering how he knew where to find me. 

"How are you, Ronald. I didn't know you were around." Malachi deeps a hand in his pocket. 

"Oh I just returned from a conference in Geneva. You know how it is during this time of year. Spring seems to be in the air for everyone." Ronald smiles.

 He spares me a smile. I return it. I wonder what it would be like to celebrate this April air anywhere but here. Somewhere like Geneva. I've never been to anywhere else but the States, since I was forcefully brought here six years ago. 

Dad used to take us on trips to France or Italy. He had family in those parts. When my family died, those relatives died for me as well. I was warned by Defranchez, to kill my identity, for my safety. Now thinking of them, I miss those relatives.

"I like this property." Ronald beams, his eyes crinkling with satisfaction. "I'd make preparations for purchase, say tomorrow?" Ronald raises a brow at me. 

"It's fine, Mr Ronald. Tomorrow is fine." I smile at him.

He nods and says his good bye, as he explains he has other engagements. His assistant brings over a tablet, showing him something on the screen, as they leave. 

The entire room falls into heavy silence. Malachi's cologne, filling the air. Overwhelming my senses.

"How did you find me?" I ask. 

"My parents have asked us to have dinner with them, tomorrow night." He ignores me. 

My eyes turn to Malachi. His parents? My body breaks into sweats. Am suddenly agitated. 

"B…But…?" I stutter, looking for an excuse. 

I suddenly recall his warning the last time I lied, trying to dodge his presence. I don't want to lie to him again.

"Mal…Malachi." 

His focus is on me; my entire senses, heightened. I suddenly go blank, looking at his intense gold eyes. Am spell bound, just watching the expressions on his handsome face as they shift. 

He raises a brow to me, I shift my eyes. My mind returning to normal. 

"What if they have questions about us?" I ask.

I return my eyes to him. His face is expressionless.

"I couldn't respond to Mr Ronald, when he questioned me." I confess, sincerely.

He watches me in silence, before he speaks.

"You're a smart woman," he says.

I stare at him, unbelievably. He just offered me a compliment. 

"I just watched you work your magic on Ronald. You can do the same with my family. Be convincing." He manages something that resembles a smile.

I search his eyes for any sign of him changing his mind. His resolute expression defeats me. 

"Oh and get ready. We're going shopping for dinner tomorrow and for the party at The Heartstones on Saturday." He reveals.

Am dumbfounded.

"The…The Heartstones?" I stutter. 

"Yes, we're invited for the party." 

"But…They will see me." I squeal, alarmed. He smiles. 

"You're with me," He says sternly; as if that's assuring. 

"Come on. Am taking you shopping."

*** 

4pm and we just finished shopping for almost everything am certain I wouldn't need. But Malachi insisted I purchased everything. 

We're in this fancy restaurant owned by a Spanish family, eating Paella, which I ordered. Malachi asked I ordered. It turns out he's friends with the owners of the place. They welcomed me cheerfully. 

Am happy eating here. I've never visited this place. It's an elite restaurant with high ended clientele. And reservation here is always fully booked.

Since the news of Juanita Carmel broke, we haven't discussed anything about it. Am anxious to know how he got hold of the information on Juanita.

"How did you find the news about Juanita Carmel?" I ask, eating my food.

Memories flooding me, as I recall how good my mum used to make Paella. 

"Rule number one of our liaison; no questions about my methods. Just enjoy your victory, Baby." He grins, darkly. 

I swallow hard; looking at him. He called me 'Baby.'

We fall into silence for a while, my mind reeling with questions. 

"Do you know why I brought us to eat here?" Malachi asks, his tone very soft.

I look at him, puzzled. I shake my head. 

"I wanted you to have a piece of home again."