Page 30 of Scarred Sacrifice
Penny is in front of me, frantic. “I will get it immediately changed. I am so sorry,” she apologises.
“No, no. It’s incredible,” I correct her.
I notice her take a small exhale of breath. “It’s from the springs of the Himalayas, just last week.”
I look at her like she’s lost the plot. “You’re telling me that this water was flowing through the Himalayas just seven days ago, and now it’s in my glass?” I ask, dumbfounded.
Penny nods. “It’s what makes it taste so incredibly fresh.” She nods. “Is there anything else I can get you?” she asks.
“A rainbow unicorn with glitter on its ass that shits gold nuggets?” I blurt out. I quickly clamp my mouth shut, realising I yet again let the sarcastic me surface.
Penny blinks at me stunned. Edna, meanwhile, roars with uncontrollable laughter next to me.
“I was joking. That will be all,” I add, inserting a little snobbery into my tone. Penny nods and returns back to standing behind me.
“You grew up in a normal home, didn’t you?” Edna asks, wiping the tears of laughter from the corners of her eyes.
“Well, I wouldn’t say normal,” I answer truthfully.
She nods. “That’s why I knew I liked you. You have made yourself a success, unlike all these leeches.” She leans in. “I’m sorry to say that even your man Nyx...” She shakes her head. “He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. You can tell by the way he acts all entitled.” She nods, her eyes on Nyx chatting to a group of men; the same group of men who belittled me yesterday.
“He is. I think he’s only with me to try a bit of common.” I snort.
Edna smirks. “You are good for him. I can see it. You keep him on his toes.” She nods.
What I wanted to say was stamp on his toes more like. The man was infuriating, and he was an entitled, arrogant pig. I wish I was able to contact Betsy. She would be able to run a full check on him, then I would know exactly who he is and why he is here. Then I could eradicate him and do what I have to do without feeling like I’m having to watch my back.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the race is about to start,” a voice announces over the speaker.
I grab hold of the gold binoculars that we are all provided with and brace ourselves, ready for the race to begin. All those stood around chatting move to their seats, and Nyx comes and takes his seat next to mine. I breathe in the scent of his cologne. Damn, I hate that he smells so good.
“I caught you looking at Lance Walker,” he whispers in my ear.
I shift and face him. “And?” I ask, arching a brow.
He leans on his elbow, his thumb and forefinger stroking his bottom lip. “It’s interesting to me that you appear to be interested in him,” he states coyly.
Leaning over, I brush my cheek against his rough stubble. “Jealous?” I whisper, my lips ever so lightly grazing his lobe. “Who I am interested in is none of your business. Now, be a good little boy and let me enjoy the race,” I add before shifting back into my seat.
A gun echoes, signifying the start of the race. I forget to use my binoculars and watch with my own eyes, looking for my horse; lucky number three. The men all start cheering and yelling at their horses, and the excitement and adrenaline radiates around us.
I watch as my horse takes the lead, and I jump to my feet. “Come on, Master Bates! Come on!” I yell, jumping up and down. Of course, I chose the horse with a rude innuendo. It just seemed fitting with what I was supposed to be to everyone. “Come first, Master Bates. Faster! Ride him harder!” I yell as he falls back into second place. The finish line is fast approaching. “Hard and fast, that’s what you need. Come on, baby!” I clap excitedly, completely lost in the moment. “Yes, yes. Just like that!” Master Bates pushes through and wins it by a nose. “Yes! Master Bates came first!” I cheer.
It's then that I notice that everyone is quiet and looking at me. I look around, wondering why I have become so interesting to watch all of a sudden. I feel a firm hand glide around my waist, and the scent of Nyx lets me know it’s him.
“Interesting little show, Sparky,” he whispers in my ear, his voice full of amusement. A shiver rolls over me, and I mentally chastise myself for it. He lets go of my waist and takes my hand in his. “Let’s go get your winnings,” he states leading me down the steps.
I look at Edna, who looks like she’s been crying. I pause, forcing Nyx to stop. “Edna, is everything alright?” I ask.
She wipes her eyes one last time before she grins. “Oh, my dear, you should be a comedian.” She chuckles.
I frown, wondering what the fuck she is on about. Nyx leads me to the bookkeeper to collect my winnings. “Congratulations, madam. Your winnings.” He hands me a black velvet bag, and when I open it, I see it’s full of gold!
Holy fuck!I scream internally while keeping my mask firmly in its place.
“Thank you,” I say with a subtle nod.
“Walk with me,” Nyx demands, his hand firmly on my elbow as he leads me over to the far side. I stop at the railing and look out at the horses being led back to the stables. He places a hand on my lower back, his thumb moving in slow, soft strokes. I want to flinch away, liking the feel of it all too much, so instead I keep everything locked up and endure it. After all, we are supposed to be dating.
