Chapter 3
Alec released her neck. She instinctively put her hands on her throat. "Kiss me," he ordered her so softly. Miranda wanted to die. Why was he acting like this? "Do not make me repeat myself," there was that threatening voice again. Shit! Miranda didn't know what to do. He raised an eyebrow at her waiting. Not knowing what else to do, she slowly put her lips to his. Gently kissing his hard mouth. But he didn't respond. It was not an open mouth kiss, she didn't know what he wanted. Slowly pulling away from him, she didn’t understood why he looked downright murderous. Miranda so very afraid now, so afraid to the point of almost running away from him. “What the fuck was that?" he barked scaring the shit out of her.
Alec watched Miranda try to stop her tears, for some sick and perverted reason this hardened his cock painfully. He was a fucking monster and she had awakened this monster. He had kept his desires at bay for a long time, yet this woman erupted it out of him and it seemed the more he hurt her the more the monster was fed!
"A kiss…" She whispered her voice barely coming out. Alec shook his head.
"Let me put to you this way. Kiss me like your fucking life depended on it." Miranda gave in to her tears. She wasn't sobbing but the flow of tears were fast falling. She moved to kiss him again seriously afraid for her life now. She put her lips once again on his. She kissed him slowly and still he didn't respond. She was crying so much that she tasted her own tears, finally drawing an inner strength from within herself Miranda relaxed into the kiss. She parted her lips shyly allowing her tongue to enter his mouth.
Alec was enjoying her taste, he was getting off on her shyness. She was trying really hard. The moment he felt her tongue he almost came in his pants. Fuck she was sweet and her tears were even sweeter. Finally pulling away she looked up at him. Big innocent eyes that were tearing up, he wanted to fuck her so bad. Then she spoke. "Please, I can't... I don't know what you want." She was wiping her tears with the back of her hands. "Please can I go to my room," she all but begged him.
He looked at her long and hard. He really needed to get this forming obsession under control. "Go," he said as if to himself, "go before I change my mind." And did she go? He watched her run out of the room.
What was he doing? He couldn't help himself. All he seemed to be doing was fantasizing about her. How he would fuck her until she screamed out that she couldn't take no more.
He was going crazy thinking about stuffing his aching cock so deep inside her. Yes Alec concluded that he needed to control these urges. It was sick to his own thoughts. How could he want to fuck her so bad? It wasn’t like he was limited on who to fuck, it was just… Her tears… Her fear, it sent his monster into overdrive. He wanted to fucking hurt her, then fuck her… Or vice versa. Whichever came first really. All he knew at this point was he had better watch himself.
Alec was control, if that slipped from his grasp her was nothing. He could not allow that. He had worked way too hard in his life to allow an infatuation with a girl fuck him up.
***
Miranda threw herself on the bed allowing herself to sob freely. Why did his dominance and power enthrall her so much? What was it about him? It seemed the more he scared her the more her body reacted to him. Was she that starved for human affection that she would take his brutality? She was fearing for her life, he was just so unpredictable. Yet when he had his hand around her neck hard she felt a strange stirring in her loins. The more he seemed to control her the more her body craved him.
Oh dear! Oh dear! Miranda thought, this is no good. I'm in soooo much trouble. The intensity of his stare was almost her undoing. The way his facial hair felt on her skin. The way he controlled everything, the way he would give a lopsided grin before he fired up. Miranda knew that whatever attraction she felt for him was a dark and dangerous one. He would break her spirit and her will, and her body would freely allow it. Not to mention she was absolutely terrified of him. Her instincts gave red warning signs to get the hell away, as far as possible. She slept thinking about how to get away without her being broken.
Next morning Miranda was dressed and ready to face Alec. She was going to try and make arrangements with him to work and pay back the money her uncle owed him. In return he would release her. She would make the debt her own and tell Alec the truth. Truth being that she meant nothing to Marcus and her being here was a decoy.
Wow Miranda way to make yourself seem important. But it what it was, the truth, and the truth was that Miranda really had nobody that really cared enough for her. She could never keep boyfriends because they always wanted more physically and emotionally from her and she could never deliver, so her relationships ended as quickly as they had begun.
Drawing in as much courage as she could, Miranda opened the door and stepped out. Here goes nothing...as always.
Making her way to the dining room for breakfast Miranda saw Crystal looking as beautiful as ever and a man who looked somewhat colorful. "Miranda darling so good of you to join us." Crystal and her fake smile. Faking a smile back Miranda greeted her.
"This is Leon, he is here for you hun." What the hell was this now, here for her? Where was Alec?
"I don't understand." Miranda was really confused.
"After breakfast Leon will be fitting you with designer gowns for the ball, Alec requested it," there goes the escape from shopping plan, Miranda felt a little disheartened.
"Yes dear, by the time I'm finished with you will look like a million dollars." Leon's hand gestures were so out there that Miranda swallowed back a laugh. He wore bright purple skinny jeans and a multicolored top with a green scarf. Ok this dude does not look like he can deliver fashion, or Miranda's style of fashion at least.
"Um thank you but I really don't need a gown. I'm sure I have someth..."
"Miranda, this is a direct order from Alec. He had spent big money on you so let's not start this. Let it be a fun thing" Crystal interrupted her before she could continue. Yes fun for who? Miranda really didn't want to go to this ball.
Once the ordeal of breakfast was over, Miranda was ushered to her room and the craziness began. After several long draining hours Leon was finally happy with a dress. "You are going to look fab-u-lous tomorrow night," he was delighted. She was so happy that he choose this black lace dress, just above the knees. It was high at the front and sat on her collarbone with sleeves that were made of intricate patterns of expensive lace, making her arms visible through the lace. It was fitting on her body and fit like a sleeve. It was completely backless and swooped a little on her lower back. A few more inches lower and Miranda thought her ass would show.
Liam turned out to be a breath of fresh air. He spoke to her about anything and everything. He had a fantastic take on life. He spoke of his partner Chris and seemed genuinely in love. He also asked her numerous questions seeming genuinely interested in her. He later expressed that that's how he chose clothes for his clients by knowing their personality. Miranda didn't know how to react to that. He then proceeded to tell her the dress he opted for her was a conservative dress that was young but seemed to tell a story. The dress oozed sex appeal yet it was still modest.
Miranda felt a sudden loss once Leon left. He had made her forget her situation, at least for a while. He had told Miranda that he got paid big bucks for his work and wondered why Alec and Crystal would go to so much trouble. Let’s hope this ball goes smoothly, Miranda prayed. She promised herself that she would be a perfect guest. Maybe get Alec's approval...
***
Miranda had an uneasy feeling in her stomach. She knew it was nerves and the fact that the ball was tonight. Also the fact that she hadn't seen Alec in two days made her suspect something was amiss. Aware that she needed to be ready by six, Miranda decided to take a walk outside. After all she still had a few hours.
Walking around the luscious landscape she felt alive. Touching every plant she passed and stopping to smell the roses and orchids. Miranda couldn't recall a time she had seen such beauty. Sitting on the grass wearing her jean shorts and loose top, which sat just above her belly button. She had no shoes on and it felt wonderful to have her feet on the grass. She laid on the ground letting the grass mold to her body. Lifting her hands above her head Miranda felt her eyes becoming heavy. She closed them, just for a little while she thought...
Two hours later she heard Leon's panicked voice. "Oh my god girlfriend what the fuck?" He screeched. "You have an hour to get ready we looked everywhere for you." Rubbing her eyes and trying to focus Miranda shot up! Shit the Ball!
"I'm so sorry Leon, I must have fallen asleep." She bit her lip hurrying up.
"We'll let's go, chop chop before fucking Crystal gets here and has heart failure.” He said clapping his hands for her to get a move on. Seriously, Miranda didn't know what the fuss was about. Get dressed, apply a little makeup and your good to go. Yeah right she should be so lucky, Leon sat her down after her two minute shower, had somebody give her a manicure and another give her a pedicure while somebody was doing her hair and another lady was applying her makeup.
Before she knew it she was in her dress and had her way to high stunning black heels on. When she saw herself in the full length mirror Miranda almost didn't recognize herself. She looked like a million dollars and that's exactly what Leon said he would do. He promised her that he would make her look like a million dollars and boy did he deliver.
"Fuck me babe! You look breathtaking even if I do say so myself!"
"I'm nervous Leon. I'm late and I feel way out of my comfort zone." Don't cry Miranda, don't cry. Oh she was so going to cry.
"Hey biyatch! You hold your head up! I guarantee you that you will be the fucking star! Don't feel intimidated by them, they are a bunch of bored people who fortunately for them have a fucking shitload of money. At the end of the day they are merely human hun just like us." Leon's words comforted her. She took a deep breath and headed out to get this over and done with.
Steady Miranda easy does it. Descending down the grand stairs Miranda saw Crystal and Carlos waiting for her. Crystal's eyes almost popped out of her head when she saw Miranda. Carlos did a double take. Smiling nervously Miranda approached them. "Fuck Miranda you look like a doll." Carlos's compliment made Miranda flush. Her face was so heated she thought her makeup would run.
"You do scrub up well." Crystal said. No hint of sarcasm.
"Thank you." Miranda felt overwhelmed. Crystal looked more beautiful (if that was even possible) then before. She wore a long white mermaid type gown that fanned out at the bottom dragging a tail behind her. The dress was fully covered in crystals. It was strapless with a straight bodice that started just covering her breast. Nothing revealing yet sexy as hell. Her hair was straight with not a strand out of place. Parted to the side giving her an appearance of 1920's actress.
Carlos looked so handsome in his tuxedo. It was a black suit, which made him look dangerous, sexy and sharp. Yet Miranda was looking around for Alec, he wasn't anywhere to be seen.
Leon and his crew were hurrying down to leave. "Fuck me people you all look smoking!" Was how Leon exited.
After hurrying out Carlos opened the door to the limousine and escorted Crystal and Miranda to the ball. He sat in between them. Miranda kept fiddling with her clutch. Open ...close...open...close...
"Seriously Miranda enough," whined Crystal. "I get that you’re nervous but you’re going to do my head in at this rate." Miranda gave her an apologetic smile.
"Alec will meet us there," Carlos was informing her. "You will remain with me as your date for the night. Same rules apply as always, I'm sure you don't want me to repeat them. If you attempt anything, well let’s just say you know the rest."
"I understand." Miranda replied. Honestly as if she would be that stupid to try anything. Unless of course the opportunity presented itself...
If Miranda had assumed that she was out of her league before she was undoubtedly correct. When the limousine pulled over Miranda noticed the media waiting outside the grand entrance. Oh My! This was way too much. Everything Miranda thought about the Ball was times ten.
The door opened up and the driver assisted Crystal out. She did everything so graciously. Carlos exited next and held his arm out to help Miranda out of the car. She was grateful she had his support.
Cameras started flashing as Crystal made her solo entrance. She was posing for the cameras positioning herself for her perfect shot. Wow Miranda thought this woman sure knew how to take photo.
Miranda on the other hand was holding for dear life on Carlos's arms. He whispered for her to relax, as they made their way to the inside.
So taken by the beauty of the hall. Tables were decorated with burnt orange array of flowers and candles. The whole hall was donned looking like a fairy tale. The dance floor was huge and the round tables were organized in seating’s of ten.
The hall was almost full. Shit they really were late. Well as Leon had told Miranda it was fashionable to be late, it made their entrance have that much more impact. And boy did heads turn? Miranda was overwhelmed with the formality of it all. Grateful for Carlos's support as they headed to the table they were being escorted to.
Still no sign of Alec. Maybe he wouldn't show and Miranda could finally relax.
The night started out simply enough. Speeches of donations, yadda yadda, dinner and then the night took a less formal tone. Socialites mingled and dancing took place. Miranda eased a little. Carlos was charming. Although he was getting women competing for his attention he was always attentive to her. Still Alec was a no show.
A beautiful brunette approached Carlos while he having a conversation with an elderly gentleman sitting on their table. She held her arm to him and led him to the dance floor. Miranda gave him an encouraging smile as he looked at her apologetically.
The older man moved into Carlos's seat. "My dear I must say you are the beauty of the night!" Miranda smiled shyly. "You’re too kind sir but looking around I know your being way too generous," was Miranda's reply to that.
"I'm James Cunningham." He politely introduced himself. "And you my dear are a breath of fresh air." He took her hand and kissed it. Miranda took an instant liking to him. They continued to talk and laugh. She found him extremely easy to talk to him.
As the night progressed Carlos allowed Miranda to dance with James. He was such a gentleman. She genuinely enjoyed herself in his company. Whist dancing a younger man tapped James on the shoulder and intervened asking politely if he could cut in and continue the dance with Miranda.
Feeling a little uneasy Miranda accepted and danced with him. "I'm Ethan, and I'm here to rescue you from my father," he winked at her while he danced a little too closely to her. After small talk and him asking questions about her, Miranda realized that Ethan was as charming as his father. He made her laugh with his easy humor and how he mocked the snobs around them. The music ended and Miranda returned to her table. He kissed her hand while pulling her chair out.
Just that moment she felt a sudden change in temperature. Alec! He made his way to their table looking smashing in his dark grey designer suit. He wore a black shirt under his jacket and looked drop dead gorgeous. Yet the look in his eyes indicated he wasn't pleased about something. Well for once his displeasure could not be aimed at her.
Miranda's heart dropped watching him approach their table. He walked over shook James’s hand and that stood directly behind Miranda placing his hand on her nape. He shook hands with Ethan who was still standing and then bent down and kissed Miranda on her cheek whispering quietly in her ear. "Where's the rest of your dress?" He caressed her back while returning his attention to Ethan.
"Crystal is allowing this?" Ethan asked Alec slyly.
"Unlike you Ethan I don't need permission to do as I please," retorted Alec.
"Gentlemen behave! This isn't the time nor place for you to make a scene. We are here for a good cause." Intervened James. Miranda looked at her hands suddenly uneasy with the tension that loomed over Alec and Ethan.
"Your right dad. Alec knows I’m taking the piss outta of him." Ethan said a little too nicely. "No need to worry Alec I have been keeping this young glamour entertained while you were engaged."
"Ethan enough!” James gritted through his teeth.
"All good James," was Alec’s response, dismissing Ethan Alec moved and sat next to Miranda. Oh gees, he looked pissed. And it looked like he was pissed at her.
The night went downhill from there. Crystal was table hopping, laughing with her and flirting with him. Dancing and being the life of the party. She never sat with them. Alec was talking business with James and a few other men that came to their table. Miranda was quietly trying to behave.
Carlos returned and resumed his easy going conversation with her. She was grateful to have him there.
Miranda excused herself and made her way to the ladies room. After freshening up and exiting the room literally ran into Ethan. "I'm so sorry." Miranda had tripped and landed in his arms. He was steadying her. "We really need to stop bumping into each other like this," Ethan teased.
Straightening up Miranda gave a smile apologizing again. He winked at her and let her be on her way.
Alec watched as Miranda made her way back to the table. She looked fucking stunning. The way she walked was captivating, she didn't try to be sexy and that's what made her appear more attractive. She shyly returned to her seat. Her hair sat loosely to one side of her face and her lips painted in gloss making it seem like she was pouting. Her eyes were outlined in black mascara and eyeliner, making her hazel eyes take on more of a green color.
He hadn't missed Ethan having his arms around her. He also hadn't missed her smile and her lingering in his arms. Alec felt his blood boil. He needed to keep his temper in check. James was right, this wasn't the time nor the place. Yet he needed to get his fix. He put his hand on her nape and moved to whisper in her ear "Don't fucking move from this table again," he tightened his grip on her nape. Smiling Miranda nodded, she made it seem like it they were sharing a joke. Clever girl, Alec thought. She didn't want a scene and any unnecessary and unwanted attention.