Chapter 20: Shooting Temptation
1064words
In just three days, I already missed Gabriel and his silly tantrums. The worst part is that he neither answers my calls nor returns them. It was overwhelming. I had to drive myself around, which was boring.
I walked downstairs to find the living room as quiet as a mouse. In the kitchen, Luningning was preparing lunch.
'What are you cooking?" I asked.
'Goodness gracious!" She flinched in surprise. 'It's beef caldereta, ma'am," she stuttered.
'Make it quick. I'm starving," I said, then turned to leave. 'And bring me a cup of black coffee," I added.
'Coffee?" she blurted. I raised an eyebrow. 'It's fine, ma'am. I will bring it right away," she quickly added, and I left.
I sat in the dining room, sent Gabriel a message, and plugged in my earbuds to listen to some music.
A few minutes later, a cup was placed on the table in front of me. I looked up to see my stepmother. I took out my earbuds.
'What's going on?" I tried to stay calm.
'Um, Luningning is busy, so I decided to make the coffee myself," she said.
'Is that what she told you?" I sprang to my feet.
'No, no. I insisted. It's not her fault. I'm sorry," she said.
'What is your goal here, Maria? Are you trying to poison me and take over my house?" I accused.
'No, I wouldn't do such a thing, I promise."
'Do you think I trust you? Who knows how my mother died? Did you kill her to take over her home, and now you are planning to do the same with me?"
'I never did anything like that, Scarlett. You can't accuse me like this," she sobbed.
'Miss Scarlett?" Razi entered. 'Why are you making Grandma cry?" she asked, standing by Maria's side.
'Grandma?" I said in disbelief.
'If you are my mother, and she's your mother, that makes her my grandma, right?" Razi explained.
'Stop with the nonsense. This woman is neither my mother nor your grandma. I only let her be your nanny because Gabriel begged me. And Maria, don't you dare try to turn my daughter against me. I might just throw you out of this house. Do I make myself clear?"
'Yes, Scarlett."
'What?"
'Yes, Miss Guzman," she corrected through her tears.
'Now take this coffee away before I shove it down your throat!" I snarled. She grabbed the coffee and hurried away.
'Why are you so mean?" Razi said, disappointed.
'She is just your nanny, Razi. I am your mother, and you are supposed to side with me."
'You are not my mother. You are just a mean woman," she declared, then hurried out of my sight.
'Argh!" I shouted, knocking a carafe off the dining table. 'This is all your fault, Gabriel. Pick up the damn phone!" I stormed upstairs.
I swerved my car roughly into the Bay City Bar parking lot, almost hitting a woman who was about to get out of her car. She hurried back inside with a shout and slammed her door.
I got out of my car just as she came out to scold me. 'Have you lost your mind? Why are you driving like a maniac? You almost killed me."
Without a word, I threw a bundle of cash at her.
'Hospitalize yourself," I said, and headed inside.
'You are insane!" she groaned.
I ignored her and went inside.
'You are welcome, ma'am," a waitress greeted me.
I looked around; the place was crowded and noisy for my liking.
'Is the VIP room available?" I asked.
'Yes, ma'am. I can find a quieter spot for you," she offered.
'No," I said sharply. 'I want the VIP room. It can't be occupied every time I visit. Show me the way," I said, walking ahead.
'But, ma'am, it's…"
'I will pay double," I declared, and she stopped talking.
She led me to the VIP room. Inside, there was no one but a bottle of Martini and a half-full glass. I gave her a dark look.
'Um, he must have gone to the restroom. He insisted not to be disturbed," she said.
'If I make it clear not to be disturbed, everyone will evacuate the building. Give me your payment details and double the amount. I will handle the rest," I said firmly.
Without further argument, she gave me her payment details.
'Get me two bottles of vodka," I ordered and sat on one of the couches. She hurried out and returned almost immediately before excusing herself.
Just then, the former occupant of the VIP room walked in.
'Scarlett?" Nathan called.
'Shit," I muttered, my shoulders sagging.
'I'm assuming you forced your way in," he said, sitting beside me.
I shifted to the edge of the couch. The strong scent of his cologne brought back memories.
'You need to leave now," I said, avoiding his gaze.
'Didn't she tell you I paid for it?"
'I paid double what you gave her, and your time ends when I say it does," I said, barely containing my anger.
He leaned close, his warm breath making my stomach churn.
'I'm glad you are here, you know that?" he whispered. I pushed him back.
'I hate harassment. Get the hell out of here," I said.
He took a sip of his drink without a word. 'You smell different. What perfume are you using?" he asked nonchalantly, a smile playing on his lips.
I clenched my fists and tried to breathe deeply, but it wasn't working.
'Isn't it amazing that we have the same taste in bars? Or did you come here just to see me by chance?"
'You flatter yourself too much. For the last time, Nathan, leave."
He sighed and moved closer. 'Do you know how long I have waited just to see you?" He touched my cheek, sending butterflies through my stomach.
'You are still my adorable baby, you know that?" He placed a hot, searing kiss on my neck, making my blood rush.
'Nathan, stop this madness," I tried to pull away, but couldn't.
'Don't you miss us? We did so many crazy things together. You miss my touch, don't you? You always said my fingers were your temptation."
I pushed him away. 'You have lost your mind," I said, pulling out a gun.
'Are you leaving, or should I shoot you and go to jail?"
