::Disclaimer: Gorgeous Carat belongs to You Higuri.::
I spot him almost immediately.
His white suit and platinum blond hair shine like a beacon in this dirty part of town; yet such is his aura that even shrouded, he would draw stares. This is my city; nothing of import happens and no one of interest enters without my knowledge.
I know who he is of course. I make it a point to keep informed about Ray's activities and associates. I even arranged the little distraction that lured the boy away, knowing this man would follow. It gives me the opportunity to observe him without his knowledge.
He does not disappoint as he springs to defend the child from what he believes is a threat. Nor does he prove the reports of my Paris-based underlings false when he manages to get completely lost. Ordinarily I wouldn't bother with someone so intellectually inferior. Yet, there is something about this man – the way he protected the child, his open manner. He is not the contemptible aristocrat I expected him to be.
I watch him for a few seconds before signaling for my plan to continue. I have prepared a properly dramatic entrance. First impressions are so very important.
He reacts as I expected, allowing me a flicker of satisfaction that fades an instant later. The reports weren't accurate after all. How could they have missed such startling eyes?
At least it solves a mystery – small wonder Ray is so taken with the man. My foolish brother never could resist pretty jewels. And yet...
His arm feels so thin under my hand, a matter of the right pressure and I am sure I could break it. I can feel his fear and it makes me draw him closer. To see such emotion in those amethyst depths...
It is like a siren call, drawing me in, awaking a desire to possess so strong that I cannot help but pull him even closer.
And that is when Ray arrives.
For one unthinking moment I tighten my hold but his gasp breaks the spell. I twist him around and push him away, pretending not to care when Ray holds him tightly against his chest.
The amethyst eyes show relief and more – things I don't want to see. Even as I greet my brother, a part of me is already planning to take his treasured jewel away.
::end::