Her grandfather's contract.
Night of July 22nd. Susanna was relaxing in her room's balcony drinking a chocolate milkshake especially prepared by Sebastien, who often refused to reveal the secret ingredient of it, although she was pretty sure it was some unusual type of cocoa and cherry… he spoiled her sometimes. She was laying in one of the couches when she heard some steps approaching.
"Is there anything you need, Milady? Tomorrow is going to be a though day and you should rest well" the butler spoke with a soft tone as he stood next to the couch. During the past few days Susanna was rather distant; she couldn't stop thinking and suspecting about the demon's plans and intentions, and things got worse when she thought about what happened between them in Sweden, all kinds of possibilities ran through her head and the feeling of being part of a greater scheme made by Sebastian himself didn't have her happy at all. Nevertheless, she had a hard time resisting his charms.
"It's still early and I'm not sleepy" there was silence for a moment "everything is ready, right?"
"Everything, just as we planned it" they both remained silent for a little while "you seem more serious than usual, is there anything bothering you?" he was determined to find out what was making her act like that; distant.
"Sebastian… what kind of contract did you have with my grandfather? What did he ask in exchange of his soul?" he remained silent for a couple instants. In fact, he wasn't expecting a question like that, and he wondered about the reasons behind it "it's just that everything…. Seemed to fit so perfectly, as if it was all carefully calculated so I would take care of all this mess and most of all, that you would get his soul … and eventually mine"
Right after she said that, Sebastian walked towards the edge of the balcony, touching the stair rail with his right hand, still not facing Susanna, who was expectant and waiting for his answer.
"It's only normal that you thin something like that. After all, I am the big winner in this whole situation, isn't it?" he finally understood what was going on.
He remained there, without facing her and suddenly he jumped and sat in the stair rail with a smooth movement, making it look so easy to sit there and keep the balance, not falling down. Then he crossed his legs and sided his head as a cynic and evil smile appeared in his face. In that very moment, Susanna knew it wasn't his butler she was speaking with… it was the demon.
"Everything fitted so perfectly that it seemed like it was planned from the beginning… it was just a matter of time before that thought came to your mind, nevertheless…" his eyes shone but they didn't look threatening "… I can't help but think that William had something to do with it. He would take any opportunity to put you against me and show you a real demon's intentions" he made a pause and looked at the sky for a short moment. The stars were beautiful contrasting with the dark night, just as he liked it: light trying to defeat eternal darkness. He smiled again for Susanna as he sighed.
"Tell me about the conditions of that contract" she knew he was right and although she had thought about it before, that talk she had with William left her full of doubts.
"Let me tell you a story" the smile remained in his face and his demonic and shiny eyes seemed to burn as the memories came back to him "it's a tale about a man sentenced by his own destiny; much more than any other being, but that was exactly what made him special… his character and decisions along his life were what defined him. Him and his soul" Sebastian made another pause as he remembered the exquisite hues of the last soul he ate. He closed his eyes for a few seconds and then continued "the contract I made with Richard Serafer consisted in two things. One, that I should keep him and his wife safe. And number two, that I had to prepare everything so the fallen angel could be stopped. After his death I would have to find that descent; that son or daughter of Uriel and who should be very well hidden somewhere in the world"
Susanna was rather shocked after hearing those words. Even having the possibility, his grandfather didn't ask for the whole mess to be stopped. Why?... uncertainty should have been reflected in her face because Sebastian immediately laughed in silence and looked at the floor. A dark bang that covered part of his face made him look dangerously handsome.
"Richard was a man full of secrets and evidently that didn't make my work easier. Of course I don't hold it against him; I only wanted his soul and the contract could led me to another potential contract with a soul as… interesting… as his. I knew he was planning something for his descendant, which means, you…" he continued the explanation with a casual voice tone and glanced at the garden but something in his attitude told Susanna he was very aware of her and her reactions "did I know this would happen? No. Was it a possibility? Yes, but even for me, the results have been rather… unexpected. A beautiful surprise, if you asked" he gave her a quick glance and then continued talking "I believe he knew he couldn't stop the angel, so he laid his hopes in his descendant, wishing that it was a woman, for everything you already know"
"And that descendant just happened to be me…" she pointed out.
"That is correct and before contacting you I spent a lot of time watching you from the shadows, studying your behavior and daily life; trying to understand the reasons behind your acts. You always had that special something that made you different from anyone else, and not just because of your family's gift and how you dealt with it. You live according to your beliefs… something so tempting to corrupt…"
"But I'm not the same person. Everything changed since I… met you"
"That's right and now you have me impressed with your character's evolution and…" that last word drowned in the back of his throat because he noticed Susanna adopting a defensive attitude "as you know… I'm a demon. The smartest thing to do is not trusting me, but…" he jumped off the stair rail and sat next to her, a gesture she didn't expect and took her by surprise. His closeness made her feel uneasy but she didn't think about moving, not even for an instant "… but I'm not just any demon, and you now it. Every day you fight against the instinct of trusting me, but you already do it and you know it. Otherwise you wouldn't have me guarding your grandfather's journals"
"You are tied by a contract" she tried to justify herself.
"There is just a tiny part of you left before you completely trust in me; that fear of what might happen" then his eyes looked at her. They weren't demon eyes, but human. Red and… sincere? They weren't threatening and Susanna was unable to stop looking at them. There was something captivating that kept her trapped in them. Then, without her noticing, Sebastian took off the white glove from the hand where the seal was "in this very moment I'm completely devoted to you, but my devotion could be permanent and even more transcendental; it could be more than that. Something that would tie me to you for much, much longer, if you want me to... if that is your desire…" there was another silence "that day in Sweden… we could repeat it. As many times as you want"
He was sitting next to her, his eyes almost piercing her. Attractive as hell, dangerous as the Devil himself, and she wanted him with all his evil and faults. Just the way he was.
The demon' eyes slowly became pinker, feline and mesmerizing as his naked hand delicately caressed Susanna's neck, right where his mar was. His fingertips sent electric impulses to her body; warm and vibrant. She felt her cheeks blushing, still not able to take her eyes off him, those eyes that looked at her like never before and told her a thousand things as intense as the words he just said.
Sebastian remained completely immobile, except for his fingers that still touched her.
He knew very well that nothing would happen that night, so a few instants later he stood up from the couch and walked away, adopting his usual butler behavior. Solemn and with a kind smile.
"I believe it's time for you to sleep. Tomorrow will be a difficult day. Do you want me to prepare some tea for you?"
"No, it's alright" she answered as soon as she managed to get out of that nearly-trance state she was in, provoked not by the effect the demon had in her, but for a strange feeling that flowed inside of her, a pleasuring feeling. Then, she stood up slowly and entered the room, walking towards the bathroom to wash her teeth.
Before the butler left the room, Susanna looked at the book where she let the flower William gave her, where she was drying it to use it as a bookmark and she suddenly asked Sebastian.
"What is the name of those flowers we have in the garden? The blue ones nearby the pond" her voice appeared to be cold.
"Those flowers… they are called forget me not" she was speechless, not able to make a sound as if she was frozen "is something wrong?" he butler asked with curiosity.
"No… it's nothing. See you tomorrow" she turned around, hiding her face and blush. She was really facing a complicated crossroad this time…
The next day, Susanna woke up without the help of her clock or her butler. She couldn't sleep well because of the constant flow of thoughts in her mind. The image of Sebastian in the balcony and his words resonating in her ears. And then, William's eyes and the memories of their talks. Oh how she loved to complicate her life! She thought. The worst thing that could happen in her situation was exactly what was happening to her.
She took a shower and when she went out the dresser she noticed Sebastian waiting for her with the schedule for the day and a small table with her breakfast.
"Good morning, Milady. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you" she lied.
"I'm glad to hear that. I took the liberty to bring you breakfast because the arrangements for the party are being held downstairs and I'm afraid it's quite noisy with all that people walking around"
"Good idea" she slightly smiled "do you have the dress?"
"Yes, I put it in your bed, next to the mask and the rest of your outfit. The party will start around two in the afternoon but we can start with all the arrangements"
"Excellent. That would give me a few hours to review everything"
And so it was. At one o'clock sharp, Susanna started with the party's arrangements. The makeup artist arrived punctual and around one thirty, Susanna was ready to put on her outfit. This time she would wear an elegant dress in red wine color with a pair straps that held it from her shoulders, showing her back. She wore a wide necklace in black and a mask with the same colors, which perfectly combined with her outfit.
As soon as she was ready she went down the stairs to meet a group of waiters who were ready to tart with the event and then she met her butler, who wore a very elegant black suit, tailor made, with little white details in the flap and a vest. His necktie was the same color and the shirt was white. His mask was black as well and with tiny shiny stones on the right side, and of course his white gloves couldn't be missing. He looked dashing and flirty, especially with that hairstyle Susanna liked so much, not to mention that the suit showed the magnificent body he had.
"You look beautiful, Milady" he said as soon as he faced her.
"Thanks" she kindly smiled, pleased was well after seeing how handsome he looked and smelling the delicious aroma of his cologne "I suppose everything is ready…"
"That is indeed correct, Miss. The waiters are ready, the scenery is set as well as the screen and as soon as the guest begin to arrive, we could start with the party"
Minutes after that, the first guests arrived and the butler received them with the best hospitality he knew. They were, mostly, associates and investors of AstraZeneca, as well as important and vital people for the plan to work out. The first of them, the man in charge of the Customs for the UE and England and who held a close relation with Aidan Crawford.
There were also a few young men, sons of important entrepreneurs who were conveniently related or were friends of Demian's and Ricardo Soler's sons. They were specially invited to the party, to make sure they witnessed Susanna being there.
Of course, being a masquerade, everyone had to wear a mask, but Susanna made sure to take hers off so people would recognize her, especially her special guests. Suddenly, one of the main investors of the company approached her.
"Susanna, at last I find you"
"Mister Giggs, it's a pleasure to have you here at the party" she answered with a big grin.
"On the contrary, it was a great idea to make one celebration for your birthday and the company's anniversary"
"I'm glad you liked the idea, and wait until you see the ballet" oh, by the way, I wanted to ask you to say a few words for the opening of the event. What do you say?"
"If course!" said the man with happiness.
"Excellent. Come with me, please"
A little after that, the waiters indicated the guest to go to the back garden, where everything was set, along with a scenery for the ballet and many chairs for the assistants.
As soon as they were sat, Susanna took off her mask and grabbed the microphone to start with the speech
"Ladies and gentlemen… First of all, I would like to thank you for being here today. We are celebrating two important dates for me. First, the anniversary of AstraZeneca. Since the moment came to this country I've been following my grandfather's steps. I've fought really hard so his legacy could grow more every day and I'm very proud of being part of this great company. Today on its 83rd anniversary, I'm happy to announce that we'll keep doing the best so the pharmaceutical industry could be one of the most successful and socially responsible worldwide. I would like to thank each and everyone here today for your all efforts and time given to this company, and that's why I would also like to share the joy of living one more year with you, and what better way than to celebrate my birthday with a masquerade. I've made sure that this day and night is full of entertainment, food, drinks and fun for everyone. Thank you so much for being here. And now, some words by one of our investors, Mr. Giggs"
Everyone in the public clapped their hands and cheered as she went down the scenery and walked to her seat. Then, Sebastian approached her discreetly to tell her about a little inconvenience that she would have to take care of.
She entered the house and then, after making sure no one else saw them, they went to the basement, but not before letting Abby and Fer know about the beginning of the plan:
While Susanna and Sebastian went to the boat party, sneaking out without anyone noticing, Abby and Fer would take their places at the party. The masquerade was an important part of the whole plan, because their faces would be hidden and no one would notice their true identities. Lucky for them, their complexions were similar and with a wig and the necessary accessories, no one would notice. The goal was to deceive the man in charge of the Customs and the young guests.
Aside of that, and as part of the celebration, there would be a video and some speeches from the investors and leaders of AstraZeneca, which would take at least 45 minutes, and after that, a special event: the Sleeping Beauty ballet, so they would have more than three hours to get rid of Aidan Crawford and Ricardo Soler before anyone could notice their absence. Of course, both employees were ready and prepared to distract the guest and act accordingly.
A few curious eyes followed Susanna and Sebastian when they got into the house, but no one noticed the change and there were no suspicions. Abby sat in Susanna's seat, calm and doing her best performance, while Fer remained behind the chairs and the public to supervise everything. As for Mr. Haggard, he made sure that no one would get nearby the basement, which was the escape route as well as the entrance.
About five minutes after Sebastian and Susanna sneaked out, they went out a hidden door in the basement, behind the bushes and trees which served as a barrier so they wouldn't be seen. Right after they were out, the butler took the girl in his arms and jumped the electrified fence, which naturally made her scream in surprise.
"For once in your life, Sebastian, could you at least let me know you're up to something before I get a heart attack?" she complained as she surrounded him by the get to get a grip.
"I'm really sorry, Milady but we need to hurry" he said as he ran in speed record towards the place where he had hidden a rental car, especially for the occasion "besides, I think you might even find this little trip enjoyable" he smiled with mischievousness and flirt in his eyes as he kept running.
"This and roller coasters are way too far from being enjoyable, or being in my bucket list" she tried to make her voice sound serene and he answered with a negative gesture of his head.
"Oh, but your dilated pupils and heartbeats tell me otherwise. Besides I have a few things in mind that could prove to be… enjoyable" his voice was seductive and soft in the girl's ears and she immediately tried to kick him to he would stop his teasing but he only smiled with satisfaction "that only makes thinks even more entertaining"
"Sebastian…" her voice was persuasive but in fact, she didn't dislike the whole situation at all. The butler remained silent the rest of the little trip. When they arrived to the secret place, and as soon as Susanna was stepping on solid ground again, he opened the trunk to take out the suitcase with the change of clothes "I'll do it!" she went ahead, since she wanted to put some distance between them. She took out her bag pack with clothes and hanged it on her shoulder. Then she took Sebastian's suit bag and held it with both hands so it wouldn't fall.
Everything was going according to the plan…
Author's notes:
Hey guys! I hope you liked this chapter. Personally, I enjoyed it a lot… I just loved Sebastian's attitude and explanations, and I'm sure you will find the ongoing plan as amusing and exciting as I planed it to be.
TfallingangelT: I now, right? He's… well, how can one describe William?... he would be eccentric and romantic on his own way, and too serious, but at the same time very sweet. I don't know xD I can totally picture him like that.
Take care!