Author's Note; 01/02/21: Did you guys have a wonderful New Year? Relaxing? Sleep? Hope this new year will be your year. Make it your year. You're a fucking badass!

Chapter 20

Assail had been standing motionless in the art gallery for who knows how long. He had been taking a small stroll, his eyes moving across paintings that hung on the clean, white walls. Various artists, all whom he didn't know or cared about. He had stopped before a painting of a snake loosely wrapped around a bush that had a single red rose on it. He stared at it, trying to find the meaning to it. The title of the piece being "Wrapped by death." An interesting name to give this piece. Did it even go with it? His thoughts had shifted to Lhust. How delicate framed she was. Petite. Smooth. Lovely. Perhaps he felt like that snake. His touch deadly. His hands moving across her body. He made a substance that had a high probability to kill someone. Should such hands touch something so beautiful? Time flew, his eyes never leaving that painting, until he felt a light tap on his shoulder. His trance broken, Assail looked over, seeing his cousins standing there.

"Yes?"

"Are you well? We were calling to you, but you were well focused on that painting." Evale asked.

"I am fine. Was just trying to figure out the meaning of the painting. It's interesting the names and ideas these artists get." Turning, Assail made his way towards the back of the gallery, where a heavy door that had the words Employees Only boldly printed on it. With his cousins following, Assail pulled out a card and swiped it into the reader, unlocking the door. Once the door closed behind them, Assail knew it was safe to talk. "How are plans going?"

"Productivity is ahead of schedule and product has been cut and packed, ready for exchange." Ehric answered as he followed behind his cousin down a well lit hallway.

"And our buyer?" Assail stopped in front of another door and unlocked it, using his access card once more. Stepping in to a well furnished office, he made his way to a large oak desk and sat down, booting up the computer that was neatly placed, waiting to be used.

"He will be ready at the new exchange point. Same time." Evale answered this time.

"Good. Same routine as always." Computer booted, Assail checked his secured email to see the notes his product manager had sent. Everything was in order. Just how he liked things. That's how he liked his life to be. All in order. Nothing out of place. He frowned at that thought. His life wasn't in order. Not anymore. Lhust had come into his life and altered everything. Well...not everything... He frowned even more. How long should he continue seeing her? How long was he going to keep this up with her? What was she to him? Not his mate. Like hell would he let himself be tied down like that. No. Lover? Perhaps. Though, if she was, he needed to perhaps set guidelines so she would know when to expect him and for what purpose she was to him. He frowned at that idea too. She wasn't like that. She wasn't some female who allowed herself to be used for a quick sexual relief and then be tossed aside until she was needed. She was much more than that. She was a female that should be loved, nice and slow. To be enjoyed. To be savored. To let the taste of her linger for hours on ones tongue.

Assail could feel himself going hard. His mind playing the sounds of her sweet pleasure and her release in his ears.

"-sin?"

Why did he think of her?

"Cousin?..."

Why did his mind and thoughts always turn towards her?

"Cousin? Are you well?"

Shaking himself, he looked up at his cousins. "I'm sorry, what?"

The twins looked at each other, then to their cousin. " I said, are you well? You've been acting strange lately." Asked Evale.

With a heavy sigh, Assail smoothed a hand over his head, his body leaning back against the chair. "I...bloody hell, I honestly don't know."

"Is it...her?" Ehric asked.

Looking up towards the ceiling, Assail didn't want to answer, but no doubt the silence had answered his cousin's question. "How does one remove a female from ones thoughts. She has not significance. She has a...special trait. She's harsh. She isn't from a titled bloodline. No family. Has no bloody manners. Why do I think about her?"

"Is it perhaps, because you're falling in lo-"

"Don't you dare bloody finish that last fucking word." Assail had jumped up from his seat and cut Ehric off, not ever wanting to hear that word. "I am not in lo-..." He was angry. Angry at himself? His cousin? Lhust? To think his cousin would dare think of such notion. Love? Hah! Love was a useless feeling. The only thing love brought was fucking disaster and problems and he was a male who avoided both at all costs. Cursing, he moved from behind the desk and headed towards the door. "I'm going home. You both can enjoy the night to yourselves."

The twins looked at each other, each one raising a brow. Without saying anything to each other, they already knew what was happening to their cousin. In a silent communication between the two, they both nodded, agreeing to a secret only they knew and followed their cousin out.

Work was busy, more or less. Her section wasn't as full, unlike the other sections in the restaurant. Lhust had about eight tables. Not many that worried her. With a little sigh, Lhust wanted to check her phone for any messages, but knew she couldn't do that while on the clock. She already knew not to expect any messages from Assail. At least not randomly. He didn't seem like the type of guy that would send random messages for no reason. Unless...he just...randomly decided to randomly send her a random message. A simple "Hi" followed with a "How are you?" He isn't really a random type of guy who does random stuff. He was punctual. Liked things in order. Besides he'll either text you only to see when you're next night off will be or won't message at all and will be instead expecting me to let him know when I'm off. Sighing once more, she groaned when she felt someone poke her side.

"I can hear moping from the other side of the house." Ceci chided as she punched in an order into the POS.

"I'm not moping. I'm just...-"

"Sweety, you're moping. Alright. Now look alive, you got lives ones seated." Ceci went off to pick up an order from the kitchen. With another sigh, Lhust looked over to see which table had been filled before letting out a little happy chuckle. She would have never thought about seeing those two in here, though no doubt Assail might have mentioned about this place after he brought her here...for dinner...for their date. Should she even be giddy at the knowledge that she was taken to dinner at the place she works at? She was giddy that it had been Assail she had dinner with. So she guessed, yes, it's okay to be giddy.

Heading over, she smiled and waved. "Hello there. Welcome. Can I start you off with some drinks?" She asked being professional.

Ehric an Evale looked up a little surprised to see Lhust here.

"So this is where you work?" Ehric asked, a smile curving his lips.

Nodding, Lhust opened her notepad. "Mmhmm."

"Which means that-" Evale looked around, searching for her employer, iAm.

"Yup. He owns this place." Why did she sound a little proud in saying that?

"Well, compliments to the owner for having a nice establishment...and wonderful staff as well." Ehric added, seeing Lhust blush. "Would you like us to inform our cousin this is where you are employed, or would you rather have us keep it from him?"

Honestly, Lhust wasn't sure about that. If they mentioned to him this is where she worked, would be remember this is where he brought her to eat and maybe feel..embarrassed in having brought her here? Would he think that what she did was...low? Being a server wasn't a lowly job, at least she didn't think it was. She was paid well and the tips she got were amazing. Maybe she should have them keep it a secret. She wouldn't want Assail worrying about her supposedly not making enough money. Yes, there were still things she couldn't afford to get...like a new phone and car, but that was okay.

Looking at Ehric, she saw he was waiting for an answer. "Umm..maybe...maybe not tell him..at least...not yet. I'll tell him.." Or maybe never. Maybe they'll end what they have and he'll never ever know where she worked.

"Understood. Your secret is safe with us. Now. What do you recommend? Sorry for taking up your time."

Shaking her head, she waved her hand. "Don't sweat it. It's a slow night, so no need to worry. Umm, if you want a drink aside from water, there's a few wines that we have that are popular." She went through the menu, pointing the different wines and describing their flavors. She even recommended a few appetizers to go along with them and what main course as well.

"You know a lot. It's impressive how knowledgeable you are in the dishes." Evale complimented.

She chuckled, her cheeks turning pink a bit. "The training and sampling helped. I'll get these in for you guys and I'll be back when they're ready, okay." Giving a little bow, she went off to place the orders.

"She's a swell female." Evale commented as he watched Lhust head towards a table to check on the patrons seated there. "Perhaps...perhaps she is someone our cousin needs. To help him break out of his perfect shelf."

"It wouldn't be fair to place a burden on her. Our cousin is...difficult. And how would Lhust react were she to find out about his...dealings?" Ehric frowned. It wouldn't be fair or right for Lhust to be a part of Assail's world, especially when drugs and lessers were involved. Though he was loyal to his cousin, Ehric had grown fond of Lhust, even though their encounters were short. She was someone he would protect, even if it meant from his own cousin. Should Assail do anything to put Lhust in harms way, he would honestly put his cousin in his place, no questions asked. If Lhust were to ask Ehric and his brother for a favor. For protection, no hesitation, they would provide it to her. Perhaps it would be best if Lhust cut her ties and interaction with Assail. The more she sees him, the more chance of danger perhaps. Though no doubt Assail would never let that happen, lately Fate has had other notions in mind.

"Mayhap...we should encourage our cousin to stop seeing her." Ehric looked over towards his brother.

Evale frowned. "Would he even listen? He won't admit it, and perhaps never will, but he's falling in love with her. The sense to protect her is strong. Though our cousin would do everything to protect us, his urgency to protect her more is stronger. To never hurt her is strong. We can't make him stop seeing. It would be something he would need to decide for himself."

They watched as Lhust came over with a tray of both their drinks and appetizers. They held their conversation for the time being.

"Alright guys. Sorry I'm just now bringing your drinks. That was rude of me." She placed their wines and waters in front of them and their appetizers as well.

"Tis no problem. If anything, we'll have a full glass to enjoy the food better before our meal comes out." Ehric assured her, stabbing a small stuffed mushroom with his fork and popping it in his mouth.

"They'll be ready shortly. Did you guys need anything else?"

Both shook their head. "I think we're good for now." Answered Ehric.

Nodding, Lhust took a moment, nibbling her lip. Through out the whole time she had been waiting on other patrons and their appetizers, she had debated about asking how Assail was. Should she even ask? Should she even bother? Would they find her weird for even wanting to know how he was?

They both looked at her, worry on their faces. Before they could both ask if she was alright, she waved her hand and gave a nervous chuckle. "U-uh sorry. Was lost in thought. I'll leave you guys to your food." Bowing her head, she went off, checking on her other patrons.

You should have asked them. I know I should have, but I was nervous. Maybe it was good I didn't ask them. It's not like we're a thing. Do you wanna be a thing? Yes, I mean... I don't know. It's not like.. I'm falling in love or anything. I'm not. This isn't love. Nope. It's just...it's just hooking up. Yeah. But do you wanna keep making this in to a hook up? No..I mean... She sighed as she stood by the receiving window, waiting for plates. She didn't want to stop seeing him. If she were to fall in love with him, she'll keep that a secret. She wouldn't want to place that type of emotion and burden on Assail. He didn't look like a male that would ever fall in love. She'll just enjoy how ever much company he was willing to give till he was done with her.

The stinging feel of tears hitting her eyes made her blink a few times. Oh don't cry. It's not like...like he's just gonna abandon you or anything. Look, if anything I'll break up with him. Yeah. If I feel myself getting way overly attached or something, done. Gone. Good bye. See ya. Okay?

Taking a deep breath, she smiled at the head chef when he placed her plates on the window. Thanking him, she grabbed them and placed them on her tray. "You got this. You totally got this. You're getting your life together. He's like...a place holder until you find someone you really wanna be with. Yeah." As she continued to convince herself she had her romantic emotional life together, she delivered Ehric and Evale's food and ended up chatting with them a bit as well.

"She's gonna get mad you know."

"Yeah, I know, but she needs a new one. The one she has is so...old...like...dinosaur old."

"As far as I know, most of you here are older. For all I know you guys have been among the dinosaurs."

"That's not true. We were around the plague times."

"How does that make it any better?"

"It means were younger than the dinosaurs, but old enough to have seen the world fall apart almost."

Jane rolled her eyes at V. Sometimes she just couldn't with him, but she loved him either way. "So how are we gonna like...offer it to her. She's gone through months having to depend on herself and what she's able to get with what little she has."

"Well... she's just gonna have to accept help from others. Look, we'll just tell her its an old model." V smirked at Jane, laughing when she rolled her eyes again and sighed. "What?! It is an old model. If I had gotten a recent model, she wouldn't take it. She looks like the type of female who would rather take "old" stuff instead of new."

"Yeah, but... I don't know. Now I just feel as if we're being stingy in not getting her a new new one. Ya know."

"Look. You girls can like...do that guilt trip thing you give to us and make her take it. She needs a new phone. Especially a new phone that can share locations. iAm would feel a bit better and maybe back the hell off if he knew we can track here she is."

"Wouldn't that just be stalking now? I don't know if Lhust would even like that."

"I'll just say it's a feature that everyone here in the house has. For safety reasons. I'm sure it'll make her feel better knowing that others that care about her will know where she is, especially if shit hits the fan."

Biting her thumb nail, Jane thought about it before nodding. "Alright. We'll see when she can come over again and give it to her."

"Now we just need to look in to a car for her."

"Okay, now that's pushing it and she sure as fuck won't be accepting it."

"What if we get her an old ass jalopy or something?" He grinned before grunting as Jane elbowed his stomach. "What?! She won't take a new car, but maybe a junky ass one."

"I can't with you anymore." Jane headed for the door that led to the main house.

"That's mean."

"I know." She flipped him the bird before closing the door, hearing his laugh on the other side.