A/N: Okay, now since I got a laptop for Valentine's Day. I am now able to do some writing while on the weekend. I'm not saying to prepare for major updating, just that you'll have plenty to read during the first few days of the week. R & R!
"I'm visiting Bucharest for a few days before I'm to head back to England. My cousins wanted me to take a vacation from all the long hours of working with their line. They wanted me to discover the tastes Bucharest had to offer and bring it back to them."
River had corrupted yet another silver lie with a bit of truth. She wasn't exactly on vacation; she did live in England with her cousins and they had their own clothing line that ruled the underground world. River shown some interest and they offered her a job as a designer. She had no other choice simply because her cousins worked from their home as seamstresses; every piece of clothing, every belted corset, they've sewn authentically.
"So you came here for their benefit and now," He had leaned back in his chair. A confident smile possessed his face. River felt a dark shiver rise in her spine when he did this. "You've entered into a twisted world. I can commend you for coming uninvited to my usual spot because I've grown bored with the tactics of night. There are things that hardly brighten my evening."
River's jaw clenched. What was he on about? She wondered, searching his eyes for the possible answer. She looked elsewhere when he looked back in the same manner. She reached for her coffee, forcing down the rich brew and avoided his eyes.
"I cannot imagine the plague of boredom striking you. You had plenty of guests inside that place, that lounge of yours."
He laughed momentarily. "It once belonged to my father, he finally saw the light and had given me permission to go on with the ownership."
River nodded. "So, what will you have me do then?"
He arched a brow. That smile never left him and it made River shrink further inside. "I'll have to leave you with some mystery. I can't have you prepared for anything because that is not like me. I'm unexpected, charming and very witty."
"Very well then, let us start on a more common base. What is your name?" River set her cup down and neatly crossed her arms. She settled back in the chair. The conversations surrounding them hardly bothered her focus to listen only to him. "I've given you mine, and you have changed it, so I have a right to know the name of my suitor."
"My name is Rafe, and you, my little flower, will remain as Lily. River is a pointless name."
Her eyes closed dangerously to slits. She began to taste something sour, copperish and bitter. River bit into her tongue out of instinct to the insult. He had no right whatsoever to change her name, or potentially, her appearance.
"And if I refuse?"
"You wouldn't want to try darling. I enjoy the act of playing as long as its kept on the good side, although favoring both is a complicated battle of decision."
River refused to look away when he drew closer to take up his cup of coffee. His sniveling grin and poisonous laughter further prickled her anger. Though interesting enough, River found her most challenging target. She finished her cup of coffee and slid it across the round table clattering with the dishes on his side. Her eyes darkened when they stared into his.
"I should get back home. I'm expecting someone."
"Other than myself?"
River had only turned slightly when he said that. She wouldn't turn. "Been watching over me?"
Rafe smiled. "You were very obedient to have taken my words. I couldn't help myself to follow you."
"There is a door, just because I am to do whatever you wish while I'm here in Bucharest does not give you the motive to invite yourself wherever you please. You do not rule this city."
"Sounds like someone should consider her own words. For a tourist, you are awfully interested in entering the unsafe places."
"I found no threat whatsoever in that lounge of yours. Nothing, or no one, seemed likely to harm me more than I would they."
Rafe climbed to his feet to stand next to River. She felt her throat tighten when he reached for her hand to simply kiss the palm of it.
"You'll think different of those words soon enough."
He had taken his leave, reaching the door first. He lifted a hand, waved a finger, and smiled. "You should get some rest. I'll send you something and I'd expect you to wear it."
River watched him leave without another word. He had gone down the block where a silver car waited for him. He turned his attention back to the small café where he had dined. River came outside. Her glare was frighteningly sharp; as for Rafe, he found it nothing more than pleasing.
The car sped away leaving River to walk home alone.
Was everything worth it? River asked herself while traveling back home to her complex. Was it worth the hassle of donning the masquerade still? She felt pressure from sides, one to remain a normal, naïve, troublesome girl or two, what she truly was. Her father wanted information. He wanted progression on the Loup-garoux by any means necessary.
River stayed in Bucharest for a day, to her, it felt like months. Somehow, this was merely the beginning,