This chapter may be a little shorter than the last, but I do have the Drama in the Romance story to come for you guys.
There is a warning for my readers, this chapter will have some dark themes of mentioning alcohol abuse, trauma, self-harm, and mention of suicide. If any of these themes are hit too close to home, please seek help. I hope I do not cause any harm to my readers, which is why there is a warning when I have dark themes in my chapters.
Be safe everyone and read on.
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I stood next to Doflamingo with most of the Family that worked at the company as we stood in the lobby with all the employees. There was extra security in the building now since the incident the other day. I didn't ask him how he found the guy that Pearla hired as I didn't want to be involved with that side of the business. Better to not know as it was better to lie if caught and had to take a lie detector test. Doflamingo was in an all-black suit which matched the darkened mood he was in. Wasn't even wearing his pink coat so his presence was just as intimidating to everyone.
"As you know yesterday there had been an incident that destroyed four main items for the Winter collection," Doflamingo's tone was low. Everyone as I watched was worried and scared, and some wondering what is going to happen. "In all departments there will be extra security, including new cameras in the departments. You will leave your badges with the security guards when you are going to lunch. You will be given cards to access the elevators to the lobby if you wish to smoke, and to the cafeteria area for lunch. This is not up for debate."
Whispers amongst the workers erupted as the crowd was concerned with the changes that had happened. I was particularly interested in Pearla's expression as she stood to the back trying to hide herself, though poorly. She was biting her fake nail trying to look concerned, but her eyes held fear. Bet she was frustrated about all the changes happening that seemed to be screwing with her own little schemes she has planned. Good, let's have her squirm because in time once I figure out how much she has stolen, her family history that I feel something is off. I will make sure she falls down hard from the pedestal she thinks she deserves to be on. Her eyes locked with mine, I couldn't help but smirk which seemed to irritate her more making my silently chuckle.
"Effective immediately, there will be no overtime unless I approve of it. Everyone leaves at the scheduled time, and if you have to stay late then you will have security in the room with you. Now, get to work," Doflamingo's voice announced loudly before walking off as I followed him with the family to his office for a meeting he was going to have.
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"DAMNIT! DAMNIT! DAMNIT!"
Pearla was kicking the bathroom door she was gripping in her heels letting her frustration out. Pearla, being beyond pissed wasn't going her way, he paid good money for that bastard to sneak in and mess up that Katarina's work. It was supposed to appoint her to help recreate the dresses she worked on, but she was still denied on the project. She was even angrier when Bunny smirked at her while Doflamingo was speaking.
'That no good bitch! She knows something and everything is fucking up because of her!' Pearla hissed in her thoughts, slamming open the bathroom door to grip the sink tight.
Looking up at the mirror, her perfect image was broken even if she was glamorously dressed. Pearla didn't care, she could pull it back, but her temper was still filled in her eyes.
'That bitch needs to go, I need to get back where I was, where I deserve to be.'
Fixing her long silvery white hair, outfit, and lipstick from her clutch chain purse. Pearla turned from the mirror to her desk she hated. 'Bunny, you are going to regret coming here.'
Opening the bathroom door, she stomped off to her desk, coming up with a new plan.
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Returning to my office from Doflamingo's meeting I made me a cup of tea from the set that Doflamingo got for me in my own office. He had discussed that the security he hired was part of his special underlings in secret he hires to make sure if they see anything they stop it. Even on my floor I could see the cameras in every corner of the room but not in my office. He knew that I already had one but since I found most of the evidence in the storage room, and Doflamingo's trust knowing I didn't need any extra in my office. Gladius with Buffalo along with Baby 5 whom I was shocked to see working security. She practically jumped and hugged me when I walked into the room. It wasn't hard to calm her down, but Doflamingo made it clear she has to stay in the security room helping watch over the cameras. She didn't like it, but it was fine, I knew Baby 5 could be manipulated to do the task when stating we needed her to do that.
Sitting down at my desk, I went over the documents for the coming quarter review in the next week. With the Winter collection main pieces getting destroyed, Doflamingo was no in the best of moods. Making sure that the workers who had worked on the dresses that were messed up remade, giving only certain people to stay late fixing the mess Pearla had made. I said that Pearla is going to act up again and probably at me since I was the one pulling the two apart. Katarina was not at fault, but both had a serious talking to by Doflamingo after they cleaned the mess up which took them from what I heard was three hours. Machvise was going to lock up the departments with guards standing by before opening, lunchtime, and closing. The Family wasn't happy that some would be home later, but things needed to be tighter.
Doflamingo had the people coming to fix up the garage, probably found where the guy got in to make sure there would be no more break ins. Either way, things were going to get messy.
Knock! Knock!
Looking up, I see Amelia at the door to wave her in with some files in her hand as she walked to my desk.
"I have the reports, and the detailed list of the attendees at the Gala tonight at the Brooklyn Paramount," Amelia spoke handing me the items I asked for.
Tonight I was going with Doflamingo to a Gala tonight as his business partner/date for a party one of his clients is thrown a Silent Auction. A classic fundraising event in which guests place bids on items you've procured. But, unlike live auctions, there is no auctioneer running the show. Bidders browse, bid on, and compete to win their favorite silent auction items and packages usingmobile biddingorfundraising software. When time's up, the highest bid wins the item, and the organization receives the proceeds. From what I can understand, Doflamingo is going to socialize with people as most will want to talk business with him, gaining new clients, greeting current clients, and networking which I will be helping. Either way, I knew of this event in advance like I told Doflamingo and would be ready since I bought a new dress for the event. It was going to be tons of rich people, celebrities, people taking pictures, so it was going to be an extremely lavish party which is why I wanted to study the guests list before I go.
"Great, this will help me when I meet with these people," I replied, opening the folders looking down at the list as she left.
Flipping through the pages of the names that were going to be there I stopped at one name: Pearla Snow with Daphne's name which I can see, including Pearla's mother: Rhea Snow. This will be interesting. Pulling up google, I typed in Rhea Snow to see if anything pulls up with a photo to see what she looks like. Yes, here we go. Rhea Snow was a tal woman like her daughter looking elegant with a delicate feature besides some age lines by her eyes which looking closely were under her make-up. Hair was black unlike her daughters or husbands, which is strange as black hair is usually stronger in genes to appear. White is rare but the gene pool would have to be stronger than black. Strange indeed. Rhea's eyes were icy blue which the family has so that is common in the family with pale skin. From what I can see Rhea has degrees in Education, Business, and Arts. Working with multiple schools providing funds for art, music, and theatre in both public and private schools. She is big in making sure school systems are well provided for under privilege kids, and helping with scholarships. In with the country club type, great at golf, and a book club. Though with pictures with her family at events looks as if she is happy but also withdraw.
Something is going on with the family for her to look so unhappy but alone at other events seems to be more alive than with her family. Especially if Daphne is ridiculously close with Pearla. Maybe if I can get a word in with Rhea at the party without those two brats around, talk to her. Not to be friends but if Doflamingo is going to take down Pearla and her father, Rhea may not be in on the scams. Either way, this event might get messy.
Sounds like fun!
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Work dragged on but I was happy I was able to leave so I could an hour early to head home so I get ready for the gala. It didn't start until 9 so I had three hours before Doflamingo was going to pick me up. I had already informed him about the names on the list going to be there that could cause 'problems.' Doflamingo agreed if anything happens to have my side, if Pearla or Daphne causing drama at the event. Either way I was able to come home to eat some left-over shrimp I made with some veggies. Once I ate, I got ready with the dress I picked out. The dress was a black Velvet Fish Tail Cocktail Dress with the halter top ties around my back in a bow exposing my back where it stopped under where my breast would be. There was a slit that went up to my midthigh on the right, so I had on sheer black panty hose with black flower pattern on them. Attached to the top were attached to the back on my neck where it was tied in multi-layers falling over my shoulders were these elegant, jeweled chains with white rhinestones in them to my elbows. Elegant and classy for events like this. Some black five in heels that were in silk with ribbon ties around my ankles.
Picking out a pair of black mesh tulle opera gloves to wear which I had from my stripper days. I still had things I saved which were still good for some uses but mostly the gloves I liked to use in some of my acts. Plus, I bought some in bulk when I would throw the gloves for the men to keep, but some were still nice. Even the fake jewelry was still nice to use, look real enough but I'm not used to splurging high end jewels. Not my style, this dress alone was only $150. The earrings I was wearing were just some simple fake diamond studs in my double piercing ears I have. No necklace, but I do have some rhinestone cuff bracelets to wear. My hair was half up in a high ponytail with the rest down, gave some strands of hair some extra curl to bounce as I walked with several falling around my face. Makeup was a glittering smokey eye with some pink simmer in the inner corner of my eyes to help my icy blue eyes to glow against the makeup. People always seemed to stare and awe with how bright they can seem so bright. Use the assets you have to draw them in, my motto when I was a stripper, and even in business. Eyes can be the most expressive, though I can understand why Doflamingo hides his. Shaking my head, I leaned close to my mirror applying my French pink lipstick that has a nice shimmer to the color.
~Sip the gossip, drink 'til you choke. Sip the gossip, burn down your throat. You're not iconic, you are just like them all~
Ugh, I rolled my eyes closed my lip stick before moving to my bed where my phone was. I had Gossip by Manskin as Doflamingo's ringtone. I even changed his name to "Flamingo-Ass".
Swiping, I put the phone to my ear, "Yes?"
"I'm downstairs, are you ready?" I could hear his voice, still was irritated from today.
"I am, just need to grab my clutch purse and I will be down," I hung up on him before he could answer. The clutch was on a long silver thin chain, the clutch was layered black silk fabric that flaps over. There is a small latch that helps keep the clutch closed while wearing it where it would rest against my hip.
Putting my ID, phone, lipstick, my smaller vape pen (I know I might need it), and some cash for the bar with a few of my business cards to give out if I meet any people who would like to invest in Doflamingo's 'business'. Grabbing my keys to lock my door I headed downstairs. Walking out of the door I could see Doflamingo leaning against the car smoking a cigarette looking to the right with the night air cooling my body. Doflamingo looked at me as I was walking down the steps to look stunned as his cigarette fell from his hand at his lips.
I stopped, "What? Do I look bad?" I looked over at myself then back at him with my hands out confused.
"What! No, you look beautiful!" He spoke rush tone still shocked stepping towards me looking me up and down. "Literally took the breath out of me Bunny, you look stunning."
I blushed feeling flustered even though he always says this. I must be losing my edge. Shaking my head I stepped down to him, "I always look beautiful to you Doflamingo."
He grinned leaning slightly down with his hand out, "That's because you are Bunny. It is a gift to see you shine like this."
Damn, boy knows how to flatter.
I snorted a laugh under my breath taking his hand, "Uh-huh sure, now let's go. We have business to attend too."
His large fingers wrapped around my hand, warm in his grasp with his grin widening, "That we do."
Doflamingo helped me in the car with Lao holding the door for us before closing it to drive us to the event.
"Here," I looked at Doflamingo who handed me a magazine with the event name on it.
"What's this?" I took the magazine opening it to see pictures with the people who planned this event.
"This is what is at the Silent Auction Gala, they send it out to let those attending to know what is being auctioned off during the party. Thought you might want to take a look to see if anything you might like," Doflamingo explained while I flipped through reading the descriptions of the event.
"Oh, how nice of them to send this," I remarked not too impressed with some of the items.
Some jewelry, art, tickets to certain concerts, celebrities to spend a day with, expensive spa days at resort that seemed extremely costly. Many more items as the book was nearly fifty items that are being auctioned off. Wait.
"Did you auction yourself off?" I looked at him appalled.
He snorted, "No, I did not. I put a auction bid in for anyone who wins gets first pick of my Winter Collection before others can get their hands on it."
"It's for fifty-thousand dollars to start the bid off!" I exclaimed at the starting bid number he put in.
"Yes, and that bid will go to my pocket and half of the man who sent the auction pocket," Doflamingo explained chuckling feeling proud. "I've done this for eight years; it gets pretty high in the bidding war with others."
"I bet," I grumbled, flipping to the next page before stopping. "No way."
"What?"
I pointed at the picture of the man. He was tall about six feet with black wavy hair with some pushed back while in a tailored suit used when playing in a large grand orchestra holding a violin. Black cat ears and tail, his eyes a piercing green with sharp features with a black goatee. Athletic build with broad shoulders, look smug in the picture.
"This is Andre Devereux," I could sense Doflamingo leaning over to look at who I was looking at. "My mother used to play with him. I didn't think he would auction himself off like this."
"Were they close?" Doflamingo's voice was soft, almost concerning to me.
I shook my head, "No, Andre hated my mom as she always got First Chair when playing and hated how she took off and he didn't. I remember that he often would argue with my mom and the conductor about how all the solos were given to her. Guy is an ass."
"Haven't heard of him before."
"He isn't worth the attention, just a dick trying to make his way now that my mother is gone," I hissed flipping the page not wanting to see his ugly mug.
We continued to ride in silence the rest of the way until pulling up to the building where there were multiple photographers. Doflamingo got out first before helping me as I left the magazine in the car. Keeping my hand firm around Doflamingo's hand as the lights were making it hard to see from the flashes. I felt his hand hold mine tight helping guide me unlike him who has his glasses to shield him from the light. Finally, we made it in, I let out a breath of air I was holding while Doflamingo lead to the side as I blink my eyes fast with all the black dots in my eyes.
"Are you alright?" Doflamingo titled my face up to him looking worried inspecting me.
"Fucking hate that shit, can barely see with all he black dots in my eyes," I replied, eyes moving around fast. "I hope this doesn't trigger my headaches; I don't need that right now." I squeezed my eyes tight before looking down then back up, "Their going away just give me a minute."
"Bunny, are you sure you're alright? We can go?" I shook ym head at his words holding my hand up.
"I'm fine, I'm fine it just takes a second for the dots to go away. Besides we have work to be done, leaving now would cause a scene," I replied looking at him.
His head was titled before sighing standing straight looking serious, "Bunny if the headaches start let me know, the music is going to be loud but if it gets worst, I need to know."
"I understand that Doflamingo, and I will as I've told you all the ones I've had per what it says in my contract with you. Chopper, Perona, and you are the only ones I talk about my condition since I used to poison myself," I pinched the bridge of my nose as I did not want to argue right now. "I know I haven't had any serious effect since I stopped-"
"But I also don't need you having a brain aneurysm which is why I need to know if one starts to form if it gets worse Bunny. That is what your doctor told you, and is why the nose bleeds happen with some of your migraines," he grunted out displeased.
"And you have been informed every time, now drop it. I'm not in the mood to argue with you tonight," I snipped at him under my breath before walking around him. "Let's go, we have clients to meet."
"Fine," Doflamingo grunted, holding his arm out as I took hold walking with him to the party.
The place was packed with people dressed up in a high-event club as the music was loud, but people were talking even louder to be heard when talking to whoever they were with. The bar was packed with people with about seven bartenders including staff with trays of drinks walking around. Lights were down with smaller lights decorated around the hall. Definitely feels like a club scene for the rich to afford. Several tables on the side with people gathering at of large posters of the items being auctioned off, knowing putting the real stuff would be stolen with this many people here. I walked with Doflamingo as several people walked up, I let go of Doflamingo's right arm while he shook hands with the people. I smiled when I was introduced, his business partner shocking most. All the same talk about how Doflamingo never took a partner, so the chatting began with my smarts to impress these men.
Smarts and beauty can be a deadly weapon when used right, aren't I right ladies.
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Two hours went, I was sipping some white wine walking as I looked at the posters on the tables set up for them. Doflamingo was off wherever he was with people he knows, I had already handed out several cards to people who knew me from the trial and some about the newest partner of Doflamingo's wanting to ask about becoming a client. Easy to deal with so far, if I can charm men at the strip club to get their money, I sure can do it in a place like this. So far, I hadn't experienced any annoyances yet.
"Well, if it isn't the hooker!"
I rolled my eyes; damn I spoke too soon.
Turning to see Pearla all glammed up in a glittering floor length mermaid ballgown, heavily adorned with sequin design all over the dress to the floor costing more than what I was wearing. A while feathered shall hanging off her shoulders, necklace wrapped around her neck of diamonds for a queen with earring to match, bracelets, and just screaming she has money. Pearla's hair was curled looking like she was star on the Red Carpet, make-up glammed up of silver and blue with dark red lipstick on. Behind her seemed to be more glammed up women, maybe her friends dressed one dressed in black/gold attire, the second in a high slit red velvet dress with gold jewelry, and the third being a sequin teal satin floor length gown adorned in silver and gems.
Ugh, this must be her click.
My left arm under my right as I held my glass looking unimpressed, "What do you want Pearla? I have no time for trash."
Irritation was immediate on her face until her friend in red spoke up, "Oh, please! The only trash here is you! We don't need some hooker here!"
"Oh sweetie," I titled my head to the side mockingly. "If you think insults like that could hurt me, you got another thing coming. And it is stripper to correct you seeing you are the one dressed like a hooker here."
"You bitch!" red one shouted.
"Again, I've been called worse. Pearla control your pets, I'm your boss and your actions here can affect your employment if you keep acting up," I stared at Pearla sneering at me.
"Trash like don't belong at Doflamingo's side, I am better fit to be at his side!" Pearla snapped pointing at herself.
"Pearla you are a spoiled brat, and even Doflamingo can see through your sickly-sweet act which is why he never touched you," I shot back smirking as her face grew red.
"Oh please, you stole Pearla's job at the company, we all know that!" the teal girl jumped in now.
Again, Pearla has been spinning lies making her the victim.
"I didn't steal anything; Pearla was told by Doflamingo that I was hired, and she threw a hissy fit like a child. You rich girls obviously lack any common sense," I rolled my eyes sipping my wine watching as these girls were losing their temper at my words.
"Fuck you, you are just some stripper who got lucky! Just damaged goods is what you are, why would anyone want you now?" now black and gold chimed in.
My lids lowered on my eyes causing her to flinch when I grinned wickedly.
Tilted my head to the side, "Then why does Doflamingo want me if I'm damaged goods?"
Pearla's expression darked with anger hearing that, causing me to chuckle darkly stepping forward to her getting close to her face staring Pearla deep into her eyes whispering for her to hear, "Doflamingo spent months trying to get me on his side, now that he has me, he wants me even more than you. Seems like you lose, especially when I find the money you stole."
SLAP!
My head whipped to the side when Pearla slapped me, the stinging pain radiating like fire on my cheek.
"SHUT UP YOU WHORE!" Pearla screeched. "YOU KNOW NOTHING!"
I stood up finger gently touching my cheek, my eyes snapped to her coldly causing her to look fearful at my gaze now that my face was voice of emotion. I cracked my neck to the right, moving the glass to my left hand before I quickly punched Pearla in the face. She fell back as her friends caught her screaming as I walked away as a crowd started to form while Pearla clenched her face, probably bleeding. I quickly located Doflamingo making a B-line to him before grasping his arm tight making him stop talking to look down at me.
"Bunny what's-"before he could finish his hand went to my face. "The fuck happened to you!" His voice tight, hissing through his teeth getting closer to inspect my face.
"We are about to have a problem," I spoke, voice still pissed from my encounter with Pearla.
I saw Doflamingo's head snapped up to the commotion where he could see Pearla crying, and screaming as her nose was bleeding. His head snapped to me, growling, "What happened?"
"Bitch slapped me after I insulted her when she insulted me first with her friends, so I hit her back after she slapped me," I hissed out, growling when he pressed his hand on my cheek. It hurt like hell; I didn't need him putting pressure on it now.
"YOU LITTLE SLUT!"
"There is the problem," I muttered for Doflamingo to hear as we both turned to see Daphne storming over to me pointing at me looking pissed. There behind her was Pearla and her friends holding Pearla up while she cried holding napkins to her bleeding nose. Music stopped as everyone was now staring at the commotion going on.
Daphne, in her champagne gown heartline swaying around her looking glammed up like Pearla sneering angrily at me. She went to slap me, but Doflamingo caught her hand from standing behind me in his towering height.
"Let go of me you bastard!" Daphne yelled, trying to pull herself free.
"Don't you dare touch Bunny," Doflamingo's tone was deadly, tossing Daphne back making her stumble but still pissed off as she continued to shout.
"That fucking hussy slapped Pearla! She did nothing wrong! I knew you were going to be trouble bitch!" Daphne yelled, fuming, pointing at Pearla then at me.
"She insulted me first and slapped my first, she got what she deserved if she is going to attack someone first," I pointed at my cheek feeling it already swell up. "Do you think I did this to myself?"
"That's a lie! We saw everything!" the red on shouted pointing at me.
"Yeah! You hit Pearla first!" now the teal one chimed in.
"I only spoke to the truth to Pearla, you all were the one calling me trash and a hooker," I retorted back calmly.
"Because you are trash! You are a disgusting stripper! A fucking Gold Digger! I don't know why my husband praises you!" Daphne yelled, voice getting horse with her screaming.
I smirked at her making her more pissed off, "Maybe that is because he recognizes talent which you don't have."
There was a bunch of "Oooh's" from the crowd, some putting their fist to their mouth impressed by the insult. Daphne obviously wasn't having it, her face was turning even redder before going to grab me again to attack before getting slapped herself making Daphne stumble to the side. I was shocked as Daphne and Pearla when Rhea slapped Daphne looking deeply disgusted by their behavior. Rhea looked stunning in a beautiful black satin gown with a sweetheart neckline with long caped sleeve that slit open at her elbows falling down to the floor like her dress. Thick black choker with diamonds on it, hair neatly pulled up into a tight high bun with her black wolf ears sticking out at the top folded back with diamond drop earring in. Dark makeup that makes her white skin glow with deep dark red lipstick on.
Daphne looked up stunned that she was slapped, "The hell Rhea! You hit me!"
"And you are making a disgusting scene Daphne, have you no shame," Rhea's voice held firm glaring at Daphne.
"Mother!" Pearla called out for her mother before shrinking under her mother's gaze.
"Shut your mouth Pearla, I am deeply disappointed in you as well. You know better than to act this way in public," Rhea snapped back. She turned to me and Doflamingo bowing slightly with her hands clasped over her stomach, "I am sorry for my daughter and Daphne causing you trouble Miss Sinclair, and Sir Doflamingo."
"Mother what are you doing?!" Pearla shrieked.
"The hell Rhea! You are apologizing to this tramp and bastard!" Daphne shrieked as well before Rhea spun slapping Daphne again on the left side of her face now.
"SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!" Rhea yelled, fuming at the two. "Since before we left the house, all you two and your friends Pearla plotted to humiliated Bunny on baseless grounds! I will not stand by and let you create chaos you had already planned to do!"
The group Rhea was yelling out shrunk into themselves as everyone was watching the scene unfold. I noticed many holding their phones out recording everything going on.
"But mother, she stole-"
"Bunny didn't steal anything Pearla!" Doflamingo exclaimed, growling from his throat as Pearla paled and others around us. He pointed at her, "I am tired of your fucking countless plotting, lies, and now assaulting your boss! I will have none of it! You're FIRED!"
"NO! PLEASE DON'T!" Pearla collapsed on the ground begging as tears fell from her eyes.
"Get her out of here! You too Daphne!" Rhea shouted, pointing at the door.
Pearla's friends had to drag Pearla out as she was kicking, screaming in her begging, and cries with Daphne walking away holding her face glaring at me and Rhea.
"I would like to speak with you privately, if you would please hear me?" Rhea turned asking me as I looked at Doflamingo who was still fuming, chest breathing heavy.
"fine," Doflamingo grounded out before Rhea turned as we followed her.
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Rhea took us to a private area away from the crowd that soon when back to the party, now gossiping about what happened. I sat on the leather couch waiting for Rhea to come back as she went to get me ice. Doflamingo was sitting back, his arm on the back of the couch behind me, his lips pressed against his knuckles still fuming. I don't know why, but I put my finger on his leg giving it a light squeeze rubbing my finger on his thigh hoping it would calm him some. I never give soft touches to him, knowing what he does but I know with what happened things are going to get messy because of me. I'm not used to comforting men, not after what happened with Law, but I feel like I need to try. His anger isn't good for him, after what he did to Enel, I don't need him killing the Snow Family in cold blood just yet.
Doflamingo's hand grasped mine as he brought it up leaning down to his lips close to me, voice cold in a whisper, "Touching me isn't the best option right now Bunny."
I stared up at him anxious whispering back, "I was trying to calm you down, your scent is strong and bitter, but I also know your temper isn't good for you. Especially right now with the mess I just made."
I just stared at his lenses, able to see this close his good eye looking me over, but mostly at my cheek. Inhaling and exhaling through his nose, his hand behind me gently grasping my head to press his lips to my hairline inhaling the scent of my hair. My eyes were shut tight, flustered by his actions making me tense up.
"This isn't your fault, Bunny; something was bound to happen. I'm not mad at you so calm down. Your own scent is too lovely to be this sour," his lip moved across my skin talking low, no hint of anger in his voice made my lip quiver as I wanted to cry.
The hell is wrong with me, just fuck why am I getting like this?
"Shhh, breathe for Bunny it is ok," I sniffled shivering at his calming tone nodding taking in a deep breath in and out.
He pulled away my eyes, opening, looking up at him overwhelmed as my emotions from the anger began to wash over me. Doflamingo looking worried for me till his head snapped to the side seeing Rhea as his cold expression was back. He releases my head gently placing it behind my body, his large hand resting on my shoulder feeling his thumb rub against my skin, guess trying to calm me now. Rhea handed me the bag of ice as I gently placed it on my cheek, I flinched from the pain, but it was needed for the swelling to go down.
Rhea sat down on the other couch legs crossing sitting straight looking exhausted from the whole ordeal.
"I am sorry for my daughters' actions, even Daphne's was out of line," Rhea spoke, I can hear the exhaustion in her tone.
"I highly doubt that Mrs. Snow," Doflamingo spoke harshly. "Your daughter is a nightmare, I should have never hired her in the first place if it wasn't for your husband."
Rhea sighed heavily head dropping slightly, "I blame my husband for that and Daphne's influence. Let me get straight to the point."
"Please do," I stayed silent listening and observing.
"I am about to divorce my husband," I stared at her shock while Rhea continued. "I am tired of everything they have been doing, and frankly Stefan is losing money from his idiot dealings at the company. I've been paying the bills and debt but frankly, I also found out that you have been looking into our finances Mr. Donquixote."
I felt Doflamingo's hand twitch and flex on my shoulder, I looked at Rhea speaking, "Pearla has been stealing from Doflamingo's business. I already know she has taken over $100,000's, and I plan to find out how much she stole to sue her and your husband."
"Bloody hell," Rhea cursed under her breath fingers pressed against her forehead looking more stressed. Sighing looking back at me, "What do you need? I am tired of cleaning up their messes, I haven't even mentioned to anyone but my lawyer about the divorce."
"You are willing to send your husband to jail and your daughter?" Doflamingo questioned, he wasn't exactly thrilled to her Rhea give him anything without strings.
"They dug their own graves, and my wealth is separate from their own thanks to a prenup I have with Stefan," Rhea replied calmly. "I used to love my husband even with the arrange marriage, and my daughter."
"But now?" I asked.
Rhea looked to her lap thinking, "The last four years have been a nightmare, I practically live at my office, charity work, and in my own separate room in the mansion. Frankly, I am done but I have very little evidence against my husband as he won't allow for a divorce to happen."
"You need dirt on him," Doflamingo replied to Rhea this time.
Rhea nodded, "I know you are good with digging up graves Mr. Doflamingo, I also know you have a contract with Stefan about the shipping yard you have your good shipped too. I help Stefan with the business, and he doesn't know I own most of the stock shares let alone most of the board is on my side. I will give you the shipping yard, if you can find dirt on my husband."
Oh shit! My eyes widened when I heard this with my mouth dropping some. I looked at Doflamingo who was staring at Rhea calmly, probably thinking this over.
"I will give you whatever you need to figure out the amount Pearla has stolen from you, including Stefan, but I want to walk away clean from them before you do anything," Rhea added.
"I will think about it," Rhea nodded at Doflamingo's words.
Rhea stood up as I followed Doflamingo to stand as I followed Doflamingo who walked away from this meeting. I made one last look at Rhea who was standing there calmly before we disappeared around the corner.
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The ride back to my apartment was too quiet for me, even when he walked me back to the apartment, he stood there silently with his hands in his pant pockets while I put the now melted bag of ice in the sink.
I bit my lip weakly speaking, "I'm sorry."
"What do you need to be sorry for?" Doflamingo asked.
I turned to him holding my arm looking down, "I caused this mess, and now with Rhea."
"I told you it is not your fault Bunny," Doflamingo's tone was tighter hearing his steps to me while I was getting upset.
"But it is! I shouldn't have lost my temper, but I wasn't going to let her just hit me!" I exclaimed beginning to panic throwing my hand out explaining. "And now with you firing her father is going to cause hell if she and Daphne don't start shit!"
"Bunny!" Doflamingo rushed to me hands gently grasping my face making me look up at him while I started to have a panic attack like my anxiety was getting out of control with the situation I made. I frankly looked at him breathing heavily, I usually don't freak out, but everyone witnesses the drama. I try and stay away from drama as it always caused problems for me. And I did it in front of Doflamingo!
Doflamingo removed his glasses to his head before again gently cupping my cheeks for me to stare at his eyes which showed great concern, "Mi querida you need to breath for me, you did nothing wrong."
"But but I-" I tried taking a breath but it was shaky with tears forming in my eyes from being overwhelmed.
His fingers spread to the back of my head holding me without hurting me, leaning in close for his forehead to touch mine keeping my gaze, "Nothing is your fault, this is not your mess you made. We both know they would do something at the event, it was just unexpected. Mi querida-"
I gripped his wrists shouting eyes clenched tight as the tears fell, "Stop speaking Spanish!"
"Why?"
My lip shook, "I don't know, it feels weird. I feel weird when you do, so stop please."
I kept my eyes shut not wanting to see his face, shaking from this. He seemed to pull back a bit.
"no."
I looked at him shocked while he was almost smug which made me panic.
His hands released my face before grabbing me by the waist putting me on the counter, "The hell are you doing?!"
His hands gripped the counter edge, stepping closer leaning down closer to me making me panic and flustered gulping.
"What do you feel when I speak my native tongue?" oh his voice dipped low and deep, fuck!
"Nothing!" I exclaimed though my voice came out high pitched.
He chuckled deep from his chest, "Dime mi corazón, ¿qué te tiene tan nervioso?"
"Stop it!" My face was growing hotter.
"Oh no cariño, no podrás salir de esta. Pareces muy nervioso?" he continued.
"Shut up!" I covered my hands over his mouth while he was laughing behind them while my head was down knowing it was crimson. Fucking hell; my body was like it was almost burning hot and my lower region was literally throbbing.
I slowly looked back up at him feeling his grin under my hand as his eyes knew what I feared: him speaking Spanish seemed to turn me on. FUCK I'M SCREWED!
I ripped my hands away, "Get out right now!"
"Oh no darling, we are not going to pass up this conversation," he was thoroughly intrigued with how wide his grin was.
"This conversation is done, you can leave," I stiffened when he lean in.
"Me speaking Spanish is a turn on for you, isn't it?"
I shook my head quickly, "No, your voice gets deep and its weird."
That only seemed to excite him which I began to panic more.
He crept closer purring with his voice deliberately low taunting me, "Tell me what makes you feel so weird when my voice is deep?"
I clenched my jaw tight leaning a bit back from his while he continues to lean closer as my fight or flight in my system went off as my leg went up hitting him in the groin again.
"Engh!" Doflamingo grunted from the pain, growling as he grabbed my leg from his groin hooking it around his hip. His hand releasing my face to grab my bottom tight meshing his groin with mine.
"What the hell let go!" I freaked out being pressed so aggressively against his pants feeling the groin. I pushed on his chest to push him away, but he held me tight not letting me go.
"That is going to be the last time you do that Bunny," I looked up at him fearful from his tone of irritation. "You need to be punished."
"What!" I squeaked until his free hand from my leg grasped the back of my head before he crushed his lips to mine.
A bruising kiss rough all lips and teeth crushed together against my lips with a groan from him full of desire and want. Causing me to gasp from the shock that ripple through my frame to my groin. Doflamingo took the second to force his tongue into my mouth exploring the inside of my mouth and tongue gripping my hair tight enjoying the pleasure as his body shuddered with mine. His hand gripping my bottom lifted me to grind against his own which left a moan out of my mouth, Doflamingo growling from his chest. Pressing his hips to roll up against mine as my dress was pushed back while assaulting my mouth with heavy, hungry kisses. My body was hot from the encounter, soon moving with his mouth as he drove in more wanting to taste everything my mouth could give him. I felt weak in his hands, this unimaginable pleasure erupting inside making me wet. My hands gripped his suit lapel trying to hold on as I could feel like my body would melt away. His tongue was long, exploring my mouth, my teeth, taking in my salvia as if it was the sweetest wine he had ever tasted. The roll of his hip sent fire through my groin as his member, thick and hard from under his pants rubbed against my clit.
Pulling back, I gasped, my breath heavy as my lungs needed air while he continued to kiss, suck, and bite at my kiss like an animal wanting feast. Gripping my hair to yank my head back letting out a cry from the pain of my hair which seemed to spur him on more. The grinding of his hip pressed harder, almost wanting to be closer than apart with a wall of fabric between us. His head came back up again crushing me in a mind-blowing kiss, never relenting before pulling back to press his forehead against mine like a hot brand. His eyes I can see blown out like mine staring intently.
"Tell me Bunny, when was the last time that you felt someone want you as much as I do right now?" deep husky voice with darken desire. "You can't even remember, can you? That last time of being in loving embrace."
My eyes widen, memories flashing through my mind of the time with Law. All the times of love I remember, the touches, the looks, the texts, everything until that fateful day. The day the pain on top of everything of me on the ground crying and screaming at the funeral as I watched him walk away as it rained. Tears poured from my eyes; I quickly shoved him away gripping my hair shaking. The pain, the pain of everything was flooding back because I loved him so much it broke me. My knees came up while I shook as the flood gates opened that I held back for so long. I could feel the cracks of my body from everything I had put back together from that time beginning to break again.
"Bunny! Bunny Look at me!" I felt his hands try and pull my hands away from my head as I was pulling at my scalp. I looked up at him terrified while he seemed freaked out.
"NO!" I yelled, shaking my head. "Get out! Get Out! Get OUT!"
I shoved him back again, hopping off the counter running to my room. Slamming door locking it, as I fell to the floor crying while holding my knees to me.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
"Bunny, open the door right now! What's wrong! Answer me!" Doflamingo pounded on my door, but I didn't answer, rocking myself back and forth. "Bunny! Open the door!"
I can't do that again! I can't go back there! I can't open that box again! I can't! I can't!
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Doflamingo pounded on Bunny's bedroom door for an hour before walking away running his head through his hair pacing back in forth in her apartment. Trying to figure out why Bunny suddenly freaked out on him like that. He could hear her crying but after some time of sitting on the couch thinking while pressing his fingers to his forehead before looking at his watch. It was twenty minutes past eleven when Doflamingo decided to leave pulling his glasses back down, he knew Bunny wasn't going to come out, but he knew he needed to get information. Walking outside, Doflamingo could see Lao standing by the car looking at his phone.
Lao looked up to see the Young Master distressed, "What's wrong sir?"
Doflamingo let out an exhausted sigh running his hand over his jaw, "I don't know, she freaked and locked herself in her room. Fuck!"
Doflamingo kicked a trash can looking greatly upset, his hands on his hips trying to think.
"Young Master calm down, explain it to me?" Lao stepped forward trying to calm Doflamingo. Lao knew something was wrong, the Young Master confided in him the most since he is often with the Young Master in the car, and when he was young. Lao besides Diamante and Trebol, Lao is often the voice of reason for Doflamingo with his age having seen more than Doflamingo had gone through form what was told to him. Lao knew what others didn't about Doflamingo and could see more that the Young Master had serious feelings for Miss Sinclair for him to be this discomposed.
Rubbing the back of his neck with a hand on his hip for Doflamingo to explain, "Things kind of went a little 'spicey' between us or rather I kissed her. Aggressively."
Lao's eyebrows went up as he fully opened his eyes to look at the Young Master in disbelief, "You kissed her?"
"Yes, it was great," Doflamingo grinned before shaking his head. "But that isn't the point, it was after when I spoke to her that she freaked out on me really bad. She shoved me gripping her head, crying, and ran to locked herself in her room."
"What did you say to her before she freaked out?" Lao pressed, eyebrows narrowing with his white cat ears folded back. Knowing Doflamingo, he is quite blunt he is expressing himself.
Doflamingo lips were thinned before telling Lao what he said to Bunny. Lao pinched his fingers over the bridge of his nose, "Okay so it seems she from how you described her reaction brought up memories that she has been trying to suppress. And you saying that must have brought back the pain."
"Pain?" Doflamingo titled his head confused before exclaiming. "Pain of what?!"
"Love," Lao replied softly. "Bunny dealing with trauma of love and abandonment. I remember what you told me when you visited her in the hospital about Law, and how she was crying when she woke up begging you to get them out."
That's when it hit Doflamingo like a ton of bricks. Of all the times she kept her distance from him, how she draws the line with him, how she was so angry and crying in the hospital about Law and Marco. How Perona treated him, her yelling at Law about what she had to do with Bunny back in college.
"I need to talk to Bunny's best friend Perona, now," Doflamingo spoke opening the door.
"Sir, it is close to midnight?" Lao questioned confused.
"I need answers, and I need them now. Take me to her apartment," Doflamingo argued back getting in the back while Lao sighed before doing what his Master told him.
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BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Doflamingo pounded on Perona's door consistently until the door was being unlocked to swing open to show Perona looking pissed in her satin dress to her thighs wearing a pink sheer robe that had pink fur at the ends. Her hair was pulled up in rollers to keep her curls in with a pink sleep mask on her forehead, and slippers that matched her robe.
"The hell are you doing here!" Perona screeched until she stumbled back as Doflamingo barged in.
"Sit the fuck down, we are going to have a talk about Bunny," Doflamingo growled, while Perona backed away scared collapsing in her pink couch.
Lao closed the door while Doflamingo grabbed a chair from the kitchen planting it infront of Perona before sitting down on it. Leaning forward looking serious while Perona was looking extremely nervous, "Explain to me why Bunny is so terrified about being 'loved'?"
"What?" Perona's voice pitched causing Doflamingo's ears to flatten back from the high pitch assault on his ears. "Why the hell should I tell you anything? Bunny was nearly killed when she was with you!"
"I am not in the mood to talk about that, now why is Bunny so afraid of being loved? What the fuck happened after Law dumped her?" Doflamingo hissed, his anger rising with the veins beginning to appear on his forehead and neck.
Perona looked worried looking back and forth between Doflamingo and Lao before staring at the man before her demanding answers. Swallowing, Perona looked down at her hands thinking back of the memories as her face fell with despair.
"Bunny had just lost her parents; she was a complete reck. Always crying, screaming, having nightmares of seeing their death over and over," Perona began to explain. "At the funeral, Law walked away and when Bunny went after him, he told her that he couldn't handle her baggage and told her he was done. Leaving her even more crushed that the person she had loved, and was hoping to help rely on while she was going through this just dump Bunny at her parent's funeral. It was like she broke into a million pieces on the grass, screaming, and begging for him to come back."
"What else?"
"Bunny began to drink quite heavily; it got to the point where she actually got alcohol poisoning. Had to be rushed to the hospital when I found her in our dorm room, she had to be held at the hospital for a week under Marco's watch and the Whitebeard family making sure this never got out," Perona wiped a tear from her eyes but were still glossy with tears she was trying to hold back. "Couple weeks later after she got out when she returned back to college, I walked in our room to find her about to hang herself."
'No,' Doflamingo's eyes widened behind his glasses stunned. His stomach dropped hearing this, imaging Bunny trying to kill herself after her parent's death, and the pain at the same time of being dumped. It frightened him to his core, to the point he wanted to throw up.
Now the tears were falling from Perona's face, "I never told anyone this, not even the Whitebeard Family that cared a lot for Bunny. From then on, I changed my class schedule to make sure I was with her during the classes we had together. I even had some people I know watch Bunny if I had to use the bathroom or during an exam. Often time I just brought her with me to classes we didn't have when she had free time, and I went to hers." Perona sniffled rubbing her nose with her robe. "Bunny was cold, practically lifeless until after a month since the funeral she changed."
"Changed how?" Doflamingo's voice was low, even for him.
"She started to find work, was more determined in her studies, worried about her grandmother after hearing the will her parent's left for her. She wasn't the sweet girl I used to know, she still had things she liked but she didn't touch alcohol for the longest time, just sipping super cheap wine now and then I would have which I watched her when she did. It wasn't until I noticed she was working nights coming home exhausted, dark bags under her eyes while going to class. I followed her where she was supposed to work until I found out she was stripping. She wasn't happy but when she told me she was using the money her parents left her for her grandmother home, and needed money to pay for food, cloths, school supplies since she was broke."
"Any relationships?" Doflamingo questioned, Perona shook her head.
"No, had a one-night stand about twice but she didn't touch men at all after how Law left her. She said to me, 'Perona it isn't worth truly loving someone like I did Law to be broken all over again. The pain killed me, I can't love again. Everyone I do dies or leaves me when I need them the most'. It hurts as I love her like a sister, which she does too but loving someone like she did with Law. It's like all the broken parts of her rip open again; she is afraid she is going to be abandoned again. Loving someone of the opposite sex, to have any feelings bring back the trauma Law left her with. It is a line she isn't able to cross again."
'That is why she has been drawing the line with me, not just because I wanted her by my side. Giving her gifts from her freaking out about them, but because she isn't capable of crossing the line she drew herself,' Doflamingo thought looking down at his hands. 'I have noticed her blushing from when she came to the office when I kissed her head about Kaido interrupting us, and several other times including after the dress department fight when she called me Kitten. Even when I was speaking Spanish which I found interesting until tonight. Monet and Rosi were right; I pushed too hard, but I didn't have the information about why until now.'
"You like Bunny, don't you?" Doflamingo looked up from Perona's remark. "I may not like you, but with you are bursting in here demanding why she is acting like this, you have feelings for her."
"How can you tell?" Doflamingo asked.
"Because no one seems to want to know about Bunny's trauma that has been kept hidden but you. You always seem to be there when she is in trouble, how she acted with you in the hospital when she woke up. I've been watching how you two act around one another," Perona answered, looking at Doflamingo with a calm face studying him. "You may want to be 'Her Man', but you don't know the walls she put up around her. If you ever wanted to be that person to her, stripping down her defense's is going to be a serious battle for you to even try and reach her. And she going to fight back, she is scared of loving anyone truly ever again."
"And what if I can?" Doflamingo grounded out through his teeth.
Perona shook her head waving her finger at him up and down, "You are too rough, assertive, demanding, and too greedy. Bunny can come off strong and assertive with a temper of her own, but she is far more fragile than your average wine glass. If you are here, that means you pushed too far with her?"
'She might be a bubbly girl, but she is smart. Like Bunny,' Doflamingo smirked at Perona before standing up.
"I got what I came here to know, but don't tell Bunny or I will make sure you truly do have something to be scared about," Perona paled at his words gulping before walking to the door. Lao left first but Doflamingo stopped looking at Perona. "Yeah, I like her very much." Before closing the door shut.
"What now sir?" Lao asked following Doflamingo down the hall.
"Well, I fucked up. Gotta find a way to fix my fuck up with Bunny," Doflamingo replied, knowing he truly has fucked up. He didn't need Bunny to hate him forever, let alone running away either. Doflamingo didn't like that he admitted he screwed up, but for Bunny he was willing to swallow his pride for now, and Joker wasn't used to doing that. Ever.
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See you next chapter!
More coming soon!