6- Nightmares

I was back in Russia in that old stinking room. Sitting beside me was that sixty-something-year-old man stiff and dead. He was a regular client. He had come over and over every weekend since he met me and now he was there, lifeless because of his greed.

I had learned through Kenya, another girl, that he owned a casino. He was a nasty son of a bitch, with a long thick beard and no hair.

Because he paid for the service, he thought that he had a right to do as he pleased. Sometimes he tied me to the bed and did things to me like a dirty pig. Sometimes he'd spit on me or hit me over and over until I was half dead.

But now it was my turn and this time I did end his worthless life.

Kenya was a wild and tough girl. She drugged men and knew how to seduce them to do what she wanted. She didn't love it here either but she learned to live with it. Good thing she never had to deal with crazy men as I did.

She was exclusive and almost unreachable, so men who wanted to be with her needed a certain qualification. For her, they paid thrice the amount they paid for any other girl.

Now with her help not only did I become an exclusive but also a murderer.

I escalated faster unlike any other and Kenya wasn't like the other girls who got jealous. In fact, she was surprised and pleased to see me wear the golden stash exclusive girls received.

"I said no," I whispered to the corpse. "But you couldn't keep it in your pants."

I hugged the duvet up to my chest as I stood from the bed. My heart slammed loud against my chest while I studied the lifeless body. There was no sign of anything and if someone saw him, they'd think he was sleeping...but I knew better than anyone.

He was sleeping for the rest of his useless life.

I gathered strength and realized what I actually did. I glanced down at my hand, arms, and between my legs where my own blood stained the spots. He had bruised me badly and hit me multiple times before he died.

The taste of copper on my lips felt real and the pain of my swollen eyes kept me from crying.

"I said no!" I screamed.

I sat upright on my bed and started looking around to realize that I was in my room. It was all a bad dream.

The sun was up behind the dark curtains and tall buildings, and the clock on my side table read five thirty-four.

After calming my erratic heart I strolled down to make coffee. It was quiet and to divert my thoughts I made waffles and club sandwiches for each. My mind kept drifting back to the dream and my body shuddered in fear. I was trying my best to erase those memories but talking to Jake must have triggered them now.

I always told Sebastian about them and I made sure to proceed with therapy before they become worse. But this time I went against it.

When Jake walked into the kitchen, he was half smiling. "It smells good. I missed your waffles."

"I am glad you still love it. "

We ate in silence. It was very comfortable. I watched him devour the food from beneath my lashes. It gave me a sense of satisfaction to know that he still enjoyed my food.

"Sebastian sent me a message this morning. He said his father needs me in his office today." I spoke when I stood from the table.

"Alright."

"I am sorry about leaving. We are supposed to be spending time and making up for it but I think it's a good idea that I have a visit. I have been away for so long."

He gave me a smile when he finished his coffee. "It's okay. I'll see what I can do around here."

As I placed the dishes in the sink an idea came. "Do you want to come along? We can go out for lunch and do something else after I am done."

"It's not necessary"

"I don't want to leave you alone. You'll get bored."

"What if I meet you somewhere for lunch."

"Is that okay? You could get lost."

He sighed. "I am not a kid anymore."

"I'll send a driver over. What do you say?"

"As you please."

"We'll get you in a school as soon as possible. Speaking of which, now that I remember Sebastian gave me this before you ever came. It's for you." I headed to my room and returned with his laptop. "I have a list of schools on the notepad. They are well recommended by him. I will allow you to choose."

His eyes lightened in joy. "Really? Cool!"

"I have to get changed. I will be back. "

I put on a little bit of makeup, dressed in work pants and a soft color blouse, stud earrings, a watch, and black shoes. As soon as Jake caught sight of me, he gave me a worried look.

"Something wrong?"

"These are all private schools. They are so expensive."

I gave him an assuring smile. "So what? Jake, I said I will take care of you and I mean it. I have no one to work for but only you. Everything I do is for you. You deserve this."

"They cost a lot."

"I have the money. Don't argue with me. Besides Sebastian thinks it's easier to get you in one of those. Fewer papers more money."

"I am hearing more Sebastian than my own name lately. Are you in love?"

I am sure I blushed but I looked away immediately. "I'll leave. Gabe is waiting in the car and I don't want to be late."

He gave me a slight punch as I pulled away.

I was very disappointed when the one sitting behind the wheel was actually Gabe and not Sebastian. "Good morning."

"Good morning Miss Mikaelson."

******

The building was almost empty. I walked straight to Mr. Mikaelson's office. He was sitting across from Sebastian with a serious expression on his face. As soon as he saw me, he smiled.

"Amanda, sweetheart, how are you? Sebastian and I were speaking of you."

I returned the hug and kiss. "Is that so? I am doing great Mr. Mikaelson. How are you doing? "

"Better than ever. Happy birthday. I didn't think you would work today."

"The company doesn't work by itself, does it?"

I laughed. "True."

"Please sit down. I have good news. Your new product has not only sold here in England. It's being demanded in our trial countries."

"Really? It's exciting! "

"You have a gift. We are so lucky to have you. Did Sebastian tell you about my party? "

"He did," I finally acknowledged him. He gave me a nod but didn't remove his eyes. I pulled the chair next to him to sit. "He did. I know how much you'd want me there but I cannot come."

Alex furrowed his brows. "Nonsense!"

"Sebastian must have told you that my brother is here. We haven't had time to spend it together properly. I don't want to leave him alone."

"Then bring him."

Both Sebastian and I were surprised. Could I risk taking him there? Important people would surely attend, it wouldn't surprise me to know that Mike had links in England as well.

"I am not sure he would want that. "

"Then ask him. Besides, I'd love to meet the young boy. By the way, when am I having my grandchild?"

Alex knew about our situation and most of the time said things to ignite the hatred between us. He was entertained by our situation, I'd say. He knew Sebastian was a tough man, arrogant, and a hundred percent cruel. At first, he laughed about our marriage but was surprised to see how much effort I put to make it work. He was sorry for me when we decided to live separately a few weeks after our wedding. Now, he has high hopes that I bear another mini monster like Sebastian.

"I wouldn't count on that if I were you, Mr. Mikaelson. A man terrible in bed is a man terrible as a father, " I shrugged. I held back the laughter when Sebastian sat straight to look at me. He was embarrassed and fuming.

Unlike me, Alex had his head thrown back as he laughed at his son. He approved of my good sense of humor from the first moment I had a witty comeback for my new husband.

"Don't start with me, both of you. " My husband gave me a look that promised to fix that thought for me. Not that I'll give him a chance anytime soon to prove me otherwise.

"That's a good one, honey. I am so sure your mother had problems while you were in school. That tongue of yours is a special spade, you keep me entertained. I always thought you and Sebastian would make a great team." If only he knew how many times I got in trouble at school and home for it.

Sebastian shook his head in disapproval. "We are a mess father. You more than anyone know how terrible our life was together. "

He was a big-time liar. He always made it about me. That time when he cheated on me, he accused me of being the one. Of course, I didn't see him in the act, but Pollen was explicit when she explained their adventure. Those long legs, perfect body, and soft milky skin were perfectly made to attract imbeciles like him. If it wouldn't have been for his games, he wouldn't have driven me nuts. But he was a coward to accept the truth.

"Of course, my fault. I am so sorry. " I lifted my hands in surrender, faking every bit of it. " So Mr. Mikaelson, tell me. How great is this new product being sold? Will it be a season item or are we extending its production through the year."

He fixed his posture and smiled at me. " First, I have to say that we are truly happy to have you with us. Our income has grown larger since you arrived at the company, and we owe you so much. Your latest duo fragrance has been exploding in the market, but we have run out of stock.  There will be a production of more because the season is not over, of course, but the decision of keeping it in the market all year long or just this season is up to you. "

My work is traveling all over the world, I thought. Some part of me was scared; the bigger one was giddy in joy. For the first time in so many years, I finally felt useful. I had something I could call mine for as long as I want.

"I cannot believe it, Alex. This is great news!" Though I made myself a promise to be formal during work, I didn't correct my words this time. "I have to think this through," I spoke excitedly. This is a huge decision for me.

I turned to Sebastian who was smiling. "Told you, you'd make it."

I nodded and returned the smile. This was the only thing we had in common. Maybe this was the only thing that had us together. He believed in me and because of it, I owed it to him. He never doubted my work, in fact, he never doubted me back in Russia. He believed me when we were strangers and he keeps believing in me even after our disastrous marriage. That's the only Sebastian I will truly be grateful to.

"I have to stand," I voiced my thoughts. I was shocked by the news, it was nearly impossible to believe. Mike made sure to tear that hope in me the moment he dragged me out of nursing school. Now that I have regained that part again, it was hard to accept it.

I could hear Alex and Sebastian chuckling. It was huge, they knew it. Not only for me but for them. They were used to having great successes in their life it was common for them. Not me.

At first, my work was criticized publicly. Even Mikealson's company was dragged down with me. But they didn't stop. They were not hesitant about me or my work, they continued producing my first fail until people eventually liked it. It was a matter of months until the degrading comments became acceptable ones and now I am at the top of the chain. We are at the top of the market!

"I'll think about it. Actually, I wanted to tell you," I blurted out, " I was working in San Fernando for a new ingredient. I think I have something."

Both men were surprised. Sebastian asked "That quick?"

"I am not sure you'll like it, though. "

"And how is that so?" Alex questioned.

"It's for men. I know my first one was not as popular as we expected, but I promise this one is also huge."

"Are you sure about it?" my husband asked. His voice was laced with worry instead of hesitation.

"Very. "

"Well, then. We'll have to hear about it soon," Alex grinned in approval.