Chapter Three

Later that night when Pavel returned to his room, he found the girl sleeping once again, and disappointed, he took the couch so that she could comfortably sleep in his bed.  Meanwhile, he watched her sleep, admiring her lusciously as his thoughts run wild for a moment. The girl was an ethereal beauty; it was impossible to resist the urge to look at her because she was like a weapon of attraction, luring Pavel into reverie as he fantasied about all the things he could do to her and with her in his bed. But he soon snapped out of his wild thoughts, fumbling into his pockets for a lighter and when he had found it, he grabbed a Cuban cigarette from his table and lit it before inhaling from it deeply to clear the lingering thoughts.

Soon, he was feeling better and decided to sleep as well but the girl suddenly began coughing profusely, struggling to breathe in the process. Her situation was frightful and worrisome to Dario that he sprang up and rushed to the girl’s side, taking her hands into his but she hysterically groaned at him while making weak attempts to push him with gestures. Out of instinct, Pavel realized that it was his cigarette making her uncomfortable and he put it away immediately after extinguishing it. He then opened the windows for a fresh breathe of air. The cold air was biting on the flesh but Pavel had no choice but to succumb to this situation.

“Water and honey.” he heard the girl speak in low whimpers. He thought of ordering someone to bring it but he was alone with her. It was late at night and everyone was sleeping now. Pavel rushed to the kitchen quarters himself and brought a glass of water which se hurriedly gulped down and tried to settle down but her situation was worsening.

“We don’t have honey. Is there anything else I can do?” Pavel asked but his question was met with silence, prompting Pavel to call the Physician. The phone went unanswered for a while before the doctor picked up. He advised Pavel to help the girl sit up straight while he rushed to attend t her and Pavel did as he was told after disconnecting the call. Feeling frustrated, Pavel was about to leave when the girl held onto to his cuff, silently asking him no to leave her alone and although he didn’t like the idea, he stayed by her side, letting her lean on his chest as they waited for the doctor. From deep within, Pavel cursed Japheth. He was the cause of all these troubles. This girl was evidently sick but Japheth was bewitched by her beauty, letting his lust rule over his mind but the man was not to be blamed entirely. The girl was indeed an epitome of loveliness; a physical specimen with beautiful catlike eyes, gorgeous lips, pointy cheeks and a long face with beautiful curly hair. She was coloured, tapping her beauty from both her parents’ origins. No wonder she stood out, just like a goddess.

“You mustn’t smoke around her.” The doctor said after giving her an injection that calmed her nerves

“Excuse me? I smoke everyday why should I stop now?” Pavel said, astonished by the doctor’s guideline.

“The girl is asthmatic.” the doctor explained.

“Just where did they get this girl from?” Pavel rumbled with anger. “We conduct check-ups in order to avoid such problems.”

“Should I ask O’Neil about her?” Saga who had just walked in asked Pavel.

“Tomorrow morning. I'm exhausted.” Pavel said, waving his hand at Saga.

“Alright boss.” Saga said before he and the doctor left.

“They shouldn't have brought you here. No one cares about you; not even me.” Pavel thought as he caressed her face. Walking into the room, Kedade saw what Pavel was doing and she became extremely mad, rushing to push him aside.  Dumfounded, Pavel eyed Kedade with amusement while she brazenly held his gaze with devouring eyes.

“May I know why you’re not sleeping yet?” Pavel asked softly.

“I didn’t believe Lusha when she mentioned it to me but now I have seen it for myself.” Kedade’s infuriated voice filled the room, awakening the girl while Pavel cackled.

“What have you seen, Kedade?” He asked.

“Everything… I saw you touching her while she was sleeping.” Kedade jealously blurted out, pointing her finger at the girl who looked at Pavel with surprise.

“Stop shouting. I’m not able to tolerant a ruckus right now.” Pavel replied as he took a seat.

“Explain yourself.” Kedade shouted; grabbing Pavel’s arm aggressively.

“Let go…!” Pavel groaned but Kedade was too stubborn.

“You're mine.” Kedade screeched.

“I'm warning you Kedade!”

“Do your worst!” Kedade growled and soon a huge slap across her face shut her up completely. The girl flinched, goggling in amazement with her hand on her face. It felt as though she was the one who had been slapped.  Kedade gapingly looked at Pavel, unable to hide her shock but this ruthless man was anything but sorry. He dragged Kedade to the door and pushed her out of the room.

“That is your place from now on!” He shouted before banging the door on her, leaving Kedade flustered as tears ran down her cheeks unrestrained. Pavel turned to the frightened girl and closed the distance between them, making her wince when he extended his hands towards her. She turned her face away in fear, making Pavel smirk crookedly; exalted by the fear in her eyes. He fed on fear and he loved seeing fear in the eyes of his prey; that is how he gained control of their minds. Surprisingly, Pavel only covered her up with the sheets, making her turn to him with confusion. She was wondering how he could be nice and bad at the same time and Pavel liked the confusion he was fueling in her mind.

“You must think that I'm schizophrenic.” He said, chuckling as he sat down beside her, fixing his piercing gaze on her.

“N-no...” the girl stuttered.

“What do you think of me then?” Pavel asked beamingly while taking her temperature once more.

“You saved my life twice.” the girl said expressionlessly.

“You are smart. Where you smart at school?” Pavel asked, grinning profusely as he was impressed by her clever choice of words.

“…more or less. I don’t remember.” the replied, shrugging her shoulders.

“What is your name?” Pavel asked curiously. He felt drawn to this girl and if this was her aim, she was definitely succeeding in her quest.

“I don’t know. I can’t remember. Is it important at this point?” the girl said before coughing out heavily. Pavel poured water into a glass, gave it to her and sat back to watch her.

“Whether dead or alive, a name is important.” Pavel said.

“Then you can call me whatever you want.” the girl replied, suddenly aware of his admiring gaze on her.

“Sunny…”Pavel said after pretending to think hard.

“Why Sunny?” The girl asked, making Pavel laugh.

“Do you have a better suggestion?” Pavel countered her.

“I don’t care.” Sunny replied in a pouting manner.

“Why?” Pavel asked, clearly enjoying his interaction with her.

“I’m as good as dead.” She replied hastily.

“Why?” Pavel asked on, smirking afterwards.

“I don’t remember who I am and I don’t know where I am but I know I am in a bad place. Hoping to live is a dream at the moment.” Sunny explained briefly.

“You’re right. You’re as good as dead.” Pavel said in a grave voice. “Do you have any other health conditions I should know about?”

“How will I know what conditions I have if I don’t know my identity? Mister, your questions are hilarious.” Sunny answered him, laughing afterwards and it was then that Pavel noticed that two of her teeth were out.

“It looks like you were beaten to a pulp too.” Pavel commented.

“Maybe…I just remember waking up to find a man on top of me.” Sunny replied in a low tone.

“He is dead and gone.” Pavel said, attempting to console her.

“I should have killed him myself.” Sunny said with a spark of revenge in her eyes.

“Thirsty for revenge, are we?” Pavel asked smilingly.

“To be honest, I feel nothing at the moment.” Sunny retorted, furrowing her brow.

“Go to sleep now, Sunny. We will talk more tomorrow.” Pavel said as he walked to the couch and lay down, facing the ceiling.

“Aren’t you afraid that I will run away?” Sunny asked curiously, making Pavel laugh.

“You don’t know who you are and where you are so, where will you go?” Pavel said in a chortling intonation.

“So this is my home now.” Sunny sulked.

“Yes. You will live and die here. There is no need to go anywhere else, Sunny” Pavel said and closed his eyes, pretending to be sleepy. Sunny eyed him intently for a while before she also shut her eyes, looking for sleep. Soon after that, Pavel opened his eyes and sat up straight on the couch, watching Sunny sleep.

***

Walking up from his sleep, Pavel looked out through the window. The beautiful sun was smiling upon the earth and the weather was warmer than usual while the skies were clearer than ever, prompting Dario to take a walk on the rooftop while Sunny slept on. Soon he was joined by Saga. The two of them exchanged looks of greetings before they sat down to talk. Pavel was usually a man of few words when it came to casual talks but he was different with Saga. The two men sometimes talked about their personal matters, something that Pavel never did often because he considered the latter as his friend.

“The weather is quite warm today.” Saga remarked as he gazed at the sky.

“Its warmth is enticing.” Pavel answered him

“…more enticing than the soothing touches of a woman?” Saga asked, teasing him.

“Your question is amusing, Saga.” Pavel responded with laughter.

“I was trying to see if you have been captivated by the beauty in your room.” Saga remarked smilingly.

“Did you check on her today?” Pavel asked curiously.

“She is awfully quiet but better....” Saga replied.

“I think she has amnesia.” Pavel commented.

“What made you think that….?” Saga asked doubtingly.

“She said she doesn’t remember anything.” Pavel replied.

“…and you believed her?” Saga remarked.

“She has no reason to lie.” Pavel spoke in her defense.

“How was she able to direct you on what to do when she was having an attack?” Saga posed a question which made Pavel think twice.

“That’s a valid question. She must be examined by the doctor.” He charged his loyal aide.

“Alright, boss. Don’t you want to know anything about Kedade though?” Saga asked. He could not help but feel sorry for Kedade.

“She is refusing to eat, I presume.” Pavel remarked with a smile.

“You know her well” Saga admitted.

“I know that woman inside and out.” Pavel readily agreed with him.

“Won’t you see her just once?” Said asked, hoping that Pavel would budge.

“She's no longer my responsibility. Ask Lady Fay to put her to order immediately.” Pavel replied as he stood up.

“…if that is your wish.” Saga answered dejectedly.

“I have an errand to run in Sultan. I’m going there alone. You watch over Sunny.” Pavel said, changing the topic instantaneously.

“Who is Sunny?” Saga exclaimed in surprise.

“…the pretty girl.” Pavel replied hastily.

“Is that her name?” Saga was forced to ask.

“Just do as you are told. I'll be back by this evening.” Pavel replied, avoiding Saga’s question completely.

“Be careful out there…”Saga warned him.

“I am invincible.” Pavel’s hearty laughter followed after his confident words.

“I trust you, boss.” Saga twittered.