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THE LYING GAME 11
~JADE~I do not like the uneasy feeling that came with the knowledge that I was being watched.After that one time, there were no more notes slipped in through my door, but I could not relax; knowing there was someone out there watching me, monitoring my every move.The rest of the school week ran by slowly and I barely ran into Angel after our last encounter in the library. Kim explained that he had gone on a trip for a private art auction and It was a pure relief not to have any awkward meetings with him again.Every morning, I went to school with Eva who had been strangely quiet. Her arrested friends were yet to be released from the police’s custody despite their parents’ timely intervention. I had thought they would be released quickly on bail but although they were minors, kidnap was a serious crime and it felt good to know that the officers were not taking it lightly with them. Luckily for us, Principal Dwyer had kept the kidnap ruse incident under wraps with only the school st
Last Updated : 2024-03-26THE LYING GAME 12
~JADE~The bared part of my skin shivered in the night’s cold breeze. Nevertheless, I kept still, refusing to show any sign of discomfort to Vincenzo who had pinned his gaze on me the instant we arrived at our destination. The Raven’s High. A hotel well known for its heavily pocketed clientele. Lyra had been glad to hand over her client to one of the girls to doll me up and get me ready for the party. While Sapphire had returned home immediately.Beneath my black cat-eyed half mask that only covered the upper part of my face, my lips twitched. Even with his mask on, I knew I had pissed the arrogant man off and it wasn’t so hard to point out how.Vincenzo’s gaze dropped to my dress, a midnight blue dress that hugged my slender waist and wide hip, then flowed freely. His jaw clenched with irritation. “Are you in any way colorblind? I was specific on what you were to wear.” The last words came out rushed and angry as he looked around at the new vehicles arriving. Then his eyes darted
Last Updated : 2024-04-03THE LYING GAME 13
~JADE~“Did you let him go?.”“Speak bitch!. Did you let the Underboss get away?!!!!.”My head was blank. I could feel the life getting snuffed out of me. My eyes closed but Vincenzo was having none of that. He slowly released his hold on my neck and I gasped, completely sure that I had red lines around my flesh. An angry crowd of Mafia formed around us and he tipped up my chin, “You have one last chance, woman. Get back in that house and bring me that son of a bitch. I don't care what you have to do, but do what is necessary or I’ll be forced to show you the consequences of failure on my father’s behalf.“~I didn’t know how long I had been clamped up on the balcony’s floor but I slowly pulled myself to my feet. A silver case shone on the floor in the moonlight and I picked it up recognizing it instantly. It was his lighter case. He had dropped it behind. The case had an inscription on it “A” with the familiar symbol of an axe which I was sure I’d seen somewhere. I ran my thumb over
Last Updated : 2024-04-06THE LYING GAME 14
~JADE~“No!!!.” I jolted up from the bed panting and thoroughly drenched in my sweat despite the chilly air. I thought it would never come again but my parent's bloody murder had come to haunt me once more. This time, I saw Lucas walking away from us, and just as he reached the door, a gunshot got to him too, taking him away from me. I looked around the room and my racing heart tried to beat normally. I got up from the bed and discarded my clothes before stepping into the shower. Every dream had its purpose, but this was a reminder of my own. It's been seventeen years since my parent's death, but I have achieved nothing except paying off tiny debts. In the mirror, my reflection stared back at me, and my eyes wandered down to a scar on my wrist. Another reminder.The sun was still down and most of the mansion’s occupants, save for a few servants, were still fast asleep. I threw on a simple pant and tees, practiced my workout routine which I had abandoned since I stepped into the Ax
Last Updated : 2024-04-10THE LYING GAME 15
Déjà vu.It was only a week ago. Maybe a few days over a week, when I had wandered deliberately away from the path that led to my room. But, even one week was not enough time to erase the terrified image of the nude maid I’d seen from my mind. It was the same at this moment, except the maid was gone and I was the “nude, terrified one”. I scrambled off the bed with my heart racing at the stupidity I’d just displayed, but the damage was already done.The woman who had barged in was a tall, stunning brunette, with a beautiful heart-shaped face. Her gaze lingered on me for only a moment, unfazed at my presence, then she turned to Angel.“Missed me?.” She purred. Yes. Purred, because she sounded just like a cat.As I slipped my dress on, she approached him with a smile on her face. Angel’s face was indifferent, I couldn't tell what he was thinking at that moment. But two things were clear, he wasn't upset that she had barged in and he did not tell her off. “Zeta…” Angel’s voice trailed
Last Updated : 2024-04-22THE LYING GAME 16
~Angel~There was something about artists and yearning for the perfect body. A perfect muse. It was nothing sensual, other than the pleasure they’d reel in from drowning in the magnificence of a finished ‘perfect’ painting. And in that order, I’d convinced myself that I didn't want anything more from Elena, nor from any other woman at that. Love makes people weak. It preyed on their consciousness, blurring everything else that should have mattered, everything they could have noticed to stop a major disaster from happening. I knew this because I had been in love myself… scratch that… because I had been infatuated once. And by the moment it faded, I had lost something I could never get back. Two knocks on the door reminded me that I had asked for her to come see me. It was too early to be drinking, but I downed a shot or two each time the thoughts resurfaced. I put the bottle away and finger-combed my hair.“Come in,” I instructed, my gaze settling on the door.I frowned when it t
Last Updated : 2024-05-02THE LYING GAME 17
~Vincenzo~“Zeta Mancini.” I ended the call with Jade while committing the name she had mentioned to memory. It did not ring a bell. If truly she was an actress, then she was an insignificant, time-wasting one. I picked up a glass tumbler from a waitress and drank the whiskey in one go. The burning sensation of the liquid teased my throat. I embraced it as well as the feeling of satisfaction and power that surged through my bones as I looked over at the dancing entwined bodies in the large room below. I could end their fun. I could issue an order to declare the major chains of luxurious clubs in the city closed and they would have nowhere left to run wild.Rotana was home to me. And now, with my father retired, and the Russo’s cartel under my fucking command, I would finally get to own the fucking city. Not my father. Not Lazarus Russo, but I, Vincenzo fucking Russo.Marcel’s head bobbed in through the entrance. Like always, he looked impatient. I sat up in my chair, wondering why
Last Updated : 2024-05-11THE LYING GAME 18
~Jade~I could hear Kim say something, but I couldn’t take my mind off the short, corky-as-hell text messages I had received from Vincenzo in the early hours of the morning.“Leave Zeta Mancini out of it. And it’s time you get a zip-up on the distractions. Concentrate on the damn mission for fuck sake!. Tick tock!.”A girly laughter from the garden, which was only a few meters away from the open doorway, wafted through the hallway. I scrunched my brows up to see Eva and fucking Zeta Mancini, laughing loudly as they checked out dresses on long stretchers in the garden. With flowery, too-short dresses and a cup of tea in their hands, they had slowly converted the garden into a mini showroom. A handful of maids were waiting on them. I looked from Eva’s cheerful form to Zeta’s playful composed one. As if on cue, the witch turned back, looking in my direction. Our eyes met. She let out a smirk.“Goodness, Elena. You still wanna help me out with this or you wanna join them instead?.” Kim’
Last Updated : 2024-09-07
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THE LYING GAME 27
The tiny hairs on my arms rose as I became increasingly aware of how cramped my position was. Still wrapped around Salvatore’s huge form, moving my poor head around was a tug of war. “Hey, let me go.” I blurt out, unable to remain still. A minute more in that position would have somebody calling for an ambulance.“Sorry,” Salvatore muttered absentmindedly while taking a step backward to create breathing space. His eyes wandered to the entrance again. He looked slightly shocked, and I wondered why. Following his line of sight, my heart starts to pound strangely. Angel was truly here, in the shooting range, and it appeared Salvatore wasn't the only one surprised about his sudden appearance. The soldiers stood still for a slow second as if a witch had cast a don't move spell and in the next second, all hell broke loose.“Angel Axton. In the flesh!”“I can't believe it.”Angel’s normally tight face broke into a wide grin as he shook the men merrily. They exchanged pleasantries like they
THE LYING GAME 26
“I gave you twenty minutes, it's twenty-one now.” Even over the phone, his voice is husky and deep.“You can't order me around, Angel...”“A proper good morning—what are your plans for the day— ha, and a ‘could you make out time to join me at the studio this morning— would be proper now, don't you think?” There's a moment of silence. I could feel his irritation, and I couldn't care less.“Where are you, Elena?” My hands strayed to my hair, and my lips turned up at the sides as I worked up a curl. I looked around the kitchen, Kim and Ursula were back to work, bringing out fresh ingredients to deliver Salvatore’s order. “Heard your family has a shooting range, how come I never knew that before now? Well. Salvatore was kind enough to invite me. Guess I’m gonna have to stick with your brother for a little longer…” I added and ended the call.~We were in the first of three cars and were en route to the family armory which was at a considerable distance from the main house. Salvatore h
THE LYING GAME 25
~JADE~The art studio. In 20 minutes.My eyelashes fluttered at the sudden pop-up message on my work phone, knowing exactly who the sender might be.“A raspberry- peach- mango smoothie bowl for you, ma’am.” Ursula’s lively voice sang. My eyes widened as the most colorful bowl of breakfast I had ever eaten in my life was placed in front of me. It was my only day off work in the week, but I’d decided I would be spending it at the mansion, to the girls’ delight. My stomach growled in appreciation. Smoothies were Ursula’s specialty and Kim had insisted I try it out at least once the instant I stepped into the kitchen that morning.I wrapped my hands around the bowl and admired how aesthetically pleasing every single ingredient was. “So—Elena?” Kim started to say, Ursula shook her head, and I raised my brows at the two curiously.“What’s up?”Ursula sighed, sending Kim a look that said ‘You should have just shut the fuck up. “You know after that dinner last night, everyone’s been talking
THE LYING GAME 24
~ANGEL~Pitch-black darkness. My lips curved on their own. The amusing smirk on Elena’s face lived rent-free in my head as I stepped into my large living space. My eyes flicker as I sense the presence of a secondary existence.I clapped twice, wincing slightly as the bright light illuminated my dark room.“You almost had me fooled there, brother,” Salvatore said from behind.Raising a brow, I turned to see him sitting by my patio with a wide grin on his face. My favorite bottle of whiskey was uncorked and he drank directly from it.I wasn't at all surprised that he had invaded my space once again. I half expected to meet him there. Sneaking into each other’s room was a bad habit we had developed as kids, and it seemed we would not be outgrowing it anytime soon.I feigned ignorance as I undid my watch and laid it down carefully. “I thought you were heading to bed?”He chuckled and rose to his feet with the bottle in tow. “You failed to include in your messages that the new nanny was t
THE LYING GAME 23
~JADE~“You are fired!”~I could feel the pressure of Eva’s anger and for a brief second, I glanced at Angel’s cool and undisturbed face opposite me. If he had heard Eva’s declaration, he showed no sign of being offended. Even in the heat of the moment, he was still picking up dishes from the numerous servings on the table to his plate.My employment had been demanded by Angel Axton, so technically, he was my boss. The knowledge released a small weight from my shoulders but also added another. What if Eva could still fire me despite that? Was it possible? Did she have the authority to?What would that mean for my mission, revenge, and ultimate plan to retire? No. I couldn’t mess this up. I had to remain here no matter what. Nervously, my fingers wrapped around each other beneath the table. My gaze wandered from Angel to Salvatore. Unlike his younger brother, Salvatore was slightly taken aback. He looked up at his niece strangely; as if he were seeing her for the very first time.
THE LYING GAME 22
~JADE~Don't look, Elena. Don't.Despite the heat from the burning embers of coal in the lit fireplace, the tiny hairs on my arms were high on alert. I shivered at the slightest breeze, knowing fully well why the air suddenly felt so stuffy.No one wanted me at this table. Not Eva, who was currently glaring at me as she stabbed her steak a little too hard, or Zeta who had found a way to be so close to Angel that their seats were almost touching. My fingers cradled the glass of champagne on the table and just when I had finally gained control of the situation, my eyes betrayed me and I met his gaze.His beautiful deep blue eyes were dark and the slightest smirk made his lip curl as he stared from my face to the napkin his brother had passed to me a few seconds ago. Unlike most families who preferred to eat quietly, I found the Axtons did dinner quite differently. The conversation at the table had danced through Eva’s performance in school, to the family’s legal business which had be
THE LYING GAME 21
In my head, a thousand thoughts collided. How was Salvatore Axton here? When did he arrive? Wait. How does he know my name?!“You’re Elena, right? Eva’s new nanny.” He spoke again when the silence lingered, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Yes,” My brows lifted, fingers tight around the handle of my bag. “and you are?..” Better to pretend to be clueless. I didn’t want to be thought of as a stalker.“My bad.” Salvatore Axton laughed lightly. His right hand rubbed on the exposed part of his tanned, chiseled chest, where three buttons of his body-hugging, black shirt had come undone. I swallowed as I took in his appearance. Just like his brother, Salvatore was built handsomely. He had dark brown hair, wavy and full, eyes that were a lighter shade of blue compared to Angel’s deep ones, and a chiseled face that could make anyone rush to do his bidding. The fact that I had to crane my neck a little just to get a good look at him made me sum up his height to at least a six foot three. Hi
THE LYING GAME 20
~Jade~ Stepping into the crowded school cafeteria, I found Zeta.She was settled on one of the tables and eating without a single care in the world. Her eyes which had a shiny look in them squinted the moment I stepped in front of her. Sending her a sharp look, I tried to contain my irritation at how calm she was, as if there wasn't a volcano waiting to erupt somewhere.., “Where’s Eva?.” Zeta continued munching on French fries, her words flowing easily. “Don’t beat yourself up nanny, Eva’s just making up with her friends... ” She then pressed her lips together, smacking loudly before picking up another fry.“You should have stopped her!.” I snapped, wondering just how dumb the woman could be. Angel might have let the kids out on bail, but the hostility they exuded whenever they ran into Eva was enough to know what terrible choice of friends they were. “They are not her friends.” I corrected. Figuring out I would be wasting my time explaining anything to Zeta, I let my eyes
THE LYING GAME 19
~Jade~By Monday, I’d made a long list of things I hated about Angel Axton.He was condescending, arrogant,… annoying. If I were to nanny him up instead of his mule-headed niece, I would get started with a lesson or ten on basic manners. Ursula dropped a tray in my waiting hands, distracting me from my thoughts. I furrowed my brows at the two tall glasses of fruit drink with ice cubes placed on the small tray.One for the brat, the other for the ex.I could get it that Eva had requested I fetch her a drink, but why did I have to wait on Zeta too? The sound of their laughter floated down the hallway. I fumbled between balancing the tray on one hand and adjusting the falling strap of my bag on the other hand. “Finally..” Zeta’s feathery voice sang as she stood up hastily from the leather couch. Her tight nude gown clung to her like a second skin. I sucked a sharp breath in as she picked a glass off the tray without warning, almost knocking down the tray if not for my quick reflexes.
