Karma finished packing her small bag, making sure to include all the essentials.
Alphonse was waiting at the door, his eyes were unfathomable and dark.
"You done?" He checked her out.
She nodded woodenly. He was being deliberately evasive with his answers. Giving her bits and pieces without telling her exactly what this was all about.
But he might be powerful, but she was determined. One way or the other, she'll have her answers.
"I'll take you." He silently carriedly her bag and went out. His broad shoulders strained the fabric of his shirt, his stride sure and confident.
It doesn't look like he was capable of walking any other way. He was so sure and secure in his masculinity, it made her hot thinking about it.
She had to keep reminding herself that he was quite the most untrustworthy person she'd ever met. That was saying a lot, considering who are family members are.
"You coming or what?" He called from the car.
She quickened her steps and entered the car. The sky was twinkling with stars, a deep midnight blue.
The car sped off the highway with the three of them. Karma, Alphonse and the thick silence that reigned in the car.
They finally got to her family house and she got off before he could open the door. Best to be prepared.
Alphonse stared down his nose at her, his expression inscrutable.
"Here. You forgot this." He gently swept her hair aside, causing her to shiver when his warm finger grazed her neck.
He clasped the Jade necklace with a soft click and whispered something into her hair. His low timbre made goosebumps erupt on her skin.
"I'll come fetch you when it's safe." His deep voice intoned.
She cleared her throat, "uh..well. I hope it isn't too long," she flicked a glance at the mansion.
"Until then, stay safe." His fingers clenched beside him and he took a deep breath.
"I'll see you later." He entered the car and drove off.
Leaving Karma to stand in the cold night, wondering what the hell was going on.
She carried her bag and entered the house, and raise a knuckles to rap smartly on the door.
muffled footsteps and a groan later, the door opened to reveal the Butler.
He was a spindly old thing, all arms and legs. His lips twisted into a sneer and he looked less than happy to see her.
But he was well trained, his face was politely blank and his voice neutral.
"Young miss? What are you doing here..uh I mean, welcome. Welcome." He hurriedly took her bags.
"I take it that everyone's asleep?" She asked softly, not wanting to start the day with more drama than strictly necessary.
"They went to bed not long ago. Miss Seraphina is here too." He informed helpfully, looking quite gleeful by the fact.
Karma rubbed her throbbing forehead. Oh dear, this isn't going to be easy at all.
Seraphina appeared in the hallway, a manifestation of her thoughts. Her hair was braided and curled, her face freshed washed.
She stopped dead in her track at the sight of Karma.
"Karma is that you?"
A redundant question but she answered nonetheless.
"Yes, sister. It's been a long night," she affected a theatrical sigh.
"Oh my goodness. Did something happen?" She gasped. "You didn't fight with Alphonse did you?"
"Why would you think that? But to answer you question, no Alphonse and I did not fight. He's currently out of town and I'm feeling terribly lonely." Karma said softly.
"Oh dear," Seraphina pulled her in for a hug.
The hug was so tight she could barely breathe. One would think she was trying to choke her sister.
"I've missed you here too." Seraphina declared with a smile.
A maid scurried in, her face looking worried.
"Miss, your room is currently not available."
"Oh yes. Since we never expected your return," at least not this early, she mockingly thought. "I took your room." Her smile was bright.
Karma who was familiar with her stepsister's way, simply nodded benevolently.
"It's fine. I'll take one of the guest room."
"Cousin Veronica is also here." Said Seraphina.
"Really?" Karma's eyes lit up.
Cousin Veronica is a very beautiful and eccentric writer, loyal and brutally honest. She's such a respite from the all the conspirating family members.
"Will you have some tea ma'am?" The maid asked.
"Let's take tea together!" Seraphina suggested cheerfully.
Karma smiled apologetically. "I'm afraid not. I'm quite tired and it's being a long night." She turned to the maid. "I'll have chamomile tea in my room."
Seraphina waved cheerfully and went into her room. Karma's former room but oh well.
The maid knocked a while later to deliver the warm tea and scones.
Karma brought out her laptop to finished her proposal. The deal she'd suggested had gone through. And it was only right to follow up on it.
She stared dumbly at the screen, her mouth agape.
Alphonse had made a few tweaks to her initial power points. He'd redefine the advertising and consumer market.
She smiled to herself. This was it! This was what she needed to throw off her sister and take back what was rightfully hers. The promotion that was supposed to be hers.
A frowned marred her forehead
upon further examination. What was he suggesting?
The idea seems foolish. Perhaps even a bit impulsive. Though that doesn't stop her from deeply considering. She finished her tea and scones and went to bed.
She dream of evergreen eyes and teasing smirk.