Her Con Artist

CHAP-3

Today it was company's annual dinner, so I was getting ready for it. My outfit was off shoulder black dress which came above my knees with long sleeves and belt. It was cute and sexy. I chose my favorite high heel boots and wooden colored jacket trench coat. I went with light smoky eyes and maroon lipstick. Letting go of my long blonde hair into their natural curls and just brushed them to untangle them. After i was ready, i walked towards the full length mirror to observe myself.

I was satisfied the way i look. My eyes slowly moving over the pieces of clothes i wore as memories rushed to my mind in a flash.

How i used to long for these things. I would be happy even if i just touched the good clothes, feel the texture against my rough skin. Wanted proper shoes to wear not the ones which had holes in them. How i wished i had another warm coat to wear in the cold except the one that i have been using for years now. It never offered me warmth but only gave me sense of comfort that i had something to wear on me.

The phone ringing snapped my out of my thoughts, i blinked trying to process. I noticed i stood there with my hands closed into fists. Sighing, i walked towards the bed where my phone was ringing. The caller was Dalton, swiping on the screen, I put the phone against my ear.

"You ready?." He asked, i could hear car honks through the phone.

"Yep. You here?." I asked, quickly picked up my purse and switched off the lights.

"Yes. Come out and wear a coat it's cold outside." Saying that he cut the call before i could answer.

Rolling my eyes, i grabbed the door handle and push it forward to open the door. Chilly air rushed into my nostrils making my whole body shiver. Quickly locking the door, i walked the porch towards Dalton's Audi. Yes, Audi.

As i looked up to find a women's heel touched the road with a click, my eyes moving on their own accord and i came to know it was Zara. She wore a full length brown maxi which looked beautiful on her.

Squealing she came towards me with arms open. I smiled and moved forward to engulf her into my arms.

"Hey!. It's good to see you again. And you look hot." She said, pulling away.

I nodded my head with a smile.

"You are beautiful as usual." I said with a wink to which she giggled and flipped her hair in a dramatic way. Rolling my eyes and chuckle i sat down.

"You will be alone there." She said, once car started moving.

"I don't have a problem with it. There are lots of people just to have fun so if i feel lonely i will join them. Don't worry about me, enjoy your time together." I said, patting softly on her shoulder.

She nodded her head and put on a soft music. I sighed and relaxed back into the seat as warm air was making me feel at home in this cold.

After sometime, we arrived at the arena. The building was big and you could see lines and lines of parked cars. Grabbing my coat and purse i exited the car and walked towards the building. Zara and Dalton were close by and walked hand in hand. I saw my colleague's with their boyfriends and girlfriends. I walked on the red carpet which lead me towards the large door where stood two security men dressed in black suits. They looked at me, nodding their heads and opened the doors for me. Thanking them, i walked inside and as soon as i step a foot inside i could feel the warmth and excitement in the air.

I saw my colleagues standing there chatting so i decided to join them. Many people complimented on my looks and dress. I could feel eyes on me wherever I walked. This type of attention boosted my confidence and gave me sense of control.

The rest of the event was boring, speeches, discussion about the progress we made, the mistakes we made. Then it was time for my favorite thing!

Guess what?. Food!

I ate to my full and felt satisfied with the food. The taste, the flavour, the texture everything was good. After the dinner, it was time for the couples to dance. It was boring for me. All the couples started to dance with the soft music. While bunch of single people stood at the corner feeling like an outcast.

"Monica. We all decided to go to a bar and have couple of drinks. Would to like to join us? " Said Felix, who was also my colleague. Pointing towards a group of people who i assumed were single.

Feeling bored and a bit lonely so i decided to join them.

"Sure why not." I said and grabbing my coat and purse, i followed them out.

I stopped as they all stopped in front of the cars.

"So who took a ride here?." A man asked, who also worked in my company and whose name I didn't know.

I raised my hand along with five other people. He nodded his head and looked at those who brought their cars.

"You guys can accommodate them in your cars." He said and grabbing an arm of a girl standing near him and walked towards a car in the corner.

Must be her girlfriend.

I looked around as Felix walked towards me.

"Join me." He said and walked towards his car.

Shrugging i walked behind him as another man joined us. It must be his friend whom i don't know. I quickly sat in the backseat so that the other man won't make me sit in front. It would feel awkward for me. The ride towards the bar was boring, i looked outside the window as the man talked about cars and sports.

I do have interest in cars and sports. But i wasn't in the mood to talk.

"We are here." Felix said as he parked the car.

Blinking, i looked up the side board to read the name of bar. It was the same bar i went to before.

Lush Bar.

Exiting the car, grabbing my things i walked along the people as i looked around to find the usual rush of people.

This bar must be famous. I thought qs my eyes followed the packed parking lot.

Flipping my hair to let them fall back from my shoulder and ran my fingers through my hair to give them a messy look. My shoes hit the floor as i entered and my ears drumming along with the beat of the loud music. I bobbed my head as i enjoyed the music and followed my fellows towards the bar counter. Taking a seat on the stool, i rotated myself to have a look around the bar. As i was looking around, i felt eyes on me, call it a sixth sense. You just know when someone is staring at you hard. I looked up to find a tattooed guy with alot of piercings totally eye r****g me. I looked down and noticed my dress was hitched up as i sat down on the seat, exposing my thighs more . Irritated, i draped my coat on my lower half which went down to my feet, covering my naked legs completely. I looked back up at him to find him frowning and disappointed look. Narrowing my eyes at him, i looked away.

Bastard.

Grabbing my glass of bear i lifted it up to join my fellows doing the toast. As glasses tapped against each other the usual clinking sound erupted and then followed by cheers. I put the glass near my lips and took a large gulp of beer and frowned as the strong drink gave stinging sensation.

I should have gone slowly.

I smacked myself in my head and drank my drink slowly and in sips. I was in my own world enjoying the music and drinking. When i heard a familiar voice, i turned to my right to look for that familiar voice.

"Monica! Hey!" I rotated myself on the stool towards the back and looked at left to find young women coming towards me.

It was Ella, whom i met a few weeks back in the same bar.

I waved back at her with a surprised look. I was indeed surprised to find her here and then for her to approach me. I thought that day was one time thing. She was wearing simple causal clothes and her hair tied up in a pony tail.

"Hey!. Remember me? " She said as soon as she came to stand in front of me with a big smile on her face and hopeful eyes.

"Uh. Yes i do. We met before here." I said and put my now empty glass down on the counter.

"Good to see you again." She said as she lightly bumped her hand against my arm.

I nodded my head and stood there awkwardly.

"How did you--?" I asked, titling my head towards right in question.

"Oh right. Basically as your group entered it was quite grabbed the attention of every person here. Especially men. So we noticed you among the people and decided to meet you." She said softly.

This made me a bit soft. She made the effort to approach me. At least i should be nice to her for now.

"That's very nice of you. It's good to see you again, Ella" i said, lifting the corners of my mouth slightly, giving her a half smile.

She nodded her head as she wore a toothy smile on her face.

"Come join us. The rest are waiting for us!" She said and grabbed my arm, pulling me forward.

Nodding my head, i grabbed my coat and purse from my free hand and let her pull me to wherever she was going.

We walked past quite a large group of bulky build men and i saw a quite dark corner which was dull as compared to the bright lights around here. I saw people sitting there on sofas and drinking. As soon as i came near them i recognized the rest, the first one to meet my eyes was Erick. Who was sitting comfortable on a sofa with his one leg resting on his other, one hand on his leg and the other held half glass of beer. Owen and Russell were talking to each other but stopped as they saw they have company. Josh, leith and Lexi were already looking at us, Lexi passed a small wave towards me. While Josh and Keith nodded their heads indirectly telling me hello.

"Hey Monica! Come take a seat. " Owen said, signalling me with his hand to come and sit.

I took a seat beside him and draped the coat on my legs, i was feeling cold now. It was a bad idea to wear short dress in this weather but it was worth the shot.

"You look beautiful." Owen said, looking at me closely.

"Thank you." I said, softly. Trying not to roll my eyes at him. He seemed to be a player. I don't know it was just a prediction.

"Your group seems dressed up for an event, is that right?." Josh asked, leaning forward putting his elbows on his thighs as he looked at me.

"Yes it was our company's annual dinner." I told him, nonchalantly.

"Oh so you work for a major cooperation." He said, looking impressed

I nodded my head, crossing my arms on my chest and leaned back against the soft sofa as i relaxed.

Erick was drinking quietly in the corner, Russell had his arms on Lexi shoulder as she snuggle close to him.

"Dance with me?" Owen said, stretching his hand towards me as he stood in front of me.

I wanted to dance to shake off the drunkenness within me. But i don't want to dance with him.

"Sure." I said, standing up, pushing his away from me and walked towards the dance floor, where people were dancing wildly.

I walked around trying not to bump into people and Owen, who was dancing with a women.

Nice. He got the point, not to follow me.

I needed to go out, i was getting sick of the smell of alcohol and of too much crowd. I turned left and climbed up the stairs, the hallway was dim. I could hear moaning and all nasty s**t going in the rooms. I walked past the rooms and turning right, i heard  aggressive voices of men. Call it instinct, i felt like i shouldn't go near them, so i hide behind the wall and listened to them.

"You think the boss would like to hear this!? You better make this right or have your head cut off. " His voice was gruff and deadly.

I fronwed as i tried to hear them closer, then i heard the sound of throwing a punch to someone. Then came a man's groaning in pain.

Assuming from the situation, the man who was speaking was hitting the other man who had lower level than him. 

"Keep eyes on them! " The man said and heard his steps coming near me.

I quickly leaned against the wall and bit my lips in panic.

What if he sees me? He seems dangerous.

I took deep breaths and tried opening the door handle near me. But it didn't budge.

Shit s**t, he was coming closer.

As i was about to run, i heard a loud cracking voice. His foot steps stopped so did mine. I looked down slowly to find my foot upon a discarded plastic water bottle, who was crushed under my weight.

"Whose there!?" The man called out as his steps neared me quickly and my heart picked it's beat.  I moved forward to run but heard the man saying.

"I know you are there, so you better stay there before- " someone grabbed my wrist as i took my first step forward and pulled me into a room next to the other where i was leaning against. Making me stand in front of me, my eyes widened anxiously and my breath was caught.

The man who was holding me in front of me was Erick. His sharp blue eyes were looking outside the door as he held my wrist in his large warm hand, we both could hear the man coming. Then he looked me in the eye and within a second, he had me in his arms, my chest touching his and what really froze me to my spot was. His lips touching mine and my hair fell around us like a curtain.

"Stay still like this." He spoke so lightly and in a  deadly voice.

I didn't said anything and tried to gulp in the intense situation.

"Who was here!? Come out now, before i drag you out by myself! " The man growled in anger.

All i could hear my heart beating fast and the man's grunting as he searched the rooms. I looked through the gaps in my hair strands, he came close to the room in which we were in. Erick fake moaned and slightly poke his finger in my waist. Signalling me to act along with him. I quickly lifted my arm and put it around his neck and got closer.

Dear lord, what the hell i was doing! Please take me out!

Our lips were barely touching, my eyes were fixed on the man outside and his eyes were fixed on me.

"Hey, have you seen- " As the man was asking us, Erick really kissed me this time and picked me up in his arms.

I was trying to breath through my nose as he held me in arms, walking towards the bed.

"Ah! f**k off! " The man said in anger and left the room.

I was laid on the bed with upmost care and i opened my eyes to find him looking at me. His arms still around me.

"Who was that?" I asked softly, or i must say out of breath due to nervousness that we might get caughyt.

"Gangster." He said, moving away from bed. And quietly walking towards the door, he looked outside to find if the man was still there or not.

I sat up in the bed and grinded my teeth in anger. Running my fingers through my hair, i stood up and walked closer to him.

"Come on quick. He has gone for now." He said, singaling me to get out. He looked back at me as i didn't move and stood there looking at him with frustration.

"Why did you kiss me?" I asked, to which he sighed and ran his hand in his hair looking annoyed.

"I had no other option. If i didn't pretend to kiss you there then we both have been dead by now. It was an act to show him we were couple. It doesn't mean anything." He told me, moving his hand here and there as he trying to explain to a child.

Annoyed i didn't said anything and walked out of the room, with him close behind me.

"Is he after you?" I asked, though it was obvious the way he was hiding from him.

"Yes." He said, looking around left and right as we walked out from the back door.

"Why?" I asked, curious.

"You don't need to know." He said, shutting me off as he walked past me.

Rolling my eyes, i jogged to match his fast pace. We were walking on a rough path and saw two Vigo's  around the corner of the street. Russell was sitting in the driving seat, Josh and Owen were standing outside the other Vigo. Upon hearing the foot steps they looked up and sighed in relief. I found their reactions rather odd as they looked worried for him or us.

"Thank goodness you came back fine." Ella said as she came out of the car and grabbed my hand in hers.

I stood there confused as i looked at all of them.

"Did you bring a car?" Owen asked me,

"No, i came with my colleagues." I said, looking at them like a lost kid.

I couldn't comprehend what was going on.

They were in danger, not me. So why are they worried for me?

"Keep moving then. Come we will drop you, it's late." Josh said, whiling opening the door for me.

I blinked and grabbed the door and sit inside with Ella following suit. Erick sat in the driving seat and Josh on the other. They all started moving on a road which i had no idea off.

"Did he see your face?" Josh asked Erick.

"No. We will discuss things later. Not now." He said as he looked back at me from the rear mirror.

I narrowed my eyes at him and looked outside the window trying to understand the situation. I sat their silent, rewinding the situation in my mind and finally understood.

Erick had to protect both of us because whoever was following him might have seen me with them before. That's why he pretended to make us look like a couple to prevent facing the man.

I was suddenly thankful for his help. If he hadn't appeared that time, i would have been beaten up by that man.

I looked up and met his eyes through the rear window. He looked away as soon as our eyes met and continued driving. I sighed and relaxed back in the seat.

Josh asked me my address and i told him, giving him the directions. As we were getting close to my apartment, Ella turned towards me with a small smile.

"Monica, we are having a party day after tomorrow evening. We would like if you come." She said, her eyes held hope.

They seemed nice people a bit dangerous but nothing that i can't handle.

I thought as they waited for my answer. She must have seen the look on my face as she grabbed my hands in hers.

"You have nothing to worry about. Those people aren't after us, just had some unfinished matter with Erick. You are safe with us." She said,

I nodded my head and pulled out my phone from my coat.

"Let me have a look at my schedule and see if i have time." I said and looked at my schedule.

Meeting with the heads, presentation, lunch with contactor, dinner with Zara.

This was my plan for tomorrow. The next day wasn't work for me.

Just two meetings. Then i was free for the whole day.

Guess i could make time. I need to loosen abit and have fun.

"Sure. I will come." I said, to which she squealed and hugged me.

I chuckled lightly and moved back. She was growing on me.

"Give me your number. I will text you the address and time." She said, taking out her phone.

Telling my phone number, we were almost near my apartment now. The whole street was sound asleep. Walking out the car and stop near Erick's window. He rolled down the window as looked at me curiously.

"Thank you." I said, softly and started walking towards the house. Without waiting or looking at him.

As i dialed in code, the car went away. I stopped as i looked back at the car, speeding away, my hand on the door handle.

As the car turned right, i walked inside the house and sighed.

What a day.

Shaking my head, I started taking my earnings out of my ears.

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