Whispers of Deceit, Echoes of Love

Chapter 28

Sophia could feel her body vibrating with anger. This was just too much. She turned to the person holding her, her eyes dark. “You just don’t learn, do you? So today, I am going to show you that I mean what I say!” She struggled out of his hold, holding her hand up to Orlando, who had moved to protect her. “Don’t worry, Orlando, I got this!”

“Soph, let’s talk,” Eric tried to reach out to her again, but she moved away.

Reaching for her phone, she quickly dialed the emergency number, “Hello, I would like to report an assault and will need the police to come as I would like to press charges. Yes, on me and my friend. The address?” Sophia told them the address and hung up, her glare turning back to Eric.

Eric, seeming unfazed, just stared at her, “What assault? I haven’t touched you!”

“I told you not to come close to me, but here you are. So be a good boy and wait until the police arrive, and then you will explain to them why basic English seems so hard for you to understand.”

“You are taking this too far!” Eric growled, taking a step forward, but stopped when Orlando stepped into his way. He glared up at him, Orlando being a few inches taller and much bigger. “So you have a bodyguard now?”

Sophia shrugged, “It seems I need one. Between you following me around like a lost dog and your girlfriend vandalizing my sh!t and hurting my friend, I think I am entitled to it.”

Eric frowned, “What do you mean?”

Sophia rolled her eyes, “Don’t act like you don’t know. Your deranged girlfriend decided it was fun to scribble the word wh0re on my door, which I find ironic as she was the one screwing someone else’s boyfriend. Then, when she couldn’t find me home, she went to Mia’s and attacked her. She then finished her night by destroying my car. Now tell me, why should I not protect myself?

Eric shook his head, “That can’t be true. Em would never do that.”

Mia laughed before she had to clear her throat. She removed the scarf, showing her bruised neck, before covering it again as their colleagues piled outside. “Tell that to my throat.”

Sophia sighed as she saw a few people looking their way curiously, “I swear to G-if you and your girlfriend cost me my job, I am going to sue your asses to kingdom come!”

Just as Eric was about to reply, a siren was heard, alerting them of the police’s arrival. “Are you really going to press charges?” Eric seemed unsure now.

“Watch me!” Sophia approached the two police officers as they got out of their car, “thank you for coming so quickly. I don’t know what else to do.”

“What seems to be the problem?” The taller, darker police officer asked, his hands hooked into his belt.

“That guy is my ex, but he doesn’t want to leave me alone, even when I tell him to,” Sophia pointed to Eric, who was approaching them.

The female officer held her hand out to him, “Stop right there.” She gave her partner a nod and walked to Eric.

“Has he done anything to threaten you?”

Sophia shook her head, “he is just a little rough,” she pointed to her bruising arm where Eric had grabbed her earlier. “I have broken up with him, but he doesn’t understand. I’ve told him time and again to stop following me. He doesn’t listen. He comes to my home and here at the office. And his new girlfriend has been attacking my friend,” she pointed at Mia, “as she was looking for me. All I want is for him to leave me alone.”

The officer glanced at his partner and sighed, “Unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do. We can warn him for now and ensure he understands that he could be arrested for trespassing the next time he approaches you or at your residence.”

Sophia nodded. She knew this was a long shot, but she wanted to make Ric aware that she was serious, “I understand.”

The officer looked at her with sympathy, “Tell you what. Give me your home address so I can have a patrol pass by a time or two to ensure you are safe.”

Sophia recited her address to him, thanking him once again. She turned to go back to the car, ignoring Eric calling her as he was being escorted to his own vehicle. As she approached the car, she noticed that Orlando was placing his phone back into his pocket. She raised her eyebrows at him in question. His face stayed emotionless as he held the door open.

“I can’t believe you actually called the cops on him,” Mia chuckled as Orlando closed the door behind them.

“I had warned him,” she replied, removing her phone from her bag as it continued ringing. She glanced at Orlando through the rearview mirror, but he ignored her. Looking at the name on the screen, she frowned.

“Who is it?” Mia asked as she noticed Sophia’s sour face.

Sophia turned her phone to Mia.

Mia clicked her tongue, “That boy has no shame!”

Sophia shook her head, “No. It’s my mother who has no shame.” She ignored the call, watching it go to voicemail. She gritted her teeth when it started ringing again. She canceled the all, before blocking her mother’s number and throwing her phone back into the bag. “Now I seriously need that drink!”

The drive to the club was fast, and soon Orlando opened the door for them.

Mia linked hands with Sophia as they made their way inside. Mia smiled at the same guy who had led them in the last time before ducking her head and following Orlando.

“I am so looking forward to the story between the two of you,” Sophia whispered into her ear as they climbed up the stairs.

Mia chuckled as she shook her head, “Girl! Whoever you know must be loaded! These are the reserved VIP rooms. You enter with keycards.”

Sophia glanced as Orlando swiped a card and held the darkened door open for them to enter before him.

“Wow!” Mia turned around the room, taking in the ambiance and the decor. “This is amazing! Look! I can see people dancing under my feet!”

Sophia looked around before turning to Orlando, “we are allowed to get out of here and join the dancefloor, right?”

Orlando nodded, “the security here has been made aware not to let your ex in. I will leave you with it! Everything in here is for your enjoyment. Your private bartender will join you shortly.” Orlando walked out.

Mia shook her head, “girl! A private bartender? Do you see the collection of alcohol on that shelf? That is more than what I make in a year! And we can drink them.”

Sophia chuckled. “Let’s get sloshed, shall we!”

Mia squealed as she went behind the counter, reaching for the champagne bottle as the bartender entered. She giggled, handed the bottle over, and waited patiently as she poured their drinks for them.

The night went on nicely. Sophia and Mia enjoyed Danise’s expertise regarding the different cocktails she made for them. And although they were free to join those on the dancefloor, they didn’t. Instead, they opted to enjoy their time in the VIP lounge.

When Sophia decided she needed to go and empty her bladder, she refused Mia to accompany her. The restrooms were not too far from the VIP area, just after a dimly lit corridor. Once she was done, she slowly made her way back, humming the tune of the song that was blasting through the club speakers. Just as she was close to finishing the dimly lit corridor, a strong arm hooked itself around her waist.

She gasped as she came into contact with a solid body. She only noticed the dark head as dominant lips took possession of hers, silencing her cry of surprise.