To buy perfume. What an abominable reason. But I couldn't think of anything else. I had to escape, and I did.
– Pick you up? – I suddenly heard Markus' voice.
– Yes, I suppose so. I'll be at the Palladium," I replied. My heels clicked against the pavement. – You'll find me there.
– Great, I hope you won't get lost in the ocean of perfume bottles… Hi, it's good to see you again," I heard my brother-in-law's voice again.
– It's good to see you again. Thanks for coming. – It was Brandon Grayson's voice. It was beautiful. Low. Sexy.
Beyond my will, I turned around. My body betrayed me.
Brandon was standing outside Markus's car, leaning slightly against the window. A smile played on his lips. A charming one. Like himself. Black suit. Black leather gloves. Black sunglasses. Elegance in the flesh.
I stared at him without breathing.
Bastard. Hypocrite. I hated him.
Turning sharply, I continued on my way, desperately hoping he wouldn't notice my unspoken presence.
He didn't.
Quite quickly I reached the shopping centre and wrapped myself in the first perfume shop, bought a bottle of my favourite perfume, found a lonely table in a small but cosy café, ordered a cup of expensive coffee for the sake of appearances, and sank into my thoughts. It was a miracle I'd managed to bring my purse with my credit cards.
I was woozy to the core. Why the hell had I flown here? Hadn't seen my parents, my brothers and sisters? Did I want to meet my nephew? Finally get to spend some time with Misha? What am I doing here? Sitting in this stupid cafe, hiding like a rat. From who? Who is the person I'm hiding from like a lowlife?
It's me.
I'm the one sitting here amongst the clamouring, foul-smelling, death-smelling people. This is me sitting here in my short holiday dress. This is me all alone. Without a phone. Without common sense. Me and my thoughts.
But what is this unseemly behaviour, Maria? Squaring your shoulders. It's just one day. One bloody endless day, and you'll live it like you've lived decades and centuries before. Wars. Catastrophes. One day, Maria, and you'll be free.
– I'm here.
I flinched.
Markus's voice came over the hum of thousands of voices, saving me from spiritual suicide.
– I'm coming," I said, barely audibly, and left the café. – Where are you?
– In the car park.
– You two had a quick chat," I said quietly, walking toward the escalator leading to the underground three-level car park.
– He was in a hurry. He had a meeting in London.
– The ever-busy benefactor. Mortals just have to kiss his shoes.
– Leave it. I don't see why you don't like him. – Markus asked with a laugh.
– Why should I like him? – I grinned in turn.
– You don't, but as far as I know, you've never liked him.
– Wrong. I'm just indifferent to the fact that he exists.
I found Markus's car and sat in the back seat.
Markus grinned and started the engine.
– Put your seatbelt on, please, I don't want to get fined," he said.
I complied silently and kept my eyes on my dark red perfume bottle all the way to the castle. I had no desire to talk.
Luckily, Markus seemed to realise this, because he didn't say a word the whole way. Maybe he'd guessed the real reason I'd run away. I was so insistent on asking him about that damn Grayson…
Where's your mind, Maria? You're acting like a crazy idiot. Don't talk. Always be quiet and be happy. The smile must never leave your lips. You're free. You are beautiful. People's lives are your domain. You are Death's reaper. You are Death's helper. And you will not stoop to what Life insists you do.
