The Fancy Pants Club

POV: Daniella

I didn't have the chance to ask Vincent about the secret rooms during our painting session. He was silent as what an artist should be and I was silent just as what a model should be. It was late afternoon when we finished. It took us five hours all in all, but really a worth-it time as the painting product looked beyond a masterpiece. Well, at least that's what he voiced out when he showed it to me.

He framed it on the spot right after he let me sign my name in the left side, opposite his, and hung it on the Club gallery outside the studio. Right after that, he asked me for another dinner date, but I declined since Suri and I had already made plans to go on another girl bonding time.

Vincent and I parted our ways with me feeling the same as before amidst the kiss he gave me earlier. I wouldn't want our friendship destroyed just because of a moment of oversight in his part.

Yes, early in the evening, Suri and I went to a famous Beverly Hills boutique for gown fittings — gowns that we are to wear in the Fancy Pants Club semiannual grand ball. It will be held a month from now, but she wanted the gowns done early. Her butler drove and accompanied us the whole time, even taking care of our needs when we ate dinner at an outside restaurant.

We had a great time again, but I didn't miss out how puffy her eyes were, probably due to crying. I didn't ask the reason for it though since I am aware it was because of Amano's absence. I didn't even ask her about the secret room and the Bratva even though I was itching so much to find out about them.

Back in the chateau, since she had other 'classified' matters to attend to, I was left to ride the elevator alone. It was about ten o'clock when I arrived in the fourth floor. Planning to go straight to my room, I immediately turned to the west hallway, but as soon as I caught a faint sound of violin in my ears, I paused. The sound came from the north hallway. To where exactly, I wasn't sure, so I decided to investigate.

There were doors in this hallway too, leading to private chambers I suppose. In one of Suri's discussion about the Club, she mentioned about Vincent and Alec's room being here. Alec had abandoned his room in exchange for his own flat slash boutique outside the chateau, while Vincent stayed and became an official resident just like Erik and the others (except for Rohan who had a mansion of his own).

I managed the hallway going straight into the far end where an anteroom was located. In its connecting balcony, there I saw the source of the violin music: Vincent, playing a song I have never heard before.

He was standing in the center of the balcony, regal and self-assured, with his face looking at the star-flooded sky.

I secretly approached him, silent like a ghost, and stopped just at the border of the anteroom and balcony. The whole time, I listened to his production with my head leaning against the end of the wall and smiling. Even though I seriously wanted to, I resisted the urge to close my eyes and revel on the sounds waves.

"That's a hauntingly beautiful song Vince, " I broke my silence when he finished his performance some amazing minutes after.

From a relaxed posture, his shoulders stood at attention quickly and then he spun around to face me wearing a smile and an arched brow.

"Is it?" he said.

"You doubt my words?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

"No, " he answered not a second past, "But I doubt myself. I composed it you know."

"Really? Then you have some serious self-esteem issues."

Vincent is such a talented man, amazingly similar to what a prince should be, but the more I get to know him, the more I see another side of him that is beaten down.

"I'd like to call it unsure instead, " he corrected just as he squat and placed the violin safely in its antique case lying on the marbled floor. "Anyway, the composition is called Eren's Touch."

"Why that title?" I asked, curious.

"It...It's complicated to explain." His head lowered and he looked as if pained on something. That caught my attention. I am no Cupid and I do not have experiences yet on my own, but I am an intuitive woman and I know a heartbroken person when I see one.

"Hey, " I started right after I straightened myself from leaning. "It is none of my business, but you can always tell me your problems. I am your friend. I am willing to lift a little bit of that weight on your shoulders."

He looked at me and beamed a smile; the show of momentary sadness vanished in a blink of an eye. "So sweet of you Daniella."

I suppressed a laugh and crossed my arms. "I prefer...helpful."

"And this is exactly why I like you, " he said so suddenly.

"Come again?" I asked with furrowed brows. My heartbeat immediately raced and my hand turned cold. I refuse to be presumptive, but with how he stressed the word with such confidence, I had a feeling that he was confessing his feelings on me.

Vincent stood up and stepped closer to me leaving the violin case on the floor. His gaze held mine as I waited with baited breath.

"Daniella, I like—"

But before I could fish out his answer, a strong hand grabbed my left elbow and pulled me inside the anteroom. I gasped and turned to look at the source with an angry glare. I became meek however when I saw who it was.

Back against the wall, Erik (yes, he's back) stood with his jaw clenched and his venomous look on me.

Had he been hiding from us all this time? Was he listening to our conversation? Those two questions immediately jumped in my head.

With his hand still holding me, he stepped forward and showed himself to Vincent.

"Isn't it a little bit late for the two of you to be discussing nonsense issues?"

From where I stood at his side, I could see how he scowled at Vincent, but the latter acted not at all affected.

"Ah, Prez, you're back, " he smiled at him.

"That I am." Erik nodded and then turned to the stunned me and commanded, "You, come with me now."

He attempted to pull me from the elbow, but I stayed put. "No, " I said, staring straight at him. Quick was my adjustment from my stupefied state, and I had now showed a bit of irritation because of his rudeness.

"Come again?" He leaned closer and studied my face. I, in the other hand, tried to look as determined as I could be with my chin held high.

"I am not done talking with Vince, Erik, " I pointed out.

"Ah, so you are on nickname basis now huh?" His stare became scorching.

"That's none of your concern." I thinned my lips.

"It is my concern because I'm your master Daniella, " he stressed.

His grip on me tightened. It wasn't enough to make me wince, but it did make me realize how serious he was.

"Okay!" Suddenly, Vincent voiced out, catching both of our attention. "Now I'm out of here. You too lovebirds continue bickering."

Lovebirds what?!

"Vince, wait!" I shouted when he passed by with the violin case in hand, but Erik stepped in and grabbed my chin to look at him.

"Pay attention on me Daniella. On only me." His voice was dark but languorous, full of promise yet charged with threat.

"Erik..." My lips quaked as he leaned closer. Warm was his breathing when I felt it in my cheeks, and his scent, of his personal cologne maybe, when it touched my nostrils, had me in goosebumps.

I was hoping that he would release me, but I stood frozen as he abruptly claimed my mouth. Shots of tingles fired up my whole body then. It was a chaste kiss at first, but when I unconsciously parted my lips a little, he made it needy and deep. I gasped as he delved his tongue inside and because of that, it made me remember the kiss we had shared in the elevator.

From my peripheral vision, I could no longer see Vincent in the anteroom and that made my subconscious feel at ease. Public display of affection — or whatever people might call it — was not my cup of tea.

He grabbed both of my shoulders and pushed me roughly against the wall. I was left incapable of blocking it. Continuing the onslaught of his mouth, he surprised me when he ran a hand from my neck down to my right breast. From there, I felt my belly flutter and my nipples stood erect, especially the one that was touched. I am new at this, yet this kind of feeling... of desire and longing had me all worked up and it felt so good. It fogged my head ultimately, tossing my will, irritation and any other reasoning aside.

I seriously thought he would proceed to lift my blouse up. Shamefully, it was what my body was begging — to be caressed skin to skin — but then he stopped and wrenched himself away. He stood an unbearable inch of distance and studied me — yes, me with a winded breath and confused, heated face.

"You are mine, remember that Daniella, " he remarked and then twisted to exit the anteroom.

I swallowed hard the remains of our liplock and took a deep breath. Looking at his back, there was this one question that plagued my mind in an instant.

"So you are really toying with me huh?"

He paused and looked over his shoulder. "I am not toying with you Daniella, " he spoke calmly, but refused to look at me.

"Are you certain? Really? Because it doesn't look and feel that way. You confuse me with your attitude and actions Erik, just like now. How are you going to explain that when you say this is not your game?"

He lowered his stare on the ground, yet still he didn't face me, but I saw how tight his fist clenched as if he was battling a war inside himself.

"What is my photo for? I found it hidden in one of the drawers in your office desk. Why did you turn me into a club member? Why blackmail me and keep me here when you know your secrets might be compromised? What is the secret room for? The surveillance room, the loads of firearms and ammunition hidden next to it? What does Iopata Bratva mean? Tell me Erik. What are your reasons? Tell me!"

Obviously, I was on a rampage and it was all brought by this man and the confusion, the suspicion, the attraction and the sexual tension that he had amassed within me. I wasn't going to give up until he gives me the answers that I want.

I am hoping that he would though because seriously I am going nuts with this game of his. I might put myself in a psychiatric ward after six months if he doesn't give me the right answers.

"Where is the photo Daniella?" He turned to face me finally but for some reason, he looked like a predator ready to pounce on its prey.

"It is in my room and you will never get it back unless you give me answers, " I stated, feet firm on the ground.

"Ah, so you know how to blackmail me now huh? The master had just been gone for a few weeks yet the servant was able to learn a sly trick."

He stepped forward, I stepped back. I felt the cold wall instantly and that made me realize I was trapped unless I run out of the balcony.

"Answer my questions Erik, " I commanded with a stern voice. "Why keep me here when you know your guarded secrets will be discovered? You are mafia right? The Fancy Pants Club is the Iopata Bratva the international authorities had been looking for."

He grinned at me, touched his jaw briefly and said, "Would you care to come with me in my room to find out? I would be willing to divulge the Club secrets if you join me for a glass of brandy in my bar."

I scrunched up my nose. "I don't drink brandy Erik."

"Then wine perhaps?" he negotiated.

I went silent and weighed the pros and cons of his offer. Going straight into his room was like going straight into a cliff. If he truly is the mafia, then anything is possible. Even death. However, to know the truth now would be better, for my sanity's sake that is.

Seconds turned to minutes and probably, he was bored of waiting for he suddenly reasoned out, "I am trying to be patient here Daniella. I am trying my best to be as proper as I could be. I don't want to drag you out of here and force you inside my room, tie you up in my bed so that your tongue wouldn't wag around the chateau with stupid assumptions. Now, answer me a yes and you will be spared with that treatment."

I narrowed my eyes at him and answered in the end, "Yes."

He nodded once, pleased, and turned towards the hallway. "Come, " he said.

I followed him after heaving a long sigh.

The whole time we traversed towards his room, many thoughts and questions swirled inside me. I was beginning to doubt the veracity of the Club with each swirl, but not my safety. Never my safety.

I may suspect the Club to be a world-renowned mafia organization, but my heart didn't believe one bit that the members would kill me because I found their secrets. Seriously, all of them have been so good to me and very accommodating. I just can't see anyone of them murdering someone out of whim. Erik with his Death God aura? Yes, maybe, possibly but I am yet to confirm this when we arrive in his room.

POV: Erik

Daniella sat in a sofa near the main door while I was in the mini bar fixing our drinks. From time to time, I watched her movements and ultimately established that she was nervous amidst being so forthright and courageous earlier with her questionings. She really does have a racy mind, but I find it entertaining.

Her assumptions weren't far-fetched from the truth however, since I am the only son (a prodigal bastard, might I add) of the head of Iopata, so in effect, I am connected to the mafia organization. Unfortunately, although how much I deny it... no matter how much I sever my ties with my father and swore the downfall of his organization, this is the truth. Nikolai Svaneti is the truth. I just don't want to face it.

What I aim to do now since she had seen too much of our agenda was to clear the name of the Club and erase the notion in her mind that all of us are blood-thirsty murderers. Well, most of us are, but we do that with bad people — really bad people who deserved to go to Hell instead.

She looked up at me with a bit of suspicion but nevertheless, took the flute and sipped its contents slowly.

"Thank you, " she said, then looked down on the floor again.

I smirked and decided to distance myself away from her — for her own good and mine. Honestly, I had wanted to hold her since I returned in the chateau. These past two weeks had been really hard on my part, but luckily, I was able to pour my frustrations out with my father's cockroaches who tried to smuggle their Cloud Blue shipment inside Bosnia.

I chose to sit in a high stool in the mini bar and waited for her to calm down.

"Did Suri or the others tell you about the secret room or you just discovered it by yourself?" was my question when she did, but it was after almost five minutes of waiting.

She gazed at me with an expression certain as the clear blue sky and spilled, "No, I discovered it on my own."

I curved my mouth upward. "So you weren't able to resist the urge of pressing the rifle's trigger huh?" I had to ask that since I was really curious.

"What sane mind would put a real thing in a foyer where everyone could see?" she retorted back.

I chuckled and shifted on my seat.

"Apparently, the owner of that sane mind didn't expect that I would invite an outsider to become a member."

"Ah, yes, and that leads me to question why then?" she retaliated with my dreaded question. "Why did you turn me into a member in the first place?"

"Please stay on topic Daniella, " I reminded.

"This is on topic."

"No, it isn't. We were discussing about the secretiveness of the club which you didn't hesitate on showing your dislike, " I said, diverting the subject back to its original path. I don't want to explain the circumstances of putting her in the Club just yet. Time, perfect timing will come soon for that. For now, I prefer to clear her mind up with this mafia nonsense.

"Then tell me about Iopata Bratva, and explain to me about the many weapons in that secret room."

"Hmm, so hungry for information huh?" I drank my brandy, but still my gaze stayed on her.

"So that I won't go in a mental hospital, Erik, " she curtly remarked.

After hearing that statement, I broke out into a laugh without intending it.

"It's not funny!" she shouted immediately.

I stopped and took in a deep breath. "I know, " I waved my cognac midair and looked at her solemnly. "That's why I decided to give you answers Daniella."

"I'm listening, " she urged and crossed her arms.

I cocked a brow, finding her show of confidence alluring.

"What I am going to tell you is classified information woman. I maybe outed by the Agency because of it, but for your safety and sanity, I will explain everything to you. Listen well. Ask questions later."

"Go on, " she nodded.

I placed the cognac in the counter and started whilst looking at her searching, beautiful hazel eyes. "The Fancy Pants Club is designed by the International Security Agency composed of powerplayer countries all over the world. It was established ten years ago but just recently started its operations last year in public to create a front and to confuse the syndicate. Beverly Hills is the location of choice since it is the closest area to Lotus Spade. Lotus Spade is a sister branch of Iopata, the mafia you are talking about, whose headquarters are in Russia. The Club members including me act as a cushion. We are trained to intercept and initiate certain measures in order to stop the brotherhood's illegal dealings, especially their laboratory-created drug — the one that got you almost fucked up weeks ago."

I stopped right there after noticing that I was giving too much information that she couldn't handle at one time. Deciding to create a comfortable atmosphere, I approached her and sat in a sofa opposite hers. She just studied me the whole time, or probably still processing whatever question she wanted to throw at me.

"The Club is just a cover Daniella, " I summarized conveniently for her. "All of us are living a double life. We keep up appearances just to make sure the brotherhood wouldn't pin us... wouldn't suspect our involvement."

"So you say you are secret mercenaries, " she finally broke her silence.

I smiled at her and nodded. "Or your modern-day Robin Hood."

"Robin Hood shares all his wealth to the people Erik. The Club however doesn't. What about the lavish parties inside the chateau and the ridiculous rent that you put on the guests? What can you say about that huh?" she ambushed me with these set of questions. I find it insignificant, but it was pleasant to know that she was very perceptive of her surroundings.

"This ridiculous rent that you say Daniella all goes to the charities that the Club holds. These charities are made for the victims of Iopata. Although not all, the staffs here in the chateau are also those people whose families were destroyed because of that same group. Mind you, they have operated for twenty long years, creating havoc in every turn. Someone's got to round them up and this is what we are doing, although secretly, stealthily. Iopata is a wide network of brotherhood. They are no joking matter."

I saw a glint of fear in her eyes as she gazed at me. I wanted to kiss it away, but refrained.

"As for the secret rooms, they are for meeting purposes where we plan our next attack, update ourselves with Iopata's movements and organize the Club's public activities. The weapons you saw inside I reckon you understand already what for, so there's no use explaining that to you."

She pressed her lips thinly just as she shifted her eyes away from me. This time, it was not fear that I saw in her but embarrassment. Embarrassed probably because of her false assumptions.

A slow smile broke from my lips as I continued looking at her. "Have I cleared up your mind now Sweet Rose?"

She nodded slightly, but then looked up at me with unflinching determination and said, "I still need to ask you one last question."

"Then bring it on, " I shrugged.

"How did you end up keeping my picture Erik?"

I swallowed. I had an inkling that our conversation would lead up to this point, and I already told myself that once this happens, she'll learn the reason why.

After releasing a defeated sigh, I stood up from my seat and keenly stared at her.

"I want to be reminded of the person who saved my life — you — that's why I printed a picture of you from the Rosecraft business website a year ago."

I brought my right hand up to my neck where in the right side I pinched my skin, or what Alec calls an artificial skin made of silicone rubber and plaster.

Just as I pulled the damn makeup prosthetic out, I saw her breathing paused and her eyes bulged.