Dedicated to @around_an_hour for being so supportive since the start!

Alesha Park - Selena Gomez.

Chapter 3.

Fifty bucks they'll have sex in the witch's castle.

~~~

Viaan, Olivia, Alesha and Rishit sat opposite to Lima. The sturdy wooden table was long enough for 10 people and yet it felt so tiny and congested with Lima Fox in front of them. She occupied one chair, her aura the entire room.

Her nails tapped rhythmically on the table. The pinky fingernail first, followed by ring fingernail then the middle fingernail, then the index fingernail, and repeat.

The four looked down at their papers and files waiting for her to speak first. Once again Rishit was in front of her. After his daring escape, he was regretting it. After all she was still his boss and could easily fire him within a breath.

Usually, he had a lot of patience and self-control but for some reason, it seemed to vanish when it came to this bold woman in front of him. He'd never admit it but she did make his heart race and he was sure that wasn't a good sign!

"How old are you?" She pointer her forefinger at Alesha, who sat at the far right.

Alesha swallowed before answering. "24." After a pause she added. "Ma'am."

Her finger moved to Olivia who was sitting next to Alesha. Lima didn't repeat the question. She didn't need to.

"25, Ma'am." Olivia answered.

Lima's finger skipped over Rishit, landing on Viaan.

"24." Viaan said.

Lima looked at the papers, the details on the four interior designers. Nowhere had anyone mentioned their age.

She intertwined her fingers. "They had sent kids last time. Around 17 and 18."

Alesha nodded. "Yes, they were still college students doing their internships, under the supervision of Ms. Blaze. But we already have a little experience in interior designing. We have worked on projects before. So, we are sure we can help and guide you better."

Lima nodded. "Okay, let me see your experience."

They all stood up and Olivia placed a sample model and a blueprint of the house in front of Lima. She started to speak but Lima raised her palm. "Lemon Cheesecake, why don't you talk about this since you love to talk to so much."

Rishit gulped then cleared his throat. He looked at the blueprint, avoiding Lima's gaze. He was hyper aware of her eyes on him. He pointed at the first one. "This is of the ground floor, it covers the living area, the kitchen, the study room and the library."

Lima tapped her nail on the blueprint. "Why don't you look into my eyes when you talk?"

Rishit licked his dry lips, his heart racing underneath the layer of ribcage. He finally looked at Lima. Her eyes weren't as emotionless as the last time he had looked into them. They were still pure black and hid a lot of secrets but this time they were challenging him to look away – daring him.

Rishit took the bait, he didn't look away. Lima was surprised as the hazel-colored eyes wouldn't stop piercing into hers. They seemed to dig right into her soul and for the first time in forever, she felt the urge to look away.

Rishit continued to explain the plan, the idea for changing the kitchen layout, combining the library and study room into one, the colors of the walls and tiles. He occasionally glanced away to look at the papers but most of the time he made sure he was looking at Lima.

After over 40 minutes of speaking non-stop, he stopped. "That's the plan." He ended.

Lima hadn't looked away from Rishit even for a second, she hadn't seen a single blueprint, she hadn't seen a single layout plan or the colorful printouts of the décor ideas. Her eyes had been far too focused on Rishit. He had a slight scar on his left forehead was the only thing she noticed. And how deep and expressive his eyes were. And how his voice was filled with passion when he talked about designs. And how lush and soft his lips looked as they moved to form words. It was as if Lima had never seen a male in her life before.

After a few more seconds, reality set in and Lima finally looked away hastily. Her heart was beating at an unsteady rate and she was unsure as to what it meant. She rubbed the curve of her eyebrow and stood up. "I hate it." She spoke.

The four blinked in shock.

"What?" Rishit scoffed. This was one of the most amazing designs they had ever created. He was sure there was no way it could be rejected. It had taken them sleepless nights to plan it.

Lima leaned closer to his face. "I hate it." She repeated, picking up the papers and dumping them back on the table forcefully. "Make a new design."

She turned around and strode away, at the door she paused. "I heard there were ideas for redecorating the last room on the left?"

Alesha quickly scanned the notes and nodded. "Yes. There's a room next to it, if we break the wall, it could turn into a pretty big guest room and-"

"Cancel that."

"We'll make a new design if you don't want to break the wall, we could-"

"Nobody touches that room. It does not get redesigned. Just pretend it doesn't exist." Lima stated firmly and walked out.

As soon as she was out of earshot, the four fell back on the chairs, their heads resting on the back and they gazed at the ceiling with perplexed faces.

"Do you think she even has a heart?" Olivia inquired out loud.

"Do witches have hearts? Or do they eat ours?" Viaan replied.

Alesha sighed heavily. "I regret my decision of coming here."

Viaan snorted. "Told ya, you would."

Rishit closed his eyes, Lima's face popped up and he immediately opened them wide. He closed them again and sighed in relief at the darkness. Had she done a spell on him? Why was it so difficult to get her out of his mind?

"Do you think she has a crush on Rishit? She couldn't stop looking at him. I swear if it was some other woman, I'd think she wanted to jump his bones. But with Lima it's impossible to know." Viaan muttered.

Rishit punched Viaan's shoulder in response. "Shut up, nutcase! It's nothing like that." Although, secretly he hoped it was exactly like that.

Olivia cackled. "He will probably be her lunch next weekend. She'll fry him in her witch pot and relish his flesh." Olivia shuddered at the thought. "What do you think she prefers? The upper body or the lower one?"

Alesha quivered at the comment. "You just gave me goosebumps."

"Why did she tell us to not touch the last room?"

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Because that's where she keeps the bones, that's where Rishit's bones will be found. Duh!"

Rishit stood up. "You guys are being ridiculous. I am going out for a walk."

Alesha stood up and ran after him. "Wait for me. I want to see the hills too."

Olivia stood up. "Me too."

Viaan stared at the three going towards the front door. He had no interest in going for a walk, he wanted to watch a movie while lying on the soft comfortable bed. But as their presence disappeared, he felt an eerie silence settle in the room. He looked around the empty room with frightened eyes.

He felt as if someone was watching him, the silence was haunting and he told himself that there's no one there but he didn't believe it. After a few more seconds of sitting in the empty study room, he stood up and sprinted out of the front door, hurriedly looking for his friends.

"Guys! Wait for me!"

Alesha smirked as she saw him run towards her frantically. "Told ya, he'll come."

Viaan slowed his pace down and lifted his shoulders in a manly way. "I thought you would be bored without my jokes." Even his voice turned hoarser.

Alesha patted on his chest. "Aww, you were scared. It's okay. We all know how easily you get scared."

Viaan protested meekly. "I wasn't scared. I just didn't want you to miss me."

Alesha snorted. "Yeah right. Why would I ever miss you?"

They walked the path upwards through the garden. Mr. Pence was watering the plants.

Olivia took a few pictures of the colorful blooming flowers. "Ms. Fox must love this garden."

Mr. Pence smiled softly. "She hates most colors, especially the bright ones."

Viaan lowered his voice to whisper. "Is she really a witch?"

Mr. Pence was a bit stunned at first but then he laughed out loud, his loud guffaw making the others laugh uncomfortably too.

Viaan nodded to himself. "I guess not."

Mr. Pence suddenly stopped laughing, the atmosphere turned tense. "Have you not read the stories of the thieves who come to steal here?"

Viaan shook his head and so did the others.

Mr. Pence sat down on the grass, the others copied him, leaning ahead to hear him keenly and not miss a word.

"This huge house, also called as the Witch's Castle, has things that are worth millions. They date back into decades and the designs are not found in today's world. If someone was to take even just a vase and showpiece, they could easily live their life without any job." Mr. Pence told the curious designers.

Alesha's hand was on her mouth. "You mean the vases that are causally lying on the tables are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars?"

Mr. Pence nodded. "Yes. Some millions even. But you can't take them out of the mansion."

"Why not?" Rishit asked.

"Over the years many thieves have tried to enter the mansion." Mr. Pence's voice grew deeper. "And they did. But none got out."

Viaan leaned back, clutching on Alesha's wrist who slapped it away instantly.

"It's rumored that if you steal anything from the Witch's castle, you can't leave the castle, you must live in that object as a curse."

All four physically recoiled. Olivia licked her dry lips. "So-so you mean that those vases have someone's soul inside them?" she had touched a vase, admired it too.

"No, of course not." Mr. Pence chuckled lightly. And they sighed in relief. "Those vases have all disappeared, no one knows where."

Viaan scratched the back of his neck, he gulped. "All-all those vases gone?" his voice quivered.

Mr. Pence nodded and stood up. "Yes, so I suggest none of you try to steal anything. Unless you want to live in that thing."

Even as Mr. Pence walked away, the four sat on the grass, staring into the blank space with a frightened look on their faces.

"Well, that's nonsense. I don't believe it." Rishit said and stood up dusting his jeans. He didn't understand why there were so many rumors surrounding Lima Fox. What life had she led? What secrets was she hiding? Was her past really so traumatic that she even calls herself a witch?

Olivia was the next to stand up. "I think that room, the one she asked us to not touch, doesn't have bones."

"Exactly." Rishit agreed, finally glad that someone was on his side.

"It has the stolen items and lost souls." Olivia continued.

Rishit sighed and rolled his eyes. He did not believe in ghosts or magic or curses. He had a practical mind and if there was no valid proof, he refused to believe it. Plus, something in his heart told him that Lima Fox wasn't as evil as she appeared to be.

Alesha stood up too. "But how rich is she?"

"Richer than me." Viaan commented, raising his hand for Alesha to take and help him get up.

Alesha slapped the hand away and walked up the path, leaving Viaan behind.

"That woman gets on my nerves." He muttered loudly, standing up by himself.

"Wait up!" he shouted, running after her.

Olivia stared at the two with a light smirk on her face. "Fifty bucks say they'll have sex in the witch's castle."

Rishit smirked back. "Hundred bucks say they'll do it in the garden or these hills first."

They shook hands and grinned at each other, following their friends up the hill.

Lima was once again going through the information of the interior designers she had received.

She scoffed as she read the allergies table on it. "Stupid peanut allergy they can add as a detail but the age they cannot."

Her mind went back to Rishit's comment, you just look a lot older than you are.

How dare he!

She should up and walked to the full-length mirror in her room, she stared at the reflection. A perfect hourglass figure, a clear skin, no wrinkles and no dark circles. "From which angle do I look older than 25?" she asked to the mirror as if it could reply back. "In fact, I look just about 20."

She was wearing a comfortable sheath black dress up to her knees which hugged her body and enhanced her features. Even her butt was perfect, all those squats were paying off. She had a mini gym in the castle and she made it a point to hit at least four times a week.

"That lying lemon cheesecake." She snapped at the mirror, turning and walking out of her room. The door slammed shut behind her, loud enough for a portrait on the wall to tremble.

She met Mr. Pence on the stairs. "Mr. Pence."

He looked at the frustrated look on his employer's face. He was used to it but somehow this felt more real and passionate. "Yes, Ms. Fox?"

She pointed at herself. "How old do I look?"

"How old are you?"

Lima scowled at the witty response. "Are you acting over smart with me?"

Mr. Pence smiled. "Never. You look not a day over 22."

Lima smiled slightly and weaved her fingers through the straight black hair. "I know right. That lemon cheesecake is blind. And very arrogant. I think I should have him fired or at least teach him a lesson."

"Lemon cheesecake?"

"That guy with sparkly hazel eyes."

Mr. Pence tried to control the smirk. He had never once heard Lima use 'sparkly' as an adjective. "Rishit?"

Lima shrugged. "Same thing."

He didn't say another word. "Benny had called." He informed Lima.

Lima's shoulders slumped. She walked down the stairs. "What did that annoying man want?"

"He wants to meet you to discuss the next project." Mr. Pence followed her downstairs.

She flopped down on the couch, lifting her feet and keep them on the round glass table. "Tell him to mail me the details."

"He insists on meeting you. Says it is better to discuss these things face to face."

"Well, doesn't he know how to use the technology? Does he not know that texting is the latest fashion? No one calls anymore, let alone actually meet."

Mr. Pence nodded. "He insists on meeting you. Or at the very least talking directly with you."

She wiggled her butt on the couch, something sharp poking her left cheek. She removed a white ear pod and scowled at it. "I am guessing this isn't yours."

Mr. Pence shook his head.

Lima put the ear pod on his palm and closed it. "You can ask lemon cheesecake to take this back from me if he wants it."

"I think that was Alesha's. The short one with short brown hair."

Lima looked at the fisted hand. "Well, then ask her to come." Her enthusiasm to return the ear pod had reduced substantially for reasons she didn't fully understand.

She got up, still holding on to the ear pod. "About Benny, you can tell him I have no interest in meeting him. If he has something to discuss he can mail me. Or better yet, forget it."

Mr. Pence nodded in understanding.

She looked around, there was utter silence which was surprising considering the four didn't know how to shut up at all. They were always talking and giggling like rowdy teenagers. "Where are those designers?"

"They went for a walk up the hill."

Lima froze, her eyes widened. "Mr. Pence." She started, swallowing hard.

"Yes, Ms. Fox?"

"Did we put up the danger sign again?"

The man's eyes doubled in size. He remembered taking down the sign while they were working on that patch of hill but since no one ever ventures in that area he had postponed putting up the sign, until he completely forgot about it. He scratched the back of his neck, looking guiltily at Lima. "No, we didn't."

Panic glazed over Lima's face and her breathing wavered. "How far do you think they will climb?"

Mr. Pence shrugged a shoulder. "Not sure. But guessing from their cherry and carefree attitudes, they will climb till the top."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm down herself. She couldn't figure out what she was so scared about. So, what if someone fell down the hill? It's their fault, their mistake that they weren't careful. And yet she couldn't stop from worrying. The image of Rishit falling down a cliff made her heart skip a beat and start pounding erratically, fear surged in her veins.

"I have to go there." She said, practically running upwards to wear some pants and shoes.

The four designers were climbing upwards, admiring and appreciating the stunning view they got to witness.

"I swear the view makes up for living in that horror house." Olivia said, clicking more pictures with her phone. She was first in line. They were almost at the top now. She could see the how far down the land was. Luckily, she wasn't scared of heights but one fall and she would definitely have broken legs or worse be dead.

Rishit was right behind her. The stones were a little uneven now. As they stepped on the rocks, they wobbled a little. It also didn't help that the curious designers had ventured a little away from the carved path. "Be careful here. It's pretty shaky." He warned everyone.

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Trust me, nothing's going to happen. It's safe." She turned to him and winked, taking a step back. Her feet slipped on a rock, a rock that was uneven and slippery.

She stumbled.

She shrieked.

She fell.

~~~

Vomment!!!

What time is it there? How are you liking the story so far? Don't be shy - share your thoughts!