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Playlist - Sweet by Cigarettes After Sex

Astoria

"I think you should head back. It's not necessary for you..."

The words are lost from my mouth with one look from the enigmatic gentleman who had insisted on accompanying me.

I swallow back whatever mundane excuse I had made to get him off my case, literally. He had already proved to be more insufferable than any of the popular girls at my school. On top of everything, there was still no sign of my boyfriend.

He really was good at avoiding people.

The long walk to the staff's entry gate was eliminated, thanks to the golf cart we had taken. I couldn't bear the torture of jarring silence between us. I had already been embarrassed enough for today.

Not a single atom in me could fathom what on earth compelled Wallace Knight to go along with me to fetch my cousin?

I sighed in relief when we reached the gate. I left Wallace seated and went to get my cousin who was chatting with a security guard.

One thing about Arwen Winter Emerson was that she was one of the kindest, affable, jovial people in the room. Her charisma never diminished despite the struggles she goes through daily.

She was a high school senior with a sharp brain. All my life I'd admired her never give up attitude. She really was the most special person I'd known in my life.

"Winter," I yelled and waved my arms around to get her attention. Although Arwen was her first name, no one referred to her by that name and I never asked.

Her smile lit up when she saw me. I walked to her and she embraced me in a tight hug.

"Oh, look at you, lil biscuit." She arched her eyebrow wickedly. "Or should I say, lil toots?" She whispered and broke into a chuckle at my mortified expression.

Winter ruffled my hair, playfully. "That's mean of you, sis." I pouted. "And besides, you need to lower your tone, because no one here knows about it."

"Alright, alright." She waved a 'bye' at the security guards and bent down to pick her duffel bag. We held each other's hand, but came to a standstill.

Recognition engulfed Winter's face. "Wait... who's that?"

"Oh, him, a nuisance." My gaze moved from Winter to Wallace, then back to her. "Do you know him?" I asked, disbelief evident in my tone.

"Yes," she replied, nonchalantly. "I know him. He's a friend of my friend. It'll only be polite to exchange pleasantries. Don't you think so?"

Her question was rhetoric. I was dragged over to the golf cart. Winter led the way for me.

"Oh, my God. What are you doing here?" The smile on her face, thrilled. "I swear I thought you were still following me."

"That's not my style. It's usually the other way around, but I am glad you're flattered."

"Hey, didn't say I was flattered."

Dumbfounded, my head went back and forth as I watched them talk so casually with each other. Especially Wallace. He had a strict don't come near me aura to him and to see him... crack a smile- without any innuendo-just pure genuine was even more unsettling than before.

I study Wallace. There wasn't any significant change in his behaviour or attitude, but he seemed a little approachable than before. I frowned. Maybe I judged him too soon.

Winter linked her arm into mine. "I see you've met my cute little cousin here." She ruffled my hair and I scorned. "He didn't bother you, did he? I'll gladly kick his ass," she joked.

Her tone would seem playful to a third person, but I knew she meant them.

I could feel Wallace' eyes on me. I shook my head and just for a mere moment, I witnessed him physically relax. It was sudden and if I had blinked, then I might've never seen it.

The guy was full of surprise, because he even unloaded whatever luggage Winter was carrying with her.

Wasn't he just a friend of Winter's friend? Then, why was he so damn comfortable around her? I wanted to prod Winter for answers, but it wasn't the time nor the situation for it.

"Arwen, you can sit next to me and your cousin and sit behind."

My eyes widened, not because Wallace eyed me as if I was an inconvenience, but because he called my cousin Arwen. No one, I mean, not even her own mother called her Arwen. It was Winter for everyone.

Arwen held deep emotional scars for her and she didn't allow anyone to call her by that name.

Winter noticed my stunned expression and offered a dim smile.

"It's a long story. I gave up trying to get him to stop calling Arwen. Now I don't even notice."

I don't say anything, because I noticed a tick at Wallace's jaw. He had put up a façade in front of Winter. I could tell that much.

He was bad news. Terrible.

I slumped down on my seat until we made it back to the cottage. Where was Axel? I was beginning to drain in the presence of Wallace. He was clearly smitten by Winter. She was no doubt oblivious to his attention.

Her hair resembled autumn leaves and caramel orbs of hers glimmered in sunlight. No wonder, Wallace couldn't take his eyes off her.

Winter was in awe of the palace. She soaked in every detail of the exterior. I was the same as her when I had first seen this place, actually, I was still in awe.

I rested my head on my fisted hand and tried to zone out all the talking that was going on. When the cottage came into view, I saw a figure that I immediately recognised.

Axel stood in a suit which was not much different from what Wallace had worn, then again my knowledge when it came to suits was still developing.

The moment the cart stopped, I jumped out and went straight to him. If anything, he looked even more attractive than he already was. The scent of his expensive bath gel and perfume surrounded my senses in a delicious aroma.

It was so uniquely him and radiant. I was obsessed with it.

I crashed into him. He chuckled and tried to steady me. "Hey, easy there, toots."

I withdrew, only to slap his arm. "Where were you this entire time? You have no idea what I endured."

He laughed and wrapped me in his hold. "First, I can't help, but I admire you, Astoria. Did you put in an extra effort to look good for me?" He whistled. "I like what I see."

He leaned to kiss me, but I stopped it before it could meet my lips. "We have company with us, Axel."

Axel's eyes didn't leave my face. "When did that ever stop?"

Our lips met. I melted at the touch of his soft lips. Axel was goofing around with the kiss and it was definitely more of a statement than anything. My legs shook when we pulled apart. I blushed and he stole another kiss from me before letting his eyes fall to our company.

"You have definitely grown since the last time I saw you, cousin."

"So have you, Ace." He appeared relaxed with his hands tucked in his pockets. "I see you brought your girlfriend."

Before any of us could clear the misunderstanding, Ace spoke. "I can see yours too."

Without letting the error fuel, Winter smacked Wallace, playfully. "I am not his girlfriend. He's just pulling your leg."

"She's my cousin Winter. I told you about her," I added.

Axel looked at me, then straight ahead at his cousin. It would appear as though we were facing each other on a battlefield.

There was an unspoken tension between both the cousins that stirred uneasiness in the atmosphere. It was better to leave them to sort... talk whatever they needed to.

"I'll show Winter to her room and see you later?" I asked and he nodded. "Alright, bye." I kissed his cheek. "Don't cause any trouble."

***

Axel

Wallace Knight was a devil wrapped in a saint's clothing. He had a way of wrapping his claw around anyone that teetered his line of sight. I have learnt a lot over the years from him.

He was calm before the storm. The storm was set to make his debut in the world where shrewd businessmen, much like our fathers, lived.

A black-tie ball kept to honour the newest member of the wealthy society we were both born in. He was the sole attention of his parents and even mine. The ball was an upscale event that was planned months in advance.

Two days later, it will finally take place. I had already had enough of its shit. I suppose, I'll also go through the same nuptials as Ace, so I shouldn't act like a moody teenage girl.

I had left my moody teenage girlfriend at her cottage after promising to meet her as soon as I was done with Ace.

"What were you doing with my girlfriend?" I asked him. "The big bad wolf can't get prey of his own age?"

He flicked me off and went to the golf cart.

"C'mon, cinderella. Don't make me come and get you."

My fingers raked through my hair. I walked to the cart and sat next to him. It was still afternoon. My plans to spend time with Astoria were foiled to say the least.

With the arrival of Ace, it was safe to keep her out of his sight as much as possible. He could be really difficult at times. I had seen him make plenty cry at his mercy. Although, there was one thing that piqued my interest.

"You didn't correct me when I mistook that chick for your girlfriend, did you?" The words rolled off my tongue.

He smirked. "I know where you're going, cousin."

"Going where?" I feigned being clueless. "I am just thinking about what an amazing lineup of events this week has. First, the date of your debut ball shifts two week prior to its original date, then Astoria's cousin shows up." I tapped my forefinger and middle finger on my lips. "Hmm... interesting."

The stern look of his face should shut me up. Yet I continued. "All I am saying, what an interesting turn of events."

"You don't have me by my balls, Axel. I know you'd love it more than anything to play with strings, but let me remind you, I am older, smarter and I invented the game you think you're playing."

"Ha- who says I am trying to play games with you. Of course, you're better than me." For now. "After all, you're still the teacher."

***