NEFERTARY
Встречи
The moonlight illuminates the room. My eyes, already adjusted to it, can make out every corner, but my attention is on that dark-haired guy who was sleeping quietly next to me. Although sometimes he had nightmares—those that I surely caused and at the same time could stop—it seems absurd, but he clings to the cause of his fears.
I turn my attention to the nightstand, which had a clock on it. It was already time.
—Mathias —I call him— Mathias, it's time.
He just makes a face of annoyance.
—Don't complain later —I get out of bed. Standing in front of him, I pull off the blanket covering his body from the cold. I grab his feet and start pulling them. He doesn't take long to react and clings to the sheets, a futile action since he ended up on the floor.
—How many times do I have to tell you not to do that? —he said irritated.
He gets up from the floor and sits on the edge of the bed.
—I called you twice. You should be grateful I'm flexible with you, because...
He gets up and covers my mouth.
—Sometimes you sound like a broken record, monster.
I was going to say something to argue, but he got ahead of me and pressed his lips against mine. I have no fucking idea when this stopped being just a game and became a necessity.
—I need a source of energy to be able to wake up.
—Am I supposed to be it?
—You asked for it, besides... —he leans in a little to whisper— You go crazy when my member is inside you.
And this idiot was totally right. He started kissing me with bites until he went down to the center of my neck. His hands grabbed my hips tightly to lift me off the floor and wrap my legs around his waist. I pulled his face with my hands to kiss me again while he headed to the bathroom.
Vanessa had reached an agreement with Mr. Ludwig, becoming Mathias's temporary guardian while his father was out of the country. I expected nothing less from her; that's always been her damn gift, so I could resent it—but because of her, I had the hunter living under the same roof as me. Of course, at first, he had his own room—until that night I found him in the library. I had just returned from my nightly routines, heard a noise coming from that place, and there he was, with his gaze fixed on the book, which he wasn't even reading since it was obvious he was lost in his head. And that's how, little by little, he started sleeping in my room.
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—We can do it... —the sun had already come up.
—You just fucked me —I clarify while putting on an earring.
—That was twenty minutes ago.
—I'm starting to think I'm spoiling you like a three-year-old baby who expects whipped cream on his pancakes every day.
—I need more than one dose to be satisfied with you, Nefertary. You're the addiction I hate the most in my life and my body can't stop craving.
Part of me wanted to say the same, but the other knew I'd be lowering myself by saying that stupid shit, and how grateful I was that my ego, pride, and narcissism had the most control over that thought.
—You're perfectly imperfect and you don't know how bittersweet that is —ironically, that phrase reminds me of him.
Just when I was about to reply, there were two knocks on the door, which Mathias answered with a "Come in."
—Excuse me, young Ludwig and Miss Nefertary, but your mother requests your presence in the study.
—You can leave.
—With your permission —she obeyed what I ordered.
—While you go to your mom, I'll head to the dining room —he gives me a kiss on the forehead before leaving the room.
'I'll never be normal, I won't have distractions, I'll be the best at pretending.' Where did those words go? Why am I breaking my own rules? Should I punish myself? I should... I should just focus on relevant things and think coherently. I already have my goals... I just need to finish with those loose nails, including those future ones too.
—That's what I have to do. I'm Nefertary Ibagon, after all.
I leave the room to go to where my mother is. When I get there, she is coming out, which makes me stop.
—I was just about to come up looking for you —I look at her a bit puzzled—. Someone wants to see you.
—Who?
—Better come in and find out for yourself —she gives me a "smile" and leaves the place, while I walk to the door, open it, and freeze when I see him.
It was him. He was here. Always arriving late, and as if reading my thoughts, his lips form that genuine smile that makes his features look so relaxed, and those dark eyes like the night whose shine accompanies them forming stars... though the best part are his moles, those that seem infinite on his face fitting perfectly.
—Demir Osoclu.
—Serene, мой северный полюс (my North Pole), I'm back —he gets up from the sofa, then takes a few steps toward me and stands right in front of me— Haven't you missed me?
Without waiting for an answer, he kisses me. I wasn't going to deny I missed the taste of his lips, his touch on my skin. They drove me crazy. At first, it was a slow kiss until he made it faster and more aggressive. Demir knew very well how to make me lose control, so I would demand more than a kiss, to desire him more.
—You're late —at that moment, a tear escapes that runs down my cheek like a stranger.
—It wasn't my intention —he pulls me toward his chest as he wraps me in a hug— It was never my intention.
We stayed like that until I calmed down and regained control of my emotions.
—Now you have to be the fucking ice queen, be the monster everyone fears, and above all, don't show your weaknesses. I'll support you in everything —with that, he kisses me on the forehead before leaving the study and going to have breakfast with the others.
Upon arriving, we saw Natasha sitting next to Mathias and my mother opposite them.
—Good morning! —I called attention, ignored it, and sat next to my mother, while Osoclu, like a true gentleman, helped me with the chair before sitting next to me.
—Demir!? I can't believe it, welcome —Natasha, 'couldn't be more hypocritical'.
—Thanks, you're just as dangerous as always.
—And every day more, ehh.
As I've always said, there's never a damn peaceful breakfast in this house.
—Good morning, family. I see the house is fuller than usual —Egil.
I roll my eyes at his comment. He sits next to Ludwig.
—A pleasure to see you again too, Egil —the servants arrive with the food. After serving and placing some dishes on the table, they leave.
—How was the madhouse in Russia, Osoclu?
Hearing those words, Natasha focuses her attention, my mother acts like nothing, Demir looks amused, while Mathias turns pale and almost chokes on a piece of kiwi, and I just wanted to slit the idiot's throat.
—For me, fantastic. But Egil... —he leans in a bit as if to tell a secret, inviting Ziegler to imitate him. He does— The nurses and some patients can't say the same, since they don't breathe —these two laugh as if it were the best joke in history.
—Ludwig —he focuses on him— You should learn from Demir —his eyes meet mine. This asshole is having fun and it's only just begun— Rest assured that this way you'll be the best boyfriend.
—Boyfriend!?
—Haven't you introduced them, niece?
Just as I was about to lose control, Demir grabs my hand to give it a few squeezes. I look at him, which says "leave this to me."
—No, although the day isn't over yet. Now I, Egil, am dying to know who gave you that scar, because it certainly made you... —he pretends to think the words— A less attractive man? Yes, a less attractive man. Although for what you were...
Right in his fucking ego. That was something he couldn't stand. Natasha laughed at the comment and obviously I did too. He showed his true face for a few seconds and then pretended again.
—I don't think the same. You know, for some women it's attractive, more manly, I'd say.
—Some? —this time I joined the conversation— Only for those who are blind, certainly. Because someone with all senses... I doubt it —while finishing the sentence, I looked at my mother, who knew I was talking about someone in particular.
—Oh, my niece, always so... nice.
After that, everyone stayed silent until Natasha, as always, started talking with Mathias and Demir. Literally, she asked questions that involved me somehow. I ignored them.
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After finishing breakfast, we went to one of my other private properties for a self-defense training involving the whole group.
When we arrived, Aida, Aitor, and Michael were already waiting for us at the entrance, along with two trusted trainers.
—I see we have another idiot after Nefertary —Aitor says, not even trying to hide his disgust.
—A pleasure to meet you too —Osoclu gave a genuine smile as if he had never heard those words. One could say Natasha's personality is somewhat similar to his, only that unlike her, he's a bit more empathetic, with an aura of calm that seems like both his exterior and interior are at peace, but the truth is he fights his demons and hides it very well.
Demir finished introducing himself to everyone while Steven invited them inside.
—За такое короткое время у тебя появились новые друзья, ты все тот же или у меня другой новый человек?
In such a short time you've made new friends, are you still the same or do I have a new person?
—Я бы не сказал, что они друзья, Демир.
I wouldn't say they're friends, Demir.
He gave me a look from head to toe, showing approval, his dark eyes full of desire, lust.
We continued down the hall to the courtyard. The two trainers began asking basic questions about our training level, then split us into two groups.
The first was Mathias with Aitor. One of the coaches explained the rules. When he finished, they began to fight—if you could call it that—since Aitor had very good moves better suited for fighting a woman. It gave him a bit of an advantage against Ludwig since it was obvious he was only good with punches but a disaster at dodging them.
The second fight was between Aida and me. I admit she knows about this, but she's still not prepared for people with better attack and technique, so it was easy to defeat her.
'How can these call themselves sadists if they lack so much discipline in self-defense?'
—I expected more from your brother, Aida.
The last pair was Michael and Demir. 'This is going to get interesting.' I know Osoclu very well and he's not an easy opponent to beat. Our training sessions always ended in a draw, but Lorenz, according to his file, earned a black belt in karate at age eight and placed first for three consecutive years in the Olympics. Then, suddenly, he retired and practiced similar sports, although he excluded himself from any tournament with medals or trophies.
They both start, dodging each other's moves until Demir finds a slight advantage to take him down, which almost succeeded if Michael hadn't guessed his intention and blocked it. Every second you could see their fighting intensity rising until one coach interrupted announcing the end.
—A very interesting match. Now, depending on each of your levels, you'll be given lessons to improve your tactics —after saying this, they divided us into two groups.
—Твой маленький друг интересный.
Your little friend is interesting.
Then he kisses me, which I return. I've always said I have no weaknesses, but this guy knows how to lower my defenses. He knows how to reach every little crack, no matter how tiny, to get in, to make me want more.
—А другой очень жалок.
And the other one is very pathetic.
At that moment, I look at Mathias, who is staring at Osoclu with resentment, anger... in short, 'stupid jealousy.'
After training ended, we all took a shower and gathered in the living room to eat something.
—Now it's time to have fun.
—Finally!, something interesting from the Russian. Bring a bottle of vodk...
—I didn't mean that, Aitor. Nefertary has a collection of cars —he pretends to think— very luxurious and fast, that we could have fun with. Besides, she owns a racetrack. What do you say to some races, kids?
I can feel how all eyes focus on me, while I keep eating naturally.
—If the cars are... why not? —Aida says.
—Steven, we need five cars —he gestures and Steven quickly makes some calls.
—Well, if he can... I want a bottle of vodka, Steven —he doesn't even move from his spot— What's wrong? I haven't asked for much.
I pause to answer this idiot:
—If you think you're going to drive one of my fucking cars with a drop of alcohol in your blood, you're very wrong.
—I don't think that's the case, Aitor —Michael adds— You need to be Demir Osoclu.
Lately, he's been trying to get under my skin, but self-control and not impulse is the key. I fake a sympathetic smile.
—You got it right. Don't forget what I said earlier, but it also applies to him... only much worse —his face suddenly changes, replaced by one of terror he hides with anger— So you see I'm not a fucking controlling and manipulative bitch with no empathy for others —I stop looking at Lorenz to look at Mendes— At the end of the race, of course, if you make it to the final, you'll have your bottles of vodka. Even if you get eliminated, you'll have them. Only after you stop using my cars.
Now, does anyone at this table want anything else? —I smile at them with 'kindness.'
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Since it was a unique offer, some, except for two people, asked for insignificant things. It was already getting dark when we arrived at the racetrack and Steven brought everything I ordered.
—Only a few people missing. Too bad they can't come.
—Maybe before the season starts you could throw one of your parties here —Demir tells Aida.
—That would be spectacular. What do you think, Nefertary?
—I'll think about it —it's not such a bad idea, but illegal races on them are another thing to deal with... too much paperwork—. Well, I'll explain: there are three races, three laps each, with two finalists in the last one. Whoever wins gets to keep one of these cars. Only one prize, only one winner.
—Are you joking?
—Aitor, I never joke. Besides, what's the fun in competing without winning anything? Or better, why have fun like nine-year-olds when we can do it like adults? —I give him a crooked smile.
—I'm starting to tolerate you.
—Don't be a hypocrite. In a couple of hours you'll be the simplest one. Now, who will be the first two?
The Mendes siblings are the first to compete and, honestly, I'm not surprised. Their files showed participation in several illegal races. It'll be interesting to see what they have.
One of the girls hired stands between the two cars and tells them the rules, then counts to three. Both start side by side.
—I want to see who will lose control at those two corners —Osoclu points so Mathias and Michael see what he means— If they don't handle well, they'll lose control... and valuable seconds.
At that moment you can see Aitor pass with some difficulty, but his sister doesn't stay out of it, losing time and giving her brother an advantage.
—He will win for sure... unless he makes a mistake.
—Aida is very good with the wheel, better than her brother, although... —Lorenz leaves the sentence hanging.
—Although?! —Ludwig urges him.
—Although you'll see it in the last lap.
On the second lap they cross those curves again, which this time Aida passes without any difficulty, recovering seconds and tying the race.
—Now pay attention.
We're all waiting to see who will be the first finalist. Those two curves decide the end. They're so crucial you should never trust them. And, as I said, this time it's Aitor who loses seconds. Everything seemed to be in Aida's favor, but on a small curve she loses control, letting her brother win.
—Did she let him win?
—Yes, and just to rub it in his face.
—What would she gain from that? —Michael looks at Mathias with a big smile, and he still doesn't get what he means.
—Favours —Demir answers— He doesn't need a car when he can hurt his brother's pride and ego to embarrass him. Having something to manipulate him is better.
Ludwig looks at Lorenz to confirm; he nods in agreement.
Getting out of the car, Aitor celebrates but his smile fades when he sees Aida's malicious smile. He starts connecting the dots. They come to our seats and sit down.
—Congratulations, Mendes, you have a spot in the final —I fake a sympathetic smile.
—Don't be a hypocrite.
—Looks like someone doesn't tolerate you anymore, Nefertary —Aida and I laugh at his comment.
—I figured, but didn't think it would be so soon. I must say it makes me a little sad —obviously, I fake sadness.
The next duo is Michael and Demir. Lorenz beating him would be a miracle since Osoclu knows the track well and that gives him an advantage. Both get into their cars. The same girl starts telling them the rules. I turn around to get a soda; honestly, these things bore me once I know how one of the drivers drives.
—A tequila, please —the man nods and starts preparing it.
—A bottle of rum for me —I look at Mathias, who looks serious. And before the other guy can give him the bottle, I take it first, moving it away from him.
—Most likely, you'll wake up with a shitty hangover tomorrow, and I doubt you want that.
—Most likely, I don't give a damn. And I doubt you care even a bit since I'm just one of your fucking toys.
—Who said I don't care?
—Stop playing games and give me the damn bottle —he steps forward to try to take it and I move it away again, which seems to irritate him more.
I have to admit it amuses me that he's like that.
—I don't intend to give it to you, isn't it obvious?
—Why don't you go with your little friend Demir and do these stupid things, while you leave me alone, like you've done all day?
I laugh at that last part.
—What's so funny?
—That jealousy is eating you up, which makes you look so adorable —his cheeks start turning more of that crimson color that drives me crazy.
—Nefertary, give me the fucking bo...
I press my lips against his. He doesn't take long to respond; he kisses me with an aggression totally different from before. His movements are faster, so I can't tell if it's desire, anger, or disdain. That's what I am to him, that's the only thing I can offer: I'm his vice. The one he wants to quit, but somehow keeps clinging to more. To finish, he bites my lower lip and, with that, pulls back a few centimeters to catch his breath.
—You don't know how much I hate you, how much I despise you, Monster.
—Looks like the hunter got trapped in his own game.