Episode 17

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WITH MADISON

"Ha, but what's gotten into him, thinking he can order me around – he's sorely mistaken," I uttered as I strode to my room. Pride defines me, in any case. I must depart this country by any means necessary, yet first, I need to gain his trust, just enough, so I can depart the moment their vigilance wanes - I mused thoughtfully.

"But how does he expect me to accompany him if I've no elegant attire?" I queried, perplexed. I had to ask if he would at least deign to purchase it for me, for if it were up to me, I wouldn't step outside this house's corner. The very idea of going out doesn't allure me, especially to those noisy venues that overwhelm me so.

Advancing towards Leandro's room - and by the way, I'd neglected to lock my door - the door stood slightly ajar. I knocked twice but to no reply. Overtaken by curiosity, I opted to enter.

Upon entering, the shower's white noise prevailed. I was about to leave when an object caught my eye - a firearm on the dresser, and truth be told, a beautiful piece, unique, and distinctive. As I held it, I pointed it sideways inadvertently, and a shot erupted, prompting Leandro to rush out of the shower partially unclad.

LEANDRO: What the dev... – he exclaimed upon seeing a shaken Madison with the gun in hand – WHAT ARE YOU DOING, KID? – his voice, angry and tinged with fear – DID YOU TRY TO SHOOT ME? – he asked, visibly shaken, while guards entered abruptly through the door.

GUARD: Sir, we heard shots from here, are you alright? – the guard inquired, concerned.

LEANDRO: Yes, yes, I'm fine, it was an accident, no harm done. Leave us now – he declared as the guards departed from the room.

LEANDRO: I asked what you are doing here, with that gun – he pressed, his gaze fixed upon Madison as she emerged from her shock-induced trance, having never before seen, let alone handled a weapon.

MADISON: I-I um, don't know – she stammered, slightly lost – I just came to enquire about the dressing situation since I don’t have my clothes here, and suddenly, this gun piqued my curiosity. I've never held one, I just aimed and the bullet went off – I claimed, adorning a contrived smile – ending my apologies. Now I will take my leave – I stated, regaining my composure while restoring the gun to its place, attempting to walk toward the door when he prevented my exit.

LEANDRO: Do you really think I'd fall for that tale? – he said with a flirtatious grin – You came for something more, and that something is ME, right? – he pressed, cornering me by the door which he closed once again, looking me in the eyes. Madison, taken aback, was at a loss for words, having never experienced such proximity with a man, especially one in such undress, realizing now a blush creeping across her cheeks.

MADISON: O-of course not, the truth was spoken, disbelief is your prerogative – I said with a slight stutter, touching my face, now aware of its reddening - distinctly observed by Leandro, who couldn't suppress a quiet chuckle.

LEANDRO: If what you say is true, then why do you tremble in my presence? – he inquired, his gaze beguiling.

MADISON: Ha, nervous, me? That's wishful thinking. I'm simply not accustomed to such proximity, so back off! – I sternly demanded, pushing him back, my hands inadvertently pressed against his well-defined pecs, and for the first time noted as much. Enough Madison, stop this ridiculous inner monologue – I scolded myself repeatedly – fine, then I shall not accompany you to that dreaded gala – I declared as I swung the door open to leave.

LEANDRO: Very well – he responded soberly – shortly, a maid will deliver all that you require – he observed as Madison walked away, signaling "okay" with her fingers.

ONE HOUR LATER

WITH MADISON

Awaiting in my chamber, the attire for tonight was to be presented; weariness set in, indeed, a breath of fresh air was requisite, but a balcony, this room lacked. Anxiety mounted amidst the expectancy until a rap at the door - presumably it was Nanu Cinnia, and certainly it was, accompanied by girls laden with bags of clothes, leaving me utterly astonished.

CINNIA: Hello, Miss Madison – she greeted warmly – the sir instructed us to bring all these for you.

MADISON: But I thought merely a dress and shoes, yet this array is OVERWHELMING – I exclaimed, my gaze affixed on the shopping haul.

CINNIA: The sir is unsure of your preference, thus requested we choose and fetch nearly the entirety of the store – she explained, her suppressed laughter shared by the other girls.

MADISON: WOW! – I exclaimed – Men will be men, typically – I remarked with a half-smile – But enter, please – I beckoned them inside.

MADISON: But tell me, who might his friends be? – I probed as we unfurled the clothing across the bed – you mentioned a friend's abode.

CINNIA: Likely the home of his friend Maximo. He, along with two others arriving tomorrow from the United States, are Mr. Leandro's close companions. Maximo is his right hand at present; in better terms, they're like brothers, having shared a childhood – she recounted with a soft smile.

MADISON: Ahh, I see, hopes abound it won't mirror the previous club incident – I mumbled, looking downcast.

CINNIA: Surely not, just stick close to him when there – she advised as they finished unpacking.

MADISON: Oh, alright – I replied, only half listening as my attention was drawn to a stunning yet sexy dress among an array of shoes and cosmetics, though lacking any Jordans which are my usual preference.

CINNIA: With that, Miss, we leave you to freshen up and dress in peace, should you require assistance, we're a call away – she offered politely.

MADISON: Thanks much, Nanu Cinnia, but wait, hold on – I called out, stopping her.

CINNIA: Yes, what is it? – she queried.

MADISON: Couldn't help but notice the absence of that viper Jennifer – I said, rolling my eyes – Where is she? – I inquired, wary of potential conflict were she to see me with her "MAN," for whom I harbored no interest.

CINNIA: Oh yes, she departed this morning and has yet to return – she informed.

MADISON: Alright then, thanks regardless, Nanu Cinnia – I said with gratitude.

CINNIA: You're welcome, Miss, now if you'll excuse me, I shall take my leave - with that, she exited.

Post-Cinnia's departure, I delved into my en-suite to bathe. Prior to entering, a glance at the clock revealed it was getting late. Hastily I disrobed, and as I was setting the bath, the abrupt opening of the door startled me starkly.

LEANDRO: DAMN MADISON, WHY ARE YOU... – He began, cutting himself off as his sight fell upon her, nearly bare - eyes widening, shocked by the view, my mind reeled with thoughts I immediately cursed for harboring towards her, just a girl. WHY DIDN'T YOU SIGNAL YOU WERE BATHING! – He attempted to avert his gaze as Madison commenced screaming, pelting him with bathroom trappings to evict him.

MADISON: YOU FILTHY CREEP, GET OUT! – she bellowed as Leandro hastily retreated - AHHH! I WILL KILL YOU! – she raged, both agitated and embarrassed by the predicament, cheeks blazing red.

WITH LEANDRO, MOMENTS EARLIER

Seated in the lounge, awaiting Madison - the girl was yet to descend, our destination, my best friend Maximo's place to celebrate a deal conclusion with notable U.S. associates, and hence, my friends from there arrive on the morrow. Fatigued by delay, I ventured to her chamber to fathom the cause. The room was void, just the lavatory occupied, my worst fears spiraling - an unfamiliar concern afflicted me. Could she be harmed? Swiftly I kicked the door, causing it to swing open violently, unveiling her in a state of undress, that sight ensnared me, emotions swirling, all novel and daunting. My reverie was broke by her hurled objects, prompting my abrupt departure. I might be no stranger to nude women, but Madison, she stirred something else, certain fresh emotions emerged, and I, nervous for the first time, sought out the solace of a whiskey shot.

WITH MADISON

Post-bath, cheeks afire nonstop, certainly flushed, and yes, profoundly mortified by the spectacle – what a rarity at my age, to be glimpsed thus by a stranger, a mobster at that, was the nadir. Wishing for earth to swallow me whole, lamenting my fate – why, oh why, God? – I lamented, flopping onto the bed, pillow overhead. Nevertheless, haste was needed; I shouldn't appear overly perturbed, though the truth begged to differ. I must stand firm with him, aware of his inclination for toned bodies as Jennifer, that viper, insisted. It stands to reason – he's a man of considerable allure, boasted a uniquely sculpted form. Yet, as striking as he may be, his demeanor was utter bilge. On witnessing my physique, I doubted it registered; incompatible types, we – I half-whispered.

Drying my hair, the moment arrived to select dress and shoes. Undecided, until my choice was made - the ensemble pleased me, both suiting my style.

As I faced the mirror, the image pleased, seemingly transformed since my usual attire consisted of sneakers, not fancy shoes or such dresses. The novel appeal tempted a more frequent indulgence. A touch of makeup applied, I hurriedly departed the room, nearly stumbling in my rush. Yet, the recent bath incident rekindled nerves causing my pace to taper until I reached the staircase leading down.

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