Chapter Six:

  My last memory was excruciating pain before I blacked out. Now I feel groggy as my body wakes up. My neck still feeling tender and a little numb.

  I groan and adjust myself in a cloud of a bed. There's no way this is mine, feels way too soft and expensive.

  The luxurious bedding slides down my arm as I move. I reach to rub my eyes before they flutter open, wincing as I do so.

  Ouch… Eve lied, there's no way in hell the pain I went through for the mark was not permanent. Especially when Phillip… kissed it.

  As that particular memory came back, my eyes shot open, only to be blinded.

  Jesus, it's bright in here!

  Blinking furiously to adjust to the light, I carefully sit up to take in my surroundings.

  This is nothing like my room in the slightest. For starters, the bed is king-sized and soft, unlike my string loaded single. Two bedside tables sit on each side instead of a wall and a dresser that was falling apart.

  The more I look around, the room is huge, I'd go as far to say this looks like a room for royalty. Hell, even that odd shaped ceiling light is too fancy for me!

  "He must really like me…" I murmur to myself.

  I brush my hand through my hair, a nervous habit of mine, but it slips straight through.

  What…? My hand should get caught in the knots!

  I stumble out of the bed, nearly falling ass over head to confirm my suspicion. Gripping the top of the dresser I fall in front of, I stare at my reflection in the mirror above in horror.

  My lovely hair! Over half the length is gone! What right does he think he has to do that!?

  My eyes then wander to the much-more-noticeable mark engraved into my neck.

  The same right he thinks he has to do that, I guess.

  I huff and bow my head as my eyes grow teary.

  I know life isn't fair, but this feels like a fucking massive stretch to that. How dare he do this to me! How dare Eve! When I see his mug, I'm gonna, I'm gonna-

  "Good morning, handsome." His voice greets me suddenly.

  I practically jump on the spot, my head shooting up and seeing his smirking face in the mirror. "It's really not." I point out bitterly, blinking back my tears.

  He rolls his eyes and places his hands on my bare shoulders, massaging them slightly. I try to shrug them off, yet he simply tightens his grip. "Like your new look? It's much neater, a little styling and it's perfect."

  I'd love to know who agreed to cut a sleeping guy's hair!

  "It was cut without my consent or knowledge." I remind him, my tone annoyingly weak.

  No wonder he won't take me seriously. I sound like a coward!

  He carelessly shrugs. "It's only hair, plus, I done you a favour." A smirk springs onto his lips. "Anyway, you've got a big day ahead of you. Go take a shower, I've laid out your clothes on the bed for when you're finished."

  He finally releases my shoulders after one last squeeze then turns on his heel to leave the room. Though before he steps a foot out, he turns back to face me. "You've got twenty minutes max. I expect you to be ready." He demands then finally leaves, slamming the door shut behind him.

  I glare at the empty space where he was standing, my hands balling into fists.

  Like hell am I following his orders, no way. I'm getting dressed then getting the fuck out of here.

  I stamp over to the bed and assess what he's given me.

  Designer boxers, black button up shirt, black slacks with the blazer to match, socks, belt, shiny shoes, and even aftershave with a handwritten note attached.

  I pull a face at the smart clothes before taking it all into the bathroom, where I strip off and change.

  I have a quick freshen up and bathroom break before quickly dressing myself.

  Ugh, why does he want me to dress as some sort of business man? At least if this is like a uniform for his group, I'll blend in.

  After tucking the shirt as well as I could, I curiously read the note on the aftershave as I push my feet into the shoes.

  'Don't spray too much, it's strong, just like moi. ;) Xxxxx'

  I roll my eyes, scrunching it up and throwing it aside. I button the last few buttons of my shirt as I leave the bathroom.

  Right, now I look the part, I hope. Now to find an exit, wouldn't surprise me if he's got people guarding the one he came through. So, that will be my last resort.

  I look through the window and am very disappointed to see I'm on at least the third story of the building. So, there goes the first option!

  After scoping out the entirety of the room, I'm left with the risky option. What's the worst that can happen?

  Taking a deep breath, I push open the door and walk out, hopefully confidently. No one is manning the door, plus, the corridor is empty, that's good, at least. Now to find an exit.

  I sneak over to the left, peering around the corner before going any further. Good thing I did, Phillip is up ahead, arguing with someone in hushed tones.

  Shit, that way's a no go.

  I rush as quietly as I can to the right side, peering around again.

  Clear! Thank god!

  I motion to move forward when someone grabs the back of my collar and yanks me towards them. A childish scream regrettably escapes my lips. I don't have to look to know who it is.

  "That was a quick shower." Phillip remarks in a short tone.

  With a gulp, I warily turn my head to face him. As you can imagine, he's not impressed in the slightest.

  I remain silent, as anything I have to say won't matter anyway. It's obvious what I was doing, no point trying to cover it.

  He releases my collar then pushes my shoulder lightly so I face him properly. His arms cross against his chest as he begins to tap his foot impatiently, staring me down. "Hm? Not going to give some crappy excuse?" He urges dangerously.

  I shake my head slowly. My fear tells me to bow it, but I don't want to appear more cowardly than I already do.

  His lips purse into a thin line, his eyes narrowing. "I expect verbal responses, Mr Taylor." He roars at a loud volume, stamping his foot at the same time.

  I wince and shakily reply. "Y-Yes, Mr Reed."

  A deep frown pulls at the corners of his lips and he stalks closer to me. "It's Master Reed." He grunts then leans in close. My breath catches, and not in a good way. "And I expect you to address me as such."

  I nod furiously, taking a step back for personal space. He soon invades it again, his eyes dark. "What did I just say about verbal answers?" He growls.

  Shit, how is he so intimidating!?

  "Yes, sorry, Master Reed." I sputter out with nervous laughter.

  He nods back with a smirk, seemingly satisfied with my fear. "Now that's sorted, you need to learn how to dress yourself properly." He gestures towards my poorly tucked shirt then steps forward to fix it himself.

  My face feels as if it's blown up into flames as he does so, especially when he begins to unbutton the shirt at the top.

  Ummm… What's going on here?

  "Never hide your mark, it's very disrespectful. It needs to be on show for your protection, too. No one will mess with you as long as it's showing." He advises me as he straightens the collar.

  I shift my feet, extremely uncomfortable with having my shirt pretty much half open. And it's not even like I can do it up, not with his scary rant.

  "People are going to stare." I weakly point out.

  He nods with a chuckle. "Of course they are. They would anyway considering you're the first Chipless we've hired in a decade."

  Wow, I know I've been told people like me are hard to come by, but a decade? This place must be much more developed than Disruled, too. From what I've seen so far, it's huge, with a lot more members. Plus, is 'hired' really the right word to use here? I didn't apply, and I most certainly do not want the job!

  "What is your group called?" I ask him curiously, considering I can't escape. For now, at least.

  He now straightens out my blazer, examining me from head to toe. "It's ParaLegion, and before you ask, I am the sole leader. Always have been, always will be."

  My eyes widen a little.

  Either the group's not been around for long, or he's much older than he looks!

  "How old are you?"

  The stupid question leaves my lips before I realise, and as soon as I do, I wish I had a shell I could crawl into.

  He cocks a brow, thankfully not enraged by my outburst question. "Rather rude question, no?" He chuckles but then continues. "I'm twenty-nine."

  Jesus, ten years older than me! He does actually look around that age, the tattoos mature his look, too.

  Before I can think of another question to ask, a distorted noise sounds from a speaker nearby, an announcement soon following. "All members are to attend an important announcement in the meeting hall in ten minutes sharp. I repeat, all members are to attend an important announcement in the meeting hall in ten minutes sharp."

  As it cuts out, I look up at Phillip with a puzzled expression. He smiles and simply says. "That's why you need to look your best."

  I shiver at what he's implying, horrified at the mere thought.

  No, I am NOT being made centre of attention! No, no, no! Please no!

  "Please tell me you're not going to show me off to these people on some stage." I breathe out, my hands already trembling.

  His expression softens a little at my worsening shakes. "Don't panic. I'll be doing all the talking, and I'll only need you there for a moment."

  That's not really comforting in the slightest. I guess I have no choice anyway…

  "Okay." I mutter with a frown.

  He pats my shoulder then snakes his arm around my waist to lead the way, causing my body to stiffen. I stop dead in my tracks.

  No, this doesn't feel right at all. I don't know I could have possibly led him on, but he needs telling. No matter how scary and intimidating he is.

  "I'm not- just not, um, interested in this, whatever this is." I sputter out, stumbling over my words. I mentally kick myself for sounding so damn pathetic.

  And I know I sounded weak, if his face right now is anything to go by. It's definitely amused, and most certainly not downtrodden.

  "I don't know what's going on in your pretty head, but at least wine and dine me first." He jokes with a pearly white grin, setting my face alight with embarrassment.

  He is coming onto me, though! I know I'm not imagining it! God, I must look like such a fool!

  Loud laughter echoes through the corridor from him, my face must be a right picture!

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  A group of suited men turn the corner, their jaws hanging open in shock.

  He does seem like a miserable bastard, I bet they've never heard him laugh. What an honour for me to be the one to make him laugh! As if…

  Phillip's demeanour immediately switches back to default upon their arrival. One pissed glance at them, and their heads bow in respect as they hurry the opposite way.

  "Gawking idiots." Phillip grumbles under his breath then replaces his arm around my waist to guide me forward. I just let him like a bloody doormat after that humiliating show.

  The fairly short walk felt hours long. The closer we got to the grand meeting hall, the more populated the corridors were. Everyone went out of their way to stare at me, either with curiosity, shock, or disgust. So, that done nothing for my ever-growing anxiety.

  "Wow, he dropped Daryl for that?" I hear someone say quite loudly as we stop at the large double doors held open for us.

  Whoa, I'm no looker, but I will not be referred to as that. Daryl must be his previous partner, maybe the one Eve said slept with his mother. What an insane thing to happen.

  I look over my shoulder, searching for who I heard, to find that Phillip had frozen solid in his spot. He must have heard it, too.

  Any chatter fell dead when he halted. The atmosphere immediately became heavy as the tense situation was extremely apparent.

  "Who said that?" He urges, his tone suspiciously gentle and calm.

  The silence is lethal, and does nothing for his growing anger. He removes his arm from my waist and spins on the spot, his hateful glare scanning the petrified crowd.

  "Don't be a pussy, say that again, and say it to my face." He roars.

  Everyone flinches, including me. Then, to all of our shock, someone barges their way through the crowd and stands before us. Head held high and shoulders squared, he side eyes me in absolute disgust.

  Well, thanks.

  Phillip's jaw clenches, his hands ball into tight fists. His eyes are lit with rage. "Go on, say it again." He dares him.

  The ballsy guy crosses his buff arms and leans towards me, not Phillip. His rancid breath made me scrunch my face up in disgust. "Consider yourself as worthless as the shit on his shoe." He spat, literally. Thankfully, the blob hit my chin and not my mouth.

  Before I could think of a comeback, or muster the courage to say it in the first place, Phillip had drawn a gun to his head.

  The only audible gasp was mine. Of course, everyone was flustered, but certainly not surprised.

  All the colour drains from the guy's face. It's evident that he was regretting ever speaking up. His bottom lip quivers as the rest of my being is trying its hardest not to make any sudden movements.

  Phillip's face is devoid of emotion as he slaps the pistol across the side of his head. Not enough to knock him out, though that was purposeful. "Apologise." He commands, his eyes watching his every twitch.

  Wincing, the guy shakily bows. "I sincerely ap-apologise, Master R-Reed." He stutters.

  Phillip strikes the back of his head as it bows, flooring him.

  The crowd takes a few steps back, anticipating the worst.

  No, surely not… He wouldn't… would he…?

  With a shaky intake of breath, I too step back.

  "Not me, you fucking idiot. You've lost your chance." He says darkly then locks eyes with me.

  "Look away, cover your ears." He orders through gritted teeth.

  He's actually going to shoot him!

  I begin to feel lightheaded and notice I'm hyperventilating. The room spins at an alarming rate, and I stumble a few steps back. In doing so, I bump into someone's chest.

  "Sorry!" I gasp, spinning on the spot to see them. That was a bad idea for someone who's already dizzy.

  My legs fail me. I brace myself for the fall as there's not much else I can do in my state. Though I never hit the ground, the person had caught me in their arms and gently lowered me to the floor.

  My vision a blur, I blink furiously in attempt to correct it. The person rushes away from my side as soon as I'm sitting.

  I wanted to thank them, but I don't blame them for leaving, especially since the way Phillip is right now.

  BANG!

  The shot had been fired, and rang through the corridor. My heart feels as if it's about to explode, and I'm thankful my eyes are blurred.

  Shockingly, no one flees the scene. It's horrible to think they're used to such violence.

  The guy seemed to be a prick, but he didn't need to die on the fact that he aired his opinion. Though I guess he disrespected Phillip in doing so. Still, it's not justifiable in my book.

  "Would anyone else like to speak up about my partner? Hm?" He dangerously urges the crowd.

  Not one person even let out a breath in fear of angering the beast.

  "No one?" He asks with a short laugh. Again; silence. "That's what I thought, and it fucking better stay that way!"

  He storms over to my slouching form. I can feel the beat of his feet slamming into the ground. Once he's by my side, he crouches, placing a hand on my shoulder. I immediately flinch.

  A frown tugs at his lips. "You were going to see it one way or another, Arthur. It just so happened that someone had the audacity to disrespect me." He says as if that was supposed to comfort me.

  Cowering away from him, I shake uncontrollably. With a roll of his eyes, he stands and addresses the crowd. "The meeting is cancelled. Someone clean up this mess and dispose of the body. I think I've made myself crystal clear that no one is to touch a hair on my Arthur's head."

  People hurry around to fulfil his orders. I'm still a blubbering mess, as you can imagine.

  'My Arthur?' Why is this guy so obsessed with me? How can he kill so easily, so void of emotion…?

  As these thoughts plague my mind, he brushes his hand down my arm. I snap out of my daze, finding that I'm in now in the room I woke up in, sitting on the sofa, my head in Phillip's lap.

  With a gasp, I hastily sit up, wringing my hands and sending him a wide eyed look. "How…?" I breathe.

  He smiles, though it's weak, and does not reach his sad eyes. "You Fazed out. I had you checked over, you're healthy. Just still adjusting to the Paramension." He tells me.

  I nod slowly, shocked to see him so down. And over me of all people!

  "How are you feeling?" He asks, scanning my blatantly terrified expression.

  As risky as it is, I decide to be honest with him. Lying doesn't feel like a great idea at all.

  "I witnessed you kill a man, I think I'm entitled to feel worried and scared." I admit with a nervous laugh.

  His lips purse and his hands ball into fists. I attempt to gulp back my fear.

  Shit.

  "He disrespected you. He referred to you as shit on my shoe, and you're practically mourning him?" He snaps, raising his voice.

  I shake my head cautiously. "I'm not mourning him, and what he said wasn't fair at all. I've just never… witnessed anything like that." I stress.

  He huffs, sinking further back into his seat and crossing his arms. "I'm afraid you'll get used to it. It's my job to keep everyone in line. Any tiny amount of disrespect doesn't go unpunished, otherwise everyone would think they're entitled to do so." He shrugs then sits forward, holding his head in his hands.

  I get that… But I certainly don't agree with it.

  I reach for my non-existent hair out of habit, sighing then start rocking slightly in my seat.

  Surely I'm not properly stuck here. Where was Dennis in all of this? Does he know I'm gone? Did he protest if he knew? So many questions…

  "Anyway." Phillip breaks the silence and snaps me out of my daze a little. I continue to rock back and forth. "I'm needed at an important meeting at a rogue club called Para-Dice tonight. You're going to tag along, so you need to eat then get ready with me."

  He checks his fancy watch then continues to say. "We've got two hours before we need to leave, so we need to hurry."

  He stands then offers his hand to me, his face screwing up in confusion at my current state.

  I let out a very nervous chuckle and realise I'm hugging myself, too.

  God, this is embarrassing… Stimming in front of him, really, Arthur?

  "What are you doing?" He questions rudely. No surprise there.

  "I'm autistic." I simply reply.

  He cocks a brow, lowering his offered hand. "And how has that got anything to do with you wasting time we don't have?" He remarks.

  I frown and pry my arms from my body to grab the sofa, stopping my rocking. "What you're seeing is actually call-"

  He cuts me off shortly. "I don't give a fuck whether you're autistic or not. Just get your ass up and follow me." He demands, already leading the way.

  I rush to my feet, stumbling and trying not to melt down.

  Really, I should be happy that it doesn't bother him. But him saying that, and him acting the way he is, doesn't line up at all. Maybe the label doesn't, but the inconvenience does. To be honest, I can relate on the inconvenience of it all, too. Just not in an asshole way.

  "Have you ever been waxed before?" Phillip asks me out of the blue as he leads me out of the room and into a corridor.

  Strange question…

  "I do the middle part of my eyebrows, and shave my face and armpits. Other than that, no." I answer warily.

  He lets out a sigh. "I didn't ask for your life story." He points out rudely.

  I scoff, shaking my head in disbelief.

  Wow, rude is an understatement, for sure.

  "My sister Riley is demanding to meet you, and you need to look your best for tonight. I trust her sense of style, so she'll help you get ready."

  My face screws up in confusion.

  Why does he keep saying that? I'm not a little kid who needs help getting dressed. Plus, I don't know why he's introducing me to family like he is. That's going to be awkward.

  He stops abruptly. I stumble to a stop.

  I still can't get the hang of walking after being practically wheelchair bound. To be honest, I still can't get over the fact that I can walk pain free!

  Phillip turns to face me. "She should be waiting in here. I expect you to behave and not wander off. I'm dropping you off here, and expect to pick you up here." He orders sternly.

  I try my hardest not to roll my eyes, and nod. He narrows his eyes at me, instantly agitated. Realisation soon hits and I sigh. "Yes, Master Reed."

  He nods back, presses a kiss to my forehead then knocks on the door loudly. I turn my head to hide my displeased expression.

  "Philly!" A cheerful feminine voice chirps as the door swings open.

  I hold back a laugh at the cute nickname and turn to face her. Phillip scowls at the name, but she wears a much more cheerful expression than his, her amber eyes lit with joy. She practically screams when she sees me and yanks me into her arms. Her floral perfume instantly irritates my throat and messes with my sensory, though her presence is calming. Which I can assure you is a nice, well needed change.

  "Aw, so nice to meet you!" She squeaks in excitement, squeezing me even tighter before finally letting me go.

  I struggle a little to smile in return, scratching the back of my neck. "Nice to meet you." I greet her with a small voice.

  She does a little dance on the spot in excitement with a pearly white grin. "You're lucky my little Philly has such a keen eye on you, you're absolutely adorable!" She enthuses.

  I still plaster a smile on my face and nod nervously.

  I wish she wouldn't react to me like I'm a cute puppy. I'm really nothing special.

  Phillip purposely ruffles her pristine curls to annoy her. She slaps his hand away with a pout. "Stop calling me that. I'm certainly not little either." He grunts.

  With a roll of her eyes, she playfully nudges me with her elbow. "He sure isn't." She giggles. What she was implying both shocked and embarrassed me.

  This is his sister! Plus, why should I care? We're not together!

  Thankfully, Phillip swiftly changes the subject. "I need him ready in an hour." He demands then storms off.

  Riley mock salutes his turned back and leads me inside. "I can't apologise enough for him. God knows what you see in the miserable sod." She grumbles.

  A very nervous laugh escapes me. She closes the door and sends me a puzzled look. It soon morphs into one of realisation with my anxiousness. "You're not a couple?" She gasps, holding her hands up to her mouth to hide her dropped jaw.

  Shit, this is bad! I've seen what he's capable of, if he told her we're together, I'm most certainly going to blag it to save my ass!

  I wave my hands frantically. "Course we are! It's just…" I bite my lip, trying to think of something believable. "We had an argument. I'm sure you heard he shot this guy just because he was disrespecting us. I didn't agree that he needed to die, it scared me." I ramble with the flow of my thoughts.

  Good job, Arthur, using facts to try and solidify a lie… Doesn't really sound like something to be proud of, though.

  Her lips were tightly pursed like she didn't believe me. I anxiously await her reply. "I did hear about that, and don't tell Philly, but I would agree with your view if I didn't know the man. He was a grade A asshole." She assures me.

  I can't describe how relieved I feel by her believing it, and her kinda mirroring my feelings. She can't be a ruthless killer like her brother.

  "Anyway." She dismisses with a wave of her hand. "Ready for your wax?"

  My eyes widen in horror, yet I'm not that surprised.

  I know he mentioned it, but no, thank you! Yeah, my chest is quite hairy and on show, but- Oh, that's why he wants it done.

  "Please tell me it's just for my chest." I plead. Her tight-lipped smile tells me I'm in for worse, so I sigh in defeat.

  Can't be any more painful than the gang mark, surely.

  She already has a little station set up with the heated wax pot and strips, as well as various creams and cleaning materials.

  She pats the open seat, and I very begrudgingly take it. I take off my shirt to start with, as instructed, and sit there awkwardly as she wipes my chest before going in with the hot wax. "No need to look so nervous. I do it all the time." She tries to assure me as she rubs on the strip.

  Not what I'm worried about!

  Suddenly, she yanks it off with all her might, and I embarrassingly scream out like a bitch. Not for the first time today...

  Not as bad as the mark, but that felt like life ending material rather than just extreme pain. This one at least fades quicker and introduces a slow, itchy burn.

  She chuckles, shaking her head a little in disbelief. Probably at how pathetic I'm being. But waxing is bloody agonising, believe it or not! "You're really not his usual type. It's a refreshing change. How did you meet?" She wonders, making small talk.

  When I tell you I force a smile, it took everything in me to do it. "In a coffee shop. He's certainly not shy with flirting. It was safe to say that I was overwhelmed by it all." As much I as don't want to, I need to add a little extra. "Never been hit on by such a handsome guy, to be honest. Thought he was joking at first."

  She yanks off another strip, making my eyes water once again. "Aw, how sweet! You are cute, though, Arthur, don't speak about yourself like you're not."

  Cute sounds kinda like an insult…?

  Despite that, tears that weren't pain induced began to leak through. When she said that, all I can think of is Mum…

  Shaking those thoughts away, I endure the torture. And I mean it when I call it torture. She waxed everywhere. Yep, you heard correctly! Everywhere!

  In the end, I'm a wreck who is forced into an even smarter suit than before. My hair is slicked back neatly, and of course, my shirt is open. To top it all off, aftershave is sprayed, my teeth are brushed, and my fancy shoes are tied. All just in time for Phillip who aggressively knocks at the door.

  Riley wipes the sweat from her brow with the forearm then rushes over to answer it.

  He swiftly walks in, surprisingly calm, and pecks Riley's cheek as he does so. With a gulp, I rise from my seat and approach him.

  His eyes widen a little, but not for long. His gaze now looks me up and down as he bites his lip, all in a seductive manner. I can't help but feel extremely uncomfortable.

  "Handsome, no need to be so insecure." He tries to assure me, closing the gap between us.

  Oh, I'm pretty sure there is! But I need to keep up the act!

  I force a smile and stand on my tiptoes a little to plant a kiss on his cheek. Pleasantly surprised, he draws me in by my waist for a hug.

  This is so incredibly awkward, it's insane. Now he's definitely going to think I like him!

  Riley gives me a discreet thumbs up, partnered with a wink. Again, a false smile laces my lips as my heart sinks.

  I'm guided out of the room, tucked protectively under Phillip's arm after bidding our goodbyes to Riley. He begins to tell me more about Para-Dice and its importance to his line of work, though I'm hundreds of miles away.

  All this for mobility, for so-called freedom. Right now, and this view will be very unlikely to change, I wish Dennis hadn't turned up so suddenly. Spouting horrifically true sci-fi 'nonsense', proving it's indeed real, and much more than I bargained for. Perhaps I shouldn't blame him, only myself. After all, he didn't force me, there was no ill intention. He simply wanted what I've dreamed of to come true for me. Like any good friend would do... But that's an issue, friendship doesn't describe our bond; it never did. And now Phillip's in the picture... I'm afraid it never will be…

  I look up at him still rambling. A tear trickles its way down my cheek.

  Dennis didn't let me go easily, I know that with all my heart. I can only hope he never suffered the same fate of the disrespectful man.