If Things Could Ever Get Any Worse...

Gertrude was in Reina's room brushing Reina's long, waist length hair when there was a knock at the door. "Tell whoever it is that I don't want any visitors" I told Gertrude. "Yes sweetheart" Gertrude said as she gave my shoulder a squeeze before getting up. She placed the brush on the vanity dresser and went to the door. "Miss Reina says she doesn't want any visitors" Gertrude told the man. "I think I am an exception to that statement" Malik smiled as he saw Reina sitting with her hair down across the room. "Sir, Reina doesn't want any visitors" Gertrude repeated this time in her no nonsense voice. Malik didn't seem to hear her because he stepped forward causing Gertrude to step back letting him into the room. Malik walked over to Reina who was secretly wishing it was Demetrius who had come to her. "Reina! Darling!" he said as he pulled her out of the chair and into his arms. She told him more than once not to use such endearments on her but he never listened. Reina looked at a disgruntled Gertrude who was holding up the brush as if she wanted to throw it at Malik. As much as Reina wanted Gertrude to do it she shook her head at her knowing full well her father would fire Gertrude on the spot if she did what she wanted to. "Your father called me today and told me that you wanted to go out" he said as he stood back letting me go. "Really? When did I say that?" I asked hating my father by the passing minute. "Well I am here to oblige you, sweetheart. So put on something sexy that will make me the envy of every man in New York and I will meet you downstairs" he told me as he planted a kiss firmly on my mouth. I had to fight not to throw up. He smiled as he pulled away. "See you downstairs and Reina you know I hate waiting" he said as he left. "Why do you talk to him?!" Gertrude asked anger plain in her voice. "I-I have to. My father expects me to marry him someday" I told her. "But that is not what you want is it Reina?" she asked. Reina smiled. "You already know who I want" I replied. That brought a smile to Gertrude's face. "I know" she beamed. "I have to do whatever he asks of me- I held my hand up to stop Gertrude from protesting. "Lorenzo will be back next week. Maybe he can talk some sense into father and make him see the light. I never loved Malik and I never will" I sighed as I went to my closet to pick out an outfit. The dress that Reina picked out was conservative but stunning all the same. It was knee-length and showed just the right amount of bosom without giving too much away. I sighed as Gertrude put down the brush because I wanted to wear my hair down tonight. I kissed her goodnight knowing full well Malik was going to keep me out late. My father is all but delighted that Malik is paying me any attention, I bet he can already hear wedding bells ringing. According to him it would be good for his business if I married Malik Conner. Malik didn't strike me as a man who wanted to settle down anytime soon while Demetrius was his complete opposite. I was already having dreams about being married to Demetrius and having his children but it was just that. Dreams. "Don't let that man ruin your sweet nature, little one" Gertrude told me as I left. I found Malik and my father in his study having a glass of wine. "Ah Reina" my father said as he came over to me and deliberately planted a kiss on the cheek he had hit me on earlier today. He pulled away and gave me a look that told me not to ruin this relationship. Once upon a time I would have done everything in my power to get my father's approval but I realized that nothing I do will ever be good enough for him so I stopped trying. Malik stood and put his hand around my waist. "Richard, I will see you tomorrow" Malik told father as he emptied his glass and placed it on father's desk. "Keep her out as long as you like, Malik" my father told him. He then looked at me as if expecting me to protest but I didn't. "As you wish" Malik said as he led me outside to his Bugatti Veyron 16.4 the newest model. "You like?" he asked seeing my face. "It's ah... Quite a powerful machine" I told him as I sat in the car. He laughed at that "Much like me" he said as his eyes darkened. Reina felt very self conscious all of a sudden. He got in and drove off. They barely talked the entire ride. When they did talk it was about Malik. He was the type of man who enjoyed the spotlight, he craved it. Reina felt her stomach fall as Malik pulled up in front of one of Demetrius's clubs. He smiled as he got out and opened my door. The paparazzi went into a frenzy when Reina stepped out.