Zephaniah POV

"What a cute couple you two are" a apparent make up high pitch voice said as it came from a dark shadow in the dark alley.

"What a good entrance, Irene" Archie said chuckling.

I knew that voice or maybe I thought I did. Then the figure came closer to the dim tall street light lamp. I remembered her swiftly.

The girl at the club but it didn't make sense to me but I just kept mute, observant of the whole scenario before me. I trust Archie at least that what I told myself till mystery girl tagged along the shadows.

"it's always a pleasure to meet you Archie" she said flashing a rather sly smile.

"How was your date?" Archie asked.

"I rather not say" she said handling Archie a brown envelope of files crossed with CONFIDENTIAL in block red. One thing I noticed for sure it looked identical to the one we just stole few minutes ago.

In my spilt seconds of bewilderment archie looked at me but the perplexity and antagonism in me didn't allow me to look away.

"Zephaniah please can I have the document?" he said sounding more reserved.

"Archie I don't get this" I said in sheer mystification.

"Don't you trust me" he said closing the gap between us making his body heat radiate my icy one.

I handled him the document putting my full faith in him. He just nodded with a soft smile facing Irene and exchanging the files.

WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED?!?

Before I could answer any question or even react......

The sudden rays of lights slightly blindly me illuminating the black sleet limousine in front of the pathway.

Panic settled in me but Archie seemed otherwise, he seemed unruffled walking causally to the vehicle.

"Took you long enough" Archie said arragravated handling the file to Carson in the front seat who hastily grabbed the file.

"Good work" Carson said with surprise evident in his tone. I couldn't pin point why he was surprised, was it the fact he was shocked we completed this mission or the little arrogance in Archie.

"Zephaniah aren't you coming" I finally hear cutting my thoughts short in the uncertainty that wield me.

Instinctively, I turned back hoping to see Irene but she was nowhere to be found , no trace of her, no clicking heels of a smart cunning boss feminine.

Dominance preserved in her manner, pose not withstanding her demeanor.

I just shacked my head clearing my thoughts speedily walking to the opened car door sliding in gently into the back side.

The trip back was peacefully silence. Levi's eyes on the road, Carson already analyzing the document grasping at intervals then there was Archie.

He was silent, eyes seemed distant, it was hell for me not to ask what was wrong but I just felt he didn't even want me to ask from the way he never looked or glanced at me.

He was struck in the pose of looking out the lighted streets and stalls that flew speedily in sight then staring straight at the wind shield up front.

We finally got to the house. There was nothing being said between us but all I know I was exhausted behind the curiosity that yearned so much for truth.

Everyone settled in their room. Opening the door with the feeling that my body is gonna be over soaked with pleasure on that bed as I kicked my heels across the room feeling the comfort of my feet against the red carpet.

Then a knock came over the door.

What Carson will want this time, I thought hoping it isn't another depressing story.

I walked up the door twisting the knob open saying

"Carson I possibly don't......." I said cut off by the close proximity had with Archie face once I opened my eyes. Our nose just a inch away with our lips from touching.

I went back a little away tripping over a little but I held my ground.

"Archie what are you..." I said again stopped by his finger against my lips gently holding my waist and taking me back into my room eventually letting me go.

"Archie you can't be here, what if Carson shows up here or worst comes to your room and sees you aren't there" I said whispering in panic.

"I won't take long" he said taking a grip on my waist again aligned with my damn silk dress.

"Do you remember that favor, I asked for at the lake?" he asked nuzzling his nose touching mine making my back ache more for his touch.

"The necklace tracker?" I asked feeling puzzled as it grows more.

"Yeah, you need to activate it once I leave this room" he said earnestness never leaving his tenor.

"But my dad will find me and arrest everyone" I said as I couldn't.

"It's all part of my plan, our plan to be together" he said kissing me on my cheek but I only thing I felt was doubt.

I dropped his hand off my waist strolling to the long length window staring down at the lightened streets and cars looking so tiny and insignificant and that's exactly how I felt.

"I don't know what I want again" I said feeling my voice crack.

"I know it seems like my plan is weird and not gonna work but trust me" he said desperate marked in his eyes as he draw closer to me but I gave space.

"Why was Irene at the alley, that's too much of a coincidence who is she?" I said asking out the questions that flooded my mind.

"She works for my dad, but she's helping me take my dad down" he explained simply in a neutral expression.

"But why" I blurted out.

"The lords was nothing like this, so she wants to help rebuild it"

"Then what's in for her?"

"She doesn't want anything in return.... For now"

I said "For now" in that questioningly pitch.

"Zeph" he said holding my shoulder forcing me to look at him straight in the eye.

"Archie...."

"Please believe me, activate the tracker and I promise I will see you" he said right after he summarized the remaining part of the plan reminding me to keep on my cold act.

Once we heard a door creak open he rushed out quickly right after giving me a quick kiss on my lips startling me in the process.

Now it was just me, no Archie or Carson just me. I faced my reflection in the full length body mirror plastered on the brown polished wardrobe feeling the austere craving of the butterfly pendant immediately I felt the soft button behind it.

It was now or never to stop all this misunderstanding and chaos but maybe it was all in my head.

Maybe there is no stopping all this madness or maybe more awaited for me but knowing Archie is gonna be with me though it makes it less frightening.

I held the soft button against my soft dark palm for at least thirty seconds but surprisingly nothing happened.

I thought when I activate it something magical will happen but nothing.

Air was stiff and quiet, faint honking of cars heard across the window it was really a business night. As I breathe heavily relieving my chest as I slip off the silk dress tip toeing to the bath tub taking a warm bath.

I stayed longer this time till the steam of the water disappeared and I felt a little cold in the water so I stepped out wrapping the dry towel around my body and my wet dripping hair.

Dressed in a white silk night dress tying the thin rope in front of the dress laying in bed, the duet under my waist staring at the ceiling in the night darkness thinking of all possibilities of tomorrow but slowly and peacefully I drifted to sleep.

Alright, bees!!!!!

Who can predict what happens in the next chapter??

No worries cause the next chapter will be out very soon, no fear I got your back as you guys are always my source of support and love!!!!

Love you all✨✨✨✨❤️❤️❤️