Craxilver Residence

“It’s been a week or so since Rogers came to see me and am sure Timothy and Anton are almost calling me. This world is so small, I have been so close to the Jamesons’, Rosey was closer to me, she always talked about her daughter but how could I fail to realise that she was talking about my Daniele all this time.” Ray thinks to himself seated on the balcony just like his grandfather used to, sipping on his class of wine.

“I know I have only been watching her from a distance, I kept my distance all this time, and now she is coming into my territory. I will protect her with all I have, even if it means my life just like David did” he smiles with sadness in his eyes thinking about that.

“I will be seeing her once again and every day. This is the greatest gift and am thankful to God for it” he says that aloud and runs his hand through his wet hair.

“See who every day? I hope you are not getting back with that snake of an ex-gilrfriend, are you?” I voice interrupts his thoughts as he turns to look at the origin of the voice.

“Now Miles, why would you spoil my lovely night by bringing up such a person on?” Ray states as he stares at Miles who sits next to him.

“Oooh, you have a new girlfriend? That is not possible, you haven’t dated anyone since that break up, I always thought she put you on a curse” Miles laughs as Ray joins in and they laugh together

“Girlfriend or not, you will find out soon, am sure you will love her” Ray says with a smile on his face.

“Wow, I haven’t seen that smile like in forever, the way you smile is always scaring but this is new. That means the curse was broken”

“Why would Ray be smiling Miles and who broke the curse?” another voice joins them at the balcony.

“Am trying to figure that out Johns, why would he be smiling” Johns sits in between the two brothers and lays a hand on Rays right shoulder.

“Its either he is in love or wanting to do business. We both know Ray does not do love, he is into one-night stands and that is the end of it.”

“Mmmm, that is true” Miles nods in agreement.

“Its business then” Ray concludes the answer for them and smirks as he gets up from his chair and handing his glass to Johns.

“Enjoy your evening I have things to do in the morning” he walks away with a smirk on his face.

“Its not business, and its not a one-night stand Miles”

“What is he hiding, I need to find out”

“You know you will find nothing, Ray knows how to hold secrets the longest in this house?”

“I will try and find anything about this woman, I want to know why it’s a secret. She must be special.”

“Good luck, you know your brother so well”

“Thanks man, I really need that luck” they both laugh as they enjoy their evening fully.

…………………….

As Ray gets to his room, his phone rings. He looks at it and its Anton calling. He gets into his room, answers it and places it on the table on loudspeaker.

“Anton!”

“Ray, you’re still awake”

“Of Course, I was expecting your call, that’s why.” Anton laughs at that statement and turns the call on video. Rays sits down to hold the conversation well with Anton.

“When is she coming Anton?” asks Ray, as he slides his hand through his brown hair.

“Not even a greeting from you” Anton complains with a smile on his voice.

“ Sorry bro, I really missed her so much. Not getting near her, just watching her from a distance.” Ray says with hurt in his eyes and a fading voice.

“I Know Ray, that is why you are the only person we can entrust Daniella with. I have known it for some time now that you love her. Remember that time when she fell in water last year?” Anton asks as Ray lifts his face to look at him.

“I thought it was the last time I was going to see her, I lost my mind that day Anton.”

“I know Ray, you run into the water like a mad man and you lost control again that day when the Medic failed to take care of her immediately. I knew it then, that you loved her and that you would kill for her, you always lose control when it comes to the special people in your life”

“What use is it if she does not know any of that Anton, I will keep it to myself and only focus on protecting her.”

“What if she remembers you?” Anton says looking at Ray who is silent at the moment.

“Which part, the 12 years she forgot or the times after? Because she won’t remember either of them. That is the truth.”

“When you saved her that day, she saw you, don’t be so sure about that.”

“Am not sure at all, am just hoping so. And she did not see me, she saw my back when I was leaving.” Ray sighs as he leans back to the chair

“When will she be arriving Anton?”

“In a week’s time, I will send you the details.” With that they talk about other things and the night fades into morning.

…………………………………………………………..

Daniella started to prepare for the US. The day came and she left for the US. She landed, headed out of the airport. Her name tag Daniella Alves was the first thing she saw.

She heads to the car and with a big smile; a handsome gentleman in his mid 50’s, black hair with hints of grey in it welcomes her and helps her with the things.

“Am Peter, the butler, I have known your mum since she married here and she always talked about you.”

“She did?” Daniella asks with a smile

“Yes, everyone in the house knows you, it’s good to see you all grown up. All we have are pictures of you when you were young and how you grew up.”

“Thank you, I guess.”

“You seem so humble my dear.”

 “How do you know that?”

“Am 56 years this year, I have seen all kinds of people so I know what character is and am a good judge of character.”

“You seem nice too Mr-”

“Just Peter” he cuts her off with a simple smile. Daniella smiles at it as they finish packing her things up.

“Emmet asked me to video call him when you arrive, he headed back to Bolivia yesterday to handle his affairs and come back for good. He will be back in about a month.”

“Really, I guess I will see him soon.”

“You will actually see him every day, he video calls every day so, that soon, is today,” he tells her as he hands her a tabs with a call already made. She gets in the car and the call is connected.

“Look, who this is, baby sis, how was your flight?” Daniella’s eyes open wide at the words of Emmet. She ends up stuttering while answering.

“Am-am- fine big brother.” With that, she blushes and feels happy calling someone like that. Unfortunately, her smile is shot lived, as another car bumps into them and she hits her head on the tab and the video is cancelled.

Unknown to her, her head starts to bleed due to the bump on the tab. She heads out and so does Peter to look at the car.

“My apologies, my driver was a little upset minded.” A deep male silk voice sounds from behind as they look at the car. Daniella turns to the origin of the voice while arguing.

“How can we even start urging when you apolo-gi-se—lik--“ words chock on her as she stutters and pauses. She stands still with eyes on the gentleman, so good looking, grey eyes, 6.2, brown hair, biceps showing through his suit, like it was made for him,  her body not seeming to function.

“What the------I cant move my body, who in the world looks like that” she thinks to herself

“Is it the after effect of the head bump,” Her mind is running wild but she has no idea why.

“Are you okay Miss?” asks the gentleman after noticing blood mixing in her red hair. Daniella swallows deep and sees Peter raise his hand to say hello to the gentleman.

“Who is that greek god Peter?” she whispers to Peter

“Mr Craxilver”

“Why is he sooo--tall and handsome and-- oh my God - look like that?” she says pointing at him from head to toe. The gentleman finds the gesture amusing and a small laugh escapes him.

“hahaha hahaha”

“He can see you point at him.”

“I just saw that” she says holding her hand with the other to pull it down.

“Why are we whispering my dear?” Peter turns to look at her and she turns with the look of I don’t know. And Peter realises she is bleeding.

“You are bleeding Daniella.”

“Of course she is bleeding, and I asked how she is and am patiently waiting for that answer.” The gentleman points at his forehead to show her where she was bleeding. Daniella touches her head, looks at her hand sees blood.

“Blood-” with that one words she losses consciousness but Peter and the Mr. Craxilver catch her before she reaches the ground.

The two men look at each other and finally at her.

“Can I help carry her to the hospital?”

“Its fine sir.”

“No I insist, I caused this, I should sort it. And you are in no position to carry her, you had a back surgery recently, I can’t recommend you carrying heavy things. And this lady here is considered heavy you know.” I laughter is heard from Peter who agrees to the request.

Mr. Craxilver, carries her to his car and signals Peter to follow them right behind.