“I am Michael’s dear beloved fiancé~”Those words rang and took their refuge in Astrid’s mind. Marinating and causing the waves of memories yet forgotten to take hold. Dread, uneasiness, pain, regret, and the wanting to run mixed and solidified. This couldn’t happen again... could it? In such a short time frame for the sequel to the tragedy that was the Blond's love life. Wait... Love? When did that wasted emotion come into play? Didn’t she learn anything from Dean? Men were horrible and single-minded creatures. All they wanted was what they needed. Once achieved the poor soul used to get that need was thrown to the wolves. To be used and used again till they died. Why would this man be any different? Behind his smooth words and promises of devotion was just another beast.
“Figured much...” Astrid whispered in a low tone. There was no fight left in Astrid. She wasn’t going to use any energy to try and falsify this claim. Her head hung low as the decision between running or slapping them both was mauled over. Yet, why were any of these be an option? Why should she be surprised or even care. He meant nothing to her just as much as she knew she didn’t to him. At least this is what she wanted to feel and think. This wasn’t the case and she hated to admit it. Pain and sorrow like this were not derived from nothing. Something had taken root and begun to bloom from the cracks left from past mistakes. She fell for the tricks hook line and sinker. It was obvious from the moment that they spent in silence before doing away with Hollow. In that moment she unknowingly gave her heart to the killer turned writer. Not that anything could come of it now. Michael was engaged and Astrid was used once again. Only she wasn’t going to be discarded like table scraps. She wouldn’t shut herself in the apartment again. She wasn’t going to cry herself to sleep, and she wasn’t sure as hell going to blame herself. Not tonight or ever again was she going to let herself sink. Astrid would raise her head high and thank the heavens she was free before this had a chance to grow. She was going to stuff her purse full of food without a care. Return to the only real man she needed in her life... Even if he was a cat. Then she would move forward and forget the almost mistake that was Michael Maplewood. Only for her plan to be stopped in its tracks. For Michael moved and stood between both women. Arm extended out before Astrid, as if to protect her from any possible out lash from Kat. Cause he knew all too well what she was capable of. Especially after what would leave his lips.
“Fiancé?” Michael chuckled out. Pressing his thumb and pointer of his other hand against the rim of his glasses. Holding them in place as now his head hung down. Moving side to side as continuous snickering and clicking of his tongue. “Kathrine Kathrine.... Kathrine~.” lifting his head, letting his glass hang on the bridge of his nose. Letting both arms fall and move behind his back. “You call you following your father and I around on a book tour nothing but magical? What’s magical about a woman acting like horned up schoolgirl? Now I don’t judge others for what they might like and who they wish to tie the knot with. But I can assure you one thing my dear.” Michael stepped forward leaning into the attempted third wheel’s ear. “I prefer a woman, not an obsessed daddy’s girl. Who can’t even begin to understand what it means to be a proper adult. ~” Stepping back to stand next to his date once more. Hand placing itself on her hip, to bring against his own. “Now excuse me Kathrine, for I do believe the sandwiches Astrid was wanting has been replenished.” Astrid Looked to Michael blushing at his action. Not uttering a word as they began to walk past the brunet. Stopping beside her directing his eyes towards but not fulling turning to address. Kathrine stood facing straight ahead eyes still close and smile still being worn. “And our deepest empathy for the loss of your beloved sister.”
“Why Thank you Michael and it was a pleasure as always.” Michael and Astrid continued to the aforementioned finger food. Kathrine’s smile dropped and teeth grinded. Eyes half opening to reveal flames of rage. Her fist clenched smashing the stolen sandwich. Storming off pushing past the previous guest who had gawked at Michael. Dropping the ball of bread, cheese, and meat into the wine glass of one of the females who was part of the group. She had attended to tell Kathrine off for the rude act. Only stopping at the sight of the visible anger. Choosing not to speak or even move as if dealing with a viper ready to strike. Kathrine would then disappear into the crowd gathered by the dance floor.
“Mi... Michael?” Astrid stared at the man beside her. His eye moved over the selection on their shining silver platters. Eventually settling on a bacon wrapped chestnut. Popping the piece of pork and veggie into his mouth. Finally moving his attention to Astrid. He didn’t speak a word, yet only gave a raised eyebrow. She would turn away blushing more from embracement. “So that woman? She's not actually your?”
“My fiancé?” The words exited from his lips with a sense of teasing behind them. The women would jump slightly. Not answering but instead swiping a sandwich stuffing it into her mouth. “Aww Poor Mon Cher. ~ Was someone possibly.” Lean down into her ear as she was turned away. “Jealous and scared that they lost me? ~” A shiver ran up the young woman back as his breath brushed past her ear. Jumping to the side a few inches to space themselves.
“Damnit Michael! First off... Personal space! Second off, I was not and would never be jealous of another women!”
“Besides I already told you there was nothing between her and I. So, you have nothing to worry about. ~”
“Exactly! I have nothing to worry... I wasn’t worried!” Astrid hands flew up smacking the plate from someone. Have realized what she had done. Astrid turned around to the victim. “Oh my god! I'm so sorry, I didn’t mean... Nikki?” Before the now confused blond stood her Employee. Whose eyes darted around the room. One hand holding a shrimp near her mouth, and the other opened looking to be the one that was holding her plate. That was now on the ground along with the rest of her seafood treat.
“Hi Miss Astrid... Um what a coincidence running into you here. Completely a coincidence and nothing else!” Nervously chuckling, trying to locate Brian who had run off to the restroom. Quickly tossing the tiny crustacean into her mouth. Swallowing a bit too quick and having to grab a glass from the table beside them. She coughed for a few moments before catching her breath finally. Astrid rushed to her side, gently patting the other’s back.
“Jeez Nikki, slow down and chew your food.” Responding with a thumbs up once she stood back up. “You okay now?” After Nikki had nodded, Astrid spoke again. “Now, what are you doing here? Do you know the family or something?”
“ No no no, um I um..”
“She’s with me Miss Von Ross.”
“Detective Scotson? You know each other?” As the line of questions started. The two males met eyes and started a wordless stare down. Michael smiled and looked at Brian up and down. While the others never left the younger’s face. The feeling of uneasiness about the writer was only growing. Brian had dealt with the lowest of the low. Murderers, thieves, corrupt politicians, and human traffickers. Yet, something in Michael’s eyes screamed that he was way worse. They were both dead and yet also bright. Like he had his demons like everyone else. But the big difference was that it seemed he was his own demon. And that was perfectly fine with him. Both women noticed the interaction before deciding to ignore them.
“Um yeah, you see Brian here is actually... Um my uncle! Yeah, and as you must know he’s a cop. He had to provide security for tonight. And you know me, I need to get out more. So, he thought this was the perfect excuse to get out of the house.” Astrid looked between them both. Shrugging eventually, thinking nothing of it.
“What a small world. Don’t know if your uncle told you or not. He has been covering my case from that one night.” Acting in complete surprise at this fact.
“Wow, must really be a small world. He hadn’t told me, but don’t think he knew I worked for you. You know, married to the job and all.” Astrid nodded and giggled. “But now my question for you boss.” A sly grin crossed her lips. Astrid galped getting ready for the question that she knew was coming. “How's your date going? ~”
“Yes, how is our date going? ~” Michael was now ear level with Astrid. Blushing once more before pushing his face away from her own.
“Never said this was a date Mike. Though... if I was to call this a date. I don’t think meeting a crazy ex of yours is a good impression.” Nikki looked at them both with a raised eyebrow. Astrid Smiled in victory, or so she thought was one.
“Like I said Mon Cher. Kathrine isn’t or will ever be an ex. Which if I recalled. ~ You seemed quite down when you thought she was my fiancé.” As quickly as the feeling of victory came. So did the crushing defeat once again. Brian would step towards the couple. Stepping between them both, giving Michael a cold stare.
“Okay there pal, you're getting a little close there. You’re obviously making miss Von Rose uncomfortable.” Michael smirked moving in close to the other male. Inches separating them from being almost nose to nose. Looking the older of the two up and down. Once eyebrow raised one going back to Brian’s bad eye.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
“Oh! I see the misunderstanding here. Well, I can at least see that you can’t see the best. Such a nasty scar you got there Uncle Scottson~” The men stayed eye to eye for several seconds. Neither making any kind of movement.
“Oh this old thing? I barely even notice anymore. The punk who gave it to me was pretty weak. Though shouldn’t expect much from a piece of trash like him.” Astrid knew she had to step in soon. These two would definitely kill one another at this rate. Going to move between them like Brian had just second before. She was stopped in her tracks once a voice came over the loudspeakers. Both of the ladies turned to the small stage setup next to the dance floor. Richard, Kathy, and Kat all stood next to one another. The Woodlins patriarch Stood before a microphone. Looking over the crowd before clearing his throat.
“Friends, family, and loved ones! On behalf of our darling Harmony. My Wife and I would like to thank you all for those who have made it out here tonight. The loss of our baby has stricken us like no other. But it warms our hearts to see you all here. We are here to celebrate her life and what she meant to us. She may not be with us physically. Yet she is here with us in our hearts and memories.” The audience clapped for a minute or two. Richard raised his hands to calm the crowd once more. “Going through this is something no parent should ever have to. We are grateful to still have our lovely Kathrine. Not everyone is as lucky to have two wonderful children. It is for this reason we want to do everything in our power help prevent this for any poor soul. So, with a great idea given to me by Kathy. We will be starting a foundation. Rightly named the Harmony Woodlins foundation. All proceeds with go out help fund programs to help keep children and young adults off the streets.” The Crowd burst into applause once more. Dying down once more after arose hand by Mr. Woodlins. “Now I would like you all to join me in giving a hand to our first donator to this great cause. This Man is becoming one of my companies biggest success stories. Now with two bestselling books under his belt. As well as becoming a very close friend of the family. Mr. Michael Maplewood! With his generous donation of Ten thousand dollars!” Michael stood up straight as his name was called. His hand finding Astrids waist once more.
“Excuse me Nikki and my dear detective. For I do believe my date and I have been called to the stage.” Astrid looked to Michael with widened eyes. Shaking her head in protest for she didn’t do well being the front and center of attention. Of course that didn’t stop her date from dragging her away from the pair.
“Sorry Nikki! If I don’t see you later in the night, then see you at work Monday!” Astrid yelled back before they both made their way through the clapping party guest. Nikki Just waved and nodded.
“Mind telling me what that was, dear uncle?” Nikki looked at her fellow detective. Brian huffed in frustration, turning back to the food.
“Nothing kid... Like I said something about that guy I don’t like.” Sighing at his usual stoic response to things. She just turned back to the stage watching the couple approach the stage. Climbing up the steps and joining at Richards side. Michael bowed slightly at the crowd and shook his hand. Nodding at the two Woodlins women. Kathy ignored his greetings rolling her eyes. Kat of course waved gingerly. Looking over to Astrid with a smirk before looking back to the audience. The blond just waved at them both. Staying close to Michael’s side but not too close. Richard then returned to the mic patting Michael shoulder.
“A little fact about my boy here. He isn’t just a great writer but plays some made piano.” Behind a curtain two waiters rolled out a large black piano. Michael looked at the instrument then went back to his publicist. Putting up his hands waving them. “Oh, don’t be rude Mike!” Patting his back once more and extended his arm to everyone. “Do you want to disappoint so many of your fans?” Sighing in defeat rolling his eyes with a smile.
“Okay Dick... I mean Richard.” A small wave of laughter went over the crowd. “I guess a song or two wouldn’t hurt.” Turning to the young blond besides him. “Wait right here Mon Cher. Once I'm done entraining these folks. I would very much like to get in a dance. ~” He took her hand kissing it before going off to take his throne. Michael’s fingers slowly glided over the ivory keys. His face wearing a sense of peace. His smile was gentle and like nothing seen on the man. Astrid became transfixed on that smile. It was like looking at a completely different man. Being so lost in her focus she didn’t notice Kat had moved next to her.
“Has he ever played in front of you?” Kat whispered into Astrid's ear. Jumping back to her senses as the breath. Finally tearing her eyes away from the surprise musician.
“No this would be the first.” Astrid quickly went back to Michael with her gaze. It was already obvious that this chick was deranged. “I’m guessing you are going to tell me that you have?”
“Oh yes many of times. ~ he would play almost every time he would visit the house. I'm surprised that his newest pet hasn’t had the pleasure.” A sly smirk crossing the oldest Woodlins daughter’s lips. Being called Michael’s pet struck a nerve with the blond. This crazy bitch really thought she had a leg up just because she’s heard him play.
“Well, guess he just didn’t have any time to when I had dinner at his house the other week.” Astrid's eyes stayed on Michael as her own smirk revealed itself. Kat’s face was calm as she was now focused on Michael. Her own smirk not dropping even for a moment.
“Well, I’m sure it was hard to do so. Probably wanted to save any energy you both had for when you killed my idiot sister and her loser boyfriend.” Astrid's smirked left almost right away. Started shaking as she slowly turned to the other female. Kat just kept looking straight ahead. “I mean it only make sense that you two were the ones to do so. The way their corpses were displayed. The note left behind with the slight jab at that detective that snuck in.” Astrid's eye darted to Nikki and Brian who still stood near the food tables. Eyes going right back to Kat who was now looking back. “But don’t worry my dear. I wouldn’t dare to tell a soul about any of this. Wouldn’t want poor Michael to be drugged down with you. So, for now I'll just sit and watch till you finally slip up. Then I will take my rightful place at his side.” Taking a step away from the women who knew of her crimes. Backing away slowly towards the edge of the stage. Ready to turn and run as fast and as far as Astrid's legs could carry her. About to turn before finally music started to play from the other side of them. Michael’s fingers finally hit the first note and off they went. Moving about the keys with precision and grace. For whatever reason the tension in the women’s body eased. Melting away as the notes followed from the giant black beast. There was something in the song that resonated in her. It was upbeat but had some sadness behind it. It was chaotic yet well put together and seemed so natural. Astrid’s smile returned before letting out a small snicker. Earning a raised eyebrow from Kat.
“Who cares if you know what we did. Mike.... Michael has shown me a world I never knew possible. He has shown me the wonders of living actually free.” Turning her attention to the other female. The blonds head tilt and gave a smile that could rival the man himself. “And I know these threats are not because you're better than me. It’s because you’re afraid and jealous of what we have. You spent years like a lost puppy trying to get his attention. Where it only took one look at me to have it.” Looking back to as the final key rung out. The crowd that once stood silent listening broke into clapping and applause. Michael stood from his seat and bowed. Without even another word to the Kat, the blond approached the man. Taking ahold of his hand, smiling up at him. It caught him off guard for only a moment. Before he returned the smile tenfold. Getting up to her tippy toes she whispered into his ear. “I think that is enough excitement for me tonight. Mind being a gentleman and take me home?” Michael simply nodded as they made their exit. Going out through the back so not to be bothered with goodbyes. Only two other people noticed their departure. Nikki who smiled wickedly. Then Kat who wore a fake smile as people surrounded her Family.
“Did you enjoy yourself Mon Cher? ~” Nodding in response before unexpectedly resting her head on his shoulder.
“Alot more than I thought I would of.” Lifting her head before punching his arm. “And when were you going to tell me you could play like that shitass?” Michael rolled his eyes as they continued their walk in silence. Enjoying the slightly longer journey due to not having the scoffer. Once making it to the front door of Astrid’s apartment. Michael took and kissed her hand gently.
“Well thank you for joining me on this fair night.” As he turned to make his own way home. He was stopped by the blond hand grabbing his jacket sleeve.
“But the nights not over yet man of many talents. I still owe you that dance you wanted. But it’s a little chilly. So~ want to come up for a bit?” Michael, surprised at the sudden invite, didn’t want to waste it.
“Sounds lovely darling.” The two made their way up to the home of the bookstore owner.
“Well, unfortunately I don’t have a piano. But I do got blue tooth speakers and Spotify.” Thinking for a few seconds before shrugging.
“Not needed Mon Cher. For I do believe the best music is one made together and from the heart~” Now Standing in the middle of the living room. Michael offered his hand to Astrid. Who of course took happily as she had done so many times before. The two started to slowly dance about the room. Looking into each other's eyes just like they had done so many weeks ago in that SUV. Not a word being spoken, not that any was needed. Suddenly Michael chose to dip Astrid down. Getting a small squeak from the female. Causing her to blush and look away. Giving her dance partner a smile.
“Hey, what's that out there?” Astrid pointed to the window, which without a second thought made Michael look. With the opening presented to her. The blond quickly kissed the man’s cheek. Looking back with a sly smirk, he rolled his eyes. They both began to laugh as he brought them back up. Both jumping as something brushed between their legs. Looking down to see Mr. Whiskers. Who just looked back and meowed at them. Both Chuckled once more. Returning to each other’s gaze. Something had grown between them just as Astrid had thought. Was it love? Neither of them could really say. But as they both leaned in slowly. Mere inches apart from finally touching lips. They knew one thing for sure. Whatever this was... It was going to be the death of them. And they wouldn’t want it any other way.
End of Season 1