Chapter 44

***Kenya.***

Walking in the direction of the large ball room, which served as the party's venue, Levi and I left the other guests to the mercy of the reporters.

The ball room, like the entire foyer, was lit in soft, golden chandeliers that hung up in the ceiling. A gilded ambience surrounded the entire room, the opulent decorations, a stark evidence of the rich taste possessed by its owners. I had heard about them before. But after meeting one of their family, Henry and his wife, I finally appreciated their unique taste. Wealth displayed in the room. Ornate wall papers of gold and ivory, covered the walls. First time entering the hotel and I was smitten.

We were ushered to our table, like the other guests, and the party soon started. Party members congratulated us; politicians, business men and women, elite members of the society in all professions of life. It was like the entire elite democrats had converged for the party. The night's host teased everyone, especially Levi and I, who were the highlight of the evening. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I hadn't expected such a warm welcome.

Soon, refreshments were over with, and the dancing commenced. Levi held me in an intimate embrace as we waltzed to a song played by a famous Jazz musician. There was a peace that we felt as we swayed in slow steps to the song. Neither of us had the courage to speak this truth. But I felt it deep, threatening to announce itself to the surface.

"You are a beautiful dancer, you know that." Levi stroked my bare back, as his words swirled round me. I nested my head in the crook of his neck. The magic of this intimate moment, disarming me. Causing feelings that should remain buried to wheedle their way into my heart.

"Why did you have to do all you did, Levi?" My question came out, before I could even hold it back.

My inner most thoughts coming to life, hanging like a knife between us. Levi pulled back just a little to stare into my eyes, before he returned to our initial stance.

"What do you mean?" He whispered, regarding me in a cautious gaze, while we continued dancing. I inhaled a steady breath, wanting this bone in my throat expelled.

"Why did you have to result to dangerous measures to achieve your purpose. Couldn't there have been a better way?" I felt Levi stiffen in my arms, but something in me was unleashed and I just ranted on. My eyes searching his.

"Who are you, Levi? I mean, what did Blake mean by yours is a relationship rooted deep, a life for a life"

"Stop"

"Bound by an oath"

"Stop, Kenya." Levi growled in a low, warning tone. His eyes holding a ferocity that I had never seen in him before. I startled at the depth of what I saw in his emerald green eyes. My heart uncontrollably frightened.

"Don't dig out demons you would regret meeting." He leaned in closer, his breath mingling with mine. We had stopped dancing now and I caught other couples' awkward stares.

Hot, the scent of brandy fanning my face, I just stared. I felt his finger nails dig into my skin, as he held me and I feared it might have broken. Wincing in pain, I tried to struggle against his painful hold. But his hands gripped on tighter.

"What if I want to meet them?" I dared in a whisper. I grimaced as I sensed his hold slacken, while astonishment climbed his face. My arms stung from where his nails had been. His expression turned to alarm, before it grew dark with a twisted grin.

"Be careful what you ask for, Mrs Ruthford. It might just come back to bite you." He remarked in a cold voice.

There was an ominous undercurrent in his tone.

Without another word, Levi held me in a possessive hold and guided me out of the dance floor. It was as if nothing had happened, even though I shook within me. Once we reached the bar, he gave me one long look, before he went to mingle with some of his friends.

Humiliated, I just stared at him.

***Levi 2: Kenya: 0***

No matter how much I tried to calm my racing heart, I was just too frightened and ashamed of what had transpired. I asked for a glass of water from the bar tender. Gulping the cold liquid down as soon as it reached my hand. My spiraling emotions finally settled.

This was now my life. A life where I was bound to uphold a marriage to a man, who had the power to ruin me. Who manipulated me to do his bidding. Even when it came to sex, he wielded the power. Turning me into puddle with just a touch. Worse, my feelings had now become invested.

"Well, if it isn't the new Mrs Ruthford." A snarl came from behind me, the tone chilling. I turned towards the voice in time to see a woman, not much older than I was. Perhaps in her thirties.

"Hello." I greeted, my voice neutral as I watched the woman. The woman looked me over, her sun-kissed fair skin, radiating with a deep allure. She was extremely beautiful. Her auburn hair falling in waves around her shoulder. Her dress, a blue, strapless silk, styled in a mermaid silhouette. She equally smelled wonderful. Her diamond jewelry set accentuating her beauty. Inching closer to me, the woman gave me a condescending look.

"If Levi had wanted to be charitable, he should have just sponsored your career." The words dripped with venom, as she glared scornfully at me. I hitched my breath, my eyes staring in shock at the woman.

"I wonder what he saw in a poor, invalid like you, when he had women like me, who could have given him all the reputation he needs."

Horrified, I just stared. Tears stinging me.