Princessa you've been uncovered

Asiri

"Come back here, young lady," My mother yelled as I exited the house. My steps were confident and quick. I didn't look back until I was out on the streets__I couldn't deal with them now, it will only heed the same result, I'll always be the unfilial child in their eyes.

The evening air was crisp, and the sky above was a deep shade of twilight, hinting at the approaching night. My footsteps echoed, as I walked along the deserted street, the only sound breaking the silence, as that all-so-familiar feeling of desolation set in.

After walking a good distance from the house, I slowed down and took out my phone. I dialed a number and told the person on the other line, that I was ready and quickly hung up, deleting the number.

Soon, a sleek black Maybach with tinted widows smoothly pulled up in front of me. The car's engine purred softly, a contrast to the silent surroundings. I swept my eyes over the car, and without hesitation, I swiftly slipped inside, and sank into the soft leather seat, acknowledging the driver, as the vehicle accelerated away from the quiet street.

The city blurred past as the Maybach weaved through the road. I stared out, watching as people filled the bus stops, waiting for the bus, tired from a long day, some had frowns, and few had smiles, but I could see the sadness in their eyes, some were dressed up, to enjoy the nightlife, different people with different problems, going about their activities.

I drew a long breath and snapped out of my reverie, looking away as the streets became almost empty, we were heading to a quiet part of town.

Eventually, we arrived at a small, cozy-looking cafe tucked away in a secluded corner of the city. I slowly stepped out of the car, scanning the area discerningly. The cafe's warm light spilled onto the sidewalk, casting long shadows dancing in the gentle breeze. Without a word, the driver drove off, leaving me standing alone.

Pushing the door open, I walked into the cafe. The interior was dimly lit, with soft, ambient lighting casting a warm glow over the few tables scattered around. The air was thick with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods, but the place was deserted, apart from the man who sat alone at a small table, his back straight, dressed in a sharp black suit and a bow tie. He appeared to be in his early fifties, his silver hair neatly combed back, and a steaming cup of tea rested in front of him.

As I entered, the man looked up, his expression transforming into a welcoming smile. He rose from his seat with the grace of someone who had lived a life of discipline and precision. Approaching me, he bowed slightly, his voice respectful as he began, "Hello m...."

Before he could finish, I lifted my hand, silencing him with my gesture. There was no need for those formalities. His smile didn't falter, but he nodded in understanding and stepped aside, allowing me to move past him. I strode toward the table he had sat at, my steps measured. I sat down, and he returned to his seat across from me.

"Excuse me?" The man called out, his voice carrying across the quiet cafe. I furrowed my brows, scanning the area for signs of the person he was calling for.

A woman appeared from the back, looking somewhat in her mid-forties, with a kind but tired face, though she wore simple clothing, her back was straight and steps measured, clearly from years of experience. She approached the table, carefully placing a cup of milk latte in front of me, avoiding eye contact, before retreating without a word. I narrowed my eyes watching the woman's retreating figure, I was used to people avoiding eye contact with me, for different reasons, but I couldn't quite figure out if she could be trusted.

"She won't breathe a word" He said, pulling me out of my thoughts, his voice calm, but I could sense the seriousness in his words.

I nodded, casting one last glance in her direction, before my gaze shifted to my surroundings, taking in the intimate setting, the walls were adorned with bookshelves, vintage tables scattered around, and a fireplace in the corner. It was a nice place with a cozy vibe. "A new place" I remarked, curious, I really liked the place.

"Yes" The man replied with a sigh. "You know we can't meet in the same place twice. It's too risky."

I sighed, nodding in agreement, knowing fully well the risks.

I turned my attention back to him, my expression turning serious. "Alfred, what is it this time?" I asked,getting straight to the point, my tone carrying a hint of impatience. I was tired of the small pleasantries and wanted him to get straight to the point.

Alfred leaned in slightly, his demeanor shifting as he adopted a more serious expression. "You have to be careful" He began, his voice low but firm. "A few of them were spotted in this city two days ago by our men."

I sipped my milk latte, the cold liquid flowing down my throat, as I took in what he just said, I had expected this, but not the timing. "Which of them?" I asked, trying to calculate my next move.

"Arlo and his men" Alfred answered, his brows furrowing slightly. "He came on the pretext of business, but I don't think the others know his real motive for being here."

I tapped my fingers rhythmically on the table, staring into the distance as my mind processed the information. "He can't just be here on the pretext of business," I thought aloud. "He must have some business to handle, but I'm also a strong motive. I guess he wants to kill two birds with one stone." My lips curled up in an indiscernible smile.

I looked up at Albert and saw his face was creased with concern. "Are you sure about that? You know how much of a thorn you are by their sides." He said, and I could hear the genuine concern in his tone, causing me to feel warm, but I kept my expression blank, not betraying any emotions.

"I didn't say he didn't come for me. Of course, he did, but he also came for something else. We know Arlo has always been too greedy" I said to Alfred, my lips curving up into a cold smile.

Alfred's confusion was evident. "Yes, he's always been greedy, but how does this have anything to do with this?" He asked with a frown, looking at me for an explanation.

I just smiled and leaned back in my chair, my eyes gleaming with a knowing look. "Don't worry. Arlo isn't going to be a problem. He'll soon go back. I'll handle it." I assured him, not revealing much.

With that, I stood up swiftly and started walking away in long strides. I suddenly remembered something and paused in my steps, turning to Albert. "Tell him not to send any more men to follow me unless he wants to keep having them injured and beaten up." I hated being followed and monitored.

Alfred sighed, I could see the concern in his eyes. "It's for your safety" He began, but I turned and walked out the door, not allowing him to finish his words. I could feel his burning gaze on me as I walked out, but ignored it.

Outside, I slipped my headset on, the familiar comfort of music filling my ears as I strolled down the sidewalk, focused on sending a message on my phone, momentarily distracted from my surroundings.

I suddenly bumped into something hard, losing my balance. I braced myself for the fall, but it didn't come. Instead of hitting the ground, I felt strong arms wrap around me, steadying me.

My eyes shot open only to find myself face-to-face with a man who looked oddly familiar. His dark, intense eyes met mine, and then it clicked. It was the same man I had noticed in the restaurant a few nights ago...

The restaurant was dimly lit, a low hum of voices blending with soft music. I sat round a table with my mum's family, absently poking at my food, when I felt a tingling sensation on the back of my neck. I glanced over my shoulder and saw a man standing by the stairs leading to the VIP rooms. Because of the lighting, I could only make out his dark hair and sharp jawline, but I felt the intensity of his piercing gaze locked onto me. A shiver ran down my spine, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I met his gaze with equal intensity, something about him felt dangerous, yet I couldn't look away.

"Asiri." My mum called, pulling my attention away. When I turned back, he was already gone.

There was something about his presence that was both imposing and intriguing.

Now, here he was, gazing down at me with his unfathomable grey eyes, his grip on my waist firm, but not at all uncomfortable. I froze for a moment, realizing his hands were still around me. I tried to wriggle out of his grip, but before I could react, he roughly pulled me towards his Maybach. My heart raced as I struggled to break free but his grip remained firm, ignoring my struggles.

I looked up at him trying to get anything, from his expression, but it was unreadable. He pushed me into the car with a forceful shove, causing me to tumble into the back seat. I scrambled up, my breath coming in quick, shallow bursts as I glared at the strange man who had followed me in and closed the door behind him.

"Drive" He commanded his driver sharply, in his deep baritone voice, leaving no room for argument.

The driver, quickly started the engine, shooting me a glance. My heart pounded in my chest as the car began to move, but I made sure I revealed no emotions, assuming a calm front. I glanced out the window, watching the buildings blur by as they sped and there was only one question on my mind.

Am I being Kidnapped?