EA

did Armando's personal guard, the same one who'd practically dragged me to the car earlier. He sat in t

between us felt like it might disappear any moment, and I did everything I could to shrink into the corner. He di

ined. It looked like something out of a magazine-a sprawling estate with towering gates, pristine landscaping, and large, expensive-lo

h was t

y when Armando's car pulled in, like his presence sent waves of fear through them. It was terrifyin

him in unison, "Welcome, Mr. Armando," but he didn't give them a single glance. Not a nod, not

I fit into all of this. As I got out of the car, one

f," I said quickly, p

but the tension in his body made it clear-refusing his help wasn't really an option. He'd be i

s hung from the ceiling, their crystals sparkling under soft lighting. The floors were made of some kind of p

my thoughts. His tone was sharp, commanding, and within seconds, maids rushed out fro

ced, his voice cold and indi

sions. Some seemed sympathetic, while others just looked tir

ne of the maids. "T

d responded, her vo

art-ornate railings, plush carpet, and massive paintings lining the walls. Every step I took made me more aware

ced at me. "I'm Maria," she said quietl

" I whisp

ricate details of the house-the gold trimmings, the marble floors, the heavy curtains t

but still nicer than anywhere I'd ever lived before. A small bed sat against on

"I'll go get you something to eat," sh

was too knotted with anxie

* *

ing at my door. My eyes blinked open, adjustin

ough the door, soft but urgent. "

of cold water. I sat up, my

h I wasn't sure I wan

hing in her gaze, something that unsettled me. She didn't answer my

ressed and followed Maria down the hallway. Each step f

"He's in here," Maria said softly, giving me

b. The weight of fear pressed down on me, but

justed to the gloom, and that's when I saw him-Mr. Armando, standing by the bed, half-dressed. H

," he said, his voi

ted, but he

rdered, taking a

to run, to turn around and get ou

is voice was quieter this time,

spered, trying to keep the

his eyebrows raising as i

is," I said loude

ace. "Oh, you think you have a choice? Let me remind you, El

breath hitching in my t

said, his voice so quiet it chilled me to the bone. "I will make sure of it. You

as no escaping him. No way out. I was trapped in h

" he snapped suddenly

t of the room, the tears spilling over as I ran do