I paced back and forth in the grand room immediately I had the strength to, my bare feet sinking into the soft carpet.
I know my so called dad must have hurt him but still I hated him for pouring his aggression on me. Hated the way he controlled me. I had to escape, but the mansion was too big for me to escape.
I looked out of the window, studying the view. Guards moved around the grounds, guns slung casually over their shoulders. Beyond the gates, the high walls blocked any view of the outside world. Even if I got past the guards, where would I go?
My eyes suddenly fell on a delivery truck parked near the garden. If only I could reach that truck, maybe I could hide in the back and escape. But how could I even get out of the room?
My eyes moved around wearily and suddenly landed on the air vent near the ceiling. It was small, but maybe, just maybe, i could fit through it. I grabbed a metal candle holder and began loosening the screws. My tiny frail hands shook as they worked, sweat dripping down my face. Finally, the grate came loose, and I quickly climbed onto the dresser to pull myself inside.
The vent was tight, and the metal scraped against my skin as i crawled. The air smelled of dust and dampness, but who cares? After what felt like hours, i came to an opening and peered through. Below me was a hallway with two armed guards standing near the exit.
This wasn't going to work.
I backed up, my heart was fighting panic and hope. Just then, i heard footsteps echoing through the vent. I froze. Someone was coming. Had they already discovered my absence?
**********************
Sergio stepped into a high-end boutique in the city. His black suit was sharp and perfectly tailored, making him look even more intimidating. Sales attendants rushed to greet him, their smiles nervous.
"I need something," he said, his voice calm but firm, "that makes a statement."
"Of course, Mr. Sergio," one of them replied, quickly gathering options.
As they showed him the clothes, Sergio's phone buzzed. He pulled it out, his sharp eyes narrowing as he read the message.
"She's trying to escape."
A slow smirk spread across his face. "Interesting," he muttered. "Let's see how far she gets."
**********************
I had made my way to what looked like the kitchen. I dropped out of the vent, landing softly on the tiled floor. A maid stood near the sink, her back turned.
"Please," i whispered, moving toward her. "Help me, I beg you"
The maid turned towards me, her eyes wide with fear. "No," she said, shaking her head. "I can't."
"Please," i begged, grabbing her arm. "I just need to leave this damn place, I promise I'll reward you once I leave this house"
"Ma'am I really can't...…"
I hit her on the neck with a metal spoon before she could even finish her words. I had carefully picked that spoon up before I asked her for help. Of course I know they all work for Lucian , no one dares to defile his order so I am going to help myself.
The kitchen door swung open immediately the maid passed out, and lo and behold the demon himself walked in, his face dark with amusement.
"Found you," he said, his voice low but sharp.
I froze. My once determined body suddenly went cold as he stepped closer, his men filing in behind him. He grabbed my arm roughly, pulling me toward him.
"Did you really think you could get away?" he asked, his tone mocking. "In my house?"
I really wanted to scream, but no sound came out. Sergio's grip tightened as he led me back to the room, his steps calm and deliberate, as though he had all the time in the world.
When we reached the room, he shoved me inside, slamming the door behind us. "You're bold," he said, crossing his arms. "I'll give you that. But you're wasting your energy. There's no way out."
I glared at him, my chest heaving. "You can't keep me here forever anyways."
Sergio chuckled. "Forever?" he said, tilting his head. "Oh, Claire. Forever is exactly how long you're staying."
He walked over to a chair and picked up a garment bag. "You're going to wear this," he said, throwing it onto the bed. "We're going shopping."
"I'm not going anywhere with you," i spat.
Sergio raised an eyebrow. "You are," he said calmly. "Unless you'd rather spend the day in the basement."
"Huh? So heartless."
"My pleasure" He said with a devilish smirk.
My stomach twisted. I knew he wasn't bluffing. With trembling hands, i grabbed the bag and went into the bathroom. Inside was a sleek black dress, tight and revealing. Oh i hated it, but i put it on, knowing i had no other choice.
When i stepped out, Sergio's eyes ran over my whole body, he was mute for a while.
"What now?" Haven't you seen a lady wearing black gown before?" I asked mockingly.
"Hump…. clearly I've seen a lot with better bodies…. Not like there's anything special about you."
"Go to hell"
"Perfect," he said. "Let's go. I'm liking your guts anyways."
************
The shopping trip was a nightmare. Sergio paraded me through expensive stores, introducing me to people in his world. His hand stayed on my lower back, a constant reminder of his control. Every time i thought about looking around to admire the places, his grip would tighten, as if I told him I wanted to run away.
"This is Claire," he told one of his associates. "She's with me now."
The man nodded, his eyes scanning me with a mix of curiosity and approval. I felt like i was on display, a possession he was showing off.
"Hi princess" The man extended his hands in greeting. "I'm Mr Blackwood"
I forced a smile as I stretched my hands to accept his greeting. "I'm Claire, Sergio's soon to be bride."
Sergio's eyes widened at my little guts, I know he wasn't expecting anything like that, but I have decided to annoy him every single day I get the chance since he wasn't going to let me go.
"Nice meeting you Mrs Sergio… make sure you treat the boss well." The man teased.
"Sure, taking care of him is my priority."
"Seems you got some nerves" Sergio said immediately the man left.
"What do you think? You said I'm with you, so I'm trying to match up the identity of a Mafia boss's girlfriend."
"Looks like someone forgot their place again."
"I don't think so, I just think someone's trying to fit into a world she doesn't belong. I'm honored to be here with you today."
"You are? Looks like you've gotten to much privilege."
"Yeah, that's exactly what I'm thinking." I said bitting my index finger. "Come to think of it, I'm just a librarian, don't you think there are other good professions?"
Sergio stared at me speechless, he touched my forehead to see if I was ok
"Did you by chance forget where you are or whom you are talking to?" He asked.
"Of course not."
"Do you want me to forge a doctor's certificate for you?"
I smiled. "Not at all, I bet you, sooner or later, when I leave this place, I am going to law school and I'll make sure I bring you all down."
Sergio's facial expression made me look stupid. "That's your problem, you should be worrying if you'll ever leave this place."
"I promise you I will..."
He pulled my hands as he dragged me to the car, I'm sure he was tired of listening to my gibberish.
******************
By the time we returned to the mansion, I was totally exhausted. But the look on Sergio's face told me the day wasn't over.
"Get some rest," he said, his tone almost kind. "We'll continue your training tomorrow."
"Training for what?" i asked, my voice stable, I think I was no longer afraid of him.
Sergio smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "To be mine, Claire. Completely mine."
"Mtcheww"
I hissed, I know nothing good was going to come out of his mouth but I expected more.
"When you're done, shot the door behind you." I said while pulling my shoes.
"What? Do you think you are in your father's house? Did you forget your place again?"
I only looked at him through my peripheral view, I ignored him, when he was done talking he left.
"Argh"
"Looks like Mafia boss are not so heartless after all" I thought to myself. "They are still humans,but the beast someone else made."
I lay on the comfy bed for a while, I tried cooling my head off while I think of the next thing to do and I dozed off.
****************
I was pulled out of sleep by a sudden scream, sharp and desperate, cutting through the silence of the night. My heart raced as I sat up, trying to make sense of the sound. I thought it was my imagination but It came from the next room.
Fear crept into my chest as I stared at the door. Who was in there? Could it be Sergio Lucian? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I didn't know if it was safe, but something urged me to move. Slowly, I tiptoed to the door and pushed it open, just enough to see inside.
There he was. Sergio, curled on the bed like a wounded animal. His broad shoulders shook with every breath, and sweat glistened on his forehead despite the cold air. He looked... broken.