CHAPTER 2

“Pack your things. You’re moving in tonight” Damon stood from his chair and walked out the door. I caught up with him “I live in a shared apartment. Can’t I just tell my roommate-“

“No you can’t. You can’t tell anyone about this if you want to keep yourself and your family alive. Moving here now will keep them safe and away from danger. I can’t afford any setbacks”

“I have to visit my mother in the hospital today,” I said. He paused for a moment.

“Not tonight. They will be looking for you so you can’t risk it. I’ll find a way for you to do that later”. He called one of his menhe called Rocky, to take me to the car so I could get my things from my apartment.

I arrived at Mr. Reeves penthouse later that evening. His penthouse wasn’t just big. It was a castle. Marble floors, golden chandeliers, art that looked like they belonged in a museum. It was luxurious yet cold and distant. I stood frozen in the entryway, clinging to the handle of the duffel bag tightly.

An old lady walked towards me and gave a polite bow, her face blank and her eyes a piercing green as if she was seeing through me. “Miss Emma Dickens, I am Miss Jane” she called

I gaped at her as I wondered how she knew my last name. When I didn’t answer, she put a hand on my shoulder. “Follow me” without waiting for a response she walked towards the stairs so I followed after her.

After walking past a few doors, she stopped at one and used a key to open it. The room was massive. She didn’t walk in with me, only opened the door and gestured for me to go in. As soon as I got in she shut the door. I dropped my bag by the door as I looked around my new room. It was bigger than my entire apartment. It felt like the penthouse; quiet and secretive. I checked out the bathroom and gasped when I saw the walk-in closet.

I walked towards the cushioned bench by the window and stared into the night. I started to recall everything that had happened earlier and sighed deeply. I was truly in a deep mess. There was a knock at my door.

Mr. Reeves walked in without a response. He looked infuriatingly perfect with his bold dark eyes, chiseled chin, and black hair barely sweeping over his eyes. I stared at him as he held out a file. He wanted me to come to him to get it so I stood up and walked towards him.

“What is it?” I asked curiously as I opened it. He didn’t answer, only waited for me to read through it first. It was the deal we had agreed on earlier on paper. He brought out a pen and handed it to me. “Sign it” He uttered like a command.

“How long will this deal last?” I question.

“Till we catch those criminals and there is no longer a target on your head,” he asked bluntly, something I had observed about him. “You’ll have to be with my men at all times or here in the penthouse. One mistake and lives will be lost” I could see a hint of emotion in his eyes but it quickly faded away. “So behave and don’t go out of line. I have appointed Rocky as your bodyguard. We’ll be watching you”

I took his pen I signed but held it when he tried to take it back. “About the money” my lips quivered as I stared into his cold, dark eyes. I watched him raise an eyebrow but he didn’t say anything. He only watched me. His face was still unreadable. I assumed he wanted me to finish so I continued “Can you transfer some of that money to me now? I have to pay for my mother’s treatment” My hands were shaking in anticipation.

“Not a problem. I’ll send you the money,” he said. I gave him the contract back and watched him leave the party. “What hospital?” He asked

“Like you don’t know already.” I responded. When he only stared blankly at me, I explained. “I know you’ve already done your research on me. Miss Jane called me by my full name” I folded my arms.

He chuckled, a low, subtle one. “You’re as clever as you are brave” he smirked, causing me to blush involuntarily at the compliment. Then he was gone. I was alone again in the cold, dark, and unfamiliar room. This wasn’t a comfort. It was a cage for prey while they waited for the predators to take the bait.

I couldn’t sleep a wink. I tossed and turned, paranoid and frustrated as last night’s event played in my head. Miss Jane knocked at my door to inform me that breakfast was ready. I quickly washed up and headed downstairs. I couldn’t help but look around me in marvel. I heard a sharp and clear female voice coming from the kitchen and got very curious. A gorgeous brunette came out of the kitchen and our eyes instantly met. “You must be Emma. Damon told me about you. Oh my, so pretty” she shook my hand enthusiastically. I could only smile and nod politely. She looked like a doll that shouldn’t be touched easily.

“Where are my manners? My name is Alice. Alice Mayflower” Even her name sounded delicate. I recognized her last name being tied to one of the major pharmaceuticals in the country. She made me sit beside her throughout breakfast and entertainedme with different stories and facts about most of the staff in Mr. Reeves' home.

We spent the day together. Alice gave me a tour of Mr. Reeves' penthouse. What felt unwelcoming and distant to me appeared to be warm yet mysterious through Alice’s eyes. She made jokes about how she could get lost in the hallway before and tell before someone would escort her back, only to find out she was never lost in the first place.

“You and Mr. Reeves must be very close” I commented. Alice gave me a small smile “You’re right. We are very close. We’ve been this way for years.”

“Thank you for letting me stay here by the way. Since you’re Mr. Reeves' girlfriend, I thought-“ I paused when I noticed Alice’s disgusted expression.

“You’ve got it wrong. I’m not his girlfriend. That’s something that will never happen” She said in a ridiculously monotone voice. I apologized immediately which she deflected politely. “We get that a lot so don’t worry, it’s not your fault” As we continued the tour, I wondered why I felt so relieved.

We reached a certain part of the house that felt restricted. “Guess that’s all there is to the tour” Alice stated, avoiding the area completely.

“Why aren’t we entering this place?” I curiously inquire, not noticing Alice’s straight face. She gave a nervous laugh. “It’s a forbidden area, dear. Damon doesn’t let anyone go there” she said as she held my arm and dragged me away.

We were still chatting when Alice got a call. Her face became serious so I assumed it was a business call. “I have to leave now” she informed me before we exchanged info and said goodbye. The house had grown quiet again and I was lonely so I went back to my room.

Night came and thoughts about the restricted area of the penthouse kept coming to my mind and I couldn’t take it anymore. I snuck around quietly until I was in front of the dark entrance. I held on to the knob and tried to open it when I heardhurried footsteps coming towards me. Before I could scream, the figure covered my mouth and held me against the door. “Who are you?”