The cold air of night stroked her exposed arms as she tried to seize her whimpers. The soft fabric of dress she used to adore clung indecently to her skin drenched in sweat as she held onto the little piece of fabric for dear life. Positioning a hand over her mouth, she tried to control her sobs and looked terrifyingly towards the door of her apartment. Another knock startled her as she pushed herself against the space between cabinet and wall.
A few hours ago it was all fine. She had just returned from her job and was about to enter her cosy apartment that she rented a few months ago, only to find it turned upside down. It wouldn't have been that terrifying if there wasn't a dead cat lying on her bed that she used to feed every night. Her thick crimson blood soaked through her white sheets, filled with the pungent smell of a deceased body.Grace was scared. After a long time. And when she decided to call for security, she find another presence in her apartment but it was too late when she saw the silhouette of a man standing in front of the main door. And when she saw a knife lapped with blood between his fingers, she screamed and ran for her closet where she had now locked herself.She felt utterly foolish for leaving her bag in the living room. But now the deed was done. There was an unknown man in her apartment, and she was about to die, probably.She couldn't remember making any enemies ever since she had come to New York. She barely had any friends even. She was a free soul, loving her work and living a simple casual life. Then why was this happening to her?Her hands trembled and clenched in fists when she heard the sound of glass shattering and her blood ran cold. She waited for a few minutes as she heard grunts and groans of pain inside her bedroom outside the closet. She didn't know if it was her fear or panic but she could hear distinct voices in her bedroom belonging to different men.Men.She had always been afraid of them. She didn't know if it was because of her terrific past or the fact that it was because of her past that she was in this situation. Joining her hands together, she closed her eyes and prayed for a higher power to save her from whatever was coming her way.She had just mumbled a few words when she again heard a loud knock on her closet door making her yelp in sudden surprise but this time there followed a voice."Hello, is there anyone? This is the police." Grace looked both confused and startled for a second and when the weight of the situation finally sink in, she immediately crawled towards the door and standing on her unstable, trembling legs, she finally opened the door.The first sight that greeted her was of her neighbour, Lisa Jane, the only woman residing on this floor along with her and two police officers standing beside her. Even though Grace and Lisa lived on the same floor of the same building, they barely communicated, whether the reason was their unmatched busy schedules or lack of interest to know each other but Grace suddenly felt at ease seeing the woman she barely knew. Grace noticed a confused and panicked look on Lisa's face as she looked around the room with anxiousness and terror.Not thinking about what she was doing, Grace find herself landing in the arms of the woman she hardly knew despite her name. Her tears started flowing on cue as heart-wrenching sobs escaped through her mouth. Lisa, on other hand, not knowing what to do, nervously wrapped her arms around the shorter woman and rubbed her back soothingly."Umm... it's alright." Lisa tried to pacify her but she couldn't believe what she witnessed a few moments ago.Just like any other night, Lisa was again late. It was already past ten when she reached her apartment building. The elevator reached her floor, she walked towards her apartment door when she noticed something strange in the hallway.Like unusual, the hallway had cigarette buds scattered all over, mostly in front of the door opposite her. Since this building was always clean and well-maintained, it was strange to find such things. She shrugged her shoulders, noting to complain security guard about this and was about to unlock her door when she heard a high-pitched scream from next door.Her hands stilled and a deep frown marred her forehead. She contemplated if she imagined it but when she again heard the scream, her breath shortened as she stumbled a few steps back and immediately pulled her mobile out with trembling hands.That was the best decision she had made that day because when the police reached there and opened the door next to hers, Lisa didn't know what to expect but when she witnessed the destroyed living room of her neighbour's apartment and drops of thick blood, she knew it was something lethal."Do you know what happened here?" The police officer asked when Grace finally let go of Lisa and handed her a glass of water. Grace shook her head and eagerly gulped down the glass of water as she felt her throat sore. After taking deep breaths, Grace looked unconsciously at the glass in her trembling hands before speaking."I-I just reached home, a-and when I open the door, there was an unknown man in my living room.""Do you know him? Did you see his face?"Grace shook her head."I don't know who he was and no, I didn't see his face. It was dark when I opened the door."The officer nodded and noted something on his notepad and asked."Since you do not have any solid proof on who it was, we cannot just believe your words."Grace's eyes widened as she looked around fearfully in dreed if that man was still there."Y-You didn't catch him?"Officer shook his head intensifying her fear more."I'm sorry, ma'am, but by the time we broke your door, the intruder seemed to escape through the window."Grace gulped hard with uncertainty dancing in her eyes as she tried to find her words."W-what if he comes again? Isn't it the duty of the police to protect civilians?"The officer nodded at her words."Of course, it is. That's why I suggest you hire a bodyguard until we catch the intruder."Bodyguard? Grace hated that word. All her life she had been guarded. When she was with her parents, a guard was assigned to her all the time and when she was taken by him, he became her bodyguard, the man she desperately needed protection from.Feeling tired and drained, she agreed.Of course, it wasn't easy for her to spend another night in this said apartment, but she suddenly knew what she was about to do."Did you check the CCTVs? Maybe you'll find some information from there?""We have the footage. Once we'll check that out, we'll inform you."Grace looked at Lisa."Thanks for helping me. Sorry for troubling you." Her mumbled words were strained yet thankful. Lisa nodded.The officer said something to another officer and after collecting the blood samples and a few more samples, they left. Now when they both were alone, the uncomfortable aura surrounded them.Grace had never talked to her nor greeted her. Not that she was disrespectful or rude but their schedules hardly matched. Grace had seen Lisa leaving her apartment very early and coming back late. But Grace had a different schedule. She usually leaves for work more like an hour or later and usually come back at around six to seven. But today, she had extra work, so she decided to overwork since it was Friday."If you're not comfortable here, you can sleep with me."Grace looked perplexed at the woman and nodded her head. No matter how less she knew her, Lisa was her safest option for now.Grabbing her nightwear from the closet, Grace followed Lisa. When they crossed the living room, Grace hardly looked around. She knew she would regret looking around. The mess her apartment was submerged in was both sore to her eyes and terrorising to her soul.At this moment, she didn't know what she should think anymore.Lisa opened her door and motioned for Grace to follow her."I don't have an extra bed since I live alone. But we can share since we're both women, right?"Grace clutched her clothes close to her chest and nodded with hesitation. It was better than sleeping alone in a blood-covered bed anyways.Lisa looked at Grace for a second and nodded without asserting anything."The bathroom is there, you can take a shower and I'll cook something for you. Is it okay?"Grace wanted to decline. Lisa had already been such a help that she didn't want to bother her more but as she opened her mouth to say something, Lisa had already pulled out groceries from the fridge and was washing them.Grace stood there and looked at her back. Lisa was surely a stunning woman, with doe eyes and a healthy complexion with rosy cheeks. The tall statue of the woman left Grace feeling insecure about her height. Unlike Grace, Lisa's body was lean but in a good way. Right proportions and beautiful short blonde hair. Lisa was everything Grace was not."Are you going to stare at me like this or want me to return the favour?"Grace's eyes widened when she heard her voice though she wasn't even looking her way. Grace felt her cheeks reddening when she caught Lisa smirking her way and quickly rushed towards the bathroom.She couldn't believe that she was checking out a woman. Grace controlled her raging heart and reminded herself. She should be grateful to her.After taking shower, Grace wrapped her wet hair in the towel and was about to leave the bathroom when she caught her reflection in the mirror.She surprised herself when she couldn't recognise the woman she was looking at. Her hands instinctively trembled as she clutched onto the cabinet. Six months and here she was, living in fear again. Was it so hard for her to even wish for a happy life? Grace felt a sudden bubbling of emotions inside her that she had kept in all her life. Only and only if he had never taken an interest in her, she wouldn't be here. She wouldn't have to commit sins that he forced her into. He made her what she was now and she was afraid that she would never find herself again.Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself. He would never find her again. She had escaped him for good and he didn't know where she was. At least that's what she tried to feed herself."Call me before going home. I'll pick you up."After saving her number on Lisa's phone, Grace waved her goodbye as she watched her reverse her car and go to work. Grace still couldn't comprehend the fact that the woman she never talked to, was so helpful and kind to her. It was ironic, since nowadays hardly any kindness was left in this cruel world.Since morning, Lisa had been persistent to convince them that Grace should hire a bodyguard till the situation calmed down. Grace, however, was reluctant. But after Lisa gave her peace of mind, she was here in front of an agency that helps hire a bodyguard. Sighing to herself, Grace entered the building.The interior was more appealing than the exterior and by the shiny looks, she knew it was something more expensive. But if money could buy her safety, she was ready to spend. Looking around, Grace found the reception area where a huge neon-coloured sign was placed.Grace gulped down the nervousness and made her way towards the area where a
"So, what did they say?""Probably tomorrow."Grace chewed lazily on a piece of sandwich that Lisa made for her. She was barely hungry after returning from the agency. Her mind was elsewhere and her thoughts were scattered."Do you need more?"Lisa asked purposely, she has been discerning the younger woman for the past few minutes. It was absurd how long it was taking for her to even finish one single piece of sandwich. Lisa knew she was stressed after what happened last night but she shouldn't avoid her health like this.Grace shook her head and Lisa placed a glass of warm milk beside her plate."Drink it. It'll help to sleep."Grace giggled at her kindness."Well, don't worry. You can live with me until the situation calms down." Lisa offered and Grace immediately ratified. After everything that happened, she didn't want to be deserted.Lisa smiled and grabbed empty dishes and placed them in the sink. Grace noticed how Lisa was trying hard to keep Grace calm and composed in this situ
"I have an urgent meeting today. You sure you'll be okay?"Lisa asked concerned once again. It was strange but she felt something for the girl she barely knew. Probably pity or sympathy? Whatever it was, it surely made her feel anxious for the soul.Grace hummed before gulping the glass of juice Lisa ordered her to drink."I'm not a child. Don't worry." Grace sweetly smiled at the older woman. Lisa didn't seem to be persuaded but nodded unsurely."I'll get going. I've made Pasta for lunch, veggies are in the fridge, crockery is on the third shelf, spices are in the lower drawer and don't skip lunch," Lisa hurriedly moved towards the door before grabbing her car keys. Grace couldn't help but giggle at her."Oh, and one more thing," Grace looked towards Lisa as the latter turned around with narrowed eyes. "Don't hesitate to call me if you discern something weird, got it."Grace quickly nodded and Lisa left.Now that she was alone by herself, she pondered if the worker she hired last even
Grace looked uncomfortably between Lisa and Orion as her neighbour flared at the man in front of her. Despite the intense stare, Lisa threw Orion’s way, the latter didn't seem to be bothered a bit. Instead, Grace was left startled by the way he grinned at Lisa. Lisa huffed before blowing her hair off her face and stood tall on Grace's side. Grace felt bad for Lisa, she had just arrived and was still in her long black coat and white pants and boots, her feet must be hurting.It had only been half an hour since Lisa got back from work and Lord help Grace, she wasn't happy seeing Orion sitting on her sofa with a grin on his face."Show me your work card," Lisa said, her arms crossed over her chest as she tapped her foot against the floor. Grace was looking between the two of them with nervous and anxious eyes. It was reluctant of Lisa to trust Orion this fast, but he was her bodyguard."As I said, I've no reason to lie to you. It was her who came to hire a bodyguard." Orion said, matching
Darkness always had been her companion. She realised it sooner, probably it was the moment when her eyes met his, the moment she let him invade her freedom and he made her space his.Or it was sooner than that.Her childhood was never a bright topic she could talk about. With the pains and suffering of her bewildered past and the memories of horrid it brought, she contemplated if she was already suffering in hell. Her mind unknowingly had portrayed the moment she met him as the dreaded one but now when her mind was clear and she was thinking about that time, she realised even if she hadn't met him, her life would still be categorised as hell.Her father never cared for her, except for the times she was dressed as a doll to please the eyes of his guests, she was not allowed to do anything without his permission even though she was always an obedient child. In her eyes, she had no rights like her siblings. She remembered every betrayal he threw her way.Serene was the oldest child, nine
Tears were just a constant reminder, her hands trembled, body shaking with every movement her bare feet made contact with floor. The tattered shreds of her night gown following her actions as she ran down the hallway. Heart pounding in her chest, constant note of terror in her wide eyes, nerves on alert.Her mind running wild yet blank at the same time. Tune of horrors ringing in her ears. She couldn’t decide what she was doing, rather she let her body control her vibrating soul. The thing she feared, he made her go through that. Her breathing uneven as she panted and cried running. Her destination was not decided, and she surprised herself when she stopped in front of wooden doors. Chest heaving up and down, fists clenched at her sides, without heeding her thoughts, she pushed open the door.The loud bang of door against the wall had him looking up in surprise. His eyes widened as he raised his head to look at intruder.Her shattered clothes clung against her skin in a very indecent
Money had it’s own beauty. Sometimes scary but sometimes ethereal and in front of her was replica of what she would call a modernised heaven. Grace was born in an influential family of States, everything was served to her on silver platter, be it designer clothes or bags, shoes or jewellery, gold or diamond. But thats what it all was, superficial beauty. She was devoid of freedom, always caged within mansion’s walls, tortured mentally.She had never seen such decor. The way the corners were all glass, infused with long aquariums with colourful fishes swimming and playing, other side was Eve’s garden. Tall, plants floating by the ceiling, as the wall was covered with green grass look like material. Instead of wood, the reception desk was also glass made. Lingering lights glimmering above the lively plants. The scene reminded her that money was a necessity. Orion stopped, and Grace followed him. Her nervous eyes averting to her surroundings, admiring and liking the view. Her fingers ti
Fuck, this woman is beautiful. Timid, but gorgeous that it made his heart squeeze. He couldn’t believe this was the woman he was supposed to fib to. The girl in front of him was barely over five feet tall, with long brunette hair that reminded him of some mountains and doe-like innocent eyes that made him feel the tug in his chest, the impossible urge to keep her safe and unharmed by anyone. Especially him.Which was a fucked up thought cause he never thought like this about a stranger before. Shit, he barely had any friends so how can he even think of wanting to hold someone he’d just met?“Ms Grace,” she looked up, her doe eyes blinking with uneasiness and Arden wondered what made her so cautious of her surroundings. The file Orion gave him a few nights ago had detailed reports of her, but some parts of her past were missing. Arden pondered if those missing details had anything to do with that. Arden tried hard to avert his eyes from her beautiful face.“Can I know the reason why