Chapter 8: SUVS.

Two hours earlier...

The mansion was unbearably quiet.

Birds chirped beyond her bedroom window. On any other day, the sound would have been calming. Today, it only made her more restless. Every second she spent trapped inside these four walls felt like another second wasted.

Yesterday's encounter with Cassian still lingered in her mind. The man was something else.

She had spent the last hour pacing the length of her room, counting the seconds by the ticking antique clock in the room. Funny enough she couldn't even drink anything the wet bar was useless someone had locked it up.

She had grown tired of staring at the same four walls.

With a sigh, she walked to the window.

Her frown appeared on her face.

Three black SUVs rolled to a stop in the circular driveway below. Men dressed in tailored black suits stepped out one after another, speaking into earpieces as they checked the vehicles.

Something big was happening. She watched as Cassian emerged from the front entrance, adjusting the cuff of his watch. Every guard straightened instinctively.

This was the first time she had ever seen him leave the mansion.

Without sparing anyone a glance, he climbed into the middle SUV.

The convoy remained idle. Just glancing around their environment.

Curiosity burned inside her. Where was he going?

One thing she had noticed during her two weeks stay was the 2 to 4 mins gap when the guards changed shifts. During that time the space at her door will be vacant and she could stop out at that moment.

'Jackpot.' she whispered. The time had come.

She slipped out of her room and descended the grand staircase as casually as she could.

She had heard the maid say the donatellis were having a few guests over and with the clothes she had on for sure she looked like one of them.

A few guards noticed her but said nothing. Just watched her every action, without making it obvious.

Outside, the morning air was cool against her skin.

She strolled toward the flower beds, pretending to admire the roses lining the driveway.

One of the guards glanced her way.

"Good morning, Miss."

She offered a small smile."Morning."

Another guard approached."Is everything alright?"

She sighed dramatically, folding her arms. "I'm bored."

The guard's lips twitched, unsure whether to smile or remain aloof.

"I wanted some fresh air." She twirled her hair in her fingers.

"You're welcome to stay in the garden, Miss." She nodded absentmindedly.

As if she'd lost interest, she wandered farther down the driveway, hands clasped behind her back.

She smiled in her head. 'Phase 1 complete.'

"Marcus!" Her head snapped in the direction of the voice.

One of the security officers called out to his colleague.

"The boss wants confirmation on the west gate."

The driver of the last SUV stepped away, closing his door but leaving it unlocked as he hurried over.

Iris's heart leapt into her throat.

This was her chance.

She looked around. Every guard's attention had shifted toward the front of the convoy.

Without hesitating, she reached for the door. Her fingers had barely touched the door handle when footsteps echoed behind her.

She froze.

A guard walked past the SUV, his gaze sweeping across the driveway.

One more step...Two...he kept waelking.

Only then did she exhale, slip inside the vehicle, and quietly pull the door shut.

She inhaled. The cabin smelled of leather and burnt sugar.

She quickly ducked behind the third-row seat, curling herself in between the floor. A dark blanket lay folded in the corner. She pulled it over herself just enough to conceal her legs.

Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. She just hoped what she planned would work out.

Seconds later...

The driver's door opened. The driver hurried in and turned on the engine.

Another guard leaned through the window.

"Everything clear?"

"Clear." The diver said with a firm nod.

The driver's door slammed shut.

Iris pressed a trembling hand against her mouth as the SUV rolled forward.

The mansion gates slowly opened.

And for the first time since Cassian had brought her there...she was leaving. A smile of victory tugged at her lips.

Freedom at last.

At least, that's what she thought.

She had no idea she had just driven straight into the most dangerous day of her life.