06

CLEOPATRA

Silence reigned between us. I could hear the rise and fall of his chest.

“You asked for my help."

I took a deep breath and disengaged my hands from around his neck. I leaned in close and kept her head placed on his chest.

“What were you doing out there in the alleyway? You could have gotten into trouble?" He asked, I could perceive the concern laced in his tone. His hands were on my hair, stroking it.

“Trouble?!" I chuckled and raised my hair. The calm swirls in his irises caught me unawares. Gone was the hard and tough man who would never say a word. His eyes glazed with care and warmth.

"I was in a bigger trouble. My uncle sold me off to him. He held me and claimed he was my new owner.”

I watched his throat bulge. His eyes turned darker.

"Who was it?”

I tilted my head left. I couldn't get his name but when I see him, I will be sure to recognize him.

“I don't know his name but I can recognize him when I see a picture of him."

I leaned my head back on his chest, his heart beat was racing quickly.

“He had dark smirks. He looked evil, big and violent just like you."

His fingers went stiff on my hair.

“Evil? Violent?" He asked.

A small giggle left my lips, I jerked my dress up. I felt a rush of blood running through my veins when I saw his eyes feasted on my thighs. His gaze turned dark when he saw the mark. It hasn't healed yet.

“Did he do this?"

I nodded.

I rose up from his legs and walked to the bed.

“I was really scared when I thought you worked for him. I was thinking you would take me back to him.." My fingers trembled, I wrapped my hands around my body fighting back the tears warring at the back of my eyes.

His hands snaked around my torso and he inched closer. I could feel a bulge rising in his trousers when he pulled me close.

It tickled me. My thighs clenched tightly. My clitoris throbbed.

“I am not like him, Cleo. If you are a good girl, I will save you from him and every other person that comes after you."

“Will you do that for me? A complete stranger?" My taste was salty as tears flowed into my mouth.

“Yes, I will. You just have to be a good girl," He placed a kiss on my hair.

My chest cracked. It was only my father who did that. But now he was no more.

"I got you clothes,” He pointed at the bags on the bed after releasing me. I let out a breath which I never knew I was holding.

I opened up the bags and there were clothes.

His eyes roamed down my body. "I will find proof that you aren't who Rossetti thinks you are,” He mumbled and ran his finger through my hair.

"Check them out, I will be right back.”

He veered around to leave, I caught his wrist. This skin was thick. I loved the feel of my fingers around his wrist. I wanted to touch other parts of his body. Not just his wrist.

His eyes lingered on the spot where I held him. I pulled out my hands and lowered my gaze, "Thank you.”

He hummed a reply and left.

~~~

I wore all my clothes. They were the right sizes for me. He also got me some toiletries and perfumes. My face flushed with embarrassment as I looked at the sanitary pad, panties and bra he bought. He was a nice man.

I took my bath and changed into one of the dresses. A subtle knock came on the door. The older lady entered with a tray of food. I walked in behind her as she set the tray on the table.

"Boss instructed you to take your food. He doesn't want you to skip your meals anymore," She spoke and bowed.

I looked out the window and I could see cars lined up ready to leave.

“Where are they going?" I inquired, gesturing at the cars.

She looked up to me for the first time in five days. Her eyes glowered suspiciously.

I returned with a hard look.

“I can't tell you that," She bowed low and left the room.

I exhaled. They all think I am a spy. Why does he think differently about me?

I saw him as he walked out of the mansion. He wore a black trouser, a black jacket. He stretched his arms. Rossetti was talking to him but he seemed distracted.

Who are these men?

I wondered. Soon, I saw the lady who he sent to walk with me around the mansion.

Adelina. That's her name. She threw firearms and weapons into the back of the car.

A gasp left my lips. A thought settled in my mind.

What if they truly work for him? Is Valentine going against him to keep me safe?

His eyes drifted to my windows. I closed up the curtains and returned to the bed, shaky and shivering.

I have to leave the mansion before he returns. With shaky hands, I picked the spoon and began to eat. The spoon fell off my hands countless times and I had to pick it up repeatedly.

I managed to have a few bites. I heard the roars of the car as they left the mansion.

Rossetti stood and watched the retreating cars. His eyes spun to my window. Our gaze met. His gaze was cold and made my spine shiver.

I closed the curtains and drifted away from the window. I saw a flash of deadly smirk across his lips. I ran to the door. I shut the door and dived back to bed. I laid under the duvet. My hands and legs shook.

When the mansion was totally quiet, I walked out of bed. I had to leave now else I would be dead meat by morning.

I walked out through the door. The stillness of the mansion was eerie. Everywhere was dark. Nonetheless, I tiptoed carefully. I took cognizance of every spot when I had the walk with Adelina. I got to the main door that leads out of the mansion in no time.

Looking behind to see if there is anyone behind me, I stretched my hands to open the door.

Instead of the metal and cold door knob, my hands met a tough skin. I could feel the soft thumping of a chest against my hands.

A hard hand gripped my wrist. That touch was familiar. He twisted my wrist and pushed me back into the mansion. I fell backwards and crashed my head against the pillar holding the building.

He walked out of the dark and switched on the lights.

“Going somewhere?" He asked with a dark sinister glow in his eyes.