Chapter 3: Awoken.

My eyes flew open .

The room was too bright . My head felt like it had been split in two and stitched back together with fire.

I groaned and rolled over, reaching for my phone .

10:00 a.m

My heart dropped .

"No... no no no".

I shot up so fast, the room spun. My stomach churned violently as panic flooded my chest.

Work 

I was supposed to be at vilonia corp by 7 a.m .

My first day.

My hands shook as I scrambled out of bed, memories of the night before ,flooding in.

Broken flashes, loud music , a deep voice and his eyes , the only thing I remember clearly.

Who is he ?

Why can't I remember?

The door burst open.

" Anna ?". Rita rushed in ,  panick written all over her face. She probably just got up too.

" Oh my God thank goodness you're awake , I tried to wake you up but you where out cold.

I stared at her realizing, " why didn't my alarm go off"

She blinked once. Too slowly.

" Oh I didn't even hear it Anna. I was hungover myself." She said. Her tone almost too defensive.

My chest tightened.

" I'm late.... ". I whispered, "I'm late on my First Day . Heck can't even remember how I got home last night."

Rita held my shoulders, " I got a cab for us so yeah. I was so drunk to. But hey , just explain to them what happened. You where drunk remember? You probably.. pass out"

What the hell was she even saying.

I pushed pass her, already pulling on clothes with trembling fingers.

"They'll  tag me irresponsible at the spot. I can't loose this job..." I said desperately. " My dad ..."

" I know" Rita cuts in softly." I know "

She gave me a knowing smile.

-

Author's POV 

Of course Rita was jealous.

She shouldn't have woken up. She thought.

Rita stood at the doorway, watching Anna rush around the room, fear written all over her face , and felt nothing but bitterness.

Her phone lay on the kitchen counter.

Anna's alarms had gone off at 6:00 a.m. sharp.

Rita had stared at it for a long time ..... Then turned it off.

Deliberately.

Let her be late.

Let her mess up on her first day.

 But Eden's voice cut through her thought like a blade.

" Try thus again" he said quietly that night.

Eyes dark and merciless.

"and I'll have your head as a Christmas present for Miss Anna "

Rita's finger curled .

He knew.

He knew the drink was spiked, 

He knew Rita left her there on purpose .

And worse ----he brought her home himself.

Rita swallowed hard, forcing her face into concern .

 This isn't over. she thought.

Not yet.

___________________________________________

Eden stood by the window, staring outside ,

His hands clasp behind his back.

Ethan sat at his desk , phone in hand , jaw tight

" She's late," Ethan murmured . " I should have listened to you. Fuck __she could be a spy "

" Shh she's here", Eden said calmly, watching Anna run into the building .

Ethan got up abruptly . " I'll handle her myself."

" No." Eden said calmly. " I Will" he replied already walking out , heading to the employee floor.

He was angry __not at Anna.

At her friend .

Rita

The girl had promised she would wake her up on time.. she made her choice.

She lied.

I hate liars.

-______________________________________________

At 10:37am , the elevator dinged.

Anna stepped out.

Disheveled. Pale. Terrified.

Her eyes quickly met Eden's first. 

He didn't look angry .

That scared her more.

Ethan exhaled sharply . " Let me handle her brother"

Eden shook his head once. 

"No I Will"

" Anna Hale" Eden called , his voice firm, commanding.

" Our office now " Ethan added as both brother turned away. Everyone stared.

They could have just sent someone to call her. But no .

They can themselves .

Anna followed slowly. Ignoring the stares.

Files clutched tightly to her chest , fingers trembling as she tried to stop her heart from exploding.

She looked at the men ahead of her __ I identical in every way except their hair.

Ethan was blonde.

Eden was dark_ haired .

And somehow ..... Far more terrifying.