My arms instinctively wrapped around my waist. I didn’t like the heat in his eyes. When his gaze rose to the band around my neck, I thought I saw shock flash across his face, but it was gone too fast to be sure.
“A word of advice, Doll.” He waved his fingers at my braided hair, “Braids aren’t my brother’s thing.”
A part of me wanted to ask who his brother was. I suspected he was talking about Lorenzo, but he could’ve been talking about anyone. Lord knows how many people were in this place. It would be better if I stuck to myself and trusted no one.
So, I remained quiet while Tobias walked away. I didn’t step out of the room until I was sure he was gone.
I half expected to see people hanging off cement walls and blood spattered everywhere. Maybe a couple torture devices.
What I stepped out into was not even close. If this place was a dungeon, it was the most beautiful dungeon ever created. The walls out here were made of the same dark wood as the room I’d come from. The red and gold rug I stood on ran along the marble flooring of the hall, to a wide staircase.
Directly in front of me was the curved railing of a balcony. I took a step closer so I could see the people moving around on the floor below. Two scantily clad girls hung off a rather burly man.
He whispered something in the brunette’s ear, making her laugh. I watched them for a bit, wondering what two girls like that saw in the gruff guy. He was loud and not very subtle. Openly groping them and slapping their asses. It didn’t make sense, until I saw the black collars around their necks.
My hand went up, fingering the purple one on mine. It didn’t take me long to figure out I needed a key to remove it. Were these girls captives like me? They seemed to be enjoying themselves. Laughing and smiling like everything was right in the world.
Who knew, maybe in their world, it was.
The blonde one made me reconsider. Though she had a smile on her face, her eyes told a different story. Deep brown orbs that glimmered with hatred. Especially when she looked up at me.
When her glare lifted, I actually took a step back. I guess I couldn’t blame her. Technically, I was spying. I suppose I’d be angry as well.
Should I apologize?
I snuck another peek at the blonde. While her attention was on the man, she did shift her glare back up at me for a second. It was probably better if I just left them alone.
With a sigh, I stepped back and looked down the hall towards the stairs. The entire area down there was adorned with artwork. Stone busts, crystal chalices and paintings, all of which probably cost a fortune. I’d hate to knock one over.
So I decided to go the other way.
There weren’t as many doors to the right, which I was thankful for. More space meant more danger. I didn’t know how many people I was up against.
There could be a hundred Lorenzo’s roaming around this place. And they were much more accustomed to the area than I was. Meaning I had to be very careful.
Every door I came across, I’d stop and listen before opening it. Some were locked. Others had noises that drove me away. There were a few places of interest. Like the library. My mind swirled at the countless bookshelves filling the room.
I wasn’t a big reader, so the theater room was more my style. Other than the porn playing on the big screen, that is. That room I didn’t explore. I didn’t want to find out if someone was in there, or see what they were doing.
Shaking off a shiver, I continued on my way to a set of stained glass doors. What I saw on the other side caused me to suck back my breath.
It was a beautiful courtyard, filled with flowers, trees and bushes. What made my heart leap for joy was the bright sun beaming down. I closed my eyes and sighed contentedly as the light warmed my face. Who’d have thought the fresh air could feel so good?
This place reminded me of my dad. He used to sit on my bed and tell me stories about fairies and secret gardens. Those were some of my favorite moments. When it was just him, and I, and our imaginations. His smile always made me feel safe.
He took that with him when he left. Disappeared into the night without a word. Angie and I used to run to the mailbox, searching for birthday cards or letters. Nothing ever came. No explanation or reason why. He was just gone. Now we had Ralph.
I sighed and ran my hand over a patch of orchids. Maybe it was a good thing Lorenzo took me? As much as I loved my sister, it was only a matter of time before she left too.
The only reason Angie was still in Worthington was because of me. She could be so much more. At least if I wasn’t there, I couldn’t hold her back.
“Hey there.”
I screamed and jumped back, clutching my chest. Standing beside me was a tall, shirtless man.
Jesus Kya, you’re in the lion’s den. Pay attention.
“You must be Enzo’s new pet.” He held out his hand and gave me a smile. “I’m Liam.”
