Chapter 5 ~ Fear
Ella
I wake up in this fancy room, sunlight peeking through fancy curtains. It's a room meant for someone else, not me. Every day I’m reminded of the fact that I am a slave who does not even know her fate.
Getting someone horny only to ask them to get out is a low blow even for him. I hate him so much it pains me. Sitting up I think of what my grandparents are thinking of. Maybe I should have listened and never left. But what did that man mean when he said I was here because of them?
I borrowed that money on my own so he is a bastard for implying that they should have worked harder and not have been poor like he is in any position to judge.
They kill and kidnap women for money!
Obviously, they are bastards who do nothing but lie to mess with someone’s head.
I head to the fancy bathroom, and I turn on the faucets of the massive bathtub. The water flows, filling the room with steam and the scent of fragrant oils. As I sink into the warm embrace of the water, I can't help but think about Adrian, How were his hands going to feel inside me? What is he up to and what does he want from me? Just the thought of what it would have felt like makes my cheeks red from blushing.
Get yourself together Ella. You are here as a slave and you need to survive. I scold myself.
The Criminal as I like to call him makes me shiver and automatically I obey. But not today, I'm going to do something. I will provoke him if I have to. I am a human being and not his puppet. I finish my warm bath, and it feels good. Then I put on my old jeans and a faded T-shirt. The same ones I've been wearing for days.
I know he doesn’t like it, but I don't care. All the stupid rules I learned from Nonna go out of the window. I'm not his doll to dress up.
I walk downstairs, everyone's looking at me like I've done something crazy. Maybe I have. Nonna’s face looks like she has seen a ghost and I almost laugh.
Adrian’s eyes lock with mine and he gives nothing away.
How does he manage to remain unreadable?
He raises an eyebrow at my attire as I take a seat. If looks could kill, the staff would have murdered me because I know for sure they will be punished. As much as I am sorry, I can’t help it. I need answers and this is the only way.
"Ella," he says, his voice low and measured, "Is there a reason for this choice of attire?"
I meet his gaze and it takes everything in me to stay glued to him without looking down.
"I just thought I'd keep things simple today, you know, saving money and stuff, "I respond.
The room gets all tense. But I won't back down. I won't let them take everything from me. Today, in my simple clothes, I feel a little bit free. And maybe, just maybe, Adrian might tell me why he bought me and when I can be set free.
“Don’t try me, Ella. I have killed for less,’’ he warns me while staring at me with a cigarette between his fingers as he lays back in his chair and it feels like he can see straight into my soul.
Fear fills my chest as his threat clouds my mind and I swallow hard. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. But it's too late so I just ignore him and continue staring at my plate. I know for a fact that he hates it when I don’t respond but I have nothing to say from fear. Everyone leaves the dining leaving Luca, Adrian, and me.
"Fierce today baby girl?" Luca laughs as he takes another bite of his toast.
I just smile at him knowing I have nothing to say.
“I told you, when you disobey me someone will always pay for it. But it seems you are a stubborn little Fiore.’’ He smirks and his eyes grow darker, making him dangerously handsome. At this point, my panties are soaking and it's not from fear but excitement.
“Why did you buy me?’’ I find myself asking a question I didn't intend to ask.
“To ruin you. So that I can send you back to your nana piece by piece.’’ He responds with his voice laced with venom.
Tears roll down my face as my plan spits back in my face. What did I do to deserve this? Why is my life so sad?
“Tears mean nothing little fiore. Luca, make yourself useful and get the car ready.’’ He says it so low I barely understand what he just said until I see Luca standing up while cursing him and I realize what he said.
“Do you need me to drive you ?’’ He asks and it's either he is tired or bored of Adrian's moods. Adrian responds without even glancing my way like I wasn’t even sitting right there.
“No. I will manage just be on standby in case Marco tries to pull up some shit.’’
With that, Adrian stands and looks at me for a second longer than he usually does, and for a moment I see some sort of emotion in his eyes but it’s only for a second that I feel like I just imagined it.
“I’m sorry I disobeyed,’’ I tell him in an almost whisper.
Why won’t my voice work? Maybe it's because this hot criminal looks like he just fucked me with his eyes and I willingly allowed him.
“You will be when I punish you. Now come, we need to get you clothes right now. You look homeless.’’
“I am homeless. You took me away from my home with no explanation!’’ I shout with tears in my eyes but my voice is loud enough to shock him.
“I should have left you with Micheal to pay your debt then?’’
A pause.
Would I have been able to pay back the debt and if I didn’t, was it going to be worse than my current situation?
“Uhm, I-I … y.’’ I stutter and Adrian looks at me with amused eyes like I’m the dumbest person on earth.
“I thought so. Now get your ass in the car. My patience runs thin very easily.’’ He warns and I immediately obey.
Adrian's decision to take me shopping catches me completely off guard and as I sit in the car, I can’t help but think about how this man easily switches his personality, making it difficult for me to catch up. This is like an invitation to the world of luxury that I've never experienced before, and yet, his demeanor remains as icy as ever.
We step into a high-end boutique, where designer clothes hang like works of art. The sales assistants greet Adrian with a deference that confirms his status, some even try too hard to get his attention and it makes my blood boil. Why am I jealous when he is not even my man? Have I fallen for this heartless criminal? Being unable to answer both questions makes me so angry with myself.
I feel out of place in my simple jeans and faded T-shirt.
"Pick whatever you like," he says, his tone measured and devoid of warmth.
Shortly after, a group of ten women lined up in different outfits and stand in front of us showing us what clothes they have and it feels like a mini runway. Being Rich has its beauty.
“They will model for you, choose whatever you find appealing,’’ Adrian says in my ear and I almost jump out of my skin from the goosebumps he gives me.
“Get your heartbeat together. I can hear it from here and I haven’t even fucked you yet.’’ He whispers only for me to hear and my face heats up from blushing.
Deep down I’m hoping it comes true. My goodness, what am I becoming? I love Todd. I constantly remind myself that I should never fall for this criminal.
I'm torn between awe and discomfort as I watch the exquisite dresses, each more beautiful and expensive than the last. The sales assistants eagerly offer their assistance, but Adrian's presence is intimidating enough to keep them at bay.
As I select a dress, I can't help but glance at him, searching for some hint of emotion in his cold gaze. But he remains stoic, his patience unyielding. It's a confusing mix of generosity and indifference, and I can't quite figure him out.
I choose a dress that I would have considered a dream in the past, but now it's just a symbol of my captivity. As we leave the boutique, bags of expensive clothes in tow, I steal another glance at him. His face reveals nothing, and I'm left with a sense of unease.
In the car, I finally muster the courage to speak. "Why did you take me shopping, Adrian?"
He glances at me briefly, his expression unchanged. "You need proper attire for the events you'll be attending. Plus, you’re my pet so you will look like whatever I want you to look like.’’
I can't help but feel like there's more to it than that. His motives remain a mystery, and it only adds to the confusion that swirls around him. I'm a captive in a gilded cage, and every gesture of kindness he shows only deepens the enigma of the man who holds my fate in his hands.
We stop at a quaint Italian restaurant for lunch, and I can't help but be amazed by the elegance of every detail. Adrian's choice of venue is as impeccable as everything else in his world.
As we settle into our seats, my heart sinks. I catch a glimpse of Toddy through the restaurant's large window. He's standing just outside, scanning the room with a worried expression. It's clear he's been searching for me, and I can't deny the relief that washes over me at the sight of him.
But fear is quick to replace that relief. Adrian's presence is a looming threat, and I can't risk Toddy's safety. I make a painful choice, one that tears at my heart. I pretend not to see Toddy and focus on my menu, praying he'll take the hint and leave.
However, Toddy doesn't give up so easily. His desperation drives him to make a scene. He storms into the restaurant, his voice echoing through the elegant space as he calls my name.
"Ella! Ella, it's me!"
I cringe, feeling every eye in the restaurant on us. Adrian's gaze remains fixed on me, cold and calculating. I can see the question in his eyes, the unspoken demand for an explanation.
Will he kill Toddy?