Chapter 78
VILLA GRAVES
8:34 AM
30%
It’s been about twenty minutes since we returned to Alexander’s villa. Since the incident, he hasn’t said a single word. The repairmen arrived early in the morning to free us. Once we got back, we went straight to our rooms without even glancing at each
other.
All the staff must think we slept together, given our state.
I collapse onto my bed after a shower. I close my eyes and fall asleep peacefully to recover the sleep I lost during the night.
1:21 PM
“You listening to me or what?”
Mathieu came to the villa to install anti–piracy software for Alexander, then came straight to my room. He sits on the bed next to
- me.
Alexander doesn’t know that Mathieu is gay. It’s not about jealousy, but, surprisingly, he lets a man enter a woman’s room under
his roof.
Mathieu’s been talking for about twenty minutes now. I’m way too lost in my own thoughts to care about what he’s saying.
I can’t tell him that I almost hooked up with Alexander, especially since he’s sitting right next to me. If he hears it, it could put me in an uncomfortable situation. Plus, Mathieu can’t keep his mouth shut.
“Inara, you’re not listening to me. What’s wrong? Is it your dad? Still freaking out over whatever revenge he’s got planned for you?”
If only Khalid were my only problem.
“For now, my thoughts aren’t on that.”
“Then why do you look so lost?”
“I’m tired.”
“I don’t get your attitude–you should be happy.”
“That’s not a word in my vocabulary.”
Have I ever truly been happy in my life? Happiness isn’t for people like me. It’s just an illusion, a dream I can’t even hope for. I don’t deserve it.
“You’re finally free from your father’s control.”
He grabs my hand and presses it against his heart while smiling.
“I know you’re not the type to open up about your feelings or what’s going on in your head, but it would do you good to talk about your father disowning you.”
“I’m not used to opening up.”
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Chapher 78
22 Aug
He lets out a small laugh and lifts my hand to his lips. He gives it a soft kiss. No ambiguity, no inappropriate gesture, no hidden intentions–just Mathieu.
“I know you’re more the type of woman who punches first and yells the loudest.”
I let out a small, sad smile.
I don’t usually open up about my personal life. I’ve never wanted to share my burden with anyone, but I also know that anything! say to Mathieu will stay in this room.
“It’s strange to know that my own father wants me dead. He never showed me a shred of affection because I reminded him too much of my mother. When I was a kid, he didn’t want to hear me laugh or see me smile. I became emotionless to avoid upsetting him. I have a hard time expressing my feelings or showing what I feel–it’s just too hard.”
“What’s too hard?”
I look away in shame.
“It’s too hard to get attached to people. When they leave, it hurts too much. That’s why I prefer to stay alone.”
“You need to stop thinking like that, or you’ll end up alone your whole life.”
“I’ve been alone since birth. Besides Maria and Sam, no one’s ever really wanted what’s best for me.”
“Sam?”
I forgot he doesn’t know Sam.
“Think of him as my uncle.”
He nods.
“It’s better I stay alone, to avoid putting people who care about me in danger.”
He looks at me in confusion.
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“You’re lucky my father doesn’t know about our friendship, or he would’ve had you killed just to get to me. I wouldn’t have been able to protect you from him.”
flower my head in shame. I wish so badly that I were strong enough to get rid of my father.
But I’m not. I’m terrified he’ll take someone I love away from me.
“Stop thinking it’s your job to protect everyone. Protect yourself first, and then you can worry about the others. You’re the one really in danger. For now, you’re living at Alexander’s place. We both know you’ll be leaving soon. That’s when the real problems.
will start,”
There’s a glint of concern in his eyes. I love this man so much. He’s the brother I never had. I move closer and hug him. He gasps in surprise, then tightens the hug, placing a hand on my back.
“If anything happens to you because of me, I’ll never forgive myself.”
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18.6 Fri, 22 Aug
Chapter 78
“Nothing’s going to happen to me.”
Thope so. Because it would be unbearable.
A few hours later
11:45 PM
I’m reading a book when I hear a noise downstairs.
Strange, since I heard Alexander leave a few minutes ago with Aymen.
Who could be at the villa at this hour?
I grab the gun from under my pillow. I leave my room, looking both ways.
I’m not crazy..
I hear something, but I can’t make out what it is.
When I get downstairs, I notice the front door is slightly ajar.
The alarm, which is always on, seems to be off. I get closer and see the wires have been cut.
I locate the sound.
It’s coming from Alexander’s office, a few meters from the entrance.
I check that my weapon is loaded and move toward the room.
.30%
Hidden in the doorway, I watch a man with his face covered by a ski mask, He’s tearing the place apart–papers are scattered, floor tiles have been removed, some wallpaper has been ripped, and the large bookshelf is in ruins. All the books have been opened and thrown around.
How long has this guy been here? I just heard him, and he’s already made this much of a mess?
Who is he? What is he looking for? It can’t just be a burglar looking for cash.
My eyes lock onto the only weapon I can see on the floor, a few feet away from him.
I can’t let him rob Alexander. Not after everything he’s done for me.
step out of hiding and point my weapon at the intruder. He frowns and tries to grab his gun, but I fire a shot a few centimeters from his leg to stop him. He raises his hands.
“Kick your weapon over Now.”
He bends to pick it up fire again, this time grazing his head. He immediately throws his hands back up
“You think I’m a rooke of what? You’re going to kick that gun over with your feet, got it? One wrong move and I swear the third shot
will hat its mark?
He kicks the gun over to me
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Chapter 78
“You’re making a big mistake.”
His voice is rough and threatening–probably ruined by cigarettes. I don’t recognize it.
I carefully pick up the gun, never taking my eyes off him. Now I’ve got both weapons pointed at him.
“What are you here for? Who sent you?”
No answer.
“Don’t test my patience. Answer me! Trust me, you’d rather I interrogate you than Alexander, don’t you think?”
Still nothing. Not even a blink.
“I promise to be grateful and merciful.”
He lets out a nervous laugh. I can see the sick look in his eyes as he sizes me up.
He makes me uncomfortable even though I know I’m in control.
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