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"Where are my dogs?"
"I don't know," he shrugs, staring back.
"You need to find them. Now."
He narrows his eyes at me. I can tell he doesn't like taking orders from someone he considers weaker. If only he knew what I'm capable of.
"I'm not your servant, little girl."
"No, but you are Xavier's," I hiss. "And I will tell him if you don't bring my dogs to me right now."
"You're a brat," he growls. "I need to stay close."
I shrug. "They're probably close by. Go find them and I'll wait here."
He doesn't seem to trust me and I don't blame him. These employees of Xavier's aren't dumb. The sooner I get out of here the better. A lot of them are starting to doubt me, and I can't risk anyone getting suspicious. Not now, when I'm so close to completing my mission.
"Alright," the guard drawls out. "I'll look for your damn pups. Stay here."
I nod with a beaming smile and count to twenty after he leaves. Then I'm on my feet again, rushing down the hallway and into Xavier's office.
I don't see the cross right away, and for a moment I'm worried he's wearing it. But then I spot it, laid out carefully on his desk. I grip it tightly, stuffing it into my pocket and breathing a sigh of relief.
I make it back to my bedroom just in time. Moments later, I'm rejoined by the new guard and the dogs who seem delighted to see me. But I can't return this sentiment.
In my training, I've been trained not to get attached to people. But Hades and Zeus are different, innocent and blameless. It will hurt so fucking much to leave them behind when I escape.
My eyes water at the thought, but I firmly clench my jaw to stop the tears from falling. There's not much time left and I need to stay strong so I can see this plan through.
I can get another dog when I'm free.
When I escape him.
When he's dead.
Chapter 12
I’ve been away for long enough. The whole day, I forced myself to stay away from Tallulah. But now that the sun has set, I’m ready to deliver on my promise and finally make her mine.
I check my reflection in the mirror and adjust my tie. I wince as I touch my wounded shoulder. It’s bandaged now but it still stings. The blood has leaked through the gauze, a blood red stain blooming on my white button-down. But my dark blazer covers the marks, and for now, that will have to do. Besides, I’m too preoccupied with what’s about to happen to worry about a stained shirt.
Tallulah has been instructed to meet me in the grand foyer, and I arrive a few minutes early, lingering beneath the sparkling chandelier. My heart pounds, which is unusual. I don’t allow my body to have reactions like this, but the anticipation is fucking killer. Only minutes separate me from being reunited with my ward after trying to stay away for a few days. That Antonio business left a sour taste in my mouth. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I’m sure Tallulah will erase all those worries from my mind tonight.
My gaze travels up the marble staircase and I smirk when I feel her close by, before I can even see her. Tallulah’s overwhelming scent of ripe white peaches makes my head spin.
She appears at the top of the staircase. My angel is wearing a skintight, expensively cut red dress. Thin straps adorn her shoulders, a deep-cut cleavage reveals her nipples poking through the red fabric, and there’s a slit on the floor-length dress reaching the top of her leg. The dress is paired with gold heels that buckle around her slender ankles. Tallulah’s hair falls down her back in luxurious, silky blonde waves. She’s a goddamn vision.
Neither of us speaks as she descends the staircase. Coming to a stop in front of me, she shyly lifts her eyes to mine. It’s then that I notice the cross necklace around her throat. I thought I took that away from her. Reaching out, I allow my fingers to trace the outline of the silver cross, making Tallulah let out a barely audible gasp.
“You little thief,” I smirk at her. “I see you took your necklace back.”
She smiles timidly, making me wonder if the bratty girl act is finally up. She seems so scared now... it excites me, because it means she’ll be obedient. Do whatever I tell her.
“I wanted to wear it today,” she admits. “I hope you don’t mind. I found it in your office.”
Though the thought of Tallulah in my office unsupervised is troubling, I don’t want to spoil our special day together, so I don’t reply. Instead, I offer her my arm, asking, “Shall we?”
She takes my arm and I lead her out of the house into the gardens. Tonight will be truly magical. My staff has transformed Tallulah’s favorite spot into a dining experience worthy of the gods. I lead my ward to the trellis, over blooming with opulent, plump rose petals. Beneath it, a long table has been placed, laden with culinary delicacies that would make anyone’s mouth water. There are two seats looking at one another, at a distance that will prevent us from touching.
