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Four is my lucky number—although since I’ve been terribly unlucky my entire life, I should probably consider a different digit—so I pick the fourth door and twist the knob, holding my breath, fearful of what could be waiting for me. This mansion is practically a castle out of a fairy tale it’s so opulent. Looks can be deceiving as I know all too well, and I can’t be lulled into thinking luxury means safety.
My worry is unnecessary. A posh bedroom that appears to belong in a magazine photo shoot or some upscale hotel greets me on the other side. Gray and blue bedding softens the tall and thick white headboard on the king size bed. Small white ottomans flank each side and across the footboard, while two silver leather chairs face the fireplace. Otherwise, no other furniture occupies the room. I guess the walk-in closet with shelves and cubbyholes from the floor to the ceiling eliminates the need for a dresser.
The bathroom mimics the fancy style with a white vanity and gray, black, and white tiled shower. Which is something I haven’t had in three days. Too afraid to get completely naked, I’ve made do washing up at the sink which keeps me from stinking but doesn’t feel as good as a real bath.
With Gallo gone, I seize the opportunity to enjoy the amenities. I race to lock the bedroom door and run back, locking the bathroom door too. Pete circles around twice and drops down on the cool tile, more at ease than I am in our new surroundings. I rush to strip and twist the handle, welcoming the warm flood cascading down on me from the biggest showerhead I’ve ever seen.
Fearful of him returning and catching me in the nude, I hurry to lather my hair and scrub my body with the products on the shelf. Brands I’ve never heard of before but can tell from the elegant labels and amazing scents they’re expensive. Surprisingly the shampoo and bodywash are unused too with the liquid all the way to the top of the bottles. Funny how rich people just keep extras lying around in case someone might use them.
I’m beyond grateful though for the extravagance. I already smell wonderful, and I’m not finished. I grab my panties and bra off the floor and wash them by hand too. Laundry detergent would be better, but I have to take the chance when I can.
My tee shirt and shorts could use a cleaning too. I don’t have anything else to change into without my bag, so I have to wait on them. Wearing only my lingerie makes me too vulnerable in a house full of men I don’t know. Or trust.
Despite how wonderful the shower is, I can’t allow myself to enjoy the indulgence any longer. I hop out and dry off quickly, still kind of damp when I shrug on my clothes. Luck stays with me that no one tries to come in, and I find a blow dryer in the cabinet.
I hang my wet things on the towel rack and wave the nozzle across the fabric until they at least aren’t damp. Hopefully, they’ll dry by the time Gallo gets back.
A new tube of toothpaste lies in the drawer I yank open. No toothbrush but I can get by with my finger. Not great but doable. Despite my anxiety, I haven’t felt this good in a long time, and I know how grateful I should be for the amenities. The thought messes with my head since I’m a prisoner albeit a spoiled one.
With my mind overloaded and nothing left to do, I guess I’ll try to get some sleep.
I slowly open the door in case someone waits for me in the bedroom. Instead of someone, it’s something. My backpack and two shopping bags sit in the middle of the room. The door remains locked, confusing the hell out of me.
Gallo or one of his servants broke in, left stuff, then locked the door again. Almost as if confirming my privacy, my space.
Although I know it’s wrong to be excited about gifts from a psycho, I can’t help but look in the sacks. They’re both full to the handles with clothes. I lift out a red top, simple but cute, edged with a tiny ruffle around the neck and hem. The tag flutters under the arm. I shake my head. Ninety dollars for a cotton shirt. Ridiculous. I check the label and the tee is my size.
New.
Expensive.
Beautiful.
Three things I’ve rarely had before if at all. I empty out the rest, unable to stop myself. Adorable white capris, summery dresses in bright solids and soft florals, bras and panties in every color, silk pink pajamas that are a matching set, shorts with coordinated tops. More clothes than I’ve owned in my entire life.
Overwhelmed by the abundant generosity, I drop to my knees with the outfits spread around me. Plush, clean, unstained carpet tickles my legs. A footboard, smooth, shiny, and unmarred, supports my back. Cool air blows from the vents that smells almost as good as I do. The entire situation is a complete fantasy, and I don’t ever want to go back to reality.
My body jumps from the knock on the door.
“Open up, angel.”
Gallo’s gruff voice bellows from the other side of the thick wood. Damn it. I’ve indulged in this illusion too long and now of course he’s here to collect the reward for his generosity.
That’snothappening.
I shove the apparel back into the bags, hating that I’m wrinkling the gorgeous fabrics, but I can’t prevent crumpling the clothes. I’m cleaning up the mess I’ve made, refusing to accept any gifts from him.
I’m not fast enough though. A pair of jeans remain on the floor when he bursts in, and I scooch away from the pile, unable to hide my fear from the fury blazing on his face.
Titan
The second she hit the floor I knew I had to get to her. The guys have never seen me run so fast as I flew up the steps after I came inside the house. Luckily, they don’t follow because the only danger is whatever is upsetting her. Which I guess is me when she doesn’t answer, and I have to bust down the door to find out why. All I want is for her to come to me, but she scoots backward breathless and wide-eyed.
Pete moves fast too, bolting to her and positioning himself between us. Rather than bare his teeth though, he whines and shifts on his paws. Always protective of her, he seems conflicted. I think he realizes I pose no threat to either of them. He can’t understand—just like I don’t—why she’s so fearful.
I drop to my haunches in front of them and stroke over his head, bumping into her fingers on his neck. She jerks away her hand, unwilling to let me touch her. “Calm down, Addie. I’m not going to hurt either of you.”
“That’s difficult to believe after you just broke in here.”
