Taken

Chapter 21

"Champagne ma'am?" A waiter said walking up to us. I nodded and took the glass that was being offered to me.
"Thank you!" I said before he quickly turned and offered Henry and Max some champagne. I turned and looked around me. Hoping to see anyone I knew or someone that could help me.

"Who's hosting the party?" I whispered to Henry, taking a sip of Champagne. He stopped talking to Matt and Armie and put his arm over me, pulling me in closer to him.
"The Cleaner. Also known at Markus Vizla."I nodded. Markus was well respected amongst all the families and was used by all the houses. He couldn't be bought but his services could, and he was the best.

"He has enough dirt on everyone to be able to have this entire place swallowed by the ground and never resurface." He said using the hand he was holding his champagne glass in to point indirectly to everyone in the room.

I nodded; I'd met Markus several times in the past. He had always scared me but I knew that he was the safest person in the world. No one could touch him without all of the other families uniting and turning on them.

"Good evening Henry. Max." A voice with a slight accent came from behind us. All of the men turned and looked at the voice, I followed suit but hid behind Henry.
"I hear a congratulations is in order, you're engaged Henry." He paused staring at him. Henry and Max both smiled and quickly shook his hand.

"So good to see you again Markus. Yes I am." Henry said turning and hooking his arm around my waist and pulling me out from behind him. I took a few steps forward and looked at Markus. His face didn't change but his eyes did.
"Oh! Miss Taylor! So wonderful to see you! It's been far too long!" Markus said; stepping forward and pulling me into a deep embrace.

"Help me." I whispered quickly into his ear. He didn't respond, only squeezed my arm as we stood apart.
"I must get back to the other guests, but please, have a good time and ask for anything you need. Anna, I'd love to have a chat with you later and see what you've been up to these last few years." I nodded, "I'd love that uncle Markus." I said, smiling at him and quickly moving back so that I could mould into Henry's side. The men said their goodbyes and moved off towards our allocated table.

Each of the families had their own table, it was always set up this way to avoid conflict and general rowdiness. Ours was right up the front directly in front of the stage and microphone. Henry and Max sat down either side of me and the rest followed suit.

"So the Cleaner wants to speak with you huh?" Erik said sipping at his whiskey. I nodded, taking a sip of my Champagne.
"Yes, I've known him my entire life. He's actually my Godfather, but I call him my uncle." I said, trying to make it seem less suspicious.

"Oh really?" He questioned again, turning and facing me directly.

"Yes Erik. You know my father, he wasn't exactly the cleanest or most organised person in the world. Mr Vizla had to come out many times to fix his gigantic fuck ups. Are you done with the interrogation?" I snapped, pushing my chair back and standing. Henry grabbed my hand.

"I'm going to the bathroom. I don't need an escort, it's right over there and you can see the door." I said aggressively, I shrugged off the shawl that I had been using to hide my body and walked over to the bathroom. I could feel all their eyes on me as I walked off.

I tired to avoid all eye contact with everyone as I walked past the other tables. One table in particular drew my attention though. I looked to it and noticed a group of men laughing and having fun.  One of the men, with brown curly hair with a blonde fringe locked eyes with me, the smile on his face somewhat fading. I looked down and continued walking to the bathroom.

I pushed open the door and walked in, quickly moving into a cubicle and locking the door. My breathing was erratic and I felt like I was sweating profusely. I wiped my forehead but there was no sweat.