Illegal Love

Chapter 5: Exploring

Victoria's POV
I stare straight into Tristan's eyes and demand, "Tell Kirk to let me out of my room."
"I don't think I will," I hear Tristan reply with a smirk.
"Oh? Well, I don't care!" I turn and slam my door shut.
"Victoria, open this door right now!" I hear Tristan growl from outside.
"I don't think I will," I smile, using his own words against him.
Tristan then proceeds to bang against the door, saying, "You have until the count of three to open this door, or else I will break it down!" He starts counting, "One!"
"Wait! How about this: I'll come out of my room and behave, but only if you let me go shopping for some clothes and other necessities today," I bargain.
"Fine. However, you can only go if you take Kirk and Russel," I hear from behind the door.
"Deal!" I yell excitedly. I had finally convinced Tristan to let me out of the house. I scramble down the stairs, following Tristan. Once I had opened the door, he had walked away. I mean, the nerve of this man! I make a quick decision and split off into a different hallway. I push a random door open and walk into the room. What greeted me was not what I was expecting. The room was a giant library. There were books stacked on wall-to-ceiling shelves, and there was a stone fireplace on one wall. Plush couches and armchairs were neatly placed sporadically around the room. However, what I got immediately drawn to was the reading nook. The windowsill was big enough to hold a person, and the view was gorgeous. Glancing around, I grab the nearest book and cozy up.

Tristan's POV
This girl was going to be the death of me. First, she tried to run away. Then, she locks herself in her room and throws a temper tantrum. What's next? Does she refuse to eat? Of course, the minute I turn my back, she's disappeared. I walk back to my office and comb through my cameras. I finally spot her curled up in the library, reading a book. I run my fingers through my thick hair and start pacing the room. I need to be careful when it comes to her. I decide to find Maria. Maria is kind of like my adoptive mom. She lives in her condo that's separated from the mansion. Her kind-hearted personality has always been a stable foundation for me. Striking fear into the hearts of anyone I meet is my thing, but the only woman I know who can make me cower in fear is Maria. Don't let her grey hair and wrinkles fool you; she's a lion. I shiver as I recall the moment when she found out I had kidnapped Victoria.

~Flashback~
"Tristan Valentino! I just heard from Russel that you took that poor girl! What on Earth were you thinking?!" I hear from Maria as she storms down the stairs. She enters my office and continues her rant, "Huh! Did I not make myself clear?!"
"No, Mama," I quickly say. "I'm sorry, but I really like her, and she's in danger now."
"Explain, please," she orders.
~End of Flashback~

Once I had explained the situation to Maria, she had settled down a bit. Now I have to make sure Kirk and Russel know their orders. If I'm being honest, maybe letting Victoria out to choose her clothes would be a good thing. Besides, I need time to get my surprise in order.

AN: Hello to anyone who bothered to stick around after the toughest writer's block I've ever had. I'd just like to say thank you and to please vote/comment/follow. That is what truly motivates me; knowing someone is reading what I'm writing. Moving on.... I hope you truly have a very "Odd" day! Ha! See what I did there. 😂🤓