Blade

Chapter 9: Don't need a babysitter

Sienna

I sit cross-legged on the bed and place my half-finished sandwich back on the tray. After taking a sip of the freshly squeezed orange juice Matilde made for me, I scroll through the internet on my phone. The book I swiped from Blade's desk earlier today rests near my foot.

It was supposed to kill my boredom and keep me sane during my stay here, but unfortunately it's about the history of the Armani empire and other Italian mafias, including a war that happened many years ago. None of it really intrigued me. I mean, who actually reads this kind of stuff?

Anyway, I spent the past two days exploring Blade's mansion, every room and corner of his estate, every entry and exit. I also took the liberty of checking for blind spots, but there were none. Everywhere is heavily guarded. I tried to find a map of the estate, but it's not easy to get.

Now I'm stuck googling ways to escape an estate, but every answer I find is far too extreme. Even if I tried any of them, I'm certain Blade and his men wouldn't be so easily fooled or manipulated. In short, I'm out of options.

Letting out a weary sigh, I switch off my phone and toss it onto my bed before heading into the luxurious bathroom for a quick shower. I'll admit it, I was too lazy to do it earlier after my little adventure.

After another minute under the soothing water, I reach for the white towel on the rack and wrap it around my body.

Since I was in a rush to leave the house, I didn't pack enough clothes to last a week, and the ones in my luggage aren't really to my taste. Manuelle must have thrown them in during the haste. I trust Chiara's sense of fashion more.

I decide on a loose black printed T-shirt and black jean shorts, leaving my hair to air dry as I saunter out of the room where two guards stand at the end of the hallway.

That has been the routine since I got here. I'm not allowed out of sight unless it's absolutely necessary. Blade's mansion is five times bigger than my dad's, and no one gets in or out without Blade knowing. As much as I want to run away to somewhere I can't be found, it's impossible.

Even if I managed to escape, I doubt I'd make it ten feet from the mansion without being caught. For now, all I can do is observe everyone's movements and figure out how to strategize my plan.

I jog down the stairs and head toward the kitchen, my favorite part of the mansion. I'm a foodie and I own it. Being in horrible captivity doesn't mean I have to starve or deny myself the comfort of a good, delicious meal.

Right on cue, my stomach growls at the sweet aroma of Matilde's cooking the moment I step inside, and I instantly begin to salivate.

"Hey there, cara." Matilde smiles at me as she pulls out a batch of apple pie cookies from the oven.

"Baking again I see?" I smile, hopping unto the counter stool. This woman really needs to rest. It's either she's cooking or baking something that could make your stomach make room for fourth.

Matilde returns my smile with a wide grin. "Just trying out a new recipe. Here, try a bite and tell me what you think." She pushes the tray towards me with a nervous smile on her face as she takes off the oven mitts.

I have a half-finished sandwich in my room begging for my attention, but trying something else wouldn't hurt. I grab a cookie and pop the whole thing into my greedy mouth. A loud moan escapes me at how delicious it is, drawing the attention of the other cooks and a very awkward-looking Blade standing by the doorway with a brunette at his side. He's dressed in a black suit, his usual attire, while she wears high-waisted blue jeans and a white crop top.