Blade

Chapter 14: Going shopping

Sienna

I stand in front of the mirror wearing a white sundress, slowly brushing my blonde locks. I let them tumble over my shoulders in their natural waves instead of taming them with heat or pins.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart as my mind runs over the plan I hatched last night. When I told Chiara, she hesitated before agreeing to play her part in my escape. Her reluctance isn't because she doesn't want to help, but because she fears the consequences if Blade finds out. I, however, don't care. Staying here longer than I planned will surely drive me insane, and I need to be gone before that happens.

Placing the brush back on my dresser, I saunter out of my room, the word "my" feeling strange on my tongue when I know I won't be staying long. I hope my talk with Blade goes well, but a knot of unease twists in my stomach, warning me he's going to disagree. I mean, I haven't been allowed to step outside this mansion before. What makes me think he'll suddenly change his mind now? Fuck.

My legs come to a halt in front of Blade's office. A sharp warning siren blares in my mind, urging me to turn back, to retreat to the safety of the room. But I force it down, calming myself and focusing on the task ahead. This is my only shot at escaping, and screwing it up would only make everything worse.

I knock twice on the door and make use of the minute I have left to regulate my rapid breathing.

"Come in." Blade's voice echoes through the door, sending a jolt of nerves through me as I push it open and step inside.

Blade sits rigid behind his desk while Nico stands silently behind him, both of them focused on something glowing on Blade's laptop screen. Franco is nowhere to be seen.

"What do you want, Sienna? I'm really busy right now. I told you before that I'm not to be disturbed," Blade grunts, his voice sharp with irritation. His eyes stay glued to the laptop screen, fingers pausing only to lift the mug of coffee to his lips.

I linger by the doorway, heat rising in my chest at his rude tone. Every part of me wants to snap back with something insulting, but if I want him to agree, I have to keep my temper in check.

"Nothing much, really," I say, forcing my voice to stay calm. "I just wanted to ask if I can go shopping."

That got his attention, and his stormy grey eyes lift to meet mine.

"And why is that?" He leans back in the chair, fingers interlaced, the faintest arch of a brow giving away nothing, but his gaze makes it clear he's intrigued.

"I don't know why I have to explain myself to you, but... well, I didn't exactly bring enough clothes when you abducted me from the airport." I pause, letting my stare linger just long enough to make my point.

"Okay." He says it casually, almost too nonchalant, giving a small wave that makes my eyebrows shoot up to my hairline in pure disbelief.

"Wait... really?" I nearly scream, the excitement bubbling so violently in my chest that I can barely contain it. My plan might actually work.

"Yeah." Blade leans back, a sly smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "I went through your luggage the other day, and it turns out you need more underwear. I suggest you pick something a little more... sensual, more tempting." Nico clears his throat awkwardly, his eyes darting away from Blade's mischievous grin.

The embarrassment I felt slowly began to fade as a sharp realization hit me. "Wait—you were in my room?"

"Yeah, I was," he replies casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.