Behind the Mask

Chapter 90

Multiple POVs

Silas's POV

Sean had snuck in and taken my vitals along with blood samples. He said he needed them to compare against the after-effect samples. He was working with one of Aleski's chemists to analyze the serum. They had been able to identify several of the markers in the stimulant from the samples he had taken from Dominic right after his time in Texas, but now that Murdoch had modified it, that information wasn't enough. We needed to know what had been done to Marissa and more importantly, how could we reverse it.

Now, I sat surrounded by Giovanni's men waiting for Murdoch to administer his drug. Dominic had warned me that Jackson and Murdoch had created a restaurant scene within the compound. The good doctor wanted to see if he could alter both our perception of reality with a single dose, even if it was just short term. The door swung open. "Ahh, Mr. Korba," Murdoch greeted me with a sadistic grin. "I have to say, you're in for a real treat this evening. Not only will you once again get to hold the woman you love in your arms, but you will also end the night with some rather amazing and eventful memories - ones I might even let you keep," he chuckled. I strained against the straps that held me on the hospital bed and growled at him. He laughed at my efforts and then inserted an IV in my arm, hanging a bag of clear liquids on the hook. Nodding to the assistant, he then placed a set of earbuds in my ears. I could hear a garbled voice but was unable to clearly make out what it was saying. Murdoch then filled a syringe and injected it into the IV line. I quickly realized it was some type of sedative as my body began to feel heavy and my eyes closed against my will.

Dominic's POV

I made sure either I or Luca was with Silas at all times once Murdoch had sedated him. I could see him pulling against the restraints even in his sleep as the recording filled his dreaming state. Watching the monitors, I knew Sean would be frantic at some of the readings. "Should his heart rate be that high?" I asked Murdoch as he took his vitals.

"It's a bit over the expected level, but I gave him a much larger dose than Marissa since she is already acclimated to the serum. He isn't getting a second dose anytime soon, it should be fine," Murdoch replied in an unconcerned tone. I hit my clenched fist in my jacket pocket and nodded. "Has the room been set up as asked?" He inquired.

"Everything is ready to go," I answered. "We have several of our staff playing along, and your guards are stationed at the table you requested."

"Excellent," he beamed. "Can you go and fetch Mr. & Mrs. Porter while I dress and finalize Mr. Korba's storyline?"

I shot a glance at Luca who gave an almost imperceptible nod, then replied, "Certainly. Will Mr. Porter know what to expect?"

Murdoch waved his hand in dismissal, "He will know the basics, but she won't recognize either of you. Best to have a maid lead her to the dining area."

Closing the door, I traveled down the hall to the room where Marissa had been placed. Jackson opened the door when I knocked, and his face flushed. "Mr. Giovanni, please come in, she's, um, well," he stammered.

"Murdoch said she wouldn't know either of us. Thought it might be best to have the maid bring her to the dining room," I replied, "But I'd like to check in, so my father can know what to expect of course." Jackson nodded distractedly as he ushered me inside. Marissa sat at a vanity as two women placed the final touches on her make-up and hair. She had a rather blank expression on her face as she looked in the mirror. "Does she even know who she is right now?" I asked.

Jackson shrugged, "I'm not entirely sure. Murdoch didn't tell me what he implanted in her thoughts, only that she and Silas would recognize each other." He glanced over again, a remorseful look in his eyes, and muttered under his breath, "I fucking hate this." For as much as I hate the man, he really seemed to care about her.

"Not to pry, but why do you allow it?" I asked, "I mean she's your wife, isn't she?"

"She was the Academy's first," he said in a sharp tone, then turned to the women, "Make sure she's downstairs in the next fifteen minutes. No detours, understood?" His angry tone didn't go unnoticed as the women agreed quickly and finished their work. "Now, Mr. Giovanni, why don't you show me to the viewing area? I want to keep an eye on my wife," he snapped. Taking the hint, I led him down the hall toward the ballroom that had been converted into a mock restaurant. Jackson and I took a seat in the balcony box and waited for the events of the night to unfold.

Silas's POV

I don't remember how I got into the restaurant, but my heart soared when I saw Marissa walk in. I stood, taking every detail in. She looked radiant in her navy blue gown, the back cut down to her lower back and it hugged every inch of her body. Her hair was done in a loose fishtail braid and swept to one side. When our eyes connected, a slow smile spread across her face. Her pace picked up and I saw the tears in her eyes as she dove into my arms. "Silas," she sobbed softly against my chest.

"Agápi," I breathed, wrapping my arms around her tightly. Keeping her tight against me, I pulled us to the table and moved her chair next to mine. "I was starting to worry."

"I'm sorry, sir. My appointment ran late and then I got worried, and..." she tried to explain, pulling at her fingers in nervousness. I noticed she wouldn't make eye contact.

I ran my hand over her neck and pulled her ear next to my lips, "I'll forgive you this time, agápi, but there will still be a punishment." She shivered visibly and nodded without another word. I ordered for both of us and we talked about her appointment and my work while we ate. She kept staring in the direction of another table, even blushing at one point. I turned to see a young man quickly lowering his gaze. When I turned back to her, I noticed the look in her eyes. "Marissa, who is that?" I demanded.

"N...no one, sir," she stuttered. "He just smiled and it made me blush." I could see the way her hands shook as she spoke.

I grabbed her braid and pulled her closer, "Don't lie to me!" She let out a small squeal as I continued to question her. "Is he the reason you were late, would you rather be having dinner with him?" I yelled and shoved the dishes off the table.

"Silas, please, no," she begged as I tore at her dress, pushing her onto the tabletop. Several customers had already fled the room as well as some waitstaff. However, the young man that had been staring at her all night remained as if frozen in his seat, eyes wide.

I sneered at him, then unbuckling my pants, growled, "Let's show him how a real man fucks his cheating wife. Maybe he'll learn a trick or two, what do you think, Marissa?" Before she could answer, I had ripped her panties away and slammed inside of her. Her screams and pleas filled the room as I continued to pound into her. My hands wrapped around her neck as I roared, "I've given you everything! How dare you fucking cheat on me?" She raked her fingernails against my hands as I squeezed her neck harder. I could feel her fighting for breath as I came deep inside of her, and her hands finally dropped to the tabletop.

"Marissa," I said gruffly as I pulled out and buckled my pants. She didn't speak - matter of fact, she didn't even move. I felt the anger vanish from me as I looked at her bruised neck and closed eyes. "Marissa, agápi, please answer me," I begged, shaking her gently. "I'm sorry I got so angry."

"You fucking killed her!" the man she'd been flirting with screamed as he rushed toward her. He scooped her up as I stumbled backward, his words filling my head.

Did I really just kill her? No. No, please, no.

Author's Notes:...cliffhanger...