𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐓

Chapter 42: Don't Scream

Damian

Gripping the phone in my fist, the blood beneath my skin boils; it's after twelve, and as tries as I try, all I can do is listen to her voice shatter into a million pieces.

"I lost the two people I've cared and loved for the most." Her voice cracked, and I hesitated to go down there and call it a truce; I understand siblings fight, but they're not blooded, and the last thing I want is for Celeste and the Dragun brothers to lose contact.

I've seen the way they talk about her, the way they keep her safe and are allowed to treat her like a child, jokingly insult each other, but when it comes to someone else, they'll rip their heads off for treating their little sister that type of way.

"It's not your fault, Princesa. I should have spoken with them before things got out of hand."

"For all we know, Landon and Dawson only go after bad people; they wouldn't kill innocents. We both know that" My tone was firm, I've never comforted anyone in a situation like this, and I fucking suck at it so far. 

Her silence scared me, but when I heard the sound of her sniffle, my shoulder calmed down. "I know you're right...but we discovered who did it. Can you come home now?" Her voice filled with excitement, but still, it was low and rough at the edges of her throat.

"I wish it was that easy, Princesa. I have to inform Charles Raus that he was assassinated and convince him I can't replace Raus's position." Sighing, I glared above the hotel ceiling. Charles offered me to stay at his place, but I declined.

In case of an emergency, I won't be able to leave his mansion full of security guards and find my way out the goddamn entrance; I took a hotel instead, so it'll be more manageable, though it leaves me half an hour away from his mansion. I'm forty minutes away from Celeste. That's all I care about. 

"I know it's a big progress, but I miss you." Licking my bottom lip, I overhear her whisper through the phone, "Oh yeah? I miss me too."
"I hate you." Before I could answer with a laugh, I overhear the call drop.

I miss her feisty little ass.

Before putting my phone down, I pulled her contact information and sent her a last message.

Me: I hate you too. Make sure the guys are guarding your room. EVERY NIGHT.

I sighed before I hesitated to send the last message. I've never sent someone a message like this before; I always thought it was stupid, but now...Celeste is making me look like a fool.

Me: I love you, Princesa. I'll see you soon.

When sending it, I wait for her response when I see the three little dots appear.

My Wife: I love me too :>

I teasingly rolled my eyes as if she could see me. 

My Wife: I love you too, cocky ass. Text me tmr.

A heart emoji sits beside her text. Unable to maintain my smile, I reread it before shutting my phone off.

❦

Sitting across from Charles, his eyes round in shock and pure terror; after telling him about the assassination of Raus, he has been sitting in silence for the past three minutes; clearing my throat, his gaze darts toward mine.

"How did you find this out?" He asks, and I clear my throat and arch a brow. He drops the question, "Fuck. What do we do now?" Find a new vice president who isn't fucking me.

"Find someone to replace Raus, plan his funeral, and continue managing your life." He's gotten this far, "You can't leave? They assassinated my partner. How do you know they won't hunt me down next?"

I would ask if you've had a criminal record against little girls, but that would be too upfront. "You have nothing to worry about, Charles. I'll ensure you are well protected every second of the day."

And hopefully not start another war with my wife's brothers, "What about Raus position-"

"As much as I appreciate your support for vice president, I'm already busy as it is," Charles thinks, trying to respond to his rejection. But he sighs and gives me a nod. "Alright, thank you, Damian, but I need you for one more thing."

Arching a brow, I worryingly frown, "The assassins-"
Before Charles could finish his sentence, a phone buzzing and loud ringing interrupted him. I dug into my pants pocket and pulled my phone out,

Checking my phone screen, I notice it's an Unknown Caller ID. I didn't have to think twice to know what this was about; my heart picked up as I held it to my ear.

Taking a deep breath, I returned to Charles and picked up the call. I didn't dare speak at first, but my heart pounded harder when I could only hear breathing on the other line.

Instant regret hits me in the chest as I overhear a sneer from the other line, "Elias."

Celeste

Slowly stepping down the stairs and twisting the metal doorknob, I hurriedly go inside and shut it behind me, ensuring it is locked.

"Hey baby," my eyes blink open, "Don't call me that," I say, my gaze not being able to meet his, but as I stepped forward, I could feel his eyes burning right through me, even though I was wearing a decent dress covering my thighs and ass I feel as if I'm naked.

"I brought you food," I said, getting the courage to meet his gaze—and like always, a slight smile was on his lips, with his weary, dark gaze. "You're gonna start taking care of me now, huh?" His accent escaped his throat, only causing my feet to want to fail on me.

I can't look at him after that seriously disgusting dream, and the worst part is something is off about him. I can feel it.  I don't know what yet, but the air between us has changed.

"You took care of me. I might as well give you the same offer." Kneeling on my feet, I pick at the bottle of water and help it sip it-

But as expected, the man chugs it down like a madman. My gaze follows the motion of his throat chugging the water and the slight groans escaping his mouth. After finishing the bottle, I place it down—a few drops of water drip from his chin down his throat.

I'm trying to ignore it, though; the sensation between my thighs tries saying otherwise. I softly stab at a piece of egg.

A hand grasps me by the wrist; gasping, I glance up, my eyes round in fear as I watch Elias...his hands now free-gripping me tightly. "Elias," my voice comes out as a whisper as I watch him slowly rise from his seat. A scowl grows on his lips as he suddenly pulls me back to my feet. My bottom lip quivered in fear, and my goosebumps consumed my body.

"Do me a favor, muñeca," he says calmly, stepping forward. His body is trying to intimidate me, and it works. His steps grow faster, and my steps falter back until my back hits the brick walls.

"Be a good girl and try not to scream."