Dangerous Minds

08

ELLA

This bastard has held me captive in this basement for 24 hours, fueling my hatred for him. I must escape this prison before it's too late. Alejandro won't spare me, and I dread what he'll do next.

As I prepare to bathe, I glance at the guard stationed outside my door, his presence a constant reminder of my confinement. He stands motionless, but then a commotion erupts downstairs. Who dares disturb Alejandro's mansion?

The guard receives a call and leaves his post, descending into the chaos. Yes! This is my chance.

I leave the shower running, deceiving them into thinking I'm bathing, while I tiptoe to retrieve my phone. Suddenly, a voice from downstairs freezes me.

"Alejandro, all I know is she was living with you, and she was only young enough to be with you. Where is my sister?" the man demands.

I crouch down, peeking downstairs through the railing. A man in a blue shirt, sweat-drenched and exhausted, confronts Alejandro. His voice resonates with desperation and familiarity, but I can't quite place him.

My curiosity ignites. What are they discussing? Why is this stranger so enraged?

"Listen, man, I know we go way back, but money can't buy everything," the desperate stranger pleads. "Bring my sister back. She's worth more than any amount."

Alejandro's response sends chills down my spine: "Even if I considered finding your sister, I'd keep her for myself first. Maybe then I'd spare her to return to her family."

My heart skips a beat as his words hang in the air. Is he planning to kill me too?

The young man is forcibly removed, and Alejandro's fury unleashes. A whisky bottle shatters on the floor, making me jump. Our eyes meet, and I freeze.

Damn it.

I hastily retreat to the bathroom, shedding my clothes as I step into the shower. But Alejandro's footsteps close in. Fear grips me; this man is one of the most dangerous I've ever encountered.

Maintaining my composure, I hum softly, feigning ignorance of the unfolding drama. The door bursts open, and a hand grasps mine, yanking me out of the shower.

Alejandro's grip tightens around my naked body, his chiseled physique intimidating. I shiver, vulnerability washing over me.

"Alejandro, I was taking a shower..." I begin, but he interrupts, his voice low and commanding.

"Did I ask for an explanation from you?" he demands.

I shake my head, "No."

The tension between us crackles, his grip on my waist sending shivers down my spine. His proximity makes my skin crawl, a stark contrast to the pretend comfort I once knew.

"Good, now get dressed," he orders, releasing me abruptly.

I stumble, catching myself against the wall to avoid falling. This man is sick, I think, revolted.

"Be downstairs in ten minutes," he instructs, turning to leave.

I stand frozen, speechless, and bewildered. What just happened?

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

I swiftly dress and join Alejandro at the table, where he's already eating. I notice my plate, filled with food, waiting for me.

"You're late," Alejandro says, his voice firm. "I said ten minutes, and you took twenty."

I swallow hard before responding, "A lady of class takes the time she needs to dress impeccably."

Alejandro stops eating, sighs, and retorts, "A lady of class doesn't steal from others; she earns her own money."

His words sting.

I take my seat across from him, meeting his languid gaze. His lips are inviting, but I refocus.

"Your words don't hurt me, Alejandro. I'm stronger than you think."

Alejandro's eyes narrow. "We'll see about that."

Alejandro rises, his movements fluid and menacing. He yanks me away from the table, unbuttons his shirt, and sits, his gaze commanding.

"Entertain me, lady of class," he sneers.

I understand his intention, and outrage burns within me. "Do you think I sell my body?"

Alejandro's smile grows. "Do as I say, or face the consequences."

I stand firm. "I won't do it!"

Alejandro circles me, his eyes raking over my body. He produces a small knife, and my breath catches.

"Please don't," I beg.

He tears my dress, exposing my red underwear and bra. "This is the real you – a criminal, a whore. You're talentless, ambitionless, and useless."

Tears stream down my face as Alejandro's words cut deep.

He summons his men, announcing, "Beware of this woman. She's a thief, a seductress. Avoid women from pubs; they'll drain you dry."

His words brand me, and I feel shattered.

Alejandro turns to face me, his gaze piercing. I stand vulnerable, exposed, and humiliated, as his workers' eyes linger on me.

"Look at this," Alejandro sneers, his voice dripping with contempt. "Disgusting."

Shame and degradation wash over me, my dignity stripped bare.

His workers' nods of understanding still echo, their compliance a chilling reminder of Alejandro's control.

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