UNDER

II

( ￣▽￣)
August 24th, 2024

* * *

As Layla stood before the mirror, her reflection stared back at her-defiant, but apprehensive. The dress Romeo had chosen for her was elegant, a deep shade of emerald that contrasted sharply with her pale skin. It was form-fitting, with a neckline that dipped just enough to make her uncomfortable. She adjusted the fabric slightly, trying to cover more of herself, but the dress was designed to reveal rather than conceal.

Romeo, leaning against the doorframe, watched her intently. His sharp suit and perfectly combed hair only added to his cold, calculating demeanor. He hadn't said much since entering the room, only giving her the dress and instructing her to change. Now, his gaze was unyielding, and it made her skin crawl.

Unable to bear the silence any longer, Layla turned to face him. "Where are we going that I have to dress like this?" she asked, her voice steadier than she felt.

Romeo's lips curled into a small, almost amused smile. "Somewhere that requires you to look the part," he replied cryptically.

Layla's frustration bubbled to the surface. "And what part is that? Your arm candy? A doll for you to parade around?"

Romeo's smile widened slightly, though his eyes remained cold. "You're more than that, Layla. But appearances are important in my world. People will be watching, and I need them to see you as someone who belongs."

Layla's hands clenched into fists at her sides. She hated the way he spoke about her as if she were an object, something to be displayed. "I don't belong in your world," she said, her voice low but firm.

Romeo pushed off from the doorframe, stepping closer to her. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was surprisingly soft, but it sent a chill down her spine. "You do tonight," he murmured. "So play your part well, and maybe-just maybe-you'll survive it."

She flinched at his words, her breath catching in her throat. There was no mistaking the threat hidden beneath his seemingly calm demeanor. Layla bit back the retort that danced on the tip of her tongue, knowing it would do no good to provoke him now.

Instead, she took a deep breath, steeling herself. "And what if I don't?" she challenged, her eyes meeting his with a defiance that had become her shield.

Romeo's expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes-something dangerous. "Then it becomes a lot harder for you," he said simply. "And trust me, Layla, you don't want that."

Silence fell between them, heavy and tense. Layla knew she was trapped, that whatever was coming next was beyond her control. But she wasn't about to let him see how much that terrified her.

After what felt like an eternity, Romeo stepped back, giving her space. "Good," he said, nodding slightly as if he approved of her resolve. "Now, let's see how well you can play the part."

With a gesture toward the door, he indicated it was time to leave. Layla hesitated only for a moment before following him, her mind racing with thoughts of escape, defiance, and survival. She knew that whatever awaited her was just the beginning of a much larger, more dangerous game. But she had no choice but to play along-for now.

"Get in."

She followed him into the car, noticing that he didn’t even bother to open the door for her. Whatever, Layla thought, and she got in, sitting next to him.

"Here, read this. Your new identity for tonight." Romeo handed her a file.

"New identity?" Layla repeated, opening the file and reading it. "Anastasia Dolores, 25 years old, born in London? Nope, no, I don't want to be Anastasia Dolores. Plus, I'm not from England."

Romeo started the car and began driving. "I think you still don't understand. I'm not giving you a choice, Layla," he said, focusing on the road. "You're going to be Anastasia Dolores tonight. Just for tonight, understand?"

"What do you mean, just for tonight?"

Romeo sighed. "We're going to a gathering, and you're with me."

Layla's mind raced as she tried to process everything. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she forced herself to remain calm. The last thing she wanted was to give Romeo the satisfaction of seeing her panic.

"A gathering? What kind of gathering?" she asked, her voice steadier than she felt.

Romeo glanced at her briefly before returning his eyes to the road. "A private event. High stakes, high security. Your job is to blend in, smile, and do as you're told."

"Do as I'm told? And what if I don’t?" she challenged, raising an eyebrow.

Romeo’s lips curved into a slight smirk, but there was no warmth in it. "Then things will get... difficult for you. But I don't think you'll want that, Layla. You're smart enough to know when to play along."

Layla clenched her fists in her lap, her nails digging into her palms. She wanted to argue, to resist, but something in Romeo's tone told her that it would be futile.

"What exactly am I supposed to do as this Anastasia Dolores?" she asked, trying to shift the conversation away from the tension that hung between them.

"You'll be on my arm, making small talk, keeping up appearances. There will be people there who will ask questions, try to figure out who you are. Just stick to the story in the file and you'll be fine."

Layla sighed, flipping through the pages of the file again. "And if I slip up? If someone sees through the act?"

Romeo’s gaze hardened. "Then you'll regret it. But like I said, you're smart. You won't slip up."

They drove in silence for a few moments, the city lights blurring past the windows. Layla could feel the weight of the night ahead pressing down on her. She was being thrown into a world she knew nothing about, and the only thing she could do was play the role she’d been given.

"I hate this," she muttered under her breath.

Romeo’s expression remained unreadable as he replied, "Good. It means you’ll take it seriously."

"No, it means I'm going to strangle you when you're asleep."

"And good luck with that."

. To be continued ── .✦