Deadly Rose

chapter 5

"'Alexandra,' my mom said while brushing my hair. I looked at her in the mirror.

'Yes, Mommy?'

'I want to tell you something,' she said, her eyes shimmering with tears.

I turned to face her, worried.

"Love, sometimes people hurt other people even the ones they care about but it's never our fault, sweetheart. It's important that we look after ourselves and stay in places that make us feel happy and safe. Walking away from anything or anyone that makes us feel bad is okay because receiving kindness is a sign of love." she said softly, caressing my cheeks.

'What do you mean, Mommy?' I asked, confused.

She smiled sadly, kissing my forehead. 'You'll understand when you're older, my love.'"

I woke up suddenly, breathing heavily. The early morning sun filtered through unfamiliar curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. My heart pounded as I furrowed my brows, realizing I wasn't in my bedroom. This place was different—luxurious but simple, and yet it didn't feel right. My head started to ache, throbbing as the events from the night before rushed back to me.

Panic crept in

I looked down at myself and noticed I was wearing pajamas that weren't mine, sending a fresh wave of anxiety through me.

"Where the fuck am I?" I whispered under my breath, my voice shaky.

Suddenly, the door creaked open. I sat up quickly, alert, my body tensing as someone stepped into the room.

An old lady entered the room, her appearance confirming she was a maid with her crisp uniform and gentle demeanor. She was holding a tray with breakfast—toast, eggs, and tea.

"Oh, you're awake, my dear," she said warmly, her smile softening the tension in the air.

I relaxed slightly. She looked harmless, kind even.

"Where am I?" I asked, my voice low but steady.

"Mr. Romano brought you here after you were knocked out. The doctor came quickly to check on you," she explained, placing the tray on the nearby table.

Her mention of him made my heart race again. I hadn't expected to hear that name so soon.

"And... um, my clothes?" I stammered, suddenly anxious, glancing down at the unfamiliar pajamas.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, waving a hand dismissively. "Your clothes were dirty, so I took them off to wash them. Don't worry, darling."

I exhaled a little, feeling a small wave of relief wash over me.

"About what you saw..." I began, my voice trailing off.

"Don't worry, darling," she interrupted gently, her eyes meeting mine with understanding. "Everyone has something they keep hidden. I didn't say anything about your scars," she added with a knowing smile, as if she had seen far more than I had realized.

My stomach twisted, and I sat there silently, unsure of what to say.

"Here's your breakfast, darling. I'll go find the doctor," the maid said with a smile before slipping out of the room. The second the door shut, my heart kicked into overdrive. I had to get out of here.

I waited a few beats, making sure no one was around, then quietly opened the door and stepped into the hallway. No clue where I was going, but anything was better than staying in that room.

I hurried down the hall, trying to keep my steps light. My mind was racing, and I could feel the panic rising in my chest. That's when I heard it voices. Deep, serious ones. I slowed down, creeping forward until I spotted them. Five men, all in black, sitting in a kitchen, talking low. I couldn't hear much, but whatever it was, it didn't sound good.