Chains of Obsession

9

I opened my eyes as I heard the door open and footsteps coming in.

I turned my head towards the door as I saw a tall, dark figure enter the room. His sharp, dark gaze scanned over me, evaluating me from head to toe. This was him.

My heart skipped a beat as I stared at Alexander Xantheus, the city's most feared mafioso, standing a few feet away. His presence seemed to fill the entire room, making the air thick with a mix of power and danger.

He studied me for a moment, his gaze flicking over my bandaged body before he finally spoke.

"So, you're awake," he said, his voice deep and gravelly.

Max stood up and approached him. "Physically, she's on the mend. Wounds are cleaned and bandaged. I've given her some pain medicine and water. She just woke up a few minutes ago."

Alexander nodded, his expression inscrutable.

"Good. Leave us." he commanded, his tone brooking no room for disobedience.

Max shot me a sympathetic look before gathering his medical bag and leaving the room, closing the door behind him.

Once we were alone, there was a heavy, almost tangible silence.

Alexander walked over to the chair that Max had been sitting in moments before. He took his time, his movements measured and deliberate. He sat down, his gaze still fixed on me, his face an emotionless mask.

Silence filled the room. The only sound was the ticking of a clock on the wall. His eyes continued their intense study of me, making me feel exposed and vulnerable. It was like he was trying to read my soul.

After what felt like an eternity, he spoke, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down my spine.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Emilia." I mumbled. Deciding only to say my first name, not my full name.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and I could practically hear the gears in his mind turning as if he was trying to figure me out.

"Just Emilia? No last name?" he inquired, his tone almost demanding.

"Emilia R-R-Rose," I mumbled.

He raised an eyebrow at my response.

"Rose, eh?" he repeated, seemingly deep in thought, but his gaze never left mine. "That surname rings a bell."

He leaned back in his chair, still studying me intently, his fingers drumming softly against the armrest. It was unnerving how he was sizing me up with no emotion whatsoever showing on his face.

"So, Emilia," he began, his tone deceptively casual. "You're a Rose. Any relation to Detective Daniel Rose?"

"No," I answered quickly, too quickly.

He chuckled, a dark, humourless sound.

"Liar." His voice was like a blade. "Don't think you can lie to me, little one. I can sniff out a lie miles away."

I fell silent, caught in my own deceit. My heart raced in my chest, and the fear and adrenaline mixed in my blood. I knew I was fooling no one, least of all him.

He leaned forward, his eyes never leaving my face.

"Now, let's try this again. Are you related to Detective Daniel Rose?" he asked, his voice firm and unwavering.

"Y-Yes," I answered, knowing that I didn't have any other chance.

He reclined back in his chair, his expression unreadable.