Dark Paradise

Chapter 5

ALEXANDRA

—Alexa, why don't you just enjoy the moment? These things only happen once in a lifetime —Rebecca said, taking my hands with a dreamy expression.

—Do you really like being treated like an object? Are you honestly okay with this? I don't feel right being surrounded by men who are just going to use us —I responded, my voice reflecting the mix of disbelief.

—They're not strangers, they're important people. I'd rather be here with them than be harassed by drunks at the club. Please, don't ruin this. The others want to be here too —Rebecca replied, releasing my hands and looking at me seriously.

—Don't take it the wrong way, but being here with them doesn't compare to the horrible things I've done in my life —she finished, turning her back on me, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Her words hurt more than I wanted to admit. I didn't want to be selfish or ruin their moment, but I couldn't deny how uncomfortable I felt. I lowered my head and buried myself in the blanket still draped over my shoulders, trying to find some comfort.

—I'm sorry for earlier, I didn't mean to scare them —Arturo said, approaching us again, placing a hand over his heart as if seeking redemption. Then, his gaze locked onto mine, pointing directly at me. —What's your name?

My eyes met his, and I noticed they were the same color as Saúl's, an eerie resemblance that made me wonder if answering would only give him more power. But I knew the situation was already beyond my control.

I felt the other girls' eyes on me, waiting. Rebecca had returned to her seat, watching me with a mix of concern and disapproval, as if my actions could ruin the "privilege" they seemed to cherish so much.

—Alexandra —I finally replied, trying to keep my voice steady, though inside I felt like I was walking on a tightrope.

Arturo smiled, satisfied, as if my answer had given him exactly what he wanted.

—Alexandra —he repeated, savoring my name—. A strong name for a girl who seems to have spirit. I like that.

A wave of disgust washed over me as his gaze intensified, appraising me as though I were some kind of commodity. I clenched my fists under the blanket, struggling to stay calm, but it was hard not to feel vulnerable on his turf.

—I hope this will be the last time we have any kind of disagreement, Alexandra. I suggest you relax and enjoy the hospitality we're offering you. I wouldn't want things to become... unpleasant for you —he said, his tone pretending to be kind, but it was loaded with warnings.

Before I could respond, I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Nicol, looking at me with a soft smile, though her gesture had an air of pleading. I knew what she was silently telling me: "Don't make it worse."

Arturo turned his attention to the other girls, resuming his role as the charming host, while they laughed and chatted as if this were some kind of dream come true. But I, on the other hand, felt more trapped than ever, like I was in a gilded cage with no way out. Yet, for some reason, the image of Gabriel on the balcony kept creeping into my mind, that smile of satisfaction as if he already knew he had control.

"This isn't over," I thought. I didn't know how, but I was going to find a way out of all this.

—Please, go and rest. It's far too late. Each of you can take a room down that hallway —Arturo gestured to the same hallway where I had my confrontation with Gabriel—. You'll find clean clothes to change and freshen up. We'll discuss our rules in the morning. Have a pleasant night —Arturo finished.