Dark Paradise

Chapter 8

ALEXANDRA

—After slamming the door shut, I felt my heart pounding in my chest, as if it was about to burst out. The idea of sharing a space with a stranger for days was unbearable. I can't follow their rules. I don't want to follow them.

I didn't know how much time passed until my feet moved before my mind could stop me. I stepped out of the room with determined steps, ignoring the guy still standing outside. I couldn't just stay there, doing nothing. I walked down the hall, my mind racing with thoughts. This couldn't be happening. I wouldn't let him, or any of them, control me.

When I reached the room where it had all started, there was Arturo, sitting calmly, drinking as if nothing was wrong with the world. The contrast between his calmness and my fury almost made me laugh bitterly, but the anger burning inside me was far too strong.

—I'm not staying here —I said firmly, standing right in front of him.

Arturo looked up, momentarily surprised, but his expression quickly softened. That calm smile I hated so much returned to his face.

—Do you really think you have a choice, Alexandra? —he asked, his voice smooth, almost hypnotic. Every word dripped with false kindness that made my stomach turn. —You all signed a contract, and that contract has rules. Breaking them is not an option.

—I didn't sign anything, and I don't care about your contract —I spat, not holding back the anger in my voice—. I'm not playing your stupid game.

Arturo stood up and leaned in, his face dangerously close to mine. I could feel his warm, heavy breath, and my muscles tensed completely. His tone shifted, becoming more serious, more threatening, as cold as a blade on my skin.

—If you don't follow the rules, it won't just be you in danger, Alexandra —he whispered—. You'll also put the people you care about at risk. And trust me, We know exactly who they are.

The impact of his words froze me for a second. Images of the people I loved flashed in my mind. I couldn't let them get hurt, not because of me. But I also couldn't give in. Not after everything that had happened. Not after everything I was.

—I won't let you threaten me! —I shouted. The surprise on his face was brief, and in an instant, I saw him lose the calm facade he had boasted.

Before I could react, I felt his hand strike across my cheek. A sharp pain shot through my face, and the sound of the slap echoed in my ears like thunder. I stumbled backward, wobbling, but I refused to fall. The pain was searing, but my pride was stronger. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing me broken.

But I didn't have time to recover before his hands tangled in my hair, yanking me to the ground. He dragged me with brutal force across the room like a ragdoll. I tried to fight back, but his grip was too strong.

—Let go of me! —I screamed with all my might.

—Didn't they teach you respect? —Arturo growled, his voice dripping with venom. I felt his hand tighten even more in my hair, forcing my head back so our eyes met.

His eyes were filled with a cold, inhuman cruelty. There was no compassion in them, only a darkness that chilled me to the bone.

—No one leaves here without my permission —he hissed, his voice so low and dangerous that it froze my blood. I felt his other hand form into a fist, and I knew he was about to hit me again. I braced myself for the impact, squeezing my eyes shut, waiting for the pain I knew was coming.

But then, a sound broke the silence. Laughter, loud and carefree, coming from the garden. The boys. Arturo suddenly let go of me, as if the laughter had snapped him out of a trance.