As I walked back to my room, Gabriel, the guard, trailed behind me. His presence was oddly comforting, a reminder that despite my captivity, I wasn't entirely alone. We chatted about nothing of significance—small talk to fill the silence. He seemed like a decent guy, albeit one who worked for a mafia leader. Still, there was something about him that made it easy to let my guard down, even just a little.
"Just keep your head down, and you'll be fine," Gabriel said, trying to ease my nerves. "Carlos isn't as bad as people make him out to be."
"Right," I replied, a hint of skepticism creeping into my voice. "That's what they all say until you end up in a trunk somewhere."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "You don't have to worry about that. Just stay out of trouble, and Carlos will leave you be."
"Sure, easy for you to say," I muttered, rolling my eyes.
Gabriel stopped at my door, his expression turning serious. "If you need anything, just ask. Seriously. I mean it."
"Thanks," I said, offering a weak smile. I appreciated the gesture, even if I didn't fully trust anyone in this place yet.
As soon as I stepped inside, the door closed behind me with a soft click, and I took a moment to gather my thoughts. The room was as luxurious as I remembered, but it felt suffocating now, a gilded cage. The plush bed and elegant decor did little to ease the anxiety thrumming beneath my skin.
I paced the room, my mind racing with everything that had happened. My brother's death still hung over me like a dark cloud, and the weight of it all was crushing. I wanted to scream, to lash out at the walls around me, but instead, I pushed through the turmoil, searching for a way to break free.
Without thinking, I opened the door, intending to step out and explore the hallway again. But as soon as I did, Gabriel was right there, leaning against the wall.
"Back so soon?" he teased lightly.
I shot him a grin, but it didn't reach my eyes. "Just wanted to stretch my legs a bit."
Gabriel nodded, his expression serious. "Just don't wander too far. Carlos won't like it."
"I can handle myself," I retorted, a flash of irritation sparking within me.
"I know you can," he replied, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Just be careful. I'd hate to have to chase you down."
His warning, however light-hearted, struck a chord. I had to escape. The thought consumed me as I stepped out, taking advantage of his casual demeanor. I turned back for one last glance before bolting down the hallway. My heart raced as I felt the thrill of freedom tugging at my core.
Just as I turned a corner, I collided with something solid, and I stumbled back, startled. I looked up, and my breath caught in my throat. It was Carlos.
"Well," he drawled, a smirk spreading across his lips as he looked me over, "going somewhere, Lilith?"
My heart pounded in my chest, and the ridiculousness of it all—the hallway, Gabriel chasing after me, and now running straight into Carlos's chest—hit me at once. Instead of laughing, I let out a frustrated groan, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. "Why did I even try that?"
Carlos raised an eyebrow, watching me, his expression shifting from annoyance to amusement as I shook my head.
"Seriously," I continued, rolling my eyes as I stepped back to regain my balance. "What was I thinking?"
Carlos's smirk softened a bit, his eyes narrowing as if he were trying to figure out what planet I'd come from. "I'd say you're losing it," he said, his voice low, "but somehow, I don't think you ever had it to begin with."
