Chapter 5 Sarah

It felt like sandpaper in my mouth. It felt so warm everywhere.

However, something jolted me, arousing me even more. My tiredness dissipated as I became aware of my new surroundings.

This wasn't where I belonged.

Gradually, it returned to me. The kidnapping. looking for Ethan.

He.

I had sobbed once again and dozed off once more.

The soft warmth of the lights made the place appear gloomy even more. How much time had I spent here?

"Miss Rosetta, please." I was compelled by the voice to look directly into a man's face. The one who guided me here and prevented those men from hurting me was the same one.

When I realised he was touching me, I winced. No doubt he was the reason I woke up. In a surge of strength I moved, shuffling back defensively. He just straightened up and didn't say anything else.

"Your rooms are ready for you. Adhere to me.

Before I could even gather enough courage to answer, he turned away. The door remained open.

What alternative options did I have? I was entirely dependent on him.

My limbs protested, but I got up and stumbled towards him.

A warm light began to fill the previously dark passageways. When I finally saw, I gasped.

Every location talked of elegance and money.

I was so surprised that I didn't notice when he stopped. It was his voice that made me jerk back.

He declared, "This will be your room going forward." I looked inward.

Was that a room? It appeared to be the size of my whole living area.

The windows were surrounded by gold-trimmed cream curtains. It appeared even softer than I had ever imagined for a bed. I felt warmth flood my gut as I looked about.

"A cage made of gold," I thought. The heat withered away.

Any wonder I would have felt for this location was utterly dashed by the realisation that I was being held captive.

"We're going to wait outside. He said, "The boss is expecting you to come for dinner." After I left, the door shut, leaving me by myself.

I turned to look at the clock when I heard a faint click.

The word "dinner" was a stretch. It was getting close to midnight.

I went outside a short while later and saw someone very different. In a matter of minutes, I was escorted to the aforementioned dining area. I chose to ignore the disapproving glance I got as I continued to wear my dress shirt and modest business skirt.

"What more were they to expect?" I sneered silently. I just took a quick glance around before leaving. Glancing around, I noticed the outfits in the overly huge closet. Did they think I would wear them?

There was a perfume in the air and any thoughts of clothes vanished. The unfamiliar man had halted and motioned for me to enter the space. Listlessly, I stepped in.

There were many dishes on the dinner table. In reaction, my stomach rumbled, and all I could think about was the takeaway and dessert I was missing.

Be bold and courageous. Take a seat. Dominic's tone sounded more like an order. I gave him a wordless stare and then took a seat, never taking my eyes off of him.

His eyes darted over me as he looked up.

"I assumed you would make a difference. Though they were purchased on short notice, the clothes in the wardrobe fit you well and are your size.

Upon further reflection, I didn't want to know how in the world did they even know my size.

I turned to face the empty dish, biting my tongue not to answer.

Despite my circumstances, my stomach had a mind of its own and was aching, but my anxiousness prevented me from eating. Were any of the drugs used? Virus-ridden? Considering how he ate heartily and the fact that he 'needed' me, I questioned it.

I selected a few tiny foods and picked at them while gritting my teeth. I detested them even though they tasted better than anything I had ever experienced.

You must have questions, Cara. He broke the stillness by saying, "Feel free to ask."

Why was I required to reserve myself if I chose for him to keep me here? That was what motivated me to talk.

"How long are you going to keep me here?"

With a casual reply, "For as long as it takes for your fiance to return to us."

"Ex-fiance," I clarified, giving an intense glare. I felt a pang of panic telling me that I was playing with fire, but he seemed unfazed, laughing softly.

It made me feel agitated and motivated me to keep going.

How about my flat? My possessions? my work?"

"My life?" I suppressed my final notion.

"You can use the whole closer, but your items will be moved here as quickly as possible. Your employment and flat will be taken care of. Losing a low-level office worker won't be felt by anyone.

The blow struck. I had to stifle the ache by balling my fists. I'd dropped out from college immediately after my mother's death and had obtained a job. Although it wasn't the best, I had some very special people with me. Bailey was my sole friend, and he was there. Would she be curious about my fate? Would she ever make a comeback?

My heart got heavy with dread as the lump in my throat grew larger. Could I possibly come back?

"You've taken away my life, that's it." I was filled with sadness as I spoke glumly.

"In any case, I apologise for dragging you into this." He said, but he didn't even seem apologetic. That was the last straw for me.

I got up, and the chair scratched loudly.

"I apologise. It was you that pulled me into this mess. I let out a cry. I felt like crying, but I forced myself not to. Never again.

"You bastard, stop acting like you're innocent!"

The sound of the chair grinding reached my ears, but before my thoughts could form, he approached me. My temper erupted.

I felt like hitting him. His fingers closed around my wrist before I could complete the task, stopping me in my tracks. I kept trying to push away, but he grabbed me tight and drew me in.

"I accept responsibility for your innocence. However, remember who I am and where you belong here," he replied.

Then, what do you want to do to me? Murder me? I spat out, still a trickle of anxiety flowed. Would he really?

He drew me in more closer, his eyes cutting through me.

"You can't imagine what I'm capable of doing to you."

I took a sharp breath. Even though his remarks were menacing, something felt off about the low rumble and the undertones.

That's when I realised he was getting close.

His breath barely touched my face as his heat subsided between us. My skin became suddenly sensitive to the warmth and roughness of his hand around my wrist.

My eyes were still fixed on his in spite of the feelings. It felt like so much more, even though it was the same concentrated stare I had vaguely recognised from the club.

His gaze slid down from my face but it didn't alleviate the strain off my chest. His eyes dilated as I reflexively licked my lips and swore.

A distinct warmth surged up my abdomen, accompanied by a gentle pressure beneath it. It was all I could do not to move in order to relieve the pressure.

How do you do this? The idea stabbed me in the mind like a needle.

Almost as if he could read my thoughts, his arm vanished and his warmth vanished. After almost tripping, I realised he had put some distance between us.

When you're ready, Joseph will accompany you to your room. Sarah, enjoy the remainder of your meal.

He stormed out of the room before I could catch my breath. I just stood there, motionless, gazing at the door.