Chapter 7 The Escape

I waited until the entire mansion dimmed into silence. Every light flicked off. The estate had finally fallen asleep. I didn't know exactly how I was going to pull it off, but one thing was certain - I was going to that party tonight.

I took one last glance in the mirror, adjusting the silver dress that clung to me like it was made for sin. It was mid-thigh, with just the right tease of cleavage. My hair was pin-straight, makeup minimal but sharp. I looked sexy - and powerful. For the first time in forever, I felt alive again.

I tiptoed out, heels in hand, careful not to let them click against the marble floors. My heart thundered as I descended the stairs. I glanced toward Marcelo's office - dark. Relief surged through me.

I slipped outside through the garden door, heading toward the lowest point of the estate wall. I'd planned this.

I headed to the small garden house and pulled out a chair I had noticed earlier. I dragged it near the wall-my planned escape route. It wasn't the smartest plan in the world, especially in a tight dress, but desperation made me bold.

Just as I was about to climb, a deep voice stopped me.

"And where do you think you're going, young lady?"

I froze, cursed under my breath, and turned. Diego.

The bodyguard's massive frame filled the space between me and the house. He looked more amused than angry, and I tried not to roll my eyes.

"Come on, Diego. I just want a night out. Like a normal nineteen-year-old. Please?"

He stared me down, exhaled, then rubbed the bridge of his nose like he was already regretting what he was about to say. "Fine. But I'm taking you and waiting. If anything happens to you, it's my life on the line."

I grinned. "You're dramatic. Who's going to kill you?"

"You know exactly who."

We arrived at the club, flashing lights and pulsing music echoing outside. Just before entering, I borrowed Diego's phone to call Ben. The line was patchy, so I gave up and headed inside.

The place was electric - bodies grinding on the dance floor, groups laughing near the bar, neon lights flashing across the ceiling. For a moment, I felt like I was part of it.

I was scanning the room when a hand landed on my shoulder.

Before I could react, Diego stepped in.

"Hands off, now," he growled.

I turned-it was Ben, looking both startled and apologetic.

"It's okay. He's my friend," I said quickly, calming the storm.

Ben smiled sheepishly. "You look... incredible."

I blushed, warmth blooming in my chest. He held out his hand and led me toward Sophie, who squealed when she saw me.

"Lucia! Oh my god, you look stunning!"

"You too," I said with a smile. She looked radiant in a tight black dress, her curls bouncing as she introduced her boyfriend, Dave. I caught the way he stared at my chest and immediately felt uncomfortable, but shook his hand politely.

Ben leaned toward me, "Wanna grab a drink?"

At the bar, he ordered tequila for both of us. We talked, laughed, and for a moment, it was easy to pretend everything else didn't exist.

"Wanna dance?" he asked.

I hesitated, then nodded. On the floor, the rhythm was intoxicating. He pulled me close, his hands on my waist, our bodies moving together. But something felt... off. I pulled away.

"I'm not a great dancer," I said, trying to laugh it off.

"It's fine," he said, smiling, though I saw the disappointment in his eyes.

Back at the bar, he left and said he needed to take a call. I sighed and asked the bartender where the ladies' room was. He pointed upstairs.

As I climbed, my head felt heavier. My vision blurring.

Maybe it's the tequila? I thought, confused.

At the top of the stairs, someone grabbed my wrist.

"Hey-" I started, but I was pulled into a dark room and the door slammed shut.

I tried to push the guy off, but I was sluggish. Dizzy. His grip was firm and controlling. He forced me onto the bed, trying to kiss me while murmuring drunken words I couldn't process.

"No," I croaked. "Stop!" I moved away and tried to push him off but he didn't bulged.

He reached for my dress, trying to pull it up but I kept wriggling away, too weak to push him off. Panic rose in my chest.

Suddenly, the door burst open.

Marcelo.

In a blur, he stormed in and yanked the guy off me, slamming him into the wall and landing one solid punch after another until the guy was writhing on the floor.

Then he turned to me, his fierce eyes softening.

"Lucia," he breathed, rushing to my side. He shrugged off his jacket and wrapped it around me.

Without a word, he scooped me into his arms, pressing me close against his chest. I clung to him, breathing in that warm, familiar scent of sandalwood and I instantly felt safe.

My head was spinning - not from the alcohol anymore - but from the realization that I had never felt more protected... and confused.