The cold bars of the prison cell where my bosses had dumped me earlier that night chills through my bones when I wrap my hands around them. No matter how many times I scream for them to let me out of there, the echoes of my voice bounces off the wall and back at me.
I hang my head low and let my thoughts drift away. Even though it's hard to accept, I swallow the hard pill, which is—I've failed. Failed woefully.
Shutting my eyes, I let the tears slide down my face. Dave was right. I'm just a pretty brunette, who used her charm to get into the academy. I've somehow managed to scale through the academy, but I'm definitely not going to be getting that promotion.
I guess not all dreams come true.
A sharp flash of light pinpoints on my face and wakes me in the middle of the night.
"Who is—" I try dodging the light, but the person insists on using it to block me from seeing his face.
"Dave? Is that you?"
"No."
A shiver runs down my spine. My heart begins slamming against my chest when he proceeds to unlock the bars and step into the cell.
"Wh-who are you? What do you want?"
"I have a deal for you. It's Officer Daniels by the way."
He flings the light switch on and looks down at me. A smile turning up his ashen lips.
"What deal, sir?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at him when his gaze refuses to leave my cleavage.
"A second chance."
I let out a sigh of relief by the time he rounds up his explanation about the disciplinary board pitying me. Apparently, Micheal had been searching for me all over the nightclubs. Further search from his men might blow our cover. So in turn, they have decided to extend some grace to me.
I drive through the road that leads to the mansion, wondering if I'm driving into a death trap. What if Michael has already discovered my identity and will command his men to torture and shoot me on first sight?
My body shivers at the thought.
My hand tightens on the steering wheel, my knuckles, which had already turned white, almost snapping from the pressure.
An idea to reverse and drive out of the city pops up in my mind, but I know it's useless. The chip tracker embedded somewhere in my body by the academy will give away my location in 24 hours or less.
So I swallow hard and continue through my journey of uncertainty with a glow of hope.
The large oak doors open with a screening sound. I let out a deep breath when I didn't hear any voice.
Relaxation is what flashes on my mind immediately I enter the bedroom. A slow smile creeps on my face. This place somehow does feel like home. Maybe it's because of how comforting the interior of the room is. Or maybe it was because of what I learnt about Micheal desperately searching for me.
I just finished undressing and was about to step into the bathtub when a strong hand grabs me by the throat.
"You bitch!!"
"Michael?" I struggle to ask, even though I'm losing air.
"Tell me where you're coming from! You went to see him, right?"
I start coughing instead.
"Answer me!" he screams into my ear, his hold tightening.
"Hos…hospital. I was at the—"
"Stop lying!"
"It's the truth." I say in between coughs.
The suspicion in Michael's eyes didn't clear even as he releases me.
"I'm pregnant."
Something twitches in his gorgeous gray eyes. Somewhat between surprise and excitement. But it disappeared faster than the speed of light.
"You are?"
"Aren't you happy?"
"Hmmm."
That is all he says before walking out of the bathroom.
I soak my tensed body in the warm bath. I need all the relaxation I could get. Especially now that I am thinking of making up my mind to keep the baby. I mean, why not? Maybe the little thing will be the saving grace that will pull me out of this mess that I've entangled myself into.
"I've a surprise for you." Michael tells me when I settle beside his warm body on the bed.
"You do?"
"Check this out."
He brings out his phone and shows me a picture in it.
I blink twice to make sure my eyes are seeing the images clearly.
"How the…"
"They deserve it," he turns to fully face me. His eyes watch me closely for a reaction, "Or don't you think so?"
"Y-yeah. S-sure. They do." My mood mellows. Something is definitely off. I feel like Michael is also playing a mind game with me as well.
"That's all you get to say?"
"What else do you want me to say?"
"How about a thank you baby? Or maybe a kiss?" He pulls me closer and kisses me senseless.
But the worry lingering at the back of my mind wouldn't let me enjoy it completely. Why did mom accept a vacation trip offer from Micheal without telling me? Even worse, they have landed in Ibiza and are already having the time of their lives. All without my consent.
He breaks the kiss to catch his breath. On seeing my frown lines deepening, he roars into a throaty laughter and pulls me into his arms.
"Jealous much?"
His fingers start tracing lines along my arms, "Don't worry baby. I've better plans for us."
He does? What plans?
"Once I close this deal next week, we're flying to Paris to enjoy our honeymoon. Maybe for a month."
"A month?" I gasp.
"Is it too small? We will make it three then."
He chuckles, then continues with the kisses. From my neck, down to in between my breasts.
A soft moan escapes my lips when he covers one of my nipples with his mouth. Sucking my breast with such tenderness that leaves me begging for more.
While pouring myself a cup of coffee the next morning, I felt George's presence before the housekeeper comes to inform me about his visit.
"He has been waiting for the past two hours. Says it's important."
"Sarah, we need to talk."