We own the night

Chapter 22

Freezing night

Roxanne

I watched Jeremy and Rico leave as fast as they could and I didn't understand what was going on. I teased him, but only a little and he was the same jerk as always. But... There was something in his eyes. He seemed to be in pain. I shrugged and continued my duty at the party. Why should I care for him? There is nothing between us, unlike between Rico and Clarissa. A few minutes passed and I felt an urge to find a restroom. Nicolas was talking with his guests and all the other servants seemed to be very occupied. Clarissa was talking with a lovely couple. I walked to them and hear that they were interested in Clarissa's restaurant. At least this night seemed to be successful for her. I whispered in her ear that I'll look for a bathroom.

- I'll go with you. - she said, and I stopped her.

- I'm a big girl. - she smiled and continued her chit-chat with the couple. I walked behind the heavy curtains which prevented the guests from walking into the servers. They showed me a toilet before, but naturally, I forgot where to turn and after a couple of minutes, it was a fact as clear as the summer sky, that I got lost. Finally, I found it, but my way back to the main hall was just as chaotic as my journey to the bathroom... I don't know how many turns I made and how many stairs I climbed. I saw a room with a little light in it. The door was slightly open, so I decided to peek inside. Maybe they'll help me to get back to the main hall. I wasn't prepared for what I saw. There were many women behind bars. They all seemed to be malnourished and terrified. I wanted to walk in but a noise from the inside made me turn and run away. "I have to get Clarissa and get the hell out of here!"- the thought ran through my head. I arrived back at that dance hall and tried to calm my heart. There is no valid explanation that Nicolas doesn't know about any of that. If he catches me acting weird, we might end up behind those bars again and I can't allow that. I can't go to jail again... I spotted Clarissa in the crowd but bumped into Nicolas before I could reach her.

- Sweet Carolina, how is everything going? You seem to be a little alert... Did something happen? - Nicolas asked in a sweet voice, but I knew this tone. I've heard it many times from men who were on the edge of being caught.

- I just got lost on my way back from the restroom. I feel uncomfortable about being so clumsy, that's all. -Nicolas nodded and asked for another dance. I danced with him and kept eye contact, trying to look as calm as possible. Luckily, the song soon ended and I could get back to Clarissa. She genuinely enjoyed herself and I was glad that she made progress tonight. The party slowly ended and we headed back to our room. Clarissa couldn't stop talking about everyone she just met but my mind was somewhere else.

- Imagine they said that it would be a good idea to open a hostel as well and increase the income! Isn't it wonderful? - she asked and I shut the door behind us starting to pack all of our things as fast as I could.

- Roxy, what's wrong?! Hey stop and talk to me! - Clarissa screamed and I covered her mouth with my hands.

- Keep quiet! We must get out of here! - her eyes widened.

- What happened? - she asked now in a lot lower tone.

- I, can't tell you before I have more evidence. Just stay here and don't open the door to anyone. We will be leaving tomorrow as soon as possible. - I was about to walk out of the door with my phone in my hand when Clarissa caught my arm pulling me back.

- Wait! This sounds dangerous! Why don't we just... close our eyes and forget about it. It can't be too bad and it's none of our business anyway. - "None of your business"- Why am I hearing this sentence so often lately? - I asked myself silently.

- It is dangerous. That is why you are staying here. Close the door and keep quiet. - I said and walked out. Somehow, I found that corridor on my first attempt this time. My shaking hand was on the doorknob and I took a deep breath. " Keep collected, you may be their only hope.'- I tried to cheer myself up. Before I could turn the doorknob, a huge hand landed on my shoulder.

- Look what we've got here, Gustav! This is the tiny dancer, isn't she? - a man's voice echoed in the empty space. The one he addressed as Gustav didn't say a word. I turned around and put on my most convincing "I'm lost" face.

- Finally! I got lost on my way to my bedroom. Can you gentlemen please escort me back? - " I might not get any evidence, but now, if I get out of here alive, I'll take that as an achievement. The guy whose hand was still on my shoulder was at least six feet tall, with black hair and brown eyes. He had a huge scar on his face. He was really muscular and smelled pretty disgusting.

- Of course, we can! At least I'll get to know you a little better on our way back. I'm Jack, by the way. - he said, and his hand from my shoulder slipped to my waist. We walked like that for a little and he suddenly pressed me against the wall. Jack tried to kiss me but I bumped his head with mine.

- What are you doing Jack? - Gustav asked and Jack just laughed while I got a bit dizzy after our heads met.

- Just enjoying her company.

- She is a human. Leave that dirt alone. - even if his way of expressing himself was a little insulting, I liked Gustav's idea.

- Mind your own business, Gustav! - Jack shouted and tried to reach under my skirt. He kissed my neck and I felt a wave of power hitting my body. I had no idea what was it, maybe just the adrenaline that was definitely rushing into my veins, but it gave me an opportunity to kick that bastard where it hurts the most. Jack growled like a wild animal in pain and threw me on the floor. His eyes turned black and I heard Gustav ordering him.

- Keep calm Jack! -but he didn't. Jack turned into a large wolf and snarled at me. I swear he licked his mouth before launching at me. I screamed in fear but the attack never came. Gustav knocked him out and out of nowhere, Nicolas appeared behind him.

- Such a shame... - he said and I swallowed visibly. I was more terrified by the look on Nicolas's face than by the fact that Jack turned into a huge wolf.

- Ni...Nicolas...

- Sh... - he said and kneeled in front of me caressing my hair.

- Such a shame you witnessed this sweet, sweet, Carolina. You just don't leave me another chance now. - he said and exchanged a look with Gustav.

- No, please! Don't kill me! I won't tell to anyone! - Nicolas chuckled.

- I'm sure about that. - suddenly I felt a sharp pain in the back of my head. I blacked out, the last thing I'd heard was.

- Dig her somewhere.