s*x And Gambit

8: He noticed me

The cold feeling of emptiness consumed me as I contemplated if I should get up or not. My memories were still fresh, I still remembered how good it felt when I was in his arms.

Was! What happened?

I rolled off the bed to see that I was covered with a blue fluffy duvet. Although I was still naked but that didn’t matter, what mattered was why Alex had left.

I find it strange that I felt I needed to know him. To know what he was going through and the main reason he had come to my room last night even when he apologized.

I made my bed, had my bath, got dressed in my maid uniform and went out to see the cheerful smile. She locked gaze with me for a few seconds before giving me a strange plain look.

“No much work today. Just cook for the men, workers, and boss” She said as she walked away.

I followed, I knew she was still acting up because of last night but I would not get her killed over delicious hot garlic bread. I don’t trust Alex not to hurt her because she seems really nice.

Washing the rice to cook, a mid aged woman walked. She looked at what we were all doing and walked to me.

“you are doing well, dear. Just make the water clear before you put it in the cooker” she said.

She had the cheerful look like she was happy. In fact everyone here looked very happy, like they really love their job. Was I the only one being kidnapped here or I didn’t get the memo of how the workers were supposed to behave?

Seeing that I had nothing else to do, I went to stand beside Alita and watched her make mac and cheese. The portion was little so I assumed it would be just for her.

“So, how long have you been here?” I tried to start a conversation but she ignored me.

I looked around the kitchen and saw how big it was. It had two big ovens, I counted about 7 rice cookers and three duo sinks. The marble counter had the mixture of black and green, just like I have seen before. As I was about to talk, the same elderly woman walked in and announced.

“Time for a break till further notice” she said joyfully.

She went to Alita, played with her face and tasted her food.

“not bad, Lia” She cooed a cute way.

Alita giggled, she tried the food and shrugged.

“I learned from the best, Mama Carlota” Alita said.

Mama Carlota looked at me standing weird in the corner and gestured for me to come closer which I did. She looked around, showing me other workers who looked free, not like me.

“We don’t look like prisoners here, Amore” She said as she touched my arm.

I wanted to tell her that I was kidnapped, and I had no choice but I didn’t. I just smiled and nodded.

“This is Angie, Sara, and Fred” she wiggled her brows as she pointed at a femine looking man “And that’s Catarina and Mary”.

They all said things, maybe compliments but I wasn’t listening. What I was paying attention to was why they all looked sincerely happy and I don’t. Soon they left, leaving me with Mama Carlotta and Alita.

“I know the application seems different from the job but trust me, you are safe here” she added as she gave me a hug.

I melted immediately as her arms got wrapped around me. I needed that assurance and hope.

The only thing stopping me from crying was the look Alita gave me as the woman gave me a gently assuring squeeze.

“Thanks, Mrs. Carlotta” I said as she released the hug.

She gave me a semi-weird look, then at Alita who laughed and came close to me.

“it’s Mama Carlotta for everyone because she is our mother”

I mouthed ‘ohhh’ without saying anything and nodded. Mama Carlotta nodded too and left, leaving me with Alita who just gazed at me and carried her food.

“Remember to watch the rice and put off the cooker when it’s done. Although its automatic but.. I don’t know if you would need a distraction while I go for my online class” she said.

I moved towards one of the rice cooker.

“Are you home school? Like high school?” I asked.

Alita gave me a bored look, shrugged and walked towards the door.

“We are not in talking state yet but I am 19, in college studying psychology. Anyways I am not in support of the Westernhome school s**t” she said before walking out.

I smiled weirdly and nodded.

If Alex could let her attend online classes, what if I ask him for me to join? I don’t think he might be all messy, he might be mentally strange but, what if I try?

Not sure if I want to get to my room, I sat at the corner and waited. I could have lied to Alita, I could have made up stories and tell her what she feels she needs to know but I held back. Why? She is Alex’s family and she seems a bit hidden. That means Alex might be hiding her from someone or…what if Alex is her father?

Nodded at my genius thought, I kept myself busy by cleaning the counter and shelves. Since my mom taught me about stress cleaning years back, I feel like I just found the real purpose

It seemed like a while but the cookers all went off. I prepared to leave the kitchen but the fresh aroma of boiled rice filled my hungry nostrils. I took a small spoon, Alex told me that he would not let me eat that doesn’t mean he doesn’t let me steal.

Dammmmnnn.

At that moment, the plain rice became more than just a meal. With the second spoonful, I savored not only how crazy it felt, I also felt the sweet relief of hunger. I didn’t know why I did it but I looked up. Loo and behold, I found it, that creepy camera caught me in the act>

Alex won’t see it, would he? He won’t be so less busy to watch the kitchen footage today, would he?

Panicking, I heard footsteps and my blood boiled. I had no idea why but all I could think of was Alex sending someone to get me but when I turned around, it was Alita.

“Please don’t tell me you stayed here for almost two hours” she walked past me to one of the sinks and washed her plate.

Silence. I stared at her cute outfit. The kaki cargo pants she wore fit her oversized white polo. Her black boots, black waist bag and let down hair made her look so beautiful and relaxed. It seems I was sure when I thought Alex had something other than just being a distant cousin with her for her to her this much freedom.

She shrugged, kept her plate on the shelf and walked to the door.

“I am going to see Alex for a favor. I can take you to your…”

“No” I interrupted.

She looked confused but still kept silent.

Not knowing how to say it, I walked close to her with a fearful smile and whispered.

“You seem to have a good spot in Alex’s eyes, can I please follow you to ask for a favor?” I asked.

The unsure expression on her face scared me for a while till she smiled and walked away.

“You owe me again, Zora” she said cheerfully.

Taking that as a yes, I followed.

We took the elevator heading to the 1st floor. I wanted to ask why something in this house seemed odd but I didn’t. The floor wasn’t how it was in the state, the 6th was the ground floor and the 1st was the up floor? That doesn’t make sense. It was just like people calling it a 6 storey building.

“You know I used to wish I could sneak to the third floor day” she suddenly said.

I looked at her in confusion as the door opened.

“Alex don’t let anyone beside his mafia zombies on the 3rd floor” she said casually.

Shocked, I just nodded.

This girl knows too much.

She knows about the mafia, well, there are men with guns so what do I expect? It was just strange how everyone seemed so calm with it.

Walking past a few doors, Alita looked back at me and smiled.

“Don’t give me that look. I know you know about the mafia and something else you are hiding” she frowned.

Before I could answer, we got to a door and she knocked once. Without reply, she opened the door with a childish smile on her face. As we entered the office, a hushed tension hung in the air, permeating every corner of the room. The space exuded an unmistakable aura of secrecy, power, and danger. This was no ordinary workplace; it was Alex’s office. Pfffs…. It won’t get any better till I see blood or a dead body.

Beneath the veneer of power and luxury, an undercurrent of danger lingered. The office whispered tales of clandestine operations, covert deals, and the consequences that befell those who dared to cross the line.

As I stood in the heart of this doom, I couldn't help but feel a mix of fascination and trepidation. It was a space that reflected the dark side of humanity, maybe Alex’s dark side. This place had the scent of pain, rage, of all the negativity where loyalty and betrayal danced hand in hand. It was a reminder that even within the confines of these walls, danger lurked, and secrets were guarded with unwavering resolve.

“Alitalia” Alex said immediately he saw us.

He didn’t seem to notice me. Maybe that was what he wanted after spending the night with me naked yesterday.

“Zora” he said my name.

Gosh! He noticed me.