The Mafia's Touch

Chapter 4

I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. I was in a room, but it wasn't mine. The walls were a dull gray, and the only furniture was a single bed, a dresser, and a chair. I had no idea how I got here or where "here" was.

Panic set in as my memories came flooding back. The club, Julian, the men, the chase... the green-eyed man. Oh God, Him! I remembered his eyes, his smile, his voice. I shuddered at the thought of him.

I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me. I fell back onto the bed, my head spinning. What had happened? How did I end up here?

As I lay there, trying to gather my thoughts, I noticed that the door was locked. I could see the deadbolt, the chain... I was trapped.

Fear clawed at my throat. I had to get out of here. I had to escape.

I threw off the covers and stumbled out of bed, my legs shaking beneath me. I staggered to the door, trying the handle. It didn't budge. I pounded on the door, screaming for help.

No one came.

I spun around, taking in the room again. There had to be a way out. I spotted a window, but it was barred. I tried the dresser, the chair... everything was bolted down.

I was trapped.

I collapsed onto the bed, tears streaming down my face. What was going to happen to me? What would these people do to me? Was I going to be stuck here forever?

I thought back to the chase, to the way Dario had caught me. He was strong, too strong. I couldn't outrun him, not again.

But I had to try.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. I would find a way out. I would escape.

I began to search the room, inch by inch. I looked for any weakness, any vulnerability. I checked the walls, the floor, the ceiling... everything.

And then, I saw it. A small vent, high up on the wall. It was my only chance.

I dragged the chair over, standing on it to reach the vent. I pried it open, my heart racing with excitement.

I hoisted myself up, squeezing through the narrow opening. I found myself in a cramped, dimly lit crawlspace. I didn't care. I was one step closer to freedom.

I began to crawl, my hands and knees scraping against the rough surface. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I had to keep moving.

I was determined to escape.

I crawled through the narrow vent, my body screaming in protest. My hands were raw, my knees bruised, but I didn't care. I was free.

Or so I thought.

As I emerged from the vent, I found myself in a long, dark corridor. The air was musty, filled with the scent of decay. I coughed, covering my mouth with my hand.

I looked around, trying to get my bearings. The corridor stretched out in both directions, lined with doors. I had no idea which one led to freedom.

But I wouldn’t find out just by standing.

I started to move, my heart pounding in my chest. I tried each door, but they were all locked. I was trapped.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps. Heavy, deliberate footsteps. My heart sank.

Him.

I spun around, trying to find a place to hide. But there was nowhere. The corridor was empty, except for me.

I stood frozen, my eyes fixed on the approaching figure. The towering man with an imposing figure emerged from the shadows, his eyes fixed on me.

His piercing green eyes bore holes into my forehead, and he looked almost intimidating– scratch that, he looked absolutely terrifying.

"You're a clever girl, I'll give you that," he said, his low and menacing voice sensing chills down my spine. "But you're not clever enough."

He reached out, grabbing my arm. I tried to struggle, but he held me firm.

Fear gripped my being and I tried to yank my hand out of his hold. “You killed him. You killed that man. Let me go!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, hoping anyone passing would hear.

Instead of being threatened by my screams, he only looked irritated. “And I’ll put a bullet through your head if you keep screaming like that, little piece of s**t,” he growled.

"Let me go!" I spat, trying to kick him.

He chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, I don't think so," he said, dragging me back down the corridor.

I stumbled, trying to keep up with him. We passed through a door, into a bright, sunlit room. I blinked, blinded by the light.

As my eyes adjusted, I saw that we were in a luxurious bedroom. The bed was massive, the furniture ornate. I spotted a door, slightly ajar.

"Welcome to my home," he said like he hadn’t just threatened to drain the life out of me seconds ago, then released my arm. "You'll be staying here... from now.”

“What do you mean from now?” I eyed him suspiciously.

He looked like he was contemplating replying or not, but in the end, he did. “You see, the thing is, you saw something you shouldn’t have. It’s either you remain her, or you walk out of this house and get killed. This is your safest bet.”

“You!” I pointed an accusing finger at him, and my eyes were wide like I had gone crazy, but I didn’t care. “You and your friends killed an innocent man!” I yelled.

“Innocent?” He scoffed.

“Just you wait. Wait until my father finds me. He’ll burn down this place with you in it!” I screamed.

The hulk of a man didn’t even look phased by my words. He simply raised an amused eyebrow. “So why isn’t he here yet?”

“I’m sure he’s searching for me. He has all the connections in this state, and he’ll definitely find me in minutes!”

“You’re really dumb, aren’t you?” He said under his breath and shook his head. “You’ve been here for 18 hours. Your daddy isn’t coming for you. Suck it up!” He barked.

I stumbled at his words. 18 hours? How was that possible?

With one glance at him, I realized what he was playing at. He was trying to get under my skin, but I wouldn’t let him.

I spun around, trying to make a run for the door. But he was too quick. He caught me, holding me firm.

"Don't try to escape again," he warned, his eyes glinting with danger. "You won't like the consequences."

I glared at him, my heart pounding with fear. What did he want from me? Why was I here?

And then, I saw it. A small, discreet camera, tucked away in the corner of the room. I realized, with a jolt of horror, that I was being watched.

"Who are you?" I spat, trying to struggle free.

His lips curled into a sinister smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm the one who's going to keep you safe," he said, his voice dripping with menace.