Chapter 3
1320 Words
Chapter 3
Blood in Paradise
“I’m dead.”
He left in an instant that I didn’t had time to analyze what was really happening.
I stood there, stunned and confused.
He’s someone I should stay away from. My sister threw me to the lion’s den and I had no idea.
“Vivienne… what are you planning?”
The question pulsated my head but the gunfire distracted my thoughts. I didn’t realize that I was visibly shaken that I had to sit down.
In the corner of the room I sat on the ground, hugging both of my knees calming myself down.
I’ve heard about this kind of person and I know that they’re not the people you just messed with.
But I’m stronger than I look. I’m not weak, and I can do this.
“I know I’ll regret this but curiosity got over me.”
I stood up, legs still shaking and palms sweating but I walked with confidence up to the balcony.
This is dangerous but I had to see it for myself.
When I reached the balcony I hid there in the corner, ducking and watching from up there.
My mouth opened. Multiple men were fighting and some were shot mercilessly. My heart and head pounding as I look for Damian.
He stood among the crowd with a gun in his hand. Shooting with no hesitation and mercy. He then caught one of the men.
Laying on the ground blood coming out of its mouth, Damian stood proudly and put his feet on his chest. I could feel the pain from the man as he stump on him while uttering this words with gritted teeth.
“Tell your boss to stay out of my territory before I kill all of you.” The man grunt. “Answer me!”
Danger. Heartless.
I know how stubborn, hardheaded, and powerful he already is but this is on another level. He kills people… while I save them.
I wanted to run to save those injured men, but fear got to me. My hands are aching to save them but the thought of my mom being in danger when I’ll get myself in trouble and die… I can’t let that happen.
“Y-yes.” He coughs, blood gushing out of his arm.
He took a look with his men and slowly the gun fire died down and as I look around I caught him looking at me.
His grinning ear to ear, arms crossed with blood on his arms and some of his clothes. “Did you enjoy the show, little dove?”
My heart roared… it wasn’t all fear.
I couldn’t bring myself to speak. I just stared at him, I don’t know if I’m hallucinating but I think I saw his eyes soften but only for a second.
Before he could say anything else I stood up with wobbling legs and ran to my room… where I’ll be safe.
I doubt that but it’s the only place I could hide… and be alone.
I ran without looking back but a hand caught me. My body shakes as I slowly raise my head to look at the person. I could smell him, the blood and his cologne mixed together.
With only a second I looked at him and immediately looked away… seeing his face.. hands with blood. I didn’t know how to react.
I see blood all the time, this shouldn’t scare me so why am I visibly shaken? Maybe because I saw how he got those.
His hands gripping tightly to my shoulders. His thumb brushing my face softly… smearing a trace of blood on my skin. “W-what are you-”
“Shh.” Damian pinned me against the wall. “Why are you scared? You’ve seen this scene a thousand times… Vivienne.”
I wanted to scream and tell him that I’m not my sister. I had nothing to do with what they’re fighting. I just got dragged into this world that I never knew existed.
I just want to go home.
I just want to be with my mother… who needs me by her side.
“Y-you’re right, this shouldn’t affect me.” I tried to pull away from him but his grip was tight. “But I’m in an unfamiliar place… with an enemy, do you expect me to feel safe?”
He laughed. “This is unlike you.” His touch teasing. “The Vivienne I know would have used this as an opportunity to escape.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“People change, Damian. Out of all people, you should know that.” I give all of my strength to push him away.
I don’t know if I had gotten stronger or my words gave him a big blow but I was able to escape his cage.
“I should have known that.” He whispered to himself.
I was walking away when his words threw me off. He almost sound vulnerable… but why do I care? I shouldn’t, he’s a mad man and a dangerous person.
I closed my eyes tightly as I faced him once again.
His eyes were full of emotions but his face remained stoic. He looks so strong on the outside but if you get to have a good look at his eyes… you could see how soft and vulnerable he is… and I hate that I could see right through him.
“Do you really know who I am, Viv? Because I don’t.”
He’s confusing me… why is he suddenly opening up to me? This is unlikely for a man who is dominant and powerful. They just don’t show their weakness this easily.
“You know yourself better than anyone.”
“No.” His eyes were soft as he stared at me. “Some of us just act strong for the greater good.” He tried to reach out but I shook my head… realizing what he’s doing.
“Hey. Don’t do that. Don’t appear helpless. That’s not going to work on me!” I snapped.
He laughed. “I thought I almost got you.” My jaw dropped. “Don’t take me too lightly, Viv. You’ll pay for the debt with your body… you’re life, you’re everything.” he glared.
My head and heart were pounding as he slowly closed the distance between us and I just snapped.
“I’m not Vivienne!” The words came out before I could stop them.
Damian wasn’t surprised, instead he smirked. “Finally.”
He knew? How? Why?
My breath hitched as his smirk widened, slow and knowing, like a predator that had finally cornered its prey.
“You never looked at me the way she did,” Damian said quietly. No anger. No surprise. Just certainty. “Vivienne always looked at me like she owned me… you look at me like you’re trying to survive me.”
My throat tightened. I didn’t answer. I couldn’t.
He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Different heartbeat. Different fear. Same face.” His eyes flicked over me, sharp and observant. “You hesitate when people bleed. She never did.”
My fists clenched at my sides. “Then why keep pretending you didn’t know?” I whispered. “Why trap me here?”
His expression darkened, something unreadable passing through his eyes. “Because if I exposed you too soon,” he said, “you wouldn’t have lasted a night in this place.”
I swallowed hard.
“Welcome to paradise,” Damian murmured, stepping back just enough to let me breathe. “Blood-soaked, beautiful… and now you’re part of it.”
As he turned away, his final words followed me like a curse.
“And trust me,” he said, glancing over his shoulder, “the moment the world finds out who you really are—this was the last moment you’ll ever be innocent.”
- Writer
