8. Escape

Janet was standing by the window, lost in thought when the sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted her. As she turned, she saw a man sitting on the couch, cross-legged and reading a magazine.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Janet shrieked and Sebastian smiled, looking up at her.

“I came to see you, sweetheart!” He smiled, set the book aside, and walked over to her. “I’m glad you’re fine!” He reached out to hug her, but she pushed him back.

“Don’t!” Her eyes narrowed as she glared at him, causing him to take a step back and raise his hands defensively.

“I deeply regret the pain you have suffered! But you know, right, that I won’t ever try to hurt intentionally?”

Janet’s lips curled into a smirk. “You won’t hurt me? The man who has hurt me the most is claiming to never hurt me intentionally. You still think I’m still naïve?”

“Why do you always misunderstand me?” Sebastian pressed his lips.

“I don’t want to understand you, Sebastian Genovese! Get the fuck out of here or I’ll get you arrested!” she glared at him.

It was Sebastian’s time to smirk. “You can’t do that to me!”

Janet’s phone beeped in her hospital gown, and she took it out to check. “Keith is going to be here in ten minutes. I hope you stay!” She sat on the bed with a winning smile.

“Of course, princess!” Sebastian watched Janet with a strange look, making her increasingly uneasy. Then, just as time was running out, he got up to go.

“Leaving so soon, sweetheart?” Janet lifted an eyebrow.

“Actually, I’m not in the mood to kill anyone today.” He winked at her and closed the door on his way out.

***

The sight that greeted Cara upon reaching her apartment was a door that burst open, followed by her roommate, Meghan, who appeared to be fuming with anger.

“Is everything alright, Meghan?”

“Two men with guns broke into the house and asked about you. They turned the house upside down. Rest, everything is wonderful!” Meghan’s sarcastic smile turned into a sneer as Cara scanned the room.

‘Indeed, everything was a complete mess.’

Cara turned to apologize, but Meghan’s angry retort left her speechless. “Not a word! Pack your bags and get out. God knows what illegal stuff you’re involved in! I don’t want any troubles in my life.”

Her firm statement made Cara pale. “Meghan, please don’t do this to me! I’ve nowhere to go!” she pleaded. “I lost my job! Please don’t be so heartless. You’ve supported me a lot in the past.”

“And that was my biggest mistake! I’m done. It scared the shit out of me when they barged in with guns in their hands?” Meghan widened her eyes. “Just leave the house or I’ll call the cops to escort you out!”

“Cop… It must be Keith! He must be the one - who else would come into the house with a gun?” Cara thought to herself.

“Okay, allow me some time to pack my things,” she requested. Tears flowed down her cheeks as Meghan silently retreated to her bedroom.

Cara wiped her tears. She felt worn out by everything, but resolved to persevere. In a flurry, she moved to her room and packed her clothes scattered on the floor.

Before leaving, she took one last glance around the room. Her gaze eventually rested on the painting she had made in memory of her parents, and she walked towards it.

“I’m not taking you both with me, as I know my journey is going to be hard from here, and you’ll be sad to see me miserable.”

“But I’ll come back to take you with me as soon as I find a place to stay!” she promised them with a heavy heart, and as she exited the room, she felt a wave of anger toward Keith.

Keith was sound asleep when the doorbell rang. He groaned and covered his face with a pillow, but the visitor’s incessant doorbell ringing eventually coerced him to leave the bed.

Keith opened the door, only to find Janet standing outside, holding a basket in which a small puppy was looking at him with wide eyes.

“Who is he?” Keith glanced up at Janet.

“This is Milo!” Janet had a wide grin as she introduced them. “Milo, this is your mate, Keith!”

Keith rolled his eyes in exasperation before heading inside, and Janet trailed behind him. “Say hi to Milo!”

“Why is he here?”

“Um... I was in the car thinking about your birthday gift when my beautiful eyes spotted a dog adoption center and I decided to get you a furry friend!” Janet’s grin irked Keith.

“Wanna know what the best part is?” Janet smiled. “According to the women at the adoption center, Milo remains still and eats silently, never engaging in any activity. He is the most miserable dog in their center.” As she lovingly petted Milo, Keith’s eyebrows knitted together.

“What was the best part, Janet?”

“That he isn’t the most miserable dog. You’re more miserable than him!” She exclaimed. “I believe he will enjoy your company! And who knows, he might come out of his depressive state watching you!”

“Take him to your house!”

Janet frowned at Keith’s nonchalant comment. “It’s your birthday present! You can’t say no!”

Keith gave her a stern glare. “Janet, I work sixteen hours a day! I hardly have time to look at myself in the mirror. How on earth am I supposed to care for a puppy?”

“But I can’t take him home!” Janett countered.

“Then return him to the adoption center!” He retorted.

“You’re so heartless, Keith!” Janet shook her head. “Look at this small baby. He needs to see that the world has more miserable dogs than him and you’re just perfect for him.”

Keith clenched his jaws. “Alright, I need to head out for a doctor’s appointment.” She rose from the couch, kissed Milo, and walked to the door.

Keith followed her, and Milo, sensing her departure, jumped down from the couch and trailed behind. “Janet, you can’t be serious! What the fuck are you...” Before Keith could finish, she left and shut the door in his face.

Dumbfounded, Keith stood frozen in place, his gaze slowly shifting to Milo, who was staring back at him with a wagging tail. “Come on, buddy! It looks like we’ll be spending a lot of time together,” he said with a resigned smile, and Milo followed him inside.

“Would you like to join me over a glass of wine?”

***

“I’m sorry, Sandra! But I’ll quickly find a place.” Cara dragged her suitcase to her apartment.

“It’s alright. We have a spare room. You can crash for however long you want.”

“When will you be back?” Cara asked nervously.

“In a week! Okay, I’m hanging up, Mama is calling. Don’t worry, Rob will take good care of you!” Sandra hung up abruptly.

Just as Cara was about to ring the bell, Rob opened the door before her. Cara’s enchanting beauty spellbound him, and his gaze remained fixed on her.

“Hi!” It was the first time she had met Rob, Sandra’s boyfriend.

“Hey, come in!” Rob greeted Cara at the door of their modest apartment and ushered her inside. “Let me help you!” As he took her luggage inside, their fingers brushed against each other. “May I get you something to drink?”

“No,”

“Are you alright? You’re sweating!”

Cara’s forehead glistened with sweat, and she wiped it with the back of her hand. “I’m exhausted! Could you show me to my room?”

“Sure,” Rob said as he stood up from the couch and they made their way to the spare room. He opened the door and Cara walked in with her luggage. “What would you like to have for dinner?”

“Thanks, but I just wanna hit the hay. I’ve had a rough day.”

“I see. Hit me up if you need anything.” He gave her a wink and sauntered out, closing the door behind him. Cara changed into something cozy and wrapped up her night with silent weeping.

The next morning,

She was looking for a hoodie in her bag when her eyes landed on the golden belly dance coin belt.

She took out the coin belt, and a wave of nostalgia washed over her. Her father was initially against it, but he eventually gave in when he saw how much joy it brought her.

Cara stood back on her feet and looked at herself in a mirror. She wore the coin belt around her waist and quickly pulled her long hair into a bun. She bunched up her t-shirt in a knot and played Darbuka Drums, a belly dance music on her phone.

Her eyes were gradually closing as she was getting into the vibe and immersing herself in the atmosphere. Her body moved like a snake to the beat of the song and in that moment, every misery, every worry, every fight disappeared from her mind.

Unaware of the eyes pinned on her, Cara was in her own world. The music and the jingles of the coins on her waist transported her to a different world where she was allowed to do whatever she wanted, but sadly, the belly dance music ended, and so was her trance.

Slowly opening her eyes, she let out a contented sigh. As she removed the coin belt, her chest was heaving and a beautiful smile appeared on her lips. As she turned, she caught sight of Rob standing by the door, his eyes fixed on her.

“G-good morning!” Cara smiled awkwardly and opened the knot of her t-shirt.

“Feel free! I just came to inform you breakfast is ready,” He smiled.

“Th-thank you! I’ll be there in five minutes,” she said, as Rob turned around to head out. Cara hastily typed a message on her phone and sent it off to some former colleagues before heading out for breakfast.

An enticing aroma hit her nostrils as she reached the kitchen. Coffee, muffins, cheese, bacon, omelet, and orange juice awaited her. Cara widened her eyes in surprise and glanced at Rob.

“This is a lot! Thank you,” she smiled.

“Let’s dig in!” He sat across from her.

Cara took the first bite of the muffins, and an involuntary moan escaped from her lips. She relished every bite of the breakfast and silently blessed Rob in her heart.

“I hope you are enjoying it?” Rob was observing her.

“It’s amazing!” She moaned in delight again, and his cock twitched in response. Rob’s eyes traveled down to her chest, and he tried to guess the size of her boobs under the baggy t-shirt.

“What’s your plan for today?” His eyes snapped back to her face, and the next moment, she got a call.

“Excuse me!” While she was busy speaking on the phone, Rob’s gaze explored her curves.

***

At Police Station,

“I told you. Sebastian wouldn’t stop before killing her!” The chief raised his voice at Keith. “Now look what has happened! He sent his men, and they turned the house upside down, almost scaring the woman. And we don’t know where Cara is!”

Keith pulled a long face. Just last night he checked with his sources and everything was alright. He didn’t know what went wrong. “We’ll find her!” He said. “I’ll ask the department to track her location.”

“Keith, I want this girl safe! Don’t let Sebastian harm her!”

“I’ll make sure she is safe. I’ve other ways to find her!” Keith firmly stated and left in a hurry.

When Cara arrived at Sandra’s apartment late in the evening, she was greeted by the sound of booming music and dim lights. The crowd was drunk as fuck and a couple was making out in the corner. Cara went to the kitchen for water and met Rob.

“Hey, how was the interview?”

“I failed!” Cara pressed her lips.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get another job!” Rob smiled. “Hurry and get ready. Join me at the party!”

“I don’t know anyone.” She tried to refuse, but Rob was in no mood to take no for an answer.

“I won’t hear any of your excuses. Change quickly!” He pushed her into her room.

“Okay!” With a smile on her face, she closed the door behind her and rifled through her bags. All she found was a sleek black mini-dress that would work perfectly for the party.

Brushing her hair and leaving it open, she chose minimal makeup with a nude shade of lipstick. As she stood there, two brawny arms wrapped around her waist from behind.

The sudden contact made Cara flinch. “Let’s have some fun, baby!” While Cara struggled against his muscular arms, Rob whispered in her ear and his lips traveled to kiss her bare shoulder.

“Leave me, Rob!! What are you doing? How did you get in?” She raised her voice.

“This is my house!” He tightens his hold on her.

“You’re Sandra’s boyfriend!! Please, leave me!” She successfully removed his arms, but in the next moment, he grabbed her and forcefully turned her towards him.

“This will be our little secret,” he whispered as he pressed her body against his. Despite Cara’s struggle, he threw her on the bed and hovered over her body.

Cara widened her eyes in shock. “Please, leave me! I beg you!” She pushed him off with a forceful shove.

Agitated, Rob cupped her jaws in a tight grip and glared at her. “No matter if you like it or not, you are going to get it tonight!”

As he leaned in to kiss her, Cara turned her head, causing his lips to brush against her cheek. She noticed a heavy vase on the side table and stretched out her hand.

Rob smirked when she relaxed in his arms and let him leave feathery kisses on her exposed skin. “That’s like a good baby girl!” His husky voice trailed off as something heavy hit the back of his head.

“Get off me!!” Cara shouted as she hit him once more and pushed his weight off her body. She attempted to leave in haste, but Rob caught her by the wrist.

“You bloody slut! Just wait.” Rob never saw it coming as Cara used the vase to strike him in the face, causing him to fall back onto the bed.

Picking up her phone and sling bag, she hurriedly dashed out of the room. She bolted out of the apartment, weaving through the crowd, and exited the building complex, sighing in relief.

Her eyes darted around, searching for her car until they finally rested on the sleek, red vehicle that was her last birthday present from her late father.

Her shivering legs propelled her into the driver’s seat, and she quickly sped away. Hot tears flowed down her cheeks as she drove for an hour until finally pulling over near the park.

Resting her head on the steering wheel, she closed her eyes. She realized she had no shoulder to cry on, no job to sustain, and no money to survive.

She was traumatized, her body was shivering, and out of helplessness, she finally made a choice to end her suffering and made a call to Mike.