CHAPTER 4.

A fresh and cold wind passed through her body. Mind felt at ease and amused by the fresh aroma, she just came out of the cab along with Amy when a breeze touched her.

A tickling session rose in her whole body. Pure fear was taking a huge place in her heart because she knows, something was waiting for her inside the art gallery.

The Art Gallery.

Where she wanted to visit and was eager to feel the strong stone walls of it- now when she was standing in front of the building it felt empty.

When she heard the news about the building of an art gallery she was dying of excitement but it seemed hollow. Chatting sounds were clear enough to hear and she felt a rush around her. People were eager to get in but guards were checking the pass and invitation cards.

"Let's go, Dianna. " Amy held her hand and walked on the long pathway along with the people. She was getting nervous now, her forehead was sweaty- the band-aid surely got wet, but her hijab was hiding the clue of her getting hurt.

Her hair was caged in a delicate hairpin. She didn't apply any makeup even though Amy was sulking about that.

Her small face was gleaming in a red dress and hijab, she did not dare deny his gift.

Her hand was under the grip of Amy when she heard a huge and ordinary sound of cracking. Like something open and that time, Amy hissed. " Oh! My God. It's damn. Even the door looks like a piece of art. Dianna. " She heard Amy whisper in her ear, she wanted to know each detail but Amy walked forward and gasped.

" Oh! My God. " It wasn't only Amy's voice but the people who entered gasped union. Only if she could see. A pang rose in her heart and her stomach clenched when she kept her feet matching with Amy who was walking around with wide eyes.

" So beautiful. It's fucking heaven. " She took Allah's name under her breath when Amy cursed. She could feel the excitement of people as each passing time, they were gasping, and chatting was getting high and high.

" Ladies and gentlemen. Attention, please. " A manly cheerful voice echoed and they all paused. A man with a bright face was standing at the stairs holding a mic. " This young man's name is Alvord Qin. "

" Oh! My God. He's so handsome. " Amy murmured to Dianna but she tried to concentrate on the words the man was saying.

" I'm glad to see you all in this art gallery. It's not mine, don't even suspect it. " A chuckle echoed at his joke and he joined them before adding. " But I'm a painter too so don't take it easy. " Another wave of a laugh. "Anyway, Welcome to the art gallery. We all appreciate your visit. Make yourself comfortable and see the beauty of this gallery. Thank you, everyone. Have fun for my sake. " A wave of clapping and exciting sounds swathed the whole gallery and it faded as Alvord walked away with his bright smile.

Everyone started to roam around like ghosts. Staring at each piece of art.

" Look at this one. " One man whispered to someone. " It's a piece I want for my house. " She sighed, slightly wishing she could see the beauty they witnessed.

" What's the name of the artist? I never heard the owner's name. " A woman hissed at someone and then followed with a sigh. " Don't know, no one knows his name, few people got to see him. But I'm damn sure he's handsome. "

" I can bet too. Just look at this painting. I'm wondering what those hands are capable of doing more than using the brushes. " It was a husky and shameless voice.

Taking Allah's name she walked forward not wanting to hear the vulgar talk more, it was enough to make her red. Don't wanna add more.

They were walking around the gallery when she felt a strange gaze over her. It was a familiar gaze and a familiar feeling. She was being watched.

" Why is this room locked? " She heard Amy ask but someone else.

" It's a personal room for the owner. Where his favorite portrait is present. He doesn't want to display it. You can have fun by looking at other precious paintings, My Lady. " The manly- surely a guard replied politely.

" Ok! " With a small disappointed pout, Amy turned on her heels but she was still standing on the place facing straight as she imagined the door. " Come, Dianna. " Amy held her hand and started dragging her to the other side of the gallery.

It was only Amy who was having fun meanwhile she was just walking around along with her, hearing her gasps and excitement. She wished Amy would just try to give her a small grief of narration. Maybe it makes her overwhelmed.

Disappointingly, it was already time to go and she sighed in annoyance when a man announced. The art gallery is going to seal for the owner's issues.

Everyone let out a disappointed groan but started to make their way out when they heard a man say to Amy. " Miss. Amy Oliver? " It was a normal but deep voice.

" Yes? " Amy smiled at the unknown man.

" Hello! It's Jon. I have been sent to give you a ride back to your house. " It made Amy furrowed.

" It's a pleasure but why and who asked? " Amy's voice was small but suspicious.

" I don't know, I just told to give you a ride. Let's go, it's safe. " Amy looked at her best friend who was furrowing too.

" Fine, but I would like you to call my father first. " Amy wasn't a fool to fall so easily.

" I already gave him a call, he doesn't mind. Come. " With that, he showed her way. She shrugged and was about to walk away with Dianna when he interrupted. " Only you Miss. Amy. Another driver will give your friend back home. Don't worry. "

" What? I can't leave her here. She's my responsibility. " Dianna's heart felt warm with her statement.

" Believe me, it's safe. " But she narrowed her eyes and took out her phone to call her father. After three rings her father attended, she talked with him and he sounds fine with it. She kept her eyes on the man from the corner.

Finally, taking a deep breath she disconnected the call and looked at Diana who was facing here and there in confusion. " Are you fine with it? "

" I guess if your father says then it's safe and it's dark already. You go, I'll come after you in another car. " She smiled and felt a hard squeeze on her hand.

" Fine, take care. Tomorrow's an off day so take a rest at home. " She nodded at Amy.

" This way, Miss. Amy. " The same voice interrupted them.

" Ok! Bye. Sweetheart. " With a last squeeze, she felt the warm vanish and steps were getting faded as Amy left with the man.

She was standing at the center of the gallery, not knowing each person had taken his leave. The silence started scaring her, but she kept waiting for the man mentioned.

Her hand clutched the gown in a tight grip when silence felt awkward. " Is there anyone? " She asked, not believing she was alone there. " Hello? " But nothing came in return. " Did they lock me here? " With a panicked face, she started walking but had no idea where the exit door was.

" Excuse me? I'm stuck here? " She swallowed when her voice returned to her ear. " Oh! Allah. " She started searching for the exit door but her hand only met cold walls.

" Hello? Is there anyone? " Now it was all she could take. " HELP! " She shouted at the top of her lungs. " HELP ME! " She could feel the hot and flat tears falling. Her cheeks started to get soaked with the content. She didn't try to hold her sobs and cried loudly, recklessly chanting for help.

" SOMEBODY HELP ME!! "

" Enough. " Her blood dried in her veins and her chest started to go up and down in sync due to heavy breaths. " You really don't have mercy on your throat, have you? " It was the cold tone that made her cry.

" Stop crying now. " She heard his approaching steps and she leaned backward holding her hands up in a defensive position. A small and amused chuckle left his mouth.

" Come here, " He didn't give a shit about her horror and mere breaths, blue face in lack of oxygen. Clasping her forearm he was about to drag when she jerked his hand.

" Don't touch me. " It was loud and demanding. Her intense tone surely teased the wrong wire because his blood was boiling in his veins.

" I can't promise. Cupcake. Now, let's go. I'll show you around and you can take as much time as you want. We've all night for your cries. " With that, he again grabbed her wrist but this time it was so rough she let out a hiss.

" From where do you want to start, sweetheart? " He asked casually but she was literally on the floor in the struggle to free herself.

" Leave me. I said, leave me you..." She didn't want to curse him because it wasn't a good thing neither she was a fool to hurt his man-ego.

" Me what? Cupcake? " He pulled her up who was ready to free herself even if she had to sit on the floor.

" Why are you calling me this? I'm not a cupcake. " She shouted, only if she could see how he smiled seeing her glowing red face in the red dress.

He was obsessed with RED.

The way she groaned a while ago like a lion, the same way she became a cat when he leaned closer with his nose almost touching hers. " Because you smell like baked cakes. " She clutched the place where he was gripping her and jerked it away harshly.

Her nails dug into her flesh in the process and blood oozed from the small scratches.

" I said, don't touch me. " It was a warning with her eyes pouring out lava.

" Or else? " She stiffed when he stepped closer and her chest pressed against someone hard, his bold chest. Before she could back off he wrapped his arms, like iron around her waist just above her hips.

" What are you do-ing? It's wrong. Don't you know it's Haram? " She grabbed both of his arms which were getting tight around her thin waist.

" Everything is right. " He spoke in a husky voice near her ear, and a pure shiver run down her spine. Blood was frozen in their way to run through the small tunnels.

" It's a sin. " Her voice was getting hoarse and a sob left her mouth. Her heart was cut into pieces, with the feeling of a man touching her unappreciated way.

" Oh! cupcake. You get it now what I really am. " His hand went towards her hijab and he unpinned it, not taking her struggles on his way.

" No. Please." She cried, pushing him back and resting her palm on his chest. Making distance but her hijab was already on the floor. Her heart shattered and the remaining pieces fell with a thud when he whispered in her ear.

" I'm a sinner. " He brushed his long finger in her wavy and thick brownish threads. " Don't worry, we're alone. So, you can walk around without your hijab. It's too hot for you to wear it. " But he was stiff, there was a long pause when her hair was brushed back by him.

" How did you get this? " He asked in a raspy voice, she had to take a few seconds to gain attention to what he was talking about then it hit her. The band-aid.

" I-I fell " She stuttered and swallowed.

" How? " It was a cold tone like he was angry with her for being so careless.

" The floor was wet and I forgot about it. " She didn't even know why she was explaining to him.

" I'm leaving you this time but next time be careful. " She turned her face away feeling too ashamed to be in front of him without her hijab.

She was trembling but as soon he left her body she fell on her knees in search of her hijab. Shame was soaking her in, her hair was bare to the eyed. Not to forget her gown was tight and her front curves were on display for him to figure out what her size could be.

" Leave it. Cupcake. I'm telling you, it's nothing. You can be without it with me. " But she grabbed the hijab from the floor which she hardly found, and was about to hide her hair when he snatched it.

" I'm not letting you wear this. Do whatever you want. " His nose flared, and thick lips pressed together.

" I'm feeling uncomfortable without it. I'm not supposed to be here in the first place and you are taking my dignity. " She cried, wrapping her arms around her chest and lowering her head. Hair was falling on her back and front, they were stuck with a delicate hairpin.

" Fine, only I'll let you cover yourself but from the chest. " A sigh followed after the cold tone and then she felt the cold silk had been thrown on her front. She wore it over her chest covering carefully.

" Now, let's go. We already waited a long time. " She jerked the hand again which was about to hold her. She could feel the heat of burning, like his remaining ego was on edge and groaning at her, daring her to press more pressure on his orders.

" Where and why? " She stepped back, maintaining a decent distance but it was useless because he was again close enough to absorb her scent which was fresh like baked cake.

" To show you around. I know you wanted to see it. "

" But the owner might become angry...." Her low voice was cut by his irritating one.

" Cupcake, I'm the owner. " Thunderstorm hits her head as her head snaps up at him like she could see him with those big eyes.

" You're the famous painter all the town was talking about. " It was a statement, not a question.

" Don't talk about town, but yeah I'm a great painter. Each piece of art is my effort and the magic of these fingers. " Cold fingers brushed her forearm and she felt current pass through her body. She jolts back, making him smirk.

" Come, this place is all yours. " He was about to hold her hand but sighed and held the hem of her sleeve. She didn't complain this time when he dragged her into one spot.

" Here. I'll start with this piece. This painting is about peace and I never like to give names so forget it. Come here. " He dragged her even close to the painting by her sleeve. " Hold up. " With furrow, she held her hand up and her fingers felt a fabric smooth yet slightly rough, but it was curved up. " You can feel it. "

Her hand felt a warm hand over her when he helped her to trace the whole curve of the painting. A small smile touches her lips and mesmerized by the scene.

" Do you wanna know what colors I used? " His breaths were fanning her neck, but she didn't take notice. Her eyes just widen in curiosity instead of asking.

" Blue, a yellow, green, and slight gray shade over the sky. " He took her hand over the part where colors were glinting their beauty. " Here, olive green. " He was telling her, surprisingly softly and she was curious to know more.

Like this he took her to each painting and made her hand feel each curve of it, telling the colors and its meaning.

" What green color indicates? " She asked, not knowing how it looks. How bright the color is.

" It's a fresh and natural color, which represents life. It also indicates hope for a better life. " He explained. She memorized each word he was telling her, like a death note. It was the first time when someone was telling her about colors. Eden was the only one who used to tell her how colors feel and glow.

" Are you hungry? " He asked in a monotone. Her throat dried even though she gulped twice but it remained dry. She shook her head but the rumbling sound announced loud enough to make her wish, the earth opened and swallowed her in.

" Come, let's have something to eat. " He held her sleeve again but she stopped him, but there was hesitation on her face.

" You showed me the whole art gallery except that room, what's there? " She pointed in one direction but it was the portion of the exit, the room she was talking about was on her left.

" It's personal. " He whispered but the voice was tough, she nodded.

" Now you can wear the hijab from the head. The waitress and other men will be there for serving. It's outside and the weather is cold there, you'll be fine. " She hurriedly wore the hijab neatly like she was dying to do it. She felt his intense gaze over her but she avoided it.

She didn't want to say it, but he was right about how it was hot. Sweat droplets already started to soak her forehead.

His hand went to her small back when he led her way, she had tried to jerk it off but nothing was useful.

She felt herself going out in his lead, as a cold breeze touched her pale cheeks. He was right, it was even better here. Fresh and sweet air filled her nostrils.

" This way. " He grabbed the same place of the sleeve and dragged her with him. " Be careful, cupcake. " He whispered, finally stopping at a certain place. " Here. Sit. " She sat on the chair where he asked.

" I'm right here, " She just nodded, and he backed off. She could feel someone else's presence too when he dismissed them. " You all can go now. No! Leave it, I'll do it. " He ordered the man who was about to serve her.

When they were all alone, he came closer and poured her food on the plate but telling her what was where. " Here, sauce. Here the meat..." He explained everything, only receiving tiny nods.

The tension was as normal as an ice cube, surprisingly natural. Like he just didn't threaten her to come here wearing the dress he sent, not to mention- how many times he had stalked her.

It was oddly comfortable for her, but deep down she was scared. Her sixth sense told her, she shouldn't be here in the first place.

His dark observing gaze wasn't the only thing bothering her along with the thought. The embers of fear had taken place in her heart towards him. She was all alone with a man, having her dinner at this hour.

She needs to run away.

She has to.

Her facial expressions were changing with each passing thought. Her spoon was circling the rim of the plate, she had lost her appetite, with the reminder she needed to go.

" Cupcake. " That oddly sweet nickname sparked the rage in her veins again. " Don't. " A desperate raspy tone. She waited for him to complete. " Don't even think about it. I'll drop you at your home but for now, just keep your mind on your plate. " An order she didn't want to obey.

A rush of nervousness dissolved in her blood and sweat beads appeared on her forehead beneath the hijab, soaking it.

" I need to go. " She found her voice too small and her head dipped forwards, in fear. How the gaze shifted the emotion, from cold to dangerous desperate one, she could feel it over her.

" As I said a while ago. For now, eat up and I'll drop you safely. Don't make it hard, Cupcake. "

" I can't stay any longer. You threatened me so come, now let me go. It's late. " Her eyes gathered the salty water and they were about to break down.

" What is the rush for? Hmm? What are you afraid of? " He seems more arrogant and cruel. She was silent, evenly breathing. " Just do as I say, who knows I might do the things you're afraid of. " Her breath caught in her throat. With wide eyes which were nearly popping out of her sockets, her head snapped up. " Think wisely, Cupcake before disobeying me. "

Empathizing her to choke her saliva, he doubted she was even breathing. " Dinner is getting cold, cupcake. Eat up. " It was already cold but his tone sounded even cold.

" Huh? " She was still processing what he had said, the last line had gone above her head.

" The dinner. Sweetheart. " He repeated taking a bit of salad but whisky eyes were glued on the fragile who shivered with the mere thought of what he mentioned.

She nodded, eagerly. Not minding her trembling hands and digging everything in. It was obvious the faster she will finish the dinner the closer she will get to the door to cross and leave him.

In less than ten minutes, she was done with the glass emptied in one go. She didn't say anything, but her big eyes in his direction-like they could see him- were holding hope. An unasked question, Can we go now?

A long and sharp sigh was heard by her, along with the shifting sound of the chair. He stood up not even giving a single stare to his half-eaten food.

" Let's go, Cupcake. " She was so happy to leave, didn't notice the voice was soaking with disappointment and sadness.

After the ride back home, she maintains a distance from him. It was suffocating to be with him in the same car. Her lungs were contrasting with each breath but more of the breath she intakes was an intoxicating scent. Rich, expensive, and fresh.

She didn't even turn at his side the whole damn way, like this, the short trip paced the length of its distance and they were in front of her home.

She got out of the car before he could come back to her side to open the door for her. Another sigh but this time, the murderous gaze was lingering on her.

" You're dying to be far from me, don't you? " He whispered almost as slowly as the air hummed around them. She just turned around after climbing two stairs of the porch. She was trying to open the damn lock with her trembling hands when felt a hot breath brush the back of her neck passing through the layer of the cloth she was wearing.

" But it doesn't matter. " She swallowed, fingers crawling on the knob of the door. " It's already late for you to make a run. Cupcake. I've reached the point where I can't let you go. Not even your wildest dream, it's going to happen. Because once if I want something then in the end it has to be mine. " She felt his right arm brush her cheek when he rested it on the door that she was facing. He leaned closer, not taking her panic state any note until his chest pressed her back and his lips came near her ear which was hiding beneath the layer of cloth.

" I dare you to change the fact that you're mine. You can't run away from me. " The way he whispered the word, ME was something like a reminder she has been running away from everything. It was true, she always ran away.

From her past.

From her family.

From her future.

She felt the gag of emotion rolling into her throat when her voice blocked into her mouth. " Get inside and lock the door before I become something you won't like to meet. " She felt her head tilted forth when he kissed her head. Her fingers ached with her grip on the wooden knob.

The heat vanished from her behind as he backed off. " Now. " It was a firm tone and almost sounded like shouting. With a harsh jerk, she twisted the door and got it, shutting the door with a loud thud.