Chapter 6

[XAVIER]

Asshóle.

I feel like a fucking asshole. How could I have been so naive and foolish to expect her to act normally after I abducted her? She’s a hostage for god’s sake! The thought of what she must be going through under my captivity makes me want to punch a wall. I loathe myself for putting her through this ordeal.

Every second, the weight of my guilt crushes me as I remember that I am the one responsible for her abduction. It was my decision to take her. I should have known better. But now, I have to live with the consequences of my actions.

I can’t get her out of my head, especially the moment I saw her at the airport. She was like a breath of fresh air, a stunning sight that took my breath away. But now, I have caged her in this miserable existence, and I can’t bear the thought of what I have done to her.

A small backpack was draped over her shoulders, delicate fingers gripping it tightly. She appeared lost and timid, and from what I could tell, even a bit frightened. It was as if she was seeing the world for the first time, both awed and intimidated by it. Despite the moderate crowd, she bumped into several people, muttering apologies in a panicked tone. Her blue eyes widened with wonder and appeared fascinated with everything around her.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, and for a moment, I thought I must be hallucinating. How else could such an incredible coincidence be possible?

Without wasting a second, I contacted my assistant, Johnson, and instructed him to gather as much information as he could about her. Once he had compiled a report, I immediately sent it to Michael, a trusted family friend who had always been my father’s confidant. Michael was the only person who could persuade Vladimir to help me without creating any unnecessary drama.

For as long as I have known him, Michael has been fiercely loyal to our family. During our father’s reign as leader of the mafia organization, Michael was his trusted right-hand man. He served our family for years and was responsible for saving our father’s life on numerous occasions. His unwavering devotion to both our family and business earned him immense respect and recognition.

An honor every soldier in this organization takes earnestly.

An honor that only a few truly earn.

Vladimir is a lost cause; he hates me and blames me for ruining his life. I’m tired of trying to prove my innocence and have struggled for years to make him see things from my perspective, hoping he would finally understand. However, we can’t change what happened, so why is he so fixated on the past when there’s so much to look forward to?

Regardless, I couldn’t care less now that Zarina is here. And even though Vladimir is the one who brought her, how dare he keep her in that Red Room, the “fùck room”?

Dumbass!

Sometimes, I feel like he does that on purpose, just to get on my nerves. Ugh!

After settling Zarina in her new room, I hurry downstairs to the dining area. There are some tasks that need my attention before the news of her arrival spreads throughout the mansion. I cannot afford any complications with my plan. Until the situation with the police settles down, I need to ensure that Zarina is comfortable here, and that nothing adds to her already miserable circumstances.

“Rose!” I call out for the head maid, who has been in our family’s employment for the past two decades.

“Yes, Master?” she responds, hurrying over from the kitchen.

“I want Zarina to be served breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the master bedroom. Ensure that she is comfortable and her needs are taken care of, but make sure she doesn’t get too attached to anyone. If necessary, appoint a new maid for her. You know what happens when servants get too attached to the owners, don’t you?” I give her a curt look, something that should remind her of some unpleasant experiences in the past.

“Understood, Master. We hired a new maid last week named Lizzy, who is unaware of the family’s history, as per your preference. I’ll make sure she follows orders and doesn’t get too involved.”

“Excellent. Now, get to work. She must be famished,” I command.

“Yes, Master,” Rose replies with a nod before rushing back to the kitchen. Two young maids trail behind her.

I take a deep breath and slide my hands into my pockets.

You’re not wrong, Zarina. There is something I desire from you. But what, when, and how? You’ll find out soon enough.

Very soon.