TAYLOR MACKENZIE We got to the car and Mark carefully lowered me into it. "Behave," he said and just as immediately as the words came out, he slammed the door shut and got into the driver's seat. The car drove off with two other cars trailing from behind and I wondered what the company was for. "Why are we being followed?" I asked. Mark didn't answer me and I scoffed, he was an asshole. "Do you dispise this place that much?" "Well, from what happened earlier, I think you should have had your answer already." "Listen, trying to escape won't help you. You-" "Don't try to convince me, I'm not staying." "You cannot get away from Mayor, Taylor. No matter how you run, this is his city, it's impossible for you to hide from him and if... If someone helps you escape, that person will be killed. His family, relatives, Mayor will find all of them. So, don't look at us as monsters, we're just trying to save our heads." I exhaled, why should I believe him when they were all loyal.
TAYLOR MACKENZIEI raised brow. "Really?" I asked, standing to my feet and dusting my clothes before leaning on the edge of the bed to support myself. "You seem to know alot about me, Mark. Tell me, what else do you know?""That you want vengeance for Diego Salvatore, whom Mayor killed."I became silent, my defiance faltering as I heard him speak. "I did some research, Taylor. However, fighting Mayor won't give you what you want?"I lowered my gaze, shutting my eyes close. "What must I do?""Do you trust me?" He asked and I looked up at him, meeting his gaze. "Bullshit, I don't even know you." "You don't have to. All you have to say is yes, you don't need to know someone to trust the person." "But I.." I stopped, struggling with the conflicting emotions swirling inside me. "I.." "You should take some time to think about your choices. Mayor’s patience is wearing thin, and if you persist in your escape attempts, the consequences will be severe.”I inhaled. My hands clenching at bot
TAYLOR MACKENZIEMayor dropped the cigar and drink at the same time and stood up. His presence was as commanding as ever, his dark eyes studying me with an inscrutable expression. Mark stepped forward and whispered something into his ears. Mayor's gaze didn't leave me and when Mark was done, he walked away, so did all other guards.I gulped. I didn't like this, why would I be alone with him. He started approaching me with a measured calmness and almost immediately, he spoke. "I trust you’re feeling better?" My fist clenched at both my sides, his voice was smooth but carried an undertone of authority.I gulped again, nodding as my eyes flickered slightly. "Yes, I’m fine.""Good," he said, his gaze piercing. "I heard you tried escaping that's why it happened."I Inhaled deeply. "Yes, that's what happened. I was unlucky this time around, but I know I'll-""You're lucky my mood isn't messed up, Taylor," he cut me. "Today, I got a huge deal, you want to know whom it's from?""I have no
TAYLOR MACKENZIE"How did you get in? I locked the door," I said to Mayor who was on the bed with me. "Are you sure? Well, let's assume you did, this is my house, Taylor. There isn't any room I cannot access."I shifted from him. "What do you want?""Heard you refuse to eat dinner yesterday, so I want you to eat breakfast with me.""I don't want to.""I'm not asking, Taylor. And you know better than to disobey me." He stood up, adjusting his shirt. "Now, Follow me."I watched him leave and hesitated before following him. We arrived at the dining room where a sumptuous breakfast was already laid out. My stomach rumbled immediately and I knew I was really hungry."Seat my dear," he pulled a chair out for me. I hesitated before seating on it and he sat at the opposite end. "Eat up," he said and started eating.I didn't argue with him and immediately started eating, it was delicious and I had been hungry since yesterday. The meal passed in tense silence, with Mayor occasionally glancing
TAYLOR MACKENZIEThe evening was approaching and I knew it was time for the so-called party Mayor wanted me to attend. I'm sure he wanted to parade me and show his friends he conquered the woman Diego thought he could protect and the woman Donovan thought he own.I stood in the balcony, finding a moment of solitude before I would be summoned to start dressing for the party. I inhaled deeply as the cool night air provided a brief respite from the suffocating atmosphere of the mansion and Mayor. I leaned against the railing, lost in thought, when I heard the soft sound of approaching footsteps .On looking, I saw Mark emerging from the shadows, his presence expected."Miss Taylor," Mark said, his tone neutral but curious. "It is time.""Oh," I exclaimed. "Is that so?"He nodded and turned to leave."Mark!" I called, stopping him. He stopped and faced me. "Yes, is there something you want to talk about?" He asked.I inhaled. "Yes, I need to share something with you. A secret."Mark’s ex
TAYLOR MACKENZIEThe days of my life had turned into a cold nightmare, I could still remember the crash, the ruin, everything. The day I lost my father to a terrible accident. My name is Taylor Mackenzie, the daughter to the richest man in Italy, and the strongest mafia leader, Abraham Mackenzie. My grandfather was a wealthy man and controlled a great empire. My father took after him and also developed an empire so great. I grew out of wealth and had a beautiful family. However, everything started breaking apart when a woman showed up with a young boy just my age then. She claimed she had an affair with my father and the boy was the result of it. Father didn't deny it so he wanted to pay them off but she refused to leave, she refused to be paid off and wanted a place in our lives. Mom had a weak heart and suffered a heart attack. Immediately Mom died, dad brought the lady and her son in after a DNA test was carried out, I could remember Jason then, he used to be quiet, innocent but
TAYLOR MACKENZIEThe car ride felt like an eternity for me. I had controlled my bleeding nose and was quiet in the confined space. It wasn't a new thing as Jason and his mother locked me up on several occasions. I felt the car halt to a stop. The truck was opened and the light hit my eyes that I squinted. "You're riding with us," was all I heard before I was dragged from the trunk and pushed into the backseat where Donovan sat. He smiled on seeing me. "You look shitty," he threw a white handkerchief towards me. "Clean all those blood." "What do you want from me?" I asked."I said, clean the fucking blood," he repeated."So what? Are you going to kill me?" I asked defiantly.Suddenly, he grabbed my neck pushing me backwards and slamming my head against the car window. A shout escaped my lips before he slammed his strong palm against it, sealing both my nose."When I talk, you listen, you know why? Because you're my whore and I'mma fucking kill and dispose your carcass where not eve
TAYLOR MACKENZIE"Oh no," I whispered. Emy dropped the tray of steaming food she held on the table and walked back to the kitchen, totally ignoring me. Tears filled my eyes, this was bad. I hurriedly knelt down, parking the glass particles when I got cut. "Oh my God!" I heard the girl exclaim and stand to her feet, her eyes were wide with concern as she immediately reached out to me, her voice soft and kind. "Are you alright?" she asked gently, her hand grasping my trembling fingers."I..I.." I stammered and looked at Mr. Donovan who's stern expression remained unmoved as he regarded me with cold detachment. "Careless," he muttered under his breath, his disapproval palpable. "As always.""I'm sorry, I... I'm sorry," I begged, wondering what he'd do to me next. The girl helped me up, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It was an accident, we all saw it. I'm Olivia by the way. That's my brother, Diego," she introduced but since I was aware the Diego of a guy had been staring at me sin
TAYLOR MACKENZIEThe evening was approaching and I knew it was time for the so-called party Mayor wanted me to attend. I'm sure he wanted to parade me and show his friends he conquered the woman Diego thought he could protect and the woman Donovan thought he own.I stood in the balcony, finding a moment of solitude before I would be summoned to start dressing for the party. I inhaled deeply as the cool night air provided a brief respite from the suffocating atmosphere of the mansion and Mayor. I leaned against the railing, lost in thought, when I heard the soft sound of approaching footsteps .On looking, I saw Mark emerging from the shadows, his presence expected."Miss Taylor," Mark said, his tone neutral but curious. "It is time.""Oh," I exclaimed. "Is that so?"He nodded and turned to leave."Mark!" I called, stopping him. He stopped and faced me. "Yes, is there something you want to talk about?" He asked.I inhaled. "Yes, I need to share something with you. A secret."Mark’s ex
TAYLOR MACKENZIE"How did you get in? I locked the door," I said to Mayor who was on the bed with me. "Are you sure? Well, let's assume you did, this is my house, Taylor. There isn't any room I cannot access."I shifted from him. "What do you want?""Heard you refuse to eat dinner yesterday, so I want you to eat breakfast with me.""I don't want to.""I'm not asking, Taylor. And you know better than to disobey me." He stood up, adjusting his shirt. "Now, Follow me."I watched him leave and hesitated before following him. We arrived at the dining room where a sumptuous breakfast was already laid out. My stomach rumbled immediately and I knew I was really hungry."Seat my dear," he pulled a chair out for me. I hesitated before seating on it and he sat at the opposite end. "Eat up," he said and started eating.I didn't argue with him and immediately started eating, it was delicious and I had been hungry since yesterday. The meal passed in tense silence, with Mayor occasionally glancing
TAYLOR MACKENZIEMayor dropped the cigar and drink at the same time and stood up. His presence was as commanding as ever, his dark eyes studying me with an inscrutable expression. Mark stepped forward and whispered something into his ears. Mayor's gaze didn't leave me and when Mark was done, he walked away, so did all other guards.I gulped. I didn't like this, why would I be alone with him. He started approaching me with a measured calmness and almost immediately, he spoke. "I trust you’re feeling better?" My fist clenched at both my sides, his voice was smooth but carried an undertone of authority.I gulped again, nodding as my eyes flickered slightly. "Yes, I’m fine.""Good," he said, his gaze piercing. "I heard you tried escaping that's why it happened."I Inhaled deeply. "Yes, that's what happened. I was unlucky this time around, but I know I'll-""You're lucky my mood isn't messed up, Taylor," he cut me. "Today, I got a huge deal, you want to know whom it's from?""I have no
TAYLOR MACKENZIEI raised brow. "Really?" I asked, standing to my feet and dusting my clothes before leaning on the edge of the bed to support myself. "You seem to know alot about me, Mark. Tell me, what else do you know?""That you want vengeance for Diego Salvatore, whom Mayor killed."I became silent, my defiance faltering as I heard him speak. "I did some research, Taylor. However, fighting Mayor won't give you what you want?"I lowered my gaze, shutting my eyes close. "What must I do?""Do you trust me?" He asked and I looked up at him, meeting his gaze. "Bullshit, I don't even know you." "You don't have to. All you have to say is yes, you don't need to know someone to trust the person." "But I.." I stopped, struggling with the conflicting emotions swirling inside me. "I.." "You should take some time to think about your choices. Mayor’s patience is wearing thin, and if you persist in your escape attempts, the consequences will be severe.”I inhaled. My hands clenching at bot
TAYLOR MACKENZIE We got to the car and Mark carefully lowered me into it. "Behave," he said and just as immediately as the words came out, he slammed the door shut and got into the driver's seat. The car drove off with two other cars trailing from behind and I wondered what the company was for. "Why are we being followed?" I asked. Mark didn't answer me and I scoffed, he was an asshole. "Do you dispise this place that much?" "Well, from what happened earlier, I think you should have had your answer already." "Listen, trying to escape won't help you. You-" "Don't try to convince me, I'm not staying." "You cannot get away from Mayor, Taylor. No matter how you run, this is his city, it's impossible for you to hide from him and if... If someone helps you escape, that person will be killed. His family, relatives, Mayor will find all of them. So, don't look at us as monsters, we're just trying to save our heads." I exhaled, why should I believe him when they were all loyal.
TAYLOR MACKENZIEThat evening, I ate dinner alone and due to Mark's watchful eyes, I knew I couldn't carry out my escape plan just yet. I'm sure he felt something was off about me. I retired to sleep after listening to his lousy lectures about being nice in the mansion. Whether he liked it or not I wasn't staying here for any reason. The next day came and after a restless night of fitful sleep, I waited for the early light of dawn before making my move as I knew I had to act quickly.I made my way to the small room which wasn't locked and headed for the window in the basement. I opened it fully, and tied the rope. Once I was done, I climbed out, carefully lowering myself to the ground.This was it, it was really happening? I was gaining my freedom. However, my moments of rejoicing was cut short when I felt the rope loosen. "No, no!" I whispered and hurriedly myself. My feet hit the grass with a soft thud, and I winced with relief, not even imagining what would have happened if the
TAYLOR MACKENZIE"What?" I asked, extremely shocked, personal guard."If you need me to repeat myself, I will. I said, I am Mark, your personal-""No! Stop," I cut him. "I heard you just fine, I just.." I stopped, my gaze hardening. “I don’t need a guard. I need to get out of here.”Mark’s expression remained unchanged. “I’m here in case you want to talk to anyone or need anything.""Didn't you hear a word I said?""I did. However, my role is to ensure you’re comfortable and secure.”"Hello Mark! I am not comfortable, this environment sucks and I don't like your company either. Leave me alone!" "It's my fault you're not comfortable and I apologize. However, I'll make sure you're more comfortable and secure from now on." My eyes narrowed in disbelief. “Comfortable? Secure? Is that what Mayor told y'all to say? To act? All I need is to leave this place. And if I wanted to talk to anyone, it wouldn’t be someone who’s loyal to Mayor. They’re all working for him. You’re probably no diffe
TAYLOR MACKENZIEAfter so much debating, I sat down. Across from me was Mayor who was already eating.“Try the roast beef,” Mayor said, his voice smooth but carrying an edge. He gestured toward the plate in front of me.I returned my stare to his face. "You're really enjoying this aren't you?" "Enjoying what?""Control."He chuckled softly. "Who wouldn't."I rolled my eyes, hesitating before picking up my fork, the clink of metal on porcelain echoing through the room. I took a bite and chewed slowly, it was really magnificent but I made sure my face and expression was unreadable."How is it?" He asked."Don't know, don't care.""Oh, come on Taylor. You should appreciate the cook," he motioned towards a lady at the far end of the dinning room, her head bowed is submission. "Oh," I exclaimed and took another bite. “It’s good,” I said finally. "That wasn't hard, was it? At least you put a smile on her face."I settled down my fork, looking at him. "I hope you know I'd do and give anyt
TAYLOR MACKENZIEMayor pushed me inside the room and followed, his gaze never leaving me. “This is your room. Get used to it, because it will be your world for the foreseeable future. I trust you’ll find it comfortable, though I doubt you’ll be inclined to appreciate it just yet.”I turned to him. "You're enjoying this aren't you?" I asked.He chuckled softly. "We'll talk later, I have matters to attend to." Before I could respond, he turned on his heel and left the room, slamming the door behind him with a resounding thud. "Mayor!" I screamed, running to the door when I heard the lock click, sealing me inside. "Asshole, let me out!" I pounded on it with my fists, but it was futile. He'd never let me out. I sank to the floor, my back against the door, and my face buried in my hands. Tears streamed down my cheeks, Diego was gone, and now I was alone in a place where my freedom was nothing. I was alone, trapped, lost. I wept hard, pouring out all my emotions, I couldn't think of any e