CHAPTER FIVE

GIANNA

I froze as the voice registered in my head. How did he find me? I heard the call for passengers once more and I knew if I didn't make a run for it now, I'd never get the chance again. I took a deep breath and acted as if I would comply. When I felt his tension begin to ease, I ran.

Before i could even go far, Ryder grabbed me by my arm and pulled me to his chest as he placed the mouth of the gun on my forehead.

"This feels very familiar but there's a difference, Gianna," he said, looking coldly at me. I gulped as I waited for him to finish. "This time around, there's no running away. This time around, Gianna Hunter, you will not be escaping me," he completed and I sucked in a deep breath. I felt tingles all over and I rolled my eyes to get a glimpse at the gun pointed at my head.

"Sir, people are staring," a man beside us whispered. Ryder looked at me for a second more then raised his head to see who was looking.

"Deal with them," he told the man then pulled me along with him. I didn't even try to protest for fear of my life. Ryder had a gun and I was sure as hell he knew how to use it. I got into the front seat of the car and Ryder went to the driver's side.

"I wasn't exactly trying to run away. I just wanted to get something," I told him. Ryder let out a dark chuckle and gave me a cold glance.

"Yes and I came to pick you," he replied. It was pretty dark now and Ryder parked the car at the side of the road. We were surrounded by thick trees and I could hear the swooshing of wings. Ryder turned to me and gave me the deadliest glare I'd ever seen.

"I'm not sure you comprehended what I told you before, Gianna, so I'm going to tell you one last time," he said. Ryder grabbed my chin forcefully and made me look directly into his eyes, "Four years ago is something that won't happen again. I've gotten you now, Gianna. You're the prey and I'm your fucking predator," he whispered, his minty breath hitting my nose.

I inhaled deeply as a wave of fear passed through me. God alone knew how Ryder found out what I was planning but this wouldn't be the last time I do this. I'd escape at all costs. Even if I have to step on all ten of Ryder's toes.

"Understood. This won't repeat itself again," I muttered, trying to force myself out of his iron grip. Ryder held me in that position for a while longer then pushed me away. He turned on the ignition of the car and began driving off again.

You'd think someone like Ryder would be a responsible driver but I swear, I'd never been as traumatized by a car ride as I was after Ryder's. He didn't stop at traffic lights and I was pretty sure he didn't know what brakes are. The world literally zoomed past me. By the time we arrived at his mansion, I had pressed myself so deep into the seats and my eyes were as wide as saucers.

"Get up and go to your room," Ryder told me as he stepped out of the car. He waited for me to come out and even in my fear I felt like he was the one working for me and being my bodyguard. I giggled. He paid absolutely no attention to me.

"Young Miss, is there anything I can help you with? Shall I direct you to your room?" a maid asked, scurrying over to me. I was taken aback. Young Miss? Where were we? In medieval times?

"I'm not-"

"She's not the young Miss. You can address her as your equal," Ryder stated, glaring at me. The maid paused then glanced at me, probably assessing me. She nodded then walked away without sparing me another glance.

"Seems they're selective of who they give respect to, huh," I muttered to Ryder. He didn't reply me and instead walked away. I rolled my eyes and made my way to my room. It was a section seperate from the main house and I suspected it to be the servant's quarters and seeing all the maids in their uniform here proved me right.

They were all dishing food from a bowl and the instant the scent wafted into my nose, my stomach growled catching the attention of an old woman next to me.

"Hello, dear, are you new? I don't remember seeing your face," she asked with a kind smile. The maid from earlier came to stand beside her and snorted.

"Stella, she's just someone sir Ryder brought. Not a servant but not special to him. We can treat her as we wish. What's your name, girl?" the maid asked. I inspected her closely and I finally found what to identify her with. The mole at the corner of her mouth!

"Yuna, you don't talk to a new recruit like that. Love, what's your name?" Stella asked, smiling warmly at me.

"Gianna," I replied. Yuna, the mole girl, snickered then went on her way. I stil felt hungry and didn't realize I had been staring in the direction of the food bowl until Stella shoved a plate into my hands.

"Eat up," she said. I thanked her then began stuffing my face with food. After we were done eating, I'd made quite a few friends and more enemies for reasons I don't even know.

"Who's doing the dishes?" a girl yelled. They all looked at each other then Yuna stood up.

"Let the new girl do it. Gianna or what's she called!" she declared. Everyone turned to me and started agreeing. I frowned.

"Calm down, you guys. Let's leave her be for now. Georgie, why don't you do it, huh, love?" she asked one of the girls close to us. Georgie mumbled some things as she stood up to do as asked. I smiled at Stella then went off to my room. I didn't even shower when I fell asleep. Yes, I was that tired.

°~!!~°

I groaned as I turned on the bed. It was dark and my throat was parched. Feeling the bedside table, I grabbed my phone and switched it on to check the time. 3am. Sigh. I stood up and made my way out of the room. I passed by Stella's room on my way. She'd said that the servant's fridge was looked at night and she had the key so if I needed anything I could meet her but I didn't want to disturb.

I grumbled a bit and made my way out of the servant's quarters. The sound of owls crying made me run into the main mansion. Now, I didn't know that I'd meet the sight but alas, immediately I entered the kitchen of the mansion, I knew I needed holy water. All the sleep had completely drained from my eyes the moment I saw the muscled back of a man.

"Who is it?" I asked with a shaky voice. The man whipped around so quick with a knife in his palm. I groaned when I saw Ryder's face.

"Why are you here?" he asked, eyeing me. I stayed quiet then gathered courage to walk to his fridge.

"I just wanted water. The fridge in the servant's place is locked," I said. "I'll just leave now." Then I turned on my heels and walked away. Immediately I closed my room door, my phone screen lit up signifying I had a message. It only had one fucking word:

"Come."