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The Price of Protection
Last Updated:
2024-11-14 21:32:23Related chapters
The Crimson Trail of Death A Moment of Belonging
The morning sunlight gleamed through as my eyes jolted awake, welcoming the new day. Reminded of last night, I sighed. The contract and Adrian's words lingered in my mind."California?" I whispered to myself."You are awake?" A voice caught my attention as my eyes landed on Malisa standing at the doorstep. I had no idea how long she had been there. I watched her gently approach, her ever-wavering smile painted on her face."Oh, morning, Aunt Malisa," I said, managing to sit up on the bed.Her eyebrows arched, eyes widening. "Aunt?" She uttered."Yeah... is it okay if I call you Aunt?" I blurted, but didn't hope to take back my words. Arriving here, her smile and kindness somehow sparked a different mood around me. It was a comforting side that always reminded me of my mother and her love. She was one who looked at me with so much care even though knowing me for just a day."I surely don't mind, dear. You can call me whatever you want, and I shall accept it wholeheartedly," she said wi
Last Updated : 2024-11-15The Crimson Trail of Death Bruises and Silk
"Have you gotten her size?" Adrian's voice cut through the air."I was about to—" Aunt Malisa began, but before she could finish her words, he interrupted."Don't tell me you haven't taken her size." His voice was sharp, and I watched as a startled, pale look washed over Aunt Malisa's face.I wanted to cut in. This was all wrong—his tone towards her, every single bit of it."Gazing upon the dress she is wearing, I know the perfect size fit for the rest of her dresses, boss," she said, her voice trembling."Then why are you still here and not getting them?" Adrian snapped."I'm sorry, I will go get them," Aunt Malisa uttered with a downcast gaze as I watched her leave the room.Adrian remained standing at the side, his eyebrow furrowed as his eyes landed on me."And why are you still seated there? Shouldn't you be getting dressed up?" he sneered, his eyes narrowing as they remained fixed on me, as though they waited for me to succumb to his words and give in to his order."I can't poss
Last Updated : 2024-11-15The Crimson Trail of Death A Room Full of Strangers
I found myself seated on the bed as the three makeup artists stood around me. One of them kept gazing at me, scanning my face every second, which only made me feel uncomfortable."I think a light makeup look will do," I heard the guy, or whatever he was, utter, his hands placed at his jaw, while he addressed the other two girls, who took notice of me.I just wanted all of this to be over with, every single bit of it. My only focus was on finding Aunt Malisa and checking if she was alright. His attitude and behaviour were something I couldn't quite understand. The last thing I wanted was to be bound under the grasp of another man, to be seen as nothing in their eyes and tossed aside like nothing, but I thought things would be different after I signed the contract. Yet, I couldn't shake off the feeling of his actions today, which left me wandering in my thoughts of who he truly was, a hope lingering that the rumors proved false and it was all just gossip.Now that I was trapped with him
Last Updated : 2024-11-16The Crimson Trail of Death A New Destination
I watched as he walked further, taking a seat and opening up his food. His eyes landed on mine, still fixed on him, and I quickly retracted them, returning my gaze to my food."You must be Sierra, right?" he asked, causing my gaze to raise and meet his. It seemed he knew me; maybe Adrian had told him. But wait did he also tell him about the contract agreement and my current role here?"Yeah, I am," I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible."Hey! Be careful with that!" Adrian yelled at one of the maids who was holding a painting. His snap almost caused me to jolt in an instant."Just let it be, Adrian. We are in the dining room. And please learn not to shout at one of those maids again," the man uttered. "Alright, Uncle Gavin," Adrian responded as he continued his food, leaving a slight stun on me. I guessed he was the only one Adrian stood to listen to, maybe..."Sorry about that, dear," Uncle Gavin said, his eyes meeting mine."And why are you apologizing to her? I mean, shouldn
Last Updated : 2024-11-17The Crimson Trail of Death A Vow to the Past
"Did you forget something, dear?" A voice caught my attention as I turned to witness Uncle Gavin waiting for me."No," I replied, walking out of the mansion. I was led to one of the cars, entering the back seat as I watched a man enter the front seat, whom I presumed was the Driver."Good day, ma'am," he uttered with a nod. I had little idea of his words; my eyes were still fixed on the mansion, hoping I could just catch a glimpse of Aunt Malisa.The driver started the engine as he drove off. Adrian and his uncle were seated in another car, which the driver maintained trailing.My eyes remained fixed outside the car windows, gazing at the city as the car moved through the streets. My eyes caught sight of my old apartment, and a reminder of my mom echoed through my thoughts, a recollection of a time before she had fallen ill when she would come out, turn to me with a smile. We would come out when the sun cast down with the stars bright and shining.I remember when I made a promise to h
Last Updated : 2024-11-17The Crimson Trail of Death Caught in the Crossfire
Adrian stepped out of the car, calm and unbothered, as though the armed men were no more alarming than a doorman. Of course, this was his world, where violence was normal.The driver opened my door, jolting me back to reality. "Ma'am?" he prompted. My legs felt heavy and reluctant to move, but I forced myself to step out. The air felt thicker here, the tension palpable.The men didn't say a word, but I felt their eyes on me, assessing, judging. I wrapped my arms around myself instinctively, trying to shield against their scrutiny. My heart was racing, but I kept my face neutral, my head held high.I had to play the part, no matter how badly I wanted to turn and run.As I walked inside, entering the mansion and taking in the interior of the surrounding, which evolved with more men, a discomforting feeling washed over me.My feet screeched a bit as I almost stumbled, only to feel a steady hand helping me back to my feet. My eyes landed on Adrian."Watch your feet next time, and when we
Last Updated : 2024-11-17The Crimson Trail of Death The Rift Between Brothers
[Demonic POV]I left a half-bow, as my legs came to a halt near Uncle Marc. I had no idea why he had called me up here. I had many things to fix, but he had interrupted them, informing me that I had to be here."Welcome, Demonic. I have been expecting your arrival," he uttered. I felt him leave a pat on my back. I raised my gaze afterward as my eyes landed on Adrian standing on the other side. His eyes darkened as they narrowed, staying glued at me.Really, I had little idea of why he held so many grudges against me. I had never seen him as an enemy or so. My only aim was to carry out my family's legacies and ensure some things were put in place. I had always wanted to protect him, ensure he was alright, and so I trained so hard. But yet, it all ended up as a waste, as I received his hatred instead.But yet, I hoped that one day, just one day, that anger would vanish, and he would understand that all my actions, which I had made lately, were for his benefit and nothing else."I had to
Last Updated : 2024-11-18The Crimson Trail of Death Trapped in Deception
[Sierra POV]Adrian led me to one of the rooms, helping me sit on the bed.Dominic was here. Why? My mind raced, spiraling with questions. Shouldn’t he be back in the city? The entire reason I agreed to this trip was to escape his reach, but now he was here too.And yet, I couldn’t shake the nagging thought—if Dominic recognized me, I should already be dead. Did he not know who I was, or was he playing some twisted game?“What are you thinking?” Adrian’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. His eyes scanned the passage behind him before narrowing on me, dark and sharp.“What was that downstairs? Didn’t I tell you not to try anything?” he said, his tone dripping with frustration.“What do you mean? Is it my fault I stumbled?” I snapped, watching him scoff. "And why were you trembling anyway? It must be new for you, right? Well, you better get used to it and fast also 'cause now it seems we are going to be stuck here for a while." He said, standing up as he turned to leave."This wasn't pa
Last Updated : 2024-11-18
Latest chapter
The Crimson Trail of Death The Family's Dark Secret
"Alright..." I replied, managing a few steps as I followed the maid who led me through the passage. We arrived at a room, well, I guessed maybe that was his room."Please wait here," I heard the maid utter. Her words caused a halt. I watched her enter Marc's room after as I waited for some minutes before I caught a sight of her stepping out."He will see you now," she said, making her way as she left. My legs lingered a bit, as though they felt glued to the ground, my hands trembling as they approached the door handle."Why did he call me now again, all of a sudden?" I questioned in my thoughts. Finally, managing a breath, I opened the room door, walking in as my eyes landed on him seated on the couch, his gaze rising as they met mine."Come, sit, dear," he requested, pointing his hands to the couch beside him. I gently made my way, seating, my gaze still fixed on his.As I heard those silence break in after:"So, how is it?" he questioned. "Have you gotten Adrian to give up on this w
The Crimson Trail of Death An Unwelcome Visitor
"You?" I questioned, watching him get to his feet as he stood up from the bed, approaching me. "What are you doing here in my room?" he asked, raising a brow.His room? What does he mean by his room?"This is my room, and what are you doing here?" I retorted, my mind still reeling from the fact that he was here and had entered my room without a proper knock."Wait—" I watched his voice trail off as he took a scan around the room. "Oh my!" he blurted. "I am really sorry. I thought this was my room. I mean, the room looks much alike, don't you think so?" he uttered. But really, he thought?"Please leave now," I said, my hands pointed at the room door, urging him to leave my room. But instead, I noticed his glued heels, with his eyes glaring at me, as he took a scan, leaving me uncomfortable at his sight as I tried adjusting the towel, my gaze rising to meet his."Didn't you hear me? Please leave my room now." I said again, but this time, he brought out a lighter and a pack of cigarettes
The Crimson Trail of Death Facing the Storm
[Sierra's POV] Arriving back at the mansion, I found myself releasing a breath after finding it hard to get my mind off Nate's words and actions. So he was an enemy—one of the De Santos' enemies—who was also here to take down Dominic. Honestly, this all felt hard to take, more like believing if it was true and he was right about his words of seeking revenge. Back at the club, remembering clearly, Nate had always trembled in fear at the mere mention of Dominic's name or, as I had heard, trembled right in his presence. But now he was here claiming this. Should I believe each and every word he had spoken out of that mouth, or was I just seeing myself fall into another mess? Was he planning something?" I questioned in a whisper, but if he was truly faking it, I should have been dead. So should I just accept that everything he had said was the truth, and he wanted to bring Dominic down? Taking the stairs up, my only hope was getting some rest, as I couldn't deny the sharp pain that
The Crimson Trail of Death A Night to Remember
"Wait? Her? What is she doing here? I hope she isn't..." I approached her, helping her up, and then I led her to the back seat of my car. "No, no, no," I heard her as she kept on mumbling. I felt relief washing over, taking in the fact that she was still alive, and there were no bruises either. But even so, I found it hard ignoring those words that kept on mumbling out of her mouth. As her hands attempted to raise, she only crumbled back down. But wait, how did she end up here in the first place? I mean, what was she doing roaming around at night on such a street? Yet judging from her staggering and muttering state, I could tell she was high. So she takes pills now? Really, what was wrong with Adrian? How many more of his flaws do I have to keep on fixing? I entered the car's front seat, starting the engine. I can't take her back to the mansion, well, not with her looking like this. That would surely raise questions from Uncle Marc, and that I would want to avoid, and most especi
The Crimson Trail of Death Family Feuds and Hidden Agendas
[Dominic's POV] "I shall carry out my findings, boss. Don't worry--" Nate was saying as I patted him on the shoulder, watching his gaze return downcast. "I expect nothing less from you, Nate." I interjected, "I want the location of that girl figured out sooner than expected. I don't want any errors like this occurring in my business. If it persists for a while longer, I don't mind getting those who seem to be the cause out of the way." I said, raising a brow as they followed my gaze. "I can assure you, boss, I won't fail you this time. I shall make sure to find out her whereabouts and bring her to you." He said as I let out a slight smirk. "Now that's how a good dog should behave." I whispered, "Go on, get to work, or do you need me to remind you of that?" "No, boss." He said, leaving my side as he made his way back into the mansion. I let out a sigh. "Really, these are flaws I never wished to have seen in my line, but nevertheless, I just had to fix things soon, and I could
The Crimson Trail of Death Allies in Shadows
"What are you doing here, Sierra? So the information was right; you were here all along in Las Angeles," Nate uttered as I watched his steps grow closer at the mere sight, my legs almost stumbling as I managed my gaze."What's happening, Nate? Do you know her?" a voice broke out as my gaze turned to meet Dominic stepping out of the room, his eyes' brow raised.No, this couldn't be happening. Why now? Why was this all happening now? I saw no escape, as though it seemed my death lingered in every corner of each wall as they glared at me, ready to strike.Nate's gaze remained fixed on me in that moment as they shifted back to Dominic. "No, boss, it seems I must have mistaken her for someone else," he muttered, letting out a slight chuckle as he left my side, walking into Dominic's room after.I let out a sigh, catching no sight of them anymore as I rushed, making my way to the elevator which took me down. I left the hotel immediately in a rush, almost crumbling to the ground. Grasping fo
The Crimson Trail of Death A Dangerous Encounter
I felt a sharp ray piercing through my eyes, causing them to spring open. "No!" I yelled, letting out a scream only to find myself in what I presumed was a room—from the looks of it—a hotel room. I was sure of it after having visited some of the clients while I had worked at the club.But how was that possible? I could tell it was morning already, but yet, I couldn't place what had happened last night. The last thing I remembered was my eyes going blank after I caught sight of a headlight; I think it was a car.My ears picked up the rushing sound of running water, which was coming from the bathroom. "Wait, who was that?" I questioned in my thoughts. My mind tried to reel in the current change of events and how I had ended up here suddenly.But yet, I just had to leave. I was sure I wasn't the only one here, but I cared less to find out who it was. My life was of the utmost importance at the moment, and I needed a safe place to think first about what to do next.I stood up from the bed
The Crimson Trail of Death Bound by Shadows, Fleeing the Unknown
“What are you saying, Father?” I heard a whisper which grew louder by the second as my vision blurred out. I tried to get a proper glimpse, but my whole body felt weak, as though my entire system was collapsing. I tried managing to get a proper stand, but my hands felt numb, disallowing me to move freely.Catching a proper glance, I found myself tied down inside what I supposed was a car.“I know you are worried, but everything is going alright here, Father. And don’t worry, I shall do as told, as long as you promise not to harm Adrian.” I heard some words break out as I tried getting a proper glimpse through the car windows, only for my gaze to land on Elena making a call with her back facing me.“Where did she take me?” I wondered as I tried to regain a proper memory of what had happened last before I blacked out. I was sure she had spiked my drink with some substance or sort.But why? Why did she do that? I just couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that she had done this.I knew s
The Crimson Trail of Death A Glass Too Bitter
As we distanced ourselves further away from the mansion, I felt a sense of ease washing over me at the mere thought.I turned my gaze on Elena as she drove on, and my mind reeled on her words about searching for me and hoping to have a discussion. Why did she want to discuss something with me, and her attitude was also unusual.What was she planning, acting like she had liked me from the very start? And I wasn't even planning on having anyone like me; all I wanted was never to be the topic of the day. I just wanted to stay low."So, what did you want to discuss?" I questioned, hoping to clear things out and get to the bottom of what was truly going on in her head and what she was plotting."Well, why don't we reach the restaurant first? I am sure we will discuss better when we arrive there." She said, her gaze shifted on me with a flickered smile before returning straight forward as she drove on.She was really not going to let me pry much, but I guess I was going to find out eventuall
