Chapter 5

Tears strolled down Rylie's cheeks as she laid down on her bed. She puked whenever she remembered how that man's head flew off his neck. It was too much for her little mind to carry.

What had she gotten herself into? She needed to phone the police but she was still too scared to move about. She couldn't stand up from the bed. Fear had gripped her to the bones. She could only cry and pray she survived the night.

Once the morning sun hit her face, she opened her eyes slowly and wearily. The night was so long, as though it never wanted to end. She had to do everything to save herself. She quickly ran to the wardrobe and started packing her clothes. His mask kept appearing in her thoughts. He was a monster who didn't need anybody to care for him. She wasn't going to die like the rest.

Just as she was about to change into something else, a knock came to the door. She gasped and held her breath for a moment. She wondered if it was the masked man.

"Come in," She muttered, shaking in her skin.

"Good morning, Rylie." Killian greeted the moment he appeared before her. He squinted his eyes when he saw her packing her things.

"Are you going somewhere?" He cocked a brow. He moved closer to her. Her heart beat rapidly against her chest as she stared at him. She quickly stood up, while thinking of the perfect excuse to give him.

"No, I'm not going anywhere. I just felt these clothes weren't good enough anymore and wanted to keep them away until I get new ones." She gulped in nothing but tried her best to not look like a nervous wreck. Killian was there when that man was killed. She couldn't believe that such a kind soul would be involved in such shady acts. Or maybe he wasn't kind.

"Really? If you feel so, we can go shopping later with some of the maids." He suggested and breathed. Rylie nodded affirmatively and shot him a small smile. She didn't think he was going to buy her excuse.

"Sure. I'm ready when you are." She nodded.

"Get prepared. You will be having breakfast with the master." He informed.

"What?" She shrieked.

"What? You don't want to meet him?" Killian asked suspiciously. He thought she had been acting strange.

"I told you I don't have anything suitable to wear. I can't just show up looking like a maid." She lied. If he ever found out she was scared because of what she saw, she would be finished.

"Just find something for now. It's just breakfast." He rolled his eyes. "I'll be waiting outside. Please, hurry. The master doesn't like to be kept waiting." He walked outside and stood at the door.

Rylie released the breath she didn't know she was holding. She gripped her shirt, thinking of the best possible way to escape. She couldn't just jump through the window. They would find her and probably end her.

"Okay, just play along for now." She told herself and proceeded to have her bath. She found something she deemed fit; a short red gown and some flat shoes. She wore the dress and packed her hair in a ponytail.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror. She knew she was beautiful but circumstances brought out the worst in her. She was looking like the shadow of herself.

She moved away toward the door and opened it.

"Let's go." He nodded at her and began walking. He led her to the other side of the house where the master's room was. In the main building, only she and the master stayed there. The maids stayed in their very quarters, the same as the guards.

Killian opened the door and ushered her in.

"Thank you." Her heart began to palpitate when she heard the door shutting behind her. The table was set already but nobody was there. She timidly moved closer to the table while scanning the room. The bed was scattered and the windows were still closed. She sighed and made to open the windows. She had already finished dressing the bed when Asher walked in from the bathroom.

Rylie turned quickly toward the closing sound of the door. She found the masked man standing by a door, half-naked. He still had his mask on and a towel tied firmly around his waist.

"You're here early." He growled.

"Good morning, sir." She quickly bowed her head. His eyes darted to the open windows and the neatly dressed bed. He scoffed and entered his changing room, shutting the door hard behind him. Rylie's life had flashed before her when he had suddenly appeared from nowhere.

"At this rate, fear will be the death of me." She complained.

She stood beside the table, waiting for her killer husband. She dared not sit down without his permission.

He came out after some minutes wearing something more suitable. Avoiding his gaze, she fiddled with her fingers behind her back while staring at the floor. With each step he took toward her, her chest thudded. At that rate, she would pass out.

He stood beside her, sending shivers down her spine.

"You're lucky I didn't kill you too." He mumbled. She gasped and looked abruptly at him.

"What? You think I didn't see you? You hid behind that tree, didn't you? Did you think I would be so stupid as to scan the entire area and not come to that area?" He scoffed and took his seat.

Rylie was left with her thoughts and regrets. He knew she was there all along but didn't say anything.

"Sit." He commanded.

"Please, I---"

"Sit, Rylie!" He growled impatiently. He hated repeating himself. She frightfully sat down beside him, not wanting to look into his eyes.

He picked up an apple and stretched it to her. She looked up at him, confused by his gesture.

"Take it,"

She grabbed the apple and placed it on her lap.

"Aren't you going to eat?" He asked. He moved the down part of his mask and began eating. Rylie only watched him. She was bewildered that he was giving off a different aura.

"Listen Rylie," Asher wiped his mouth with a soft cloth by the side of his plate.

"I have no problem with you being here as my wife. Whatever you do, don't ever think of crossing my path when I'm busy. I do not appreciate you lurking about at night. You might end up getting hurt. Once it's light out, go to bed and stay there. Whatever you hear or see, do not come out. Do you understand?" He asked firmly.

"Yes, sir," She nodded. "I'm sorry about last night."

"I'm not a good person, Rylie. If I see you next time, it will be the end for you. Now, eat," He put some food on her plate. She was surprised he was being nice to her. She thought she would punish her like he said he would.

"Aren't you going to do as you said you would?" She reminded him.

"I know you'll be a good girl from now on, so there is no need for that." He replied while pouring some tea into her teacup.

"Is this enough?" He asked.

"Yes." She smiled. "Thank you, sir."

"They're having dinner today at the main palace. You should represent both of us." He informed.

"Dinner at where?" She tilted her head.

"Killian will give you the details. Just look nice and pretty and everything will be okay."

Rylie ate but not to her fill. She still felt nervous around him. How was she going to even get closer to him when she feared him? She couldn't deny the fact that her heart fluttered as he spoke.

How could one man be quite charming yet dangerous?