Chapter 5

I tried to sleep. I tried. But I just couldn't fall asleep with all the thoughts running through my mind. Was it Levi who put that knife in my bag? Was it him who killed that guy and tried to blame me because I saw him beating that guy just a day before? It was all his plan to frame me but I never expected my father to do such a thing.

He knew I couldn't kill anyone yet for the small amount of money he was all too ready to sacrifice me. It was soo stupid of me to leave that dagger with my fingerprints behind, I should've brought it with me, in that way they won't have any proof against me.

When I went unconscious I was hundred percent sure that the wolf would eat me. But the Lord sent an angel for me. I thought God hated me but apparently, that wasn't the case. Come to think of it, what was Mr. Damon Black doing there in the first hand, at that hour in the middle of nowhere.

Something wasn't right here. 

I looked out the window. It was pretty dark outside but the urge to check where I am was stronger. With the help of the side table, I stood up putting all my weight on my normal leg. I limped towards the window with the help of the bed and then the couch. My foot was hurting like hell.

My breath hitched and the slightest tinge of fear gripped my form. I'm in the middle of nowhere, literally in the forest. There were no lights as far as I could see and this place has an acre of land before the boundary wall and main gate. From this room and from what I could see outside. It was a huge cottage. And I'm on the second floor.

Did he live here alone? Why would he even live here in the middle of the forest? Wasn't he scared of the wild animals?

But I won’t deny, I find him so mysterious and extremely hot, he might think of me as a thief on a run or anything of that sort.

If I got better, where would I go? I don't have anyone in this big cruel world. Where people wear the mask of kindness but from inside they are cruel and vicious. With all types of thoughts running through my brain, eventually, sleep consumed me slowly.

Bright rays of sunlight disturbed my sleep as I blinked several times and yawned. This bed was just so soft, comfortable with that masculine scent to it that I want to keep laying there the whole day.

My eyes landed on neatly folded clothes along with a new toothbrush that was placed on the couch. Last time I remembered it wasn't there. Did he come into the room? 

I stood up and limped towards them. Grabbing them I walked into the restroom only to gasp out loud. The restroom was the size of my whole room. It was lavish and there was a jacuzzi there as well. I made a mental note to ask Mr. Damon Black what he does for work.

Locking the door. I did my business and freshened up. Then I peeled my dirty clothes off, I kept my undergarments on and unintentionally my eyes landed on the wall-length mirror. My stomach twisted in painful knots seeing dark purple and black bruises on my stomach. Not being able to look anymore. I hurriedly wore the clothes. It was a very big shirt that reached my lower thighs. It was his shirt I was sure. The shorts were small and they hid under my shirt.

I limped out of the room and paused, finding a huge back of a man towards me. Now as I am standing I can tell he was a huge beast of a man.

As if sensing my gaze he turned around and I immediately looked down feeling conscious of my bare legs.

Goosebumps rose on my flesh when his eyes lingered on my legs and I swear I saw his eyes changing color for a second but then he cleared his throat and his silver eyes met mine making me gulp.

"Can you walk?" He asked in that deep voice as I slowly nodded my head.

"Come on." He said as he started walking out with slow steps and I followed him limping. He paused at the stairs and I was drowning taking in the beauty of the cottage so I bumped into him.

My nose scrunched up as I stepped back. What in the world? Was this man a wall of pure bricks? My nose hurts.

He stared at me with a perfect cocked brow and an amused smirk on his face that made me blush in embarrassment.

"You won't be able to walk down. Mind if I carry you?" He offered in that thick voice.

I gulped. "W...well where are we going by the way?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Kitchen. I thought the change of scenery would be good for you." He said thoughtfully in his gruff voice and I couldn’t help but feel thankful for it. 

"I t..think I can walk down with the help of a banister," I said softly and started walking down with the help of it but it was a stupid effort from my side because my injured foot was being dragged hence causing me pain and I winced in pain and next thing a squeal left my lips when I was taken in big strong arms. 

“Sorry Angel, I don’t like to see you in pain.” He said genuinely and I just blinked at him.

  

I took in a sharp breath as my hands on their own wrapped around his neck. My cheeks were flaming red for being this close to an unknown man. He looked unfazed as if he wasn't even carrying anything. 

“By the way, you look so tiny in my shirt.” He commented and I turned beetroot which caused him to chuckle, his whole chest vibrated making my stomach feel giddy.

I kept my eyes lowered as he walked into the kitchen and ever so gently helped me sit on the stool. When I sat comfortably he rounded the island and walked towards the stove.

My brows shot up as I watched in pure shock. He was cooking. The batter of pancakes was made as he poured some on the pan and did all the work like a pro.

He was wearing a white shirt clinging to his body and black sweats. He flipped the pancake and gave me an amused look through his shoulder after sensing my gaze on him.

I immediately shut my mouth and looked down embarrassed. I was just shocked to find a man like a model aka a Greek God cooking by himself.

"How are you feeling?" He asked, making me tilt my head. "Better." That was all I can say.

“Don’t hesitate to tell me if you’re hurt somewhere.” He told me seriously and I nodded.

“Can I ask you something, Riley?” He asked. “Y..es.” I was hesitant.

"Can you tell me who hurt you? From whom were you running away?" His deep voice and those questions had my throat drying up.

What am I supposed to tell him? "I know it might be hard for you but you can trust me I just want to help." His voice was dead serious and warm, it was as if he was angry at something.

"I...I … can we talk about it later?" I asked softly and he sighed before nodding his head and smiling at me.

What if I tell him the truth and he would do the same thing that my dad tried to do. Sacrifice me for money, though he looks rich, I can't trust anyone. This world is full of bad people.

"Do you live here alone?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Yeah."

"Why do you live here in the middle of nowhere all alone?" I inquired, curiosity taking the best of me.

He placed a plate for two and set the counter. "Curious aren't we?" He asked with a cocked brow once he sat down opposite me and I couldn't help but look away. He makes me so nervous with all his charms.

"I don't like people." His straightforward answer did take me off guard.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I… I’ll leave as s..soon as I can.” I stuttered.

His eyes widened and he abruptly shook his head. “NO. I just don’t like certain people. You have nothing to do with them, Angel.” He said with a small smile and breathed a sigh of relief.

Why was he calling me Angel again and again?

“How old are you?” He asked out of the blue, his eyes curious swirls of gray. “I’m 17,” I answered truthfully. He nodded his head with a small smile as if he figured that much out already.

“How old are you?” I asked in a soft voice, I felt like asking it because he asked me too. “I’m 26.” He said with a small smirk as I made an ‘oh’ sound. He does look his age. All gruff and tough.

I ate my food in silence. So thankful to him for good food. 

He took out his phone and started scrolling through it. I could feel his gaze a lot of the time during our breakfast, making me a nervous wreck. It was as if he didn't want to look but just couldn’t look away.

Next thing he jumped off the stool and walked into the hall. I could easily see him through my place. He turned on the LED and flipped to the news channel. The news going on in there had my heart dropping into the pit of my stomach as dread crept into my bones.

"College student Riley Miller on a run after murdering her classmate." The news anchor said.