Opening my eyes had been a burden. They felt as heavy as bricks, and my head felt like it was on fire. I was confused as to where I was until the memory of the scuffle outside of my house hit me. I had bruises forming on my arms, and legs, but thank god no extreme injuries.
My hands were chained behind me, and the chain was connected to a concrete wall. They sure put a lot of thought into this place. I wonder how long I've been sitting on the floor. I was beyond disgusting. I could see black coating my legs, which obviously came from the disgusting concrete of the floors.
"You're awake, finally." A voice said, startling me. I jumped, and the man laughed. I suddenly saw a figure walk into the room, but I couldn't make out the face from the darkness.
"Why the fuck did you take me? I've done nothing to you." I spat with as much vitrio
"Adrianna, you get in this house right now!" My mother screamed. I scurried away from Ash, knowing I wasn't allowed to play with him anymore. "I'm sorry," I mumbled. Too ashamed to hold my head up, and look at him. "It's okay." He sighed. "We'll just have to be more sneaky about it." I nodded and met his eyes. He looked sad and tired. He was probably tired of people treating him like he was a problem. Like he was a bad influence or a troubled kid. He was none of those. All he did was stick up for me, and he was vilified for it. "Adrianna, I will not tell you again!" She said, sternly, while leaning out of the door. "Go before she screams again." Ash half laughed. The laugh didn't match the sadness in h
I was running down the corridors of intentions. Someone who was masked was not far behind me. I could feel him gaining on me, and I pushed myself to run even further. I made the mistake of looking bad, and tripped on my own feet and stumbled. I tried to get back up, but the man grabbed my shirt and held me down. The mystery figure pulled off his mask to reveal Ash underneath. Shock and fear embedded on my face. I felt the coldness of the gun against my forehead. Tears started flooding vision, and the gun in my face started to blur. "Ash, no. Please!" I cried and tried backing away from him. "Go ahead, beg." He held that sinister smile on his, and his eyes only held darkness. He didn't even look human. This was a monster.
Ash and I ended up working out for about two hours. My entire body hurt, and I felt like I was stiff as a board. My bruises from the attack last week had almost been healed until today. Now I had new bruises to match. Josh sent him out on an errand. An errand around these people meant he was going to kill or rob someone. I didn't want to think about it too much. It made me feel anxious. I've been on edge since I had gotten here. I felt as if I was trapped no matter where I went. I was trapped in the club, and I would be trapped if I left.I began making my way back to my room, but then I noticed people were putting alcohol back on the shelf, and someone was cleaning the floor. It looked as if they were getting ready to open the club. I started walking to find Josh, but Rory was standing at the back wall- clearly zoning out. I quickly ran over to her, and she gave me a blank stare.
Tonight was the night. Tonight Matteo's crew would more than likely infiltrate intentions. Well, at least Matteo thought he was infiltrating the club tonight. Josh wasn't an imbecile. He had every camera set up tonight and men at every door upstairs.I was a nervous wreck. What if something went wrong? I think I proved I could defend myself somewhat, but I can't defeat a bullet. I barely got any sleep. I spent most of the night thinking; how did my life get this chaotic? The obvious answer was Ash, but I wasn't sure if I could leave him behind after all the violence was over. But, could I live like this? Could I live my life constantly in danger? I have a decision to make, and I know it will be a hard one.A knock on the door disrupted my thoughts. Rory peaked her
Everything seemed to move in slow motion.I watched the blood pool around Ben's head, and his hand twitched slightly. He was dead, and I killed him. Most people would cry, or scream, but instead I did nothing. I sat silently, and then remembered Rory.I bolted up and ran to her side. She was still unconscious, but she was breathing. I let out a sigh of relief and dropped down next to her. I grabbed her hand, tears flooded my eyes seeing her like this. Her blond hair was frayed all over the cold ground, and she had a deep purple bruise around her neck. If I didn't know any better I'd think someone tried to hang her. After what felt like an eternity of silence, which was most likely only twenty seconds; I heard people running. As soon as they turned the corner I saw Ash, Josh, and two other men I didn't recognize. Ash stopped for a
I woke up in the morning with a headache. The light from outside the window was hurting my eyes. I groaned and rolled out of bed. As soon as my feet hit the floor my entire body hurt. I felt as if I was run over by a truck, twice.Shaking my head I looked around the room. I don't remember coming here last night.I must have fallen asleep in the car; I must have been extremely tired. This must be the safe house. The bedroom was big, and I had my own bathroom. Which believe me- is always needed. The bed was large, but the room was bland. It looked as if they may be renovating. I wonder if Ash carried me here.Where is Ash?I looked around the room once more and spotted a note on the dresser. I hurried over and grabbed it.I hope you're feeling okay. Follow the red doors and you'll find your way downstairs. If you get lost, don't worry I'll find you. ;)Follow the red doors? I peeked my head outside the door, and I came to a hallway. It reminded me of the hallway at the club slightly. A
Ash had sure kept his promise. I hadn't left the room all day. I was sore in places I didn't even know you could be sore. It felt amazing just to lay in bed, and not have to worry about anything. I was currently sleeping with one of the most deadly people in Chicago. To me, he was incredibly kind and caring, but to everyone else, he was a killer.It seems as if my heart has gotten colder, or at least tougher. Knowing the things Ash has done doesn't effect me the way it would a year ago. Last year I would have ran, and never looked back. Now, I just want to be by his side for it all. Does that make me crazy or loyal?We heard a knock at the door, and Ash groaned loudly. He jumped off the bed, and put some sweatpants on. He looked so effortlessly gorgeous. I covered up and peaked my head out of the covers right when he opened the door."Mathias's crew is downstairs it would be nice of you to show up," Josh complained the second Ash opened the door. Josh was dressed in fancier clothing, a
Ash had sure kept his promise. I hadn't left the room all day. I was sore in places I didn't even know you could be sore. It felt amazing just to lay in bed, and not have to worry about anything. I was currently sleeping with one of the most deadly people in Chicago. To me, he was incredibly kind and caring, but to everyone else, he was a killer.It seems as if my heart has gotten colder, or at least tougher. Knowing the things Ash has done doesn't effect me the way it would a year ago. Last year I would have ran, and never looked back. Now, I just want to be by his side for it all. Does that make me crazy or loyal?We heard a knock at the door, and Ash groaned loudly. He jumped off the bed, and put some sweatpants on. He looked so effortlessly gorgeous. I covered up and peaked my head out of the covers right when he opened the door."Mathias's crew is downstairs it would be nice of you to show up," Josh complained the second Ash opened the door. Josh was
"I can't believe you killed him," Rory said in disbelief."Why? I killed someone before.""You don't have to brag about it, psycho."We both laughed. I watched her hair blow in the wind. At that moment, I realized how beautiful Rory always was. We sat on the front steps of the mansion— eating pretzels. Josh has now taken over Matteo's territory. Josh and Mathias were damn near unstoppable at this point. I killed their biggest enemy."I hate you," I laughed."You love me," She whispered."Sometimes."We sat in silence for a moment until she spoke again. "Are you leaving?""Yeah.""You coming back?""I have a feeling I'll end up back here. I can't leave you forever," I said truthfully. I could never leave her forever. We were too close. I loved her too much."That's for damn sure," she smirked. "where are you going?""I'm not completely sure yet. But, I know I wanna make a stop
I stood frozen in place- my hands shaking. Matteo held a sinister look on his face. He was going to kill us. I knew it, and Rory knew it. His eyes were blazing; you would almost forget how terrifying he was until you were standing right in front of him. "I knew I recognized you two before," Matteo said. "I just couldn't place it until later. You two left the casino at the right time. I would have killed you when I came back.""Why have you tried to kill us? We did nothing to you." Rory asked."Retribution, maybe. You're an easy target, ya know?" Matteo smirked. "Your little boyfriends have taken people very close to me. Revenge is sweet...... Now, the guns on your hips put them on the ground and back up. If you try anything slick, I'll kill you.""You're gonna kill us anyway," I said.He smirked, "there are multiple ways to die. Slowly doesn't seem fun."I wanted to roll my eyes, but I didn't. It was odd, I didn't feel scared an
I stared at the clock and sighed— in less than two hours we were going to face Matteo. Rory and Josh were upstairs. They wanted some time alone before we left. Josh was still furious. He hasn't talked to Ash all day and has been ignoring Slick. He feels as if they're being reckless by letting us be involved. But, he also has no idea what we've been through while he was in a coma. The atmosphere around me felt different. Everything was coming to an end. After tonight I won't have to live in secrecy. That is if I live through the night. I glanced across the driveway and spotted Ash. He was finishing loading the van up while I zoned out. I didn't want to focus on what I was going to do tonight. I was terrified, but I was also excited in a twisted way. This new me was scaring me.The cold air made my skin prickle as I walked outside. Ash hooked up the last computer in the back of the van and jumped out. He smirked and walked towards me. "You ready for this?" He whispe
Mathias showed up in style that's for sure. Four black SUV's followed the white limo he occupied. He brought an abundance of men with him. Slick said Mathias was careful with everything and trusted few. He's done business with Josh before, but he still didn't trust him fully.We all stood in the foyer— waiting for Mathias to make his grand entrance. I felt like I was expecting to meet the president. We all dressed in our fanciest clothes. Josh wanted to make the best impression.Josh stood at the beginning of the foyer. He was still incredibly weak. Rory suggested he sit until Mathias came, but he refused. Rory looped arms with him and helped keep him steady."He doesn't look well enough yet to be involved," I whispered.Ash placed his arm around my waist and nodded, "I agree. But, you know he doesn't listen to anyone."I was a little jumpier than usual. I couldn't stand still— the anxiousness of the day taking over me. Ash placed a kiss
Once we got back to the safe house, it was three in the morning. I kicked my heels off of my now swollen feet. They were red, and I could see a blister forming. My chest felt tight and bruised. Anxiety can sure do a lot of damage. I was physically exhausted, yet I couldn't go to sleep if I tried. Tonight was terrifying, but it was exciting. The idea of almost getting caught was a thrill I had never known. It was twisted, but I couldn't help it.After coming back to the house, everyone went their separate ways. We needed downtime, and some of us just wanted to be alone. We were nearing the end of all this. It was a bittersweet though. Because I knew this wasn't the end of men like Matteo. There will always be another threat, another gunshot, another person hurt.I took the blonde wig off and threw it in the trash. It was beginning to look more disgusting as time went on. The kitchen door opened and Slick popped his head in."Ew, what's that?" Slick yelled,
"He's here," Rory muttered."We can see that," Slick joked. I rolled my eyes and chuckled."Get out of there now. We found what we needed," Ash commanded. I glanced at Matteo and saw his eyes on Rory."Are you sure? We could scope this room out longer," Rory said."There's no need. Now we have to get the real plan together," Ash muttered.I looked back at Rory, "let's go."She nodded, and we both made our way back towards the door. The room was getting more crowded, and the music seemed to be getting louder. Something was definitely happening here tonight."Where are you girls going?" I heard over my shoulder. Rory scrunched her eyebrows at me and found the mysterious voice."We were just going to get some fresh air," Rory said to the waiter. He looked entirely too young to be working here."Well, the boss wants to see you," he said and handed us both a drink."The boss?" I asked. My heart star
The days seemed to be growing shorter, and my anxiousness was peaking at new heights. Slick told me to calm down, but I had every reason to be on edge. Rory and I were about to infiltrate the casino where Ash believed Matteo was being hidden at. The van we were sitting in had screens on both sides. It reminded me of every van in a spy movie. Slick sat across from me on the computer. Crow was apparently an astonishing hacker. He sat next to Slick and was a hair away from getting passed The firewalls in the casino's security cameras.Ash and Slick had taken the reigns of this entire operation. Josh was still bed bound. He should be back to running things soon, but he still needed his rest. He had no idea about the plan tonight; which was Slick's idea. Everyone knew that if he heard what was happening he'd want to be involved.Watching Blaze's large frame trying to squeeze in this small space broke me out of thoughts. Of course, they had to choose the smallest van for
When Ash decided to give Slick more control, he sure took it. He called in his two most trusted advisers. They both got to the house in record time, and they both were terrifying.Blaze was a tall man with a buzz cut and large muscles. He had a scar on his lip that made him look even more menacing. Blaze was Slick's right hand. He took care of everything while Slick was here. Without asking you could sense they were close.Then there was Crow. Out of them, both Crow had more of a comfortable air around him. He had brown hair that would have easily fallen to his shoulders if he didn't have it pulled back into a pony. He was the shorter one between him and Blaze, but he was still just as deadly.Ash set a meeting for today in the basement with only a few of us. The basement was where Ash handled a lot of his meetings. The walls were stone, and no one could eavesdrop according to Rory she tried before of course.Most of the meeting had been small arg
I was almost regretting wanting in on this plan. Ash was working me way too hard. I think he wanted me to give up, but I wouldn't. He didn't want me hurt, and I understood that, but the fire I felt towards Matteo couldn't be put out. Every day I was feeling angrier. Watching Rory cry every night over Josh tore me apart. They were arguing when he was shot, so the guilt was eating at her. I knew deep down Josh didn't hold it against her. They're both hotheads, but they both care about each other deeply.Rory has been coming to the gym with me every day. I was happy to be training with someone I trusted completely. She has been in a funk mostly because Josh wasn't getting any better. At least he wasn't getting any worse. Slick has been helping us with shooting whenever he could. He's been busy trying to find where Matteo had been hiding out. I'd only really seen him three times in the past couple weeks. Rory would push Slick whenever she could for information- much to my surpr