"That was nice! A little more practice and you'll master it!" Hance, one of Zadkiro's men said after we sat down to take a rest after playing darts for almost two hours.
I had a great time playing with them, they included me in their game and I really felt belonged. They did not make me feel awkward and I enjoyed it."Thank you, I was not good at it but you taught me well," I responded.In the short time that we had a bond, I doubted if they were trully a mafia. They're very jolly and I couldn't sense danger in them. Some of them even introduced themselves to me like I was just a newfound friend."Do you want some drinks, Ma'am?" Calvin asked. He was one of the two men who were at the room's door a while ago, the one who had the black thing on his ears."No, I'm fine. I haven't finished my juice yet," I replied.I looked around and eyed every person here in this place.At a glance, I admit I was afraid and if I wasn't bored, I wouldn't have the courage to join them in playing. Yes do look dangerous, they have earrings and piercings, they don't wear casual trendy outfits and wear black instead, most importantly their tattoos.I've seen many people with tattoos but theirs is different. Some of them even have one on their necks and random parts of their body. I don't want to judge but in a simple look, I'll say they're a thug.I was worried that I might upset them or they might not try playing with me but I was glad they even took the initiative to carefully explain to me the mechanics, rules, and techniques.They set aside their guns and that made me more comfortable. After the short time we spent together, I can't believe I was with a mafia. You know when a person says mafia, I automatically think that they're evil people.Even Zadkiro, he looks decent and he looks good but after I found out he was a mafia, I suddenly questioned myself about what bad things he do.Speaking of Zadkiro, where did he go? I haven't seen him yet since this morning.I looked at Rivos, Calvin's partner."Do you know where is Zadkiro?" I asked."He's currently in his office Ma'am, do you want to go there?" he offered.Office? Wow, I didn't know he had an office inside this huge house. Oh well, he's rich, what do I expect?"Can I? He wouldn't get mad right?"He only nodded and gestured for me to follow him. Just like this morning, Rivos led the way and Calvin was at my back.I bid my goodbye to the guys and they answered me with a smile. I hope I can play with them next time, Zadkiro won't let me out and I don't want to escape as well. I won't try now that he's already taking a step to help me find my parents.It didn't take that long until we stopped walking in front of a golden door on the second floor. There was a word carved in the door but I was not able to read it because the letters were foreign.Rivos knocked twice then opened it for me. I looked at him when he told me to get in, but I hadn't heard any response inside yet."You may enter Ma'am, he's inside," Calvin assured me.I looked inside but I did not see anything or anyone. It was dark inside.I went inside and as soon as I stepped in, they closed the door behind me. The room became even more darker so I stayed still in worry that I might bump into something and destroy it.Where could Zadkiro possibly be?"Z-Zadkiro?"They said he was inside but I didn't hear him and now I couldn't see him."I'm here."I gasped and automatically turned around when I heard a man's voice behind me. I cannot see anything but I can feel someone's presence near me, it's Zadkiro."Where are you? Can you open the light?" I requested.I didn't hear him respond but light illuminated the whole room after a few seconds.There I saw him half naked and water dripping on his body and hair. My eyes widened and I wasn't able to hide my reaction after he caught me staring at him.I looked at him head to toe and I was like hypnotized for a moment because of the image that I was seeing. I wanted to turn around but I think it was too late because I already saw his well-toned body."Sorry, I was about to get dressed when you came in," he said as if explaining and showed me a dark blue plain shirt.I did not say anything because I might lose control and praise him for his body. Wait, that's crazy.I closed my eyes and shook my head. I shouldn't stare at his body as if it's legal, it's harassment.He immediately put on his shirt and faced me again."So, what brings you here? Are you done playing darts?" he started the conversation."You know that?"He smirked, a playful one."Yeah, and I heard you're pretty good at it," he stated.I smiled. I wasn't good at it, I know they're just trying to cheer me up."I enjoyed it, but I want to play it again some other time."He nodded, still smiling. He went near the table where a white folded towel was placed and used it to dry his hair.I couldn't help but sniff when I smelled his manly scent after he passed by me. His smell was like a combination of menthol and cool, it's addictive."You may play anytime you want, it is better than staying in my room for the whole day," he answered."That was your room?" I curiously asked. "If that's your room, where do you sleep now that I stay there then?"Zadkiro shrugged his shoulder."Here in my office, it has a bed and bathroom. That's all I need."Oh, but that doesn't seem like a room. There are no cabinets or wardrobes where clothes can be fixed. Are men usually like that? Very simple?"Okay. Anyway, I just came here to talk to you about our deal. Maybe I could burrow your time if you're not that busy?""Yes you may, take a seat," he offered and pointed to an empty chair beside his office table.While he was busy drying his hair, I took the opportunity to carefully look at his office.I was impressed by the decorations and theme of this room, it's like a medieval period and the paintings are just perfect. There were no flowers to be seen but I think it still looks great."You make me jealous by the way you look at my office," I heard Zadkiro uttered with a hint of teasing in his voice.I looked at him and pouted to stop myself from rolling my eyes off him. I was just appreciating the place."Don't flirt with me, that's not our subject today," I retorted and crossed my arms above my chest."Isn't it? What then? Math? Science? Can we do Physical Education instead?""Zadkiro!"What I mean by subject is topic, not the literal subject that kids study at school!He chuckled and raised both of his arms in the air like a criminal caught by the police."Okay fine, sorry love," he apologized still laughing.Gosh, this man. I didn't know he had this playful side."Be serious Mr. Driavos or I'm going to get mad," I threatened him."As you wish."I sighed and held my head. He's stressing me."Fine! About our deal, I just want to clarify our boundaries. I said you can ask me to do anything and I'll stay here as you wish right?"He nodded.We better make ourselves clear so in the future, we wouldn't argue about it again. We're like business partners now, and we should be transparent to what we like and we don't like if we want our relationship to stay strong and longer."Well, I'm a person also Zadkiro. I have limitations, I have many things that I couldn't do and I hope you wouldn't... force me. I-Its not that I don't trust you, I only want to secure myself," I continued.I know he knows what I mean. He's an adult and so am I, I don't want to force myself to do something that's below my capabilities and dignity.Staying here as his companion and not his kidnap victim is enough as my sacrifice, I wouldn't do anything more than that."What a challenge, but that's okay. I'll give you that. Anything else?""Uhm, about my parents. Can I ask for updates if ever you find clues or anything? Don't worry, I wouldn't demand a rush, I just want to keep myself updated." I bit my lip after I said that out of nervous."Santiago will do that, I'll ask him," he responded.I smiled when I did not hear any contradictions from him. I thought I was going to have a long conversation with him but I am happy that he was with me now."What about you, don't you have anything to ask me? I know I cannot give you something 'cause you have the power between us but maybe there's anything?"He hummed and put his hand on his chin as if he was carefully thinking about it."There's a lot actually, but I'll only choose the easiest one so you won't get pressured."Oh."Then what is it?" I asked.He sat properly and looked at me directly in the eyes. The moment I met his eyes again, I felt the same exciting feeling that I felt when we first met.Oh no! I shouldn't be feeling this way every time he'd look at me like that."First, I want you to always bring Calvin and Rivos if you are wandering around the mansion. Am I clear?" he asked like a soldier. Strict and firm.I nodded. I'm comfortable with the two men so I wouldn't have to worry about that. On the other hand, it's an advantage for me, I'd be more safe."Second, you are not allowed to leave this house without my permission. You can only leave if you are with me—""Wait! Really! I could do that. Does that mean we could go to the mall or music festivals?" I excitedly asked, cutting him off from finishing his sentence.I didn't think he'd allow me. All I thought was he was going to lock me here for a long time."Yes Sereia, but I repeat, only if you're with me. Even if Calvin and Rivos are with you, you are not allowed, and you will have a time clock if ever. Once a week only and that would be at least eight hours. Limited."I giggled. "That's fine with me!"It is better than staying here and killing myself with boredom. At last! I could go and visit places that I wished to visit when I was younger. I'm excited!"What's next?" I asked."Lastly, if I said no means no. Just like you, I have limitations as well and you must learn how to accept that not all things will be in favor of you all the time."Aww. "Why? Would you get mad again if I'll still do it even if you said no?"It's kinda sad, what if I said I want to go to the music festival and he said no? That means I cannot do something about it."I'll try not to be, but every human has the right to be mad so I suggest you behave and don't act like a spoiled little child.""Hey, I am not like that!" I reacted.He relaxed his body on the backrest of his chair and closed his eyes."That's not what I've seen for the past few days, Sereia. Better train yourself not to be stubborn or you'll be punished again."What?"Pick the clothes that are comfortable for you, I could suggest but it might not be your fashion," Zadkiro said after I asked him what clothes should I pick. He brought me to the mall today and said we'll buy clothes for me because there were only a few pairs for me to wear at his mansion. I am glad he trusted me now and invited me to come to this place. I don't know where were my clothes that I have from the orphanage, maybe I left them on the road where they grabbed me or they threw them away. We have no bodyguard today because he said he wanted to make me feel free even for once. I didn't say it verbally but I appreciate how he value the freedom and happiness that I wanted. "What about long sleeves and jogging pants?" I asked. That's what I usually wear but I still want to ask his opinion since it is his money that we're going to use to pay for my needs. "Okay then, grab as many as you want. We don't know when we'll be back here again." I only nodded at him and started picki
"Come out come out little Sereia, Mommy wants to hug you now." I covered my mouth in able not to create any sound while trying to fit myself in this cabinet. I was shaking and sweaty because of fear. I don't understand why Mommy was holding a knife with blood on it and was trying to attack me using it. She isn't like this, she was lovely and she used to make me feel loved. What happened to her? I peeked through the small hole in the cabinet and I saw her smiling like a devil while sitting on my bed. Mommy was playing with the knife in her hand like she was being possessed. "I only want to hug my baby Sereia. Why is she hiding from me?" she said talking to herself. I wanted to run towards her and hug her but I know she's not in her normal self. Maybe I should just wait for my Daddy and ask for help. I'm sure he'll be here anytime soon. "Na ah ah, now where are you Sereia! Show yourself or Mommy's gonna be mad at you?" She looked around and I almost jolted when her eyes stopped i
"How stupid could you be?! Your task was the simplest among every mission that a mafia could do! Why did the fuck did you fail?" I haven't reached the ground floor of this mansion yet but I can already hear Zadkiro's loud voice coming downstairs. I was planning to get a drink for myself since the weather was a bit cold but I did not expect to hear Zadkiro's thundering voice, he seemed to be scolding his men. That's what I guess because I could see a lot of men in black inside the house. I used to see them outside and if ever I saw them inside, they were not this many. Perhaps Zadkiro gathered them 'cause something happened and that's what made him upset. I continued walking on the stairs until I could finally see what was happening. Zadkiro was panting while his hands were resting on his waist. He looks mad and frustrated at the same time while his men are silently looking down. Some noticed my presence but no one made a reaction about it. They all look worried and problematic
"Aish! Why do I need to wash all of these? Don't you have a washing machine? My hands are reddish already," I complained and looked at Santiago. He was sitting beside me with his legs crossed while cleaning his nails with that pink liquid and white cloth. Zadkiro assigned him to look after me and make sure I did all the laundry before dawn. This is my punishment and it was against my will because I don't own any of these clothes. All of this was bedsheets, dark clothes that I don't know who owns, and pillowcases. I don't know how long I've been handwashing these but I am already tired and my hands are starting to get swollen. "We do have a washing machine, but Sir Zadkiro told me not to allow you to use it," he nonchalantly answered. "How heartless," I mumbled and continued doing my work. Maybe I could finish this tomorrow if Zadkiro finishes it, I won't mind. I think it's better than doing nothing. "By the way Santiago, can I ask you a question?" I started a conversation betwe
"Are you crazy Sereia? You don't know what world is waiting for you outside this orphanage. You better put back your belongings before someone else sees you," Devika said in a moderate tone. She is watching me pack my things, attempting to stop me from leaving this place, the place where I stayed for how many years, in the middle of the night. "I'm old enough Devika, I'm already nineteen years old and I am fully aware of what I'm doing," I replied and closed the zipper of the black duffle bag. I need to hurry and leave before the mother superior wakes up and finds out about my plan. I couldn't get caught or else there will be no chance left for me. I've been preparing for this for a long time and I must succeed tonight no matter what happens. "You're out of your mind. What makes you think a better world is waiting for you outside? There are bad people there waiting to commit a crime to relieve themselves. You have no idea what the real world is, just stay here," Devika sermon
"What are you talking about? M-My family? You know my parents?" I asked. My voice was full of hope. I've never felt this way before and it's so overwhelming. I stepped closer to him, demanding an answer at the sudden mention of my 'family.' He furrowed his eyebrows after seeing my reaction, not expecting me to react that way. He seemed stunned but I did not ask further so we won't lose the direction of the conversation. That doesn't matter to me now, all I want to discern is if he knows something about my parents. "I'm not buying your lies and actings, Sereia Villamor." He strode closer, towering over me. "Just tell me where your parents are and I'll let you go, safe and sound." I eyed him full of turmoil. Why does he persist in asking me where my parents are? If I knew, he wouldn't have to ask me multiple times. I wasn't able to answer him because I didn't have an answer to give in the first place. Why don't he listen to me? I slowly shook my head. I don't think we're ha
"I'm sorry for dragging you into this foolishness. Tomorrow morning, I'll return you to the orpha—" "No!" Zadkiro furrowed his forehead when I unexpectedly cut him off, not allowing him to finish what he was saying. He stared at me with concern and difficulty as he saw how I opposed the idea of returning to the orphanage. He was staring at me as if he was waiting for an explanation of why I burst out like that. "Please no, I-I already left there..." I said in a low tone. If I needed to plead then I would do it. I don't want to go back there anymore! He doesn't have an idea what he is talking about. Zadkiro gaped at me and was still disturbed. He was speechless for a minute and was examining me before he slowly shook his head and spoke out. "I've already chatted to Mother Fatima, the head of the orphanage, she told me you were missing. They didn't know you left, you have no idea how anxious they are right now," he stated in a firm tone. I swallowed greedily to calm my ner
"Did I tell you to sit down?" I looked at Zadkiro's eyes. He was comfortably sitting in the bed with a glass of beer in his hand while watching me stand in front of him for too long. I am doing nothing but standing rigidly in front of him for hours, my knees begin to tremble and I am sweating already. I could do this for one whole day but today, I couldn't because my wound hasn't healed yet. When he left the room, I thought he would give me time to think and cool my head off but I was wrong when he returned holding an empty glass and a bottle of expensive brandy. Zadkiro demanded me to stand here in my place and did not allow me to sit or rest. He told me that it was a punishment for shouting and disrespecting him earlier. I know I shouldn't be doing this but I felt guilty about what I did. I should've not shouted at him even if he did it first because I only leveled my attitude to his. "I'm tired, let me rest even for five minutes, please?" I begged. I might collapse if I con