The Clash

But wasn't that the goal? To not die? She pushed the voice of reasoning out of her head; _even dying is better than this_

Hardening her heart and mind, she began to pull away from him, slowly, sneakily trying to make as little movement as possible, she was making progress, and soon she was out of his elbow.

His hand still lay straight on her. She looked at his face and sighed. Phew, he didn't look disturbed. The alcohol must have knocked him down like a dummy.

She tried lifting his hand away from her, but with each gentle push, she was more convinced that his body was made of iron. Solid iron

She glanced back. This time his brows furrowed. She swallowed in anxiety and had a rethink. What if she got caught? She ignored the thought of gaining more bravery.

She continued sneaking out of his hold until only his fingertips touched her. She blinked in relief, but then he stretched and wrapped his hand around her again so firmly that she couldn't even move.

She became frustrated and on the verge of tears. Even in his sleep, he still controlled her. But not anymore. She was going to fight till her last breath till she escaped him.

Picking a pillow, she raised his arm with all her strength and put it under his arm, using the opportunity to snuggle away; _ She did it_ she was free. But it wouldn't last if she stayed around him.

She tiptoed, grabbing the white dress she had pulled off the night before and wearing it back on. She snatched her phone and sneaked to the door.

Accidentally she kicks a ceramic that had formerly been pushed to the floor by Damon; it made a little noise and just enough to make him groan in his sleep. He nestled into the pillow the more, thinking it was her.

She sighed, walking stealthily out of the room, closing the door.

She made her move past the corridor as she quickened her pace. She didn't know her way around this place even though she had been there for two weeks.

Her heart beat faster when she saw two of Damon's men coming toward her, and she bowed her head so they wouldn't see her face.

"Who is she?" She heard one of them ask.

The other chuckled and answered, "She's Capo's new whore. But he's obsessed with this one. Haven't seen the other bitch in a long time."

Maya's face reddened. This is what she is known for now, even though it was against her wish.

She was no threat to them, so they didn't try to stop her. She was in the dining room and wasn't surprised to find out the place had been cleared.

She could see a door leading out of the dining room and figured out it was the kitchen, and kitchens always had back doors, right? She thought to herself. She was going to find out.

She was about to make her move when she heard footsteps coming, her heart beating fast; she quickly hid underneath the table, the tablecloth covering her perfectly.

She saw the legs but couldn't see the face, which was okay. The legs and shoes were feminine. They paced the room in worry. The person was muttering many things she couldn't make sense of.

"Lina! Lina!" She called out. Maya knew that voice. It was Maria's voice.

A girl in the blue and white maid's uniform came running out of the kitchen, "Ma'am, you call me?"

"Yes, I called you Lina. Can I get a glass of cold water?"

 Lina appeared shuffling, "But Madam Maria, you can't have water every time. Sir Damon, kill me if he knows."

"He won't know, just please, Maria. Here are twenty-five Euros. Just one glass."

Maya wasn't sure they were talking about just water. Water was a code word for something else, and with Maria's desperation, she needed it.

"I bring glass to your room," changed Lina's mind immediately.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, Lina, you're the best," she left the dining room.

Lina sighed and also left. 

Maya sighed. This was her chance to sneak out of the table, satisfied that everywhere was empty; her anxiety was affecting her, making her want to disappear. She shook her head back to the mission at hand.

Approaching the kitchen, she came face to face with the maid that her Maestro had sent to bring her clothes, and she looked startled because she wasn't expecting her downstairs.

"Please don't shout," Maya begged, on the verge of tears.

Lina looked at her battered face and weak body and felt pity for her. Since Maya came into the mansion, she knew something was wrong, but she was just an ordinary servant; she couldn't do anything about it.

"You not to be down here," she told Maya.

Maya nodded ."I know, I know, I need to leave this place, or he will kill me; I don't know my around, please help me."

Lina sighed. She was always the one made to put her job and life at risk. But she couldn't let this innocent girl stay here; the sight of her face was terrifying; she looked so weak she might not even make it to the doorstep.

"I not show you, but I direct you."

Maya nodded her head vigorously, sending sharp pain into her skull. "I'll appreciate anything."

"You do not follow the kitchen; it's bad, bad place, follow sitting room and downstairs. Go outside. No one stops you. They think you are Sir Damon put...." She stopped wondering if she said too much.

Maya let it pass. She thanked her profusely and continued her journey. She went past the sitting room and found the stairs, climbing down it she couldn't believe her luck.

She had gone this far, and soon she'll be out. The freedom she yearns for is just a few steps away.

She flew down the remaining stairs; the phone tightened around her right hand. Her palms were sweaty and slick and a wicked ache pounded in her head.

She rejoiced and spoke of her freedom too soon because before she could place her hand on the knob that led to freedom, the door swung open, and the familiar face of her Maestro came boldly into view.

She froze."Maestro, please forgive me," she heard herself say. Not able to take it any longer, she fainted ,falling back.