Chapter 5

Veronica.

I took a leave permit from Miss Shelby, telling her I had urgent things to take off with my mom. It wasn't the complete truth, but our lives are in danger, and this man could strike anytime.

As I stepped out from the café, I took my phone out of my pocket, planning to dial Jude's number. But before I could press the call button, a notification popped up, with an unfamiliar number appearing on the screen.

Unknown Number:Leaving work so soon, Principessa? Such a bad girl.

My heart skipped a beat. I could feel it pounding a hundred beats per second, like a jackhammer in my chest. Did he know where I was already?

I slowly lifted my head, scanning the parking lot. The café was alone on its block, and the only two cars parked in front of it belonged to customers inside; otherwise, there was no one in sight.

I grabbed Jude's number in haste, putting it closer to my ear and waiting for his response.

“Hello?” Jude's voice answered casually from the other end. “How are you, Vee?”

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. “J-Jude, I need your help.”

I said it, my voice alarming, and he immediately got the hint.

“What's that, Vee? What's going on?” His tone immediately changed from its calm demeanor to one of concern.

“I can't explain right now; I just need you to book two tickets to L.A. for me and my mom. I'll explain everything later.”

“What's happening, Vee?” His voice was more serious now. “Why?”

“I'll explain later. I promise, just do it.”

“Okay.” He whispered, but just loud enough for me to hear. “I'll do that now.”

“Thanks,” I said, hanging up.

Jude had been my best friend since I could remember; he always did whatever I wanted. He was one of the few people I trusted with my life. He worked as a computer guy in a big tech company. If there was anyone who could help me go untraceable, it was him.

I twisted the key into my lock, unlocking the front door to my apartment before stepping inside. Hurriedly, I rushed into my room, throwing any piece of clothing I could grasp into my bag. I needed to leave. I didn't know why he was looking for me, but I didn't want to find out.

As I stepped out of the apartment, unlocking the door, my phone buzzed again in my palm from the same number.

Unknown Number: Don't be scared, I don't bite, at least not yet.

My heart skipped a beat—a mixture of dread and anticipation in my chest. I didn’t know whether to be terrified or intrigued. But even as my mind screamed at me to run, there was a part of me that wanted to stay, to understand the meaning behind those words.

I had to leave the country before he got to me. If I had known he was a fucking mafia member, I wouldn't have gotten into a one-night stand with him. But thinking about it now, I didn't have much of a choice to turn down Mr. Brandon’s request.

I ordered a cab straight to the hospital where my mom was. It wasn't too far from my apartment, but the drive felt like hours as I watched the passing streets. I clutched the seat of the cab. I couldn't help but remember the night before—the way he talked and whispered into my eyes left me frightened but still yearning for more.

A part of me knew it wasn't normal, but a part of me wanted to see how far he could go. It was unhealthy, but I couldn't deny it. I was scared but also curious at the same time.

I shook my head as if trying to set my thoughts back into proper order.

I quickly flagged down a taxi and got in, giving the driver the direction to the hospital.

My thoughts were haywire as the car drove. I wasn't even aware of the location that Jude would be sending us to. But I trusted him. I had a small amount of money stashed in my savings, and that was it. I figured it would be enough to sustain us.

I got to the hospital and met the nurses, who looked at me as if I were an out-of-place animal. It took me a while to realize that one of them was staring at my outfit, and I realized I still hadn't changed my clothing since last night. Great.

"I'm here to see my mom," I told them hurriedly, doing my best to ignore their strange stares.

"She's up in her ward," the nurse said, still staring at me strangely. I couldn't be bothered.

I hurriedly turned away and then back to them at the same time.

"Please process her paperwork for discharge," I instructed them and hurried away, ignoring the confused calls from the nurses.

I got to my mom's ward and pushed the door open to reveal the shock of my life.

“You never told me you had a boyfriend, sweetie.”

“I don—”

My mouth went dry the moment my eyes crashed into a familiar blue ones. My blood ran cold, and I felt a chill that ran down my spine, paralyzing me on the spot.

He smiled knowingly as if daring me to speak against it.

"You know how much I hate surprises," Mom replied seating up from her bed.

He slowly moved closer to me capturing my waist in place. He leaned in just inches away from my face.

"You better play along doll.”