Chapter 4 Outside

After being confined to the small, magnificent room for a considerable amount of time, Isabella's body felt a little rigid as she was dragged outside that morning.

"Where are you taking me to?" She asked but got no response.

The sun was shining through the tall walls creating long shadows on the ground on this warm day.

The fresh air felt like a unique gift for a fleeting moment of freedom as she inhaled deeply.

At least it was something she was grateful for.

The guards were positioned a few feet away. Their rigid postures and eyes scanning the horizon.

She took a few steps ahead of them attempting to take in as much of the atmosphere as she could but they paid her little attention.

The tall imposing walls enclosing the compound were the only thing that made her think of the prison she was in.

"Lady Isabella ." a voice called softly interrupting her wandering thoughts and the silence which circled her.

Lady Isabella?

Oh, that was new. She thought to herself but Saud nothing.

Mara, one of the maids was carrying a little tray of food when she turned around.

" I brought you breakfast ." She said in a small voice." Capo, requested that you have breakfast here in the garden."

Isabella nodded with gratitude for the gesture

For the past few days she hadn't eaten much—not because she was hungry but rather because she was stressed and felt uneasy.

Her mind kept wandering to her grandfather, if he knew what had happened to her.

If he had been trying unsuccessfully to get to her.

She thought of her step mother and the level of betrayal she had gotten and her eyes immediately watered.

Mara started serving the meal after setting the tray on the stone bench next to her.

"Its a lovely day." Isabella said

as she noticed the mansions surroundings. Only the tall walls and a few green areas were visible but it felt like a gift at the time.

Though there was a glimmer of sadness in her eyes and Mara smiled gently at her, knowing what she was going through.

Isabella was attempting to make the most of a difficult situation and she knew it. Mara however could not act as if nothing was wrong.And she couldn't help Isabella escape even though she so much wished to help her.

But that would cost her het life.

Tension was high here and Isabella's abrupt imprisonment was a major emotional burden.

Mara placed the food carefully in front of Isabella ." I will wait while you finish your meal and if you want anything else just ask me and I would gladly do it.I'm hoping this helps you feel better."

Isabella smiled slightly but not enough to meet her eyes

" Yes it is. I'll eat what I can get but not much."

As she picked up the fork she saw the guards moving from their posts and toward the compounds entrance before she could even know what was going on.

She didn't understand the commotion but she didn't give it much thought until she heard saw sleek black cars driving in.

" I'm going to use the restroom." Isabella said abruptly and got to her feet. She seemed to be overcome by the need to escape from this place and an opportunity to get away from all of this for a bit.

Mara nodded watching her go with a worried expression.

"Alright , ma'am, I'll wait here for you. "

Isabella walked, her steps light and swift until she arrived at the restroom, a small isolated section close to the rear of the compound.

She needed a moment to collect herself but she didn't want to go to the bathroom.

Making sure no one was around, she slipped around a corner. But she was paralyzed by what she saw when she peered around the corner.

Lucian.

Three men stood with him all wearing black suits ,their voices low their postures rigid. He looked behind him as if sensing she was staring at him and and she hid quickly

She was now ensnared in a dark world where he was a member of the mafia.

She knew enough to know that he was not a trustworthy man even though she was secretly falling for this man who told her things she was forced to believe. But it was the conversation that drew her in.

The men he was talking to had the appearance of mafia thugs and she could tell by the way they carried themselves and spoke which gave her shivers.

"Everything is set, isn't?" Lucian asked

in a low nearly growling voice. A man nodded his expression solemn.

" The boss wants to make sure she follows the rules but everything else is in order. Nothing is missing."

Isabella's breath caught in her throat.

Boss ?

She knew fully well that they were discussing about her. She had to exercise caution. She couldn't show them that she was paying attention.

But a boss asking for her.

Is Lucian not the boss?

In a hurry she ducked behind the corner and held her breath hoping they hadn't seen her. Leaning back against the cool stone wall she tried to steady herself as her heart hammered in her chest.

Another man asked sharply.

" Any news on the girl?"

" She's not causing us any problems. Its not as simple as she seems." Another answered .

Almost irritated Lucian answered him.

" We need to keep an eye on her. "

" The boss wants nothing to put the plans in danger. "

Isabella shuddered at the thought of a plan. Why did she find herself at the center of their plans?

"Maybe we ought to." Said another then one of the men recommended that they deal with her more directly.

" Keep her in line and ensure she understands who is in command. "

There was a dangerous edge to Lucians voice as it lowered. We will take necessary action. "But keep in mind that she still has value. We cannot afford to make any errors. And tell Ricardo that I'm not selling her over."

Isabella5s thoughts were racing.

It was very important that she learn the truth.

But she was in danger of being completely overcome by her fear.

Why had she come here ? She should have just stayed with the maid.

what did they want from her and what were they going to do next?

She knew she couldn't remain hiding indefinitely. Pulling herself together, she stood up slowly and looked around the corner to check if they were still conversing.

One of the men had noticed her but the others were still there.

The man yelled ."Who's there?" as he narrowed his eyes and turned to face Isabella.

Isabella's heart skipped a beat and she swallowed hard and sweat beads formed on her forehead.

She had the urge to run and the thought that it might only make matters worse made her freeze .

Her heart was pounding but she made an effort to appear unconcerned.

"I was just passing by and looking around the mansion. "Lucian's eyes met hers as the men gazed at her.

His face was unreadable but there was something about the way he gazed at her that left her feeling like a puzzle piece, she couldn't quite put together.

The men gave one final look at her before they said something and left immediately.

"Isabella." Lucian whispered her name but the way he said it chilled her, she wanted to look at him and at the same time to look away.

"What brought you there? You shouldn't have come out."

She felt her mouth dry up.

" I was just....." In an attempt to sound convincing she stammered ."I thought I heard something. "

For a while Lucian remained silent and observed her quietly.

He then gave the men a nod without saying anything.

"Return to posting. "

After a brief moment of hesitation, the men complied leaving Lucian and Isabella alone in the small alley.

He moved toward her, his face unreadable after the others had left the area.

"You should not to be aimlessly roaming around. It is risky. "

Isabella stepped back tensed.

"What are you talking about? What do you want from me?"

Though his lips quirked Lucian did not smile.

"Just keep in mind that you are not allowed to do as you like. Not in this place."

Isabella tried to ignore the lump in her throat as she clenched her fists.

"I don6t belong here. "She whispered more to herself than to him .

For a moment Lucian's eyes softened then hardened once more.

" That's a risky way to think. Keep in mind, the person you are interacting with. I'm not kind hearted." He turned and left after saying that leaving Isabella standing there by herself with her thoughts racing with worries and questions she wasn't sure she could really answer to.

She was certain of one thing though: she was directly in the center off whatever the mafia was planning.

Not only that she didn't know how long she could live in their world.