nstead. Mama would be disappointed. I wonder what Eva would have to

t watched a man die in front of me, a man who didn't deserve the peace that comes with death. I curse under my

after gaining my freedom, I only wanted to do those things I knew Mama hated. But e

escape. I am not that girl, I hope I never get free of him, I only started living the minute I saw him.

ed a perfectly symmetrical face adorned by high cheekbones that added a touch of aristocratic poise. His gaze held

t deepen the kiss. He is only touching my face, but I am on fire everywhere. I

e controlled by him. "Never do that again or I swear Aella, I would put yo

l person; he would never love me. He is the first man I have ever kissed, but I have

speak when you ar

iff to avoid another crying episode. "I

rd with his hand, I shyly move to sit on his lap. I don't feel uncomfortable and only the scowl on his face stops me from kissing him aga

ating me. "Why were you scared Aella?" his breath fans my face and I can't help but notice the faint hint of mint on his brea

him bleeding, welcome to the club bro. "You

ut your permission, I almost got you killed. Ho

each other for a long time, f

loomed closer, the fire in his eyes dying down to a burning ember as he cupped my face in the palm of hi

close to each other. "Why does my father

n't respond. "

know if I would ever be fine. I would forever be hunted by the distant look in his eyes and the endles

n I look at his blood-soaked

ot; I understand how traumatizing

shed a single tear for Mike. I push his chest; he doesn't bulk but keeps holding on

and hungry, I prayed for him to come, and I was ready to forgive him if he

is. For a second, I start to sweat thinking he might make do with his threat and sp

ain Aella, not at me, not at

y quickly, part of my apol

n into is cruel and unforgiving, you mess with the wrong people and they in turn take away everything that ever matters to you." he strokes my hair, tu

l ask him about Mike, and maybe I might learn to forgive him. My heart weeps for Ace, he sounded so hurt

y pointing at his gun wound, his

until my head rests at the crook of his neck.

****

ately calm my nerves when I realise, I am in his room, on his bed. it smells like him; I smell li

don't like the fact that I woke up alone, I like him watching me, and as much

y. I swallow my screams when I am faced with two hefty men. "Fuc

lf "Please, can yo

raight nose. "Mr Hale has instructed that you get a tour of the house only if it please

tion for emphasis. "Ca

u like a tour t

deaf "I would see

y with shorter hair and a friendly face replied. what does he

he hospital then; can

ule tonight" schedule! I laugh, a full b

a straight face even when I don't stop laughing f

what I can have now, I am bored, and I a

n unison. "I will lead yo

to puke. I was hardly ever hungry; I only ate because Mama w

ss; you have to eat

e to eat. I have spent twenty years of my life bossed around by Mama; I refuse to let t

ne with the conversation. When they don't move, I go bac

like a pool, and I imagine sitting there with him naked. I want to see all of him, I blush embarr

ds. I do not stop dancing until I start to feel dizzy from all my jumping and shouting. I open his wardrobe, Well It is an understatement, it is like a room full of clothes. I pick up a white sh

pped up in Ace Hale that I forgot all about my pathetic life. I almost make my way back outside, but I am too angr