CHAPTER 8
Ariel's POV
I gazed at my pale skin in the mirror and then at my cheeks that were currently bright red.
Ariel!
I immediately pinched my cheeks, reprimanding myself for blushing. No, I wasn't blushing... but for whatever that was.
Dermos is Ariella's husband, not mine.
Not mine.
Fuck, he's not mine!
But why did my mind keep going back to yesterday?
I'd stood there, frozen, my lips still tingling from the kiss before I had pushed Dermos away, my heart was beating crazy even though I shouted at it not to.
He had looked at me, his eyes calm as ever, and said. "You're different, Ariella. I don't know what's changed, but you're not the same person I thought you were."
At some point, I thought it was a joke, but then I realized he'd said 'Ariella', not 'Ariel.'
Of course, he likes my sister, that's the fucking main reason they got married!
I'm Ariel, not Ariella. He likes Ariella.
I repeated this three times, reminding myself where I stood. Ariella would soon return, and I'll be sent back home.
Just like it should be. Right?
I sighed, and Isabella, who'd been helping me with my hair, gazed at me through the mirror. I shook my head, signaling that there's nothing wrong.
"You may leave."
She doesn't argue and exits.
I've been noticing strange things happening around me lately, too.
My phone goes missing for hours, and when I find it, it's been tampered with. And then there's the note I found in my closet [RUN BEFORE HE FINDS OUT]
What does it mean? And who wrote it?
I've been trying to keep a low profile, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm in danger.
I've also been thinking about trying to escape, just to get out of this place and figure things out. I knew Dermos would be busy with his... business and that.. I sighed, and that damn whore house.
It's the perfect opportunity to make a break for it.
I waited until the house was quiet, and then I snuck out of my room. I made my way down the stairs, trying not to make a sound. I had to be careful; I knew Dermos had guards posted everywhere.
Just as I reached the door, a hand suddenly clamped down on my shoulder. I spun around, my heart in my throat, and found myself face to face with Carlos.
"Where do you think you're going?" He growled.
I didn't know who was scarier, Dermos or Carlos.
I tried to shake him off, but he held tight. "Let me go."
He leaned in. "Escaping the Don means signing your own death warrant, Ariella. You want to try it, be my guest. But you're not going anywhere without me knowing about it."
I felt a shiver run down my spine.
There was something in his voice, something that made me think he wasn't just threatening me. He also sounded... concerned?
"Why are you telling me this?" I asked, trying to gauge his reaction.
Carlos's expression was conflicted, like he was wrestling with something inside. "Because I don't want to have to be the one to drag you back... dead or alive." He said, finally. "Don't try it, Ariella. You're playing with fire."
I nodded, though I barely grasped anything he said.
I'd try to escape soon again, but I'll be more careful this time.
~
The next day, I was seated at the family table, trying to make small talk with the others. Luciana was being her usual, fake self, asking me questions about my "interests" and making snobby comments about my clothes.
"So, Ariella, what do you like to do for fun?" She asked, her voice faking sweetness. "Do you have any.. hobbies?"
As if the bitch cared.
I forced a smile, trying to play along. "I like to read, I guess, and listen to music."
Luciana raised an eyebrow. "Oh, how.. quaint. What kind of music do you listen to?"
I shrugged. "Just.. stuff. You know, whatever's popular, I guess."
And then, just as we were starting to eat, she "accidentally" spilled a glass of wine all over my dress.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed, with a growing smile. "You look like such a... cheap imitation."
The table fell silent, and I felt my anger rising. But before I could say anything, Dermos spoke up.
"Luciana, leave the table."
Luciana's eyes widened, and I too was surprised. She looked at him like he was crazy. "What? But-"
"Now," Dermos said, clearly with his mind made up.
Luciana's face turned red as she stood up and stalked out of the room. The rest of the table was silent, their eyes fixed on Dermos.
To be honest, I was shocked.
Dermos turned to me, his expression calm. "Ariella, would you like to change?"
I nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. He led me to my room, his hand on the small of my back. I chewed the inside of my mouth, not knowing if he was doing this on purpose or not.
"Dermos," I called out.
He gazed down at me. "Mm?"
"I want Isabella as my personal maid."
He nodded, his voice low. "I'll think about it."
He turned to leave, then turned back. "Don't forget about the gala this weekend."
I nodded, but before I could say anything, Dermos suddenly stepped closer, his eyes locked on mine. He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine before he kissed me.
Again.
His kiss deepened, his hands holding me in place, but I just stood frozen in place. Dermos's expression didn't change. He leaned in again, his lips on mine, tugging even harder.
And soon, my mind began to go places, and my hands on his chest began to shiver a bit.
I felt tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "Stop... please stop," I whispered.
He didn't stop.
Tears ran down my face as I pushed against him, but he didn't let go.
Would he really..?
I shut my eyes tighter.
Would Dermos rape me?
