Chapter 33 33
|| Author POV ||
“Let’s meet your freedom, rabbit.”
Killian didn’t wait for her answer. With a firm yet gentle grip, he grabbed her wrist and led her forward.
Rosa’s steps were hesitant and her body stiff. As they stepped out of the mansion, the cold moonlight spilled over her delicate face, making her wide eyes shimmer with a mixture of fear and fragile hope.
The night was calm. Rosa’s small steps faltered slightly, her hand tightly locked in Killian’s. Her eyes widened when they approached a long line of sleek black cars. Over twenty of them lined up like shadows ready to pounce.
“Chris, start the car. Get the men ready. No one fires a dagger at the first meeting.” Killian ordered sharply.
Rosa glanced up at the familiar figure, Chris.
Was he also like Killian? Another dangerous man in this dark world?
Killian slid Rosalie into the passenger seat and ignited the engine while she silently fiddled with her fingers.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
Rosa flinched when the car finally came to a sudden halt. She couldn’t bring herself to meet Killian’s gaze. Before she could react, the door beside her opened and she was gently pulled out.
Her eyes darted around, taking in the dazzling lights surrounding them under the sky. A black carpet stretched ahead, flanked by men in sharp security uniforms standing like statues.
The air hummed with power and danger.
Killian’s fingers tilted her chin upward. “Look at me. Don’t be afraid when I’m with you.” He pressed a quick kiss to her lips and wrapped his arm possessively around her waist.
Several guards, including Chris, trailed behind them. The moment they reached the entrance, every guard bowed deeply.
Rosa’s mind swirled with confusion, what kind of place had she stepped into?
“Inform them, the king has arrived.”
Rosa grasped the words through her active earbud. Her heart skipped as she noticed the guards straighten, their bodies rigid with discipline. A heavy tension fell over the air.
King? Who were they talking about?
Her wide eyes searched the faces around her. She dared to glance up at him. Killian’s sharp gaze was already on her.
“Relax.” he muttered calmly.
She couldn’t breathe. Just as they entered in, the dazzling lights overwhelmed her vision and the sea of elegantly dressed people deepened her confusion. The towering building, the elite crowd, the rows of bowing figures, it all felt unreal. One by one, every eye fell on Killian. Every bow was for him.
Rosalie’s knees weakened. Her world shattered again realizing–he wasn’t just a mafia. He was the king of them!
She gripped her skirt tightly. Her heart thudded as unwanted stares pierced her fragile frame. Killian turned sharply to Chris. “Spread the men. No blind spots.”
Chris nodded and immediately instructed the bodyguards who moved with swift precision, surrounding the grand hall like shadows.
Suddenly, a couple approached. The man confidently extended his hand. “Nice to finally meet you. I’m Damon Vellin.”
Killian nodded once, “Killian Salvatore.” shaking his hand firmly. Rosa instinctively tried to shrink behind him, overwhelmed by the opulence, the power and the eyes.
Beside Damon, the woman stepped forward. Her red dress hugged every curve of her hourglass body. She eyed Rosa with interest and her red lips curled into a smile.
“Oh my god, you’re so cute.” the woman said with a smile, though her presence was anything but soft.
Rosa’s breath hitched and she lowered her gaze. Her small fingers twisted the hem of her skirt in silent fear. She felt Killian’s arm around her tighten protectively. Rosa wanted to run from him.
“What’s your name?” the lady cooed, reaching out and pinched Rosa’s cheek.
“Rosalie Sinclair!” Killian’s stated coldly. Rosa shivered. She felt many eyes on them.
Killian’s glare toward the woman was enough to make her hand fall away instantly from Rosa’s cheek.
Damon chuckled, sensing the tension. He caught the dangerous flicker in Killian’s eyes, something lethal and possessive for that girl.
“Such a pretty name, right Lina?” his partner, Lina nodded at him, smiling professionally.
“You’re younger than we expected the king to be.” Damon said smoothly, changing the topic, his eyes still watching Killian closely after the deadly glare he threw at his partner.
Killian turned his cold gaze to the man while Damon continued “Seems like the news travels fast.” he chuckled “We were all shocked. The mafia king turning out to be the top business tycoon? Impressive. Business is just another battlefield. And yes, the king owns it all. We’re hoping for a future collaboration.”
Rosa’s lashes fluttered as she stared at the floor. Her mind reeled. Business tycoon?
She shook her thoughts. It didn’t matter if Killian was a businessman or not. He was still a mafia and a killer. Nothing could change that truth.
The conversation ended quickly but more people began approaching them. Each one greeted Killian with respect, fear even. Rosa shrank further beside him. Her tiny form trembled in discomfort as the crowd grew.
It finally struck her. It was clear now, this wasn’t just a party. It was a gathering of criminals. And tonight, they had come to meet the man who ruled them all.
Their king.
Her captor.
Rosa was darting her eyes around, desperately seeking a way out but Killian’s hold on her never faltered. Killian led Rosalie into a darker corner, away from the prying eyes. Her heart pounded with fear.
Killian gestured and Chris appeared immediately. Killian finally released her waist but not her freedom.
He turned to her with eyes sharp like a blade. “Stand here like the obedient little bunny you are.” he grazed coldly. “You won’t move a single step unless I say so. Understood?”
Rosa gripped her skirt instead. She wasn’t feeling so good.
“Understood?” Killian repeated sternly this time.
Rosa timidly looked at him trapped in his dominance. “Don’t even think of running. You move without my permission, I’ll make sure you can’t walk again. Got it?”
Rosa nodded shakily. Fear gripped her bones.
Killian left her standing in the corner to engage in his bloody conversations. Rosa stood silently with her fingers clenched at her sides and glanced around with cautious eyes. Chris remained nearby, stationed like a silent guard. His alert gaze never strayed far from her.
“Ma’am, would you like some desserts?” a sudden voice from behind startled her.
Rosalie flinched and slowly turned. Her eyes landed on a man dressed in a crisp black and white uniform, standing behind a lavish dessert stall.
Rosa’s gaze shifted to the trays of exquisite desserts. Her stomach clenched with hunger. She hadn’t eaten properly in days. Not because Killian hadn’t given her food but she starved herself. Still, Rosa hesitated, realizing she had no money, no freedom.
“Come on, ma’am. These are for the guests. You must try them. They’re exclusive.”
Rosa blinked again with uncertainty. She quickly turned back to see if Killian was watching. But he was out of her sight.
Her eyes then met Chris’s. He was still nearby, watching her. For a moment, his cold expression shifted. His eyes darkened slightly, understanding the little girl’s quiet fear. He gave her a small nod and bowed slightly, silently giving her permission, careful not to make her feel uneasy.
“Which one would you like?” the man asked kindly.
Rosalie hesitated. Her eyes drifted over the array of beautifully crafted desserts. Was it really okay for her to eat?
Slowly, she lifted her hand and pointed to a strawberry-flavored ice cream. The man gave a quick nod and prepared it.
Rosa took the cone hesitantly, cradling it carefully in both hands. Her injured palm was still bandaged and weak. Bringing it to her lips, she took a small bite. The sweet, cold taste made her flinch slightly. It had been so long since she’d tasted something this gentle.
Her eyes darted around, searching desperately for an escape but Chris was there, standing guard. She scanned the crowd, hoping for a chance or any chance.
Killian’s threat echoed in her mind.
Rosa glanced at Chris again. He was looking the other way. Rosa took a shaky breath and slowly stepped back, tiptoeing away from her spot. But before she could get far, her back collided with a solid, broad chest.
Rosa froze. Terrified, she slowly turned her head to look behind. Killian stood there like a giant, shadowing over her tiny form.
His dark eyes bore down into her with a furrow of eyebrows. “Where were you going?”