ROSE.
It was dark.
A movement behind me made me turn, and I recognized the familiar silhouette of my elder brother.
"Reid?" I called. But he just stood there instead of coming to me.
The place was cold and empty, yet I felt eyes on me.
"Reid? Is that you?" I called again. When I tried to move, something held my legs back. I frowned, looking down. I couldn't see anything, just endless darkness.
"Reid, come on, let's go!" I cried out, panicking as my legs refused to cooperate. My brother didn't listen or speak.
I was done talking. I started struggling to move, but it was impossible. When I lifted my gaze, I couldn't find him again.
"Reid? Reid!" I screamed.
I jolted awake. Pain crossed through my veins, like I'd been hit by a truck. My thoughts were disoriented as I tried to focus on my surroundings.
I noticed I was in a dark room. The only source of light was moonlight coming from the windows. The scent of cinnamon and smoke filled the air. The soft bed under me was nothing like the worn-out ones in the maid's quarters.
My skin prickled. Someone was beside me.
I turned, and my heart skipped a beat when cold midnight blue eyes stared back at me. I shuddered and sprang out of the bed.
I was still in my uniform, even if it was slightly askew. It was a relief that I was still alive, but his eyes held a dark promise, the kind I wanted to run away from. He must think I attempted to poison him and drank it out of guilt.
My head hurt, and I felt nauseous. My steps were slow as I staggered toward the door, cursing the girl under my breath.
He didn't say anything or try to stop me. I opened the door and was immediately flung back when someone donning a mask barged in, shoving me out of the way with force. I cried out in pain as the intruder attacked Caelin.
I struggled to get on my feet while they fought. Caelin knocked the gun out of the intruder's hand, and I watched as they fought, contemplating if I should leave or stay to help. I wanted to be the one to kill him, but it seemed like I wouldn't be getting my wish.
The intruder brought out a knife and tried to stab Caelin, but he was faster. He kicked the knife out of the intruder's hand and sent him flying into the wall. A grunt of pain came from the intruder, making it obvious he was a man.
Caelin glanced at me, and I shook my head, knowing what he was thinking. He thinks I'm working with whoever this is.
Oh God.
I'm going to die.
I didn't even notice I was crying when the intruder stirred as Caelin turned to get his phone.
My eyes widened as the intruder took out a gun. I didn't know what was happening, but my legs moved on their own until I stood between both men.
I wanted to call for Caelin's attention, to tell him the man hadn't passed out, when it hit me.
Two gunshots rang out.
Caelin moved with the speed of lightning, his glock in hand, shooting the intruder once.
It was too late. The intruder had already pulled the trigger. But Caelin wasn't falling or injured.
It made me wonder if the bullet missed. The sharp pain on my side forced me to look down. Blood seeped from the bullet wound, soaking my uniform.
I had been shot.
I touched the wound, watching as blood stained my shaking hands. I gasped.
It can't be.
I took the bullet meant for him.
I lifted my gaze and met his. For a moment, I saw a flicker of concern before it disappeared. I collapsed and passed out.
Again.
My eyelids were heavy. Everything hurts like hell. I forced them open, wincing when sharp rays of sunlight almost blinded me. My vision was blurry as I squinted, trying to make out the figure beside my bed.
Was I dead?
"I'm not sure, Hermosa," a deep, rough voice answered.
Did I say that out loud?
I froze when I caught the scent of cinnamon and cigarettes, felt the soft bed, saw the fancy ceiling and smooth comforter.
I wasn't in my room.
Wait. I know that voice.
My vision cleared, and I found Caelin clad in long white sleeves and black slacks, staring intensely at me. He twirled what looked like a golden bullet between his fingers. He sat beside the bed, looking like he'd been there for a while, watching me like a creep.
"You're awake. You were talking in your sleep," he said.
I furrowed my brows, then schooled my expression as I remembered where I was.
"I'm sorry, sir. I'll take my leave now." I was too weak to move, pain burning in my side in protest. That's when I realized my gown had been changed. I was wearing an extra-large gray t-shirt that smelled like cigarettes.
His shirt.
Bile rose to my throat. My skin itched to tear it off. I needed to get out of here. If he didn't kill me, then they must've found out I wasn't part of the attack.
Before I could reach the door, he blocked my way, towering over me with his ridiculous height and muscular body. I flinched, shocked at how fast he moved.
For fuck's sake. What does he want now?
"What's with the rush, Hermosa? I thought we were getting to know each other," he purred, his lips tugging into a smirk.
I hated how handsome the bastard was. I wanted to snap his neck.
"I have to get back to work, sir." I stepped back as he came closer.
"What's your name?" he asked, ignoring me.
"Rose, sir." I kept my eyes down.
He closed the distance and lifted my chin with his finger. I cringed at the cold contact.
Forcing my head up, my eyes met his piercing gaze. I couldn't pinpoint why he stared at me like a kid who'd just realized his Christmas gift was a toy gun.
"Rose…" he drawled, his throaty tone sending a chill down my spine.
I needed to get out of here as soon as possible.
"Why don't you tell me how you knew about the poisoned coffee?" he asked.
For some reason, I didn't want to tell him about the maid. But I didn't know how to lie without implicating myself.
He raised one brow, waiting.
What have I gotten myself into?