Damned: Chapter 4) In Heat

For my own good, I grabbed the clothes and headed to the bathroom. I wasn’t going to be a little bratty kid and not take a bath because of my ego. His bathroom, I had to admit, was monster-sized and downright gorgeous. It was elegant yet modern with its black and white interior and of course the expensive designs. I wouldn’t mind spending time in here at all. Stepping in front of the large vanity sink, I opened a new toothbrush and awkwardly squirted the toothpaste onto the brush. My eyes suddenly fell upon his colognes and aftershave. What was it about aftershave?  

It was weird because I didn’t feel that strange in his place. Was that worrying? Shrugging the thought out, I quickly showered and got dressed into the clothing he gave. And of course, the other essential pieces to be worn. That, I felt a bit uneasy about. He knew what size I wore underneath.

Walking out the bathroom, all dressed, I saw the woman who worked there.

“Miss Donovan.” she smiled, “The door’s unlocked, you can go downstairs. Mr. Rostov is waiting for you.”

Taking a deep breath, I walked out of the room. It was the perfect chance to try to get out but I had to remind myself that I was taking another path to find my brother. Out the room had a long open hallway which gave a view of the large and luxurious foyer below. Where was he? About to descend the staircase, I heard two thick voices from a room nearby. Two men, one old and the other young stood at the center of the room speaking in Russian. It was more like arguing, to be honest. Judging by their facial expressions, they weren’t very happy. Who would be anyway? Frankly, I didn’t like the looks of this. Things were getting pretty heated and I didn’t want to get caught up in that. It was none of my business anyway. About to walk away, I felt someone clutched onto my arm behind me and spun me aggressively towards them.

“What the hell are you doing here!” he shouted signaling the attention of the two men inside the room. I felt as if fear diffused within me as the stranger’s eyes were upon me. The man who held me dug his fingers into my arm causing me to give a pained cry. His dirty blonde hair, which was styled to a neat brushed-back image, highlighted his professional manner. And of course, his tailor-made designer suit added to the look.

“Whose girl are you? You little filth! You were eavesdropping!”

“N-no I wasn’t!” I defended myself, wishing he would let go of my aching arm.

The man suddenly pushed me into the room where the other two men were. Falling on my knees and hands, he brutally yanked me up from the ground by gripping on a handful of my hair.

“I asked you a question tramp! Whose list are you under? Answer me!”

“I- I’m not on anyone’s list!” I cried feeling the tears swell up in my eyes. This pain was gut-wrenchingly brutal.

The two men stood there watching as if nothing was wrong. For the matter, they looked contented at the way I was being treated.

“Please!” I pleaded for him to let go of me.

He did, yet, only to slam me into the edge of the closet. I screamed from the impact I took in. It was a little beyond my pain level.

The man neared me as I tried to get up and suddenly kicked me in the stomach.

“Vitaly!” I somehow screamed as I took in the shock to my gut.

“Boss bought you?” the man snared looking shocked yet still furiously hazardous.

“No-no-” I trembled at the corner of the closet and wall. I couldn’t run and the pain made it impossible to fight back.

“Stop lying girl!” he roared, quickly taking his belt out as if he would hit me with it.

At the corner of my foggy eyesight, I noticed the old man about to intervene but someone else suddenly pulled the demonic man in front of me away.

Vitaly Alecovich Rostov honestly looked as if he was going to murder my predator. Clutching him by his collar, he shouted something in his native language to the man and thrashed him against the edge of the bed.

Quickly kneeling to my level, he placed his hand at the side of my face as he inspected for any wound.

“Is she alright?” I heard a woman’s voice from behind him.

“Take her back to the room,” he stated in a low icy voice and his eyes quickly fell on the man who hurt me. Vitaly’s jaw seemed murderously clenched and his eyes burned blue flames, “Take her back now.”

I wasn’t sure how to feel right now, the maid who worked there hastily rushed to me and helped me up- almost pushing me out of the room. My vision was so foggy that I barely recognized the other persons in the room. The woman quickly helped me onto the bed and two minutes after brought something for me to drink.

“Here.” she smiled, “It numbs the pain.”

“What is it?” I asked still holding my stomach.

“A herbal tea I was thought to make. Mr. Rostov normally requests it when he’s not well.”

“Oh.”

“If it works for him, I’m sure it would work for you, Miss Donovan.”

I swallowed feeling as if I was about to drop dead in pain, “What’s your name?”

“Maria. Please, Miss Donovan, drink your tea. Sir would expect you to feel better after you rest properly. I also brought some medications for you. Please do take them to ease the pain.”

“Okay.” I sighed as I watched her fade out the door.

Doing as she said, I took the painkillers right after drinking the tea and sank into a deep sleep.

The sudden sound of a beeping watch woke me. Strangely, my eyelids weren’t as heavy as I expected them to be. The pain eased a bit but I still felt the slight ache within me. That drink really worked. I stumbled across the room to the large window which gave a beautiful view of the outside. I noticed at that very moment, a glossy black Audi R8 gracefully drove through the long driveway to the house. Stopping at the parkway, the person opened the door of the car and came out. Vitaly stopped and it seemed like he checked his phone as he walked towards the house. There was something odd about him, the way he moved and carried about himself. I was honestly curious. He quickly stuffed his keys and phone into his black blazer which he wore over a white shirt. Didn’t I tell him about that white shirt? Only then, a question popped into my mind.

What time was it?

Snapping my head to the side, I noted from the clock that it was already evening. Oh, Christ, I slept for nearly the entire day!

Taking a deep breath, I went into the restroom and washed my face. Thankfully, the pain had really started to ease. I sat at the edge of the bed when I realized that the door to exit the room was opened. This was unbelievable. Quickly shooting up, I cautiously peeked out of the room and at that very moment, I saw Vitaly walk past.

Wow. Mini heart attack.

Fortunately, he didn’t take note of me. He seemed angry by his facial expression as he walked boldly into another room. What was that about? Looking around, I noticed the area to be quite clear. The sound of a sudden scream startled me on the spot. What the hell? Quickly, yet cautiously, I left the room and looked into the room where he went in. Although I looked through the crease of the door, I had a pretty good view.

A man slouched at the ground almost as if he was in pain with blood running down his head. Vitaly and the old man from before stood above him in such a menacing manner, it honestly scared me.

“I’m going to ask you this nicely Martin,” Vitaly began as he aimed a gun at the man’s head, “Who the fuck did you sell the arms to?”

“I- I didn’t sell them to anyone other than who I was instructed to sell them to.” the man trembled.

“Martin,” Vitaly’s voice itched in irritation, “Don’t wear my patience down. You broke the code of silence and on top of that aided Gianmarco Vincelli. You know how I feel about his family.”

“I had no choice sir, I –he threatened me. I- he-”

And in that exact second, he fired.

It happened so quickly I had no time to even react to what just happen. There was so much blood. The blood from within my body was honestly draining as well and one thing slapped me back to reality.

I had to get out of this place.

I was honestly insane to even contemplate about staying here. He just killed a man! He murdered him! He was a killer! Oh god. My heart was thundering so fast I swore I was going to die from the irregular beating. Quickly, I rushed back into the room.

What the hell was I thinking all this time? These people were dangerous! That man could kill me twice as fast as he killed the last person. Change of plans, I’m going to call the police. Get the hell out of here and call the police. They would take care of everything. Send that man to jail and find my brother. There- problem solved!

First I had to get out. I hadn’t realized it but I paced around the room frantically. The sudden sound of the door opening startled me.

It was him. Shutting the door behind, he nonchalantly gave a sigh.

“How are you feeling now?” he asked as if he cared.

“I-I’m fine.” I trembled.

“Are you?” he asked again, taking a step towards me, I instantly moved back.

“What woke you up?”

Something told me he wanted me to say the gunshot. I knew he wanted me to say that.

“I don’t know.” I breathed.

“You- don’t- know?” he arched an eyebrow.

My throat felt dry and thick. I hadn’t expected it but he brushed past me and took his blazer off, tossing it on the bed.

“The nerve of some people, Miss Katherine.”

With that, he headed to the bathroom and I heard the shower turn on not too long after.

Good God. Rubbing my face, I sat on the bed unsure of what to do when I suddenly heard the sound of a jingle. It came from inside his pocket of the blazer. I dipped my hand inside it to take out what almost shocked me.

Holy hell.

His car keys.

A sudden thought influenced my mind. It was the only way out. No- no what was I thinking? I never stole anything in my life! I couldn’t do this! But, I had to! If I wanted to get out alive I had to do this! Oh, God. Oh, God. What to do? Without thinking, I stuck my hand into the other pocket and took out his wallet and phone as well.

Well, if I was going to steal, I better make it worth it. Besides, this was just the expenses he owed me for damages done.

I quickly, yet cautiously, sneaked out of the room and dashed down the staircase. I was a bit surprised he hadn’t locked the door. Well, just my luck. My life depended on my speed and caution today. I had to be careful. I noticed few other persons in scattered rooms but avoided all eye contact with me until I reached out of the house. The car was a few steps away from me yet I felt like I was about to drop down right now.

No! I tried my best to scold myself to do this. If I didn’t do this, I’d be dead two seconds after. Literally. Taking a painful gulp, I neared the car but felt as if time was slowing down.

Relax. Relax. Relax. And get the hell out!

I swiftly opened the door and slipped myself in.

Please- please- please- please- please- please- please!

Starting the vehicle, I did the impossible. I drove out of there as fast as you could count to one. Oh God, oh God. This was the worst thing I ever did in my life! Oh, God. I never in my entire life stole anything! I was a good girl. I am. I am. I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m not!

Panic ate me as I reached the busy road. I hadn’t even realized that I was surrounded by people now. This was good. Great! It was great! I wanted to cry, I was still unsure. What do I do now? What to do? My brain rattled itself as I took out the phone and called Cara. Please be home- please be home. Please don’t leave for Nevada yet.

I needed to calm down.

‘Hello?’ my friend’s voice kissed over the phone.

‘Cara.’ I sobbed.

‘Kathy? Kathy, what’s wrong?’

‘Are you home?’

‘Yeah, I didn’t leave yet.”

‘Cara open your garage door for me. Please Cara do it now!’

‘Alright- alright- Kat you okay? I thought you were visiting last night. What happened?’

‘I’ll explain everything soon.’ I stated and hung up.

Clearly, I wasn’t thinking, using my phone on the road and all. Since when have I started to become so delinquent?

It felt surreal driving into my friend’s garage again. Was the nightmare over? I was shaking too much as I got out of the car and saw my wide-eyed friend.

“Holy shit! Kathy! Where the hell did you get that baby from!” she screeched in excitement looking at the car.

“I stole it, Cara! I freaking stole the car!” I shouted feeling immense panic flood through my veins, “Oh God, he’s going to kill me- he’s going to kill me!”

“Whoa crazy-Kat, are you high on eggnog? It isn’t even Christmas yet baby.”

I stared at the blonde girl with the pink streaks in her short bob hairstyle in dread, “I- I shouldn’t have come here. I shouldn’t have come here- he might hurt you.”

“Who? Kat are you alright?”

“Yes! I- I’m fine. After being tricked, kidnapped, threatened, drugged, and almost dead- then yes! I’m fine! He’s going to kill me Cara- if he finds me.” I yelled pacing frantically around the place, “He with his God-like sex appeal and irresistible ambiance and –and Christ the way he smells and that accent!”

“Kat?” Cara arched an eyebrow skeptically, “It’s either you’re watching too many Criminal Minds episodes or too much Barney. My poll is for Barney.”

“He’s going to freaking find me, skin me naked to a pole and bloody kill me!” I cried.

With enough of the tantrum I was displaying, she guided me into the living room and bought a bottle of water for me. Chugging it down like it was the scarcest thing ever, I threw myself back on the sofa.

“I’m going to die.” I sighed shutting my eyes tightly.

“What? Can you please just explain to me what happened.” she exhaled.

I didn’t want too but I somehow did. I told her everything. I’m done with the secrets.

“What!” she rose on her feet after I was finished, “Katherine we have to do something! We have to call the police!”

“We aren’t doing anything.” I frowned getting up, “I am. This doesn’t involve you, Cara, I shouldn’t have told you anything.”

“Look-”

“No! I will call the police but I just have to get myself together. He’s dangerous, I saw him kill a man with my own eyes. Please, just stay out of this Cara. If anything happens to you then I won’t forgive myself.”

“I’m your friend, it’s not an option whether you want me to or not.” she stated firmly, “I’m not leaving you like this.”

“But you have to understand-”

“That you’re scared.” she finished, “You can’t hide it from me and you know that.”

I swallowed, turning away.

“Katherine, stay here for now until I think of something.”

The night was nearing and my anxiety was growing far too quickly.

“I should go home,” I stated looking out the window.

“Are you crazy?”

“No, he doesn’t know where I live. I’ll be fine really. And I’ll call the police from there.”

“I don’t know Kathy. What if-”

“No, trust me. It’s fine.” I tried to smile, “Please I just want to go home.”

With a sigh, she gave in, “Okay, but I’m still coming over tonight. Just to make sure you’re okay and you call the police. Get home safely, I’ll put off my flight.”

“Please don’t do that Cara. I-”

“That’s final. Now go before it gets darker outside.”

I really wished she would have just let it go and move on but then again she wasn’t the type of person to do that.

After arriving home I quickly took a bath and stared at my phone. I had no choice but to tell the police about my brother. It was the only way. Looking at the time, Cara was supposed to get here by now. God, I hope everything is alright. Almost as if on cue, I saw her number calling.

‘Where are you? You were supposed to get here already!’ I sighed.

‘Oh, I’ll be there, Angel.’

That voice.

My heart clenched as I felt the air being sucked away from me. I honestly didn’t know how to respond. I tried.

‘Y-you.’ I exhaled, almost breathless.

‘Are you surprised? You can’t run from me you know that, but still, I have to give you credit. That was some crazy ass shit you pulled there. No one ever dared to do that to me.’

‘What do you want?’

‘Didn’t we discuss this before?’

I couldn’t answer, only left out a sob through the phone. He gave a low smooth chuckle at that.

‘You’ve been a bad girl, Katherine. Do you know what I do to bad girls like you baby?’ his voice a rich mix of raspy and seductive, ‘I punish them.’

This was it. I dropped the phone in an utter morbid panic and dashed through the room, grabbing only my sweater that was on the table. I had to get the hell out of here to somewhere less secluded. Surely he wouldn’t plan on hurting me if I was in a crowd. I had to get to a place like that and call the police. I couldn’t do it here otherwise if he finds me then he might kill me before anyone comes to my aid.

Quickly opening the door to exit, I gave a panicked shriek at the image in front of me.

It was him.

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