“No.” He shakes his head. “I can’t trust you not to make a run for it. Plus, in front of his house might be just as dangerous as inside.”
God, I don’t want to know what he means by that, and I don’t ask. I look out the window and watch the large oak trees we’re passing. I didn't even notice we had already left the city. The moon is large and bright, and the only thing shining light on the otherwise dark landscape.
After a few more minutes, Alaric turns into an unmarked dirt road, and my heart sinks. Did he lie? Is he driving me out here into the middle of nowhere to…
“Jesus, I can hear you think.” Alaric chuckles. “My boss lives far out. He likes this secluded place. I already told you, as long as you listen, I won’t have to hurt you.”
A part of me still believes him, but doubt clings to me. I watched him murder a guy and cut off his hand less than an hour ago. But if he wanted me dead, he could have killed me there, right?
“Look, the house is coming up.” Alaric points in front of him, and my eyes fall onto the large house in the distance.
The closer we get, the more I realize it’s not a house at all. It’s more like a mansion that could easily house eight large families. The driveway ends in a circle, the road wrapping around a fountain. I try to take everything in, but my brain is like a sponge full of water and can’t hold anything else at the moment.
“Listen to me, Monroe.” Alaric gets my attention, and I turn my head to look at him. “In there, you need to do exactly as I say.Exactly. Do you understand?”
My eyes go wide as I simply stare at him in shock. I want to tell him yes, but all I can do is look at him, wishing I was anywhere but here right now.
“Just like in the club, you keep your head down and stay close to me. Do not talk to anyone, don’t look at anyone. Don’t breathe toward anyone. You got it?”
Finally, I snap out of my fear-induced shock and nod my head furiously. “I’ll stay glued to your side,” I promise.
“Good.” Alaric nods.
We both get out of the car and start walking toward the front door. I almost trip over my own two feet, but Alaric pulls me back up and tucks me to his side before I hit the ground.
Our feet touch the first step leading up to the entrance when the large double doors swing open, and two armed men pile out, guns raised. My knees lock, but Alaric pulls me farther up the stairs.
The two goons lower their guns, and I lower my eyes in return, remembering what I promised Alaric in the car.
“Sorry, you got here faster than we thought,” one of the guys explains.
“Next time you point your gun at me, you better fire it, or it will be the last time you pull your gun at anyone,” Alaric growls, letting his threat hang in the air as he marches us farther into the house.
I keep my eyes low, examining the marble flooring we’re walking on, and only glancing to the side every once in a while when we pass a door. I don’t see or hear anyone else until we get to the back of the house, and music carries into the hallway.
Alaric stops at the door the music seems to come from and reaches for the handle. As soon as he pushes it open, the music becomes loud, and multiple men’s voices meet my ear.
“Alaric!” one of the men calls, and two more men chime in. “Good to see you, old friend. I’m guessing the job is done?”
“Alessandro, do I ever return without getting the job done?”
The group of men erupts into laughter. “Of course not, but just to ease my mind, you did bring what I asked you for, right?”
Alaric takes a few steps forward, and I follow him closely. I still haven't looked up at the men, but I can see the edge of a coffee table and a leather couch, both sitting on top of an expensive-looking carpet.
A thud sound has my eyes flicker to the table just in time to see the severed hand landing in the center. I gulp.
“Perfect. Now that business is out of the way, tell me about this fine little piece you brought to the party.”
“This is Monroe, and I’m afraid we won’t be able to stay and party with you this time. Maybe next.”
A ripple of drunken complaints come from the men. I keep count in my head, and I'm pretty sure there are five or six guys total.
Alaric spins around, grabbing me by my arm a little rougher than necessary.
“Nonsense, Alaric. Stay, I insist,” one of the men orders in a tone that doesn't leave room for an argument.
Alaric tightens his grip on my arm painfully, making me wince as he drags me to a couch. He sits down, then pulls me onto his lap. I keep my back straight, and my head down still, which only lets me see a little of the men sitting close to us.