Chapter 1
The story you’re about to start reading has mature words and scenarios and is strictly for adults only. I suggest you look for another story if you are below the age limit.
“You were supposed to stop! Yours is red!”
I went out of my car trembling in fear while being drenched in the gush of the rain. Fear crept into my whole body as it was the first accident in two years that I was driving. The guy with an assistant holding a huge umbrella fiercely looked at me as if he was about to punch me because I delayed his road time. And with a stammering voice, I answered
“I am sorry. I was.....”
“What? Texting?”
“I was reaching for my water bottle that got stuck on my brake pedal and it was too late to stop.”
I am not sure if tears started to form in my eye or if they already dropped because his facial expression of fierce became soft and compassionate.
Then in a whirl of emotion, my knees wobbled and I suddenly blacked out and fell to the ground like a rose that suddenly wilted.
The next thing I knew, he was carrying me and telling his men to take my car. And in fear, I fainted in his arms again.
When I woke up, dizzy and with a headache; I noticed I lay on a huge white bed that was soft and cottony. I flurriedly took off the duvet and sat on the bed in a haywire imagination. And I was stunned to realize I was in a spacious room that was furnished lavishly with an expensive sofa and bed. But what caught my attention was my outfit. My clothes were already different. The office uniform that I was wearing is gone and I was wearing a satin loose flowing dress that showed my cleavage. I tried to recall what had happened and I remember that a tall, Meditteranean guy was scolding me on a street crossroad and I fainted.
I gasped in horror at what I might have gone through. Then, questions ran into my mind. Was I raped? Where am I? Who took me? Am I kidnapped? In my fear, I roamed my eyes around the room, and I saw some dots in the window that seemed to twinkle. I focused and saw stars. Am I hallucinating?
While trying to look at the vast window, a lady knocked and went inside the room.
“Oh, great...you’re already awake.”
I looked at her as she smiled, but I didn’t smile back.
“Where am I? And my clothes?”
And I looked sad and quizzically at her.
“Don’t worry. I was the one who changed your clothes. Nicholas never came near you. Don’t fear that man…. He is fierce but gentle.”
I just stared at her.
“By the way, you can call me Ramona.”
But I didn’t mind her talking so much. I went out of bed and looked for my clothes.
“Where are my clothes? I need to get home now.”
“But you’re already in another country?”
I shot a look at her.
“What do you mean?!”
And I started to tremble in fear.
“What did you say?”
“You are already in Barcelona.”
I turned around holding my head.
“Oh my! Barcelona?! Am I dreaming? I need to go to work or I will be fired. Your joke is not funny at all.”
“Who is joking? You were out for several hours already.”
Then I looked at the wide glass window and slowly came near it. As the view came clearer, I saw a flag waving in front of me and realized that I am really in Barcelona.
My knees lost their strength and I sat on the soft furry carpet. I remembered my work, my boss, my mom, and my boyfriend. Then I started to sob.
“My phone...my phone...where’s my phone?”
“You don’t have one when you came.”
“How do I get home? They might be worried about me.”
“He will bring you home next week.”
“Next week?”
“He didn’t mean to take you here, but he was on his way to the airport when you fainted. He didn’t have time to bring you to the hospital and he had no choice but to bring you here. You were soaking wet when you came that I had to change you.”
And I looked at her as myself softened.
“I remember he was boiling with raging anger that my body shook in fear.”
“He was?”
I looked at her with a questioning look.
“Well, that’s not like that guy. What could have happened?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“He usually lets it go and tells his lawyer to handle it. Can you tell me what exactly happened, because his assistant just gave me a brief run down?”
“I was in a hurry because I can’t be late anymore or my boss will fire me. My water bottle dropped accidentally and rolled to my brake pedal. I know I needed to get that or I can not fully step on it. While trying to get, my car collided with his.”
Then my voice cracked as I tried to get my composure. She came rushing to me as I dropped to my knees crying.
“What will happen to me? I didn’t know that would happen. I....I...I don’t know what to do.”
“Catherine, don’t worry. You are safe here. Nobody will harm you. I will try to talk to Nicholas so you can go back to your country.”
“How did you know my name?”
“I assumed that was your name written on the hem of your blouse.”
“Ugh, what will I do? My mom might be worried and crying. I don’t have my passport, I don’t think I have any ID as well. Everything is in my car. And I am not so sure where I can find my car.”
Tears started to form inside my eyes again. Ramona saw sparkling water that formed in my lids.
“Are you hungry? The chef has prepared some food for you.”
“What time is it?”
“In your country, it’s morning. Here? It’s dinner.”
“Can I just stay here?”
“Of course...I will just bring you something.”
“Thank you.”
And I just sat on the floor looking at the window. My mind cannot fathom what I am in and my brain cannot think of anything. I was in a blank stage as tears started to roll down my cheeks. Then Ramona knocked and entered the room. She rolled a table having wheels and different kinds of food. But when she saw me on the floor, she quickened and went to my side.
“Are you alright?”
And I nodded as I cried.
“I want to go home.”
“Oh, if he was only here. Wait....I will text him and ask him to call so that I may know what to do. But for now, you need to eat because it’s lunchtime from where you came from.”
She helped me stand to go to the table.
“Eat with me, please.”
And she nodded and took a chair and sat beside me.
“What is your work?”
“I work in a financial and investment company. We help people analyze their cash flow and what investments they can get.”
“Oh, that’s interesting. Why would your boss fire you?”
“He’s been hitting on me and I wouldn’t like to dive in, so he’s giving me all sorts of threats.”
My friends would always call me the apple of men’s eyes. My body is a number eight shape, with deep-set eyes, plump lips, brownish-wavy hair, and flawless skin.
“I bet men would surely turn their heads on you.”
I chuckled then suddenly became quiet.
“Something wrong?”
“Is your boss....the guy I had an accident with married?”
“Almost.”
“I bet his girl found out that he’s dating several ladies.”
“On the contrary, it’s the other way around.”
“What do you mean, Ramona?”
“He loved her like there were no other women in the world but she broke his heart.”
“What? She had another man?”
“No. She died in an accident. Nicolas wasn’t able to take it because she was in the house of his best friend.”
“I don’t get it.”
“His friend is a gang leader and was shot...”
“Ow!”
“While he was having s*x with his girlfriend.”
My hand quickly went to my mouth in response to what I heard.
“He loved her so much. For some time he thought she was just there to ask Philippe to bring her to him but photos show that they were both in bed naked.”
I sat down trying to compose myself as I pity the man.
“And how was he then?”
“He wasn’t able to take it for weeks because Philippe was like a brother to him. They grew up together.”
“So he lost two of his loved ones? That would really traumatize him.
“What traumatized him more is that the ones he trusted cheated on him.”
Ramona gave a big sigh.
“I remember that day when he rushed to Philippe’s house because the news came to him that he was shot and dies on the spot. When he came to his house, he was shocked to see Diana naked on his bed. His assistant said that he lost his balance and almost fell.”
“Oh my...oh my..... Does he have a girlfriend now?”
“After Diana, he had girls here and there, but nobody got his commitment.”
“Aw?!”
I didn’t realize that my eyebrows lifted as I said that.
“But there are times that he would look for something and he knows he already wants a family, kids.”
“Where are his parents?”
“Nicolas is an underboss.”
My eyes twitched, making a facial expression that I don’t understand what Ramona meant.
“His father is a Mafia boss. Their lives were once threatened by other mobs and they separated him from them. So he grew on his own until his parents were killed and his relatives were forced to take over for a while.”
“So, he is a Mafia guy?”
“He was hidden, changed name and everything. His father wants him to live a normal life.”
“His wealth?”
“From his parents but were somehow hidden from everyone.”
“How do you know his story if he was hidden?”
“I was hidden too. I became a nobody until they changed my hair, my nose, and my eyes. Ain’t I prettier now.”
And she motioned like a model of some soap or shampoo.
“Hey, you rest now...it’s night already.”
“I am not sleepy yet, Ramona.”
“That’s because you have jetlag. Just rest and watch something.”
“Do you have a book or a magazine I can read?”
“Oh yes. Come with me.”
She motioned her hand calling me and she opened the door for both of us. Then we walked through a big hall. She stopped in front of a door and opened it. As she did, I immediately saw hundreds of books lined up on shelves and shelves of books. I ran my hands and my eyes through the titles and the writers. Some of which were my favorites.
“You love reading, don’t you?”
“Yes...so much!”
And I took one book that I plan on starting to read.
“Can I borrow this?”
“Sure.”
“Does he love to read, too?”
“Oh, a bookworm. He grew up liking books. I guess it’s his way of getting out of boredom.”
“Are these all his?”
My hand waved to show the whole line of books.
“Everyone of them and he was able to read them all.”
“Really?”
“I better go. Let me accompany you to your room again.”
And she walked me to my room. The house is big and if weren’t for Ramona, I would be lost.
I entered the room and bade her have a great night and sleep. Then I lay on the bed and opened the book to start reading. I read until I fell asleep. The story was about a romance between a boss and her secretary that the millionaire’s parents forbid to happen. And the story came in harmony with my dream of me and Nicolas. My dream was warm and passionate and I woke up in the middle of the night gasping for air.
I couldn’t believe that it was a dream for it was too vivid and spontaneous. I went out of bed and looked through the vast window. Looking at the moon and the stars, I wonder if my mom and my boyfriend Jonas are both worried about me. I slouched down on the floor and tears started to roll down the side of my eyes as I laid on the floor. I cried until I didn’t realize that fell asleep.
I woke up when somebody held my face. I opened my eyes and saw the warmest brown eyes gazing at me. Without a word, he carried me and placed me in the middle of the bed.
“You can rest and we can talk tomorrow.”
He laid me down and was about to stand until I spoke and he froze a little
“When can I go home?”
“I planned to bring you home tomorrow but I have an emergency meeting, so I will schedule that for the next day.”
“My mom would be drenched with her tears being worried about me.”
He sat at the edge of the bed and his features are truly awesome and debonnaire.
“I already sent somebody to tell your mom that you are safe and she doesn’t need to worry.”
“She wanted to hear it from you. Ramona will call her tomorrow and you can talk to her. You can rest now.”
And he left the room and gently closed the door.
And I lulled myself to sleep although I could not forget how handsome Nicholas was as he carried me.
I slept for several hours. I might have slept too well because I was awakened when the light shone through my closed eyelids.
“Wake up sleepy head. We need to call your mom. I bet she hasn’t had any good sleep recently.”
“We’re gonna call her now?”
“Yup, facetime.”
“But.....”
“Have your breakfast and make yourself ready, honey, and we’re dialing her number.”
“Can we call her now?”
“Not with that outfit.”
And I looked at myself wearing lingerie. And I recalled that Nicholas came to the room and carried me. He must have seen my breast and my skin as my lingerie is quite thin and see-through.
I ran toward the bathroom
“I’m taking my shower now. O wait...I don’t have clothes.”
Ramona waved her arm and pointed towards the walk-in closet.
“We placed some in there that you might get interested in.”
I went to the closet and saw fancy and opulent clothes. Scanning and scrutinizing as I take each one from the wardrobe, I saw the line of regalia. I chose the simplest one as I don’t want to give my mom the impression that I am in a Mafia house. Although this may count as one.
I hit the showers and saw an array of perfumes, moisturizers, and body sprays. The showerhead was something I have desired for quite a time. A shower spray of a thin and indulgent stream of water. I took the thin clothes that Ramona placed on me and hit the shower.
I turned the knob slowly to adjust the temperature of the water and closed my eyes as I face the dripping water that I wished for so long to feel. Then, I poured and lavished my skin with a body wash that bubbled and squeaked through me.
The shampoo and the hair conditioner smelled just like the body moisturizer and I felt clean and gorgeously smelling fresh and glamorous. I felt romantic and a little sexy, I admit. I took a towel and felt its softness as I made myself dry with it, I imagined how it would feel being touched by the man who owns the house.
“Are you alright, Catherine?”
“Yeah, Ramona. Thank you.”
“I left a cell phone so you can call your mother. I will be outside because Nicholas came.”
“Okay, thank you.”
My attention now is not on calling my mom but on who Ramona said came. Would my hair be soft enough? My skin? My face? What does a handsome guy like Nicholas look for in a lady?
I still chose the simplest from the wardrobe finery. As I slipped into it, my body figure displayed. I dabbed some face powder and tinted my lips pink. I went to the room and dialed my mother’s number. I felt trepidations as the phone rang.
“Hello.”
When I heard her voice, tears started to drop down my cheeks. I replied with a cracked voice.
“Hi, mom.”
“Catherine? Catherine is that you?”
“Yes, mom.”
“For goodness sake. How are you? Where are you?”
“I’m okay mom.”
“Are you crying? Are you hurt?”
“I’m really fine, mom. I just missed you.”
“I am so worried. Somebody called and told me that you are just resting. Because of an accident.”
“Who called you?”
“A lady named Elize and I didn’t believe her. I tried to call your phone again and again but there wasn’t any connection whatsoever. Where are you? Can I go there?”
“I’m just fine mom and I live in a big house.”
“What happened, dear.”
“We had an accident. Our vehicles collided and I fainted they brought me here for a check-up.”
“What? You’re in a hospital? What hospital are you in right now?”
“Let me call you through facetime. I will hang up mom.”
I hang up and called her again. As she answered and saw my background.
“Where are you? I was so worried.”
“I know mom and I missed you, too. I will come home tomorrow or the next day.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah.”
I place my forefinger across my lips signing for her to hush and stay with me.
“Why are we whispering? Are you kidnapped or something?”
“Don’t be a hysteric mom. Let me show you my room here.”
And I changed the camera to the other side so she can see what I see. I roamed the camera around and brought her to the bathroom. After showing her almost every corner and the expensive amenities and furniture, I changed the camera again so we can see each other.
“This is where I lived for some time.”
“Is that a hotel?”
And I signaled hush again to her with my finger across my lips.
“It’s a billionaire’s house.”
Her jaw dropped as I told her that.
“Why and how?”
“I am not sure.”
“You better take care of yourself.”
“I will mom. Have you heard from Jonas?”
“He was here when it happened. He didn’t come back. I guess he is busy looking for you.”
“Just don’t tell him where I am.”
“Just be careful, Cath.”
“I will mom.”
I think embracing the phone with my arms across it as if I was embracing my mom. Then tears started to form and dropped on my cheeks as Ramona entered the room.
“Are you okay?”
I didn’t answer but just nodded my head and slowly wiped my tears.
“I just finished talking to my mom.”
“Oh, are you okay?”
“I just missed her.”
“I think you might already see your mom tomorrow.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nicholas came and I told him that you already wanted to go home.”
“What did he say?”
“He told me that he wanted you to come to his office so you can talk.”
I looked at Ramona.
“But I am scared.”
“Don’t be, he is the gentlest man I have ever known.”
“He was so furious that day.”
“Trust me, Catherine.”
And I looked at her again with anxiousness.
“Would you like me to come with you?”
I nodded
“Please.”
“Okay, fix yourself or he might think that I made you cry.”
“Okay. Gove me five minutes.”
And I went back to the closet to comb my hair and freshen up my look. Then I went out to join Ramona so we can go together where her boss is.
We walked several halls until we reached a door and Ramona knocked. A man answered and we entered the room.
“Oh hi, Catherine. Are you better now?”
“Yes, thank you very much.”
“Please sit down and be comfortable.”
I sat and Ramona went out of the room. I tried to stop her but Nicholas spoke.
“Don’t worry. I don’t bite.”
“It’s not that.”
“Just relax. Have you spoken to your mother?”
I nodded and shyly looked at him.
“I just did before I came here.”
“Did you talk to your boyfriend Jonas?”
I quizzically looked at him.
“A question runs in your mind, and it’s written all over your face.”
I smiled at him and tried not to show any expression.
“I want to show you something. Oh, let me ask first. Is this Jonas, your boyfriend?”
And he showed me a picture of a man.
“Yes, that’s Jonas. Why do you have his picture?”
He smiled and bounced his shoulders a little.
“While we were looking for somebody who would know you, this person rang your phone. We weren’t able to pick up quickly. And Because we can’t open your gadget, we tried to trace the call.”
He showed me his tablet.
“And here’s what my men found out.”
He turned on the video. My jaw dropped as I saw Jonas hug and kissed a lady on her lips passionately. I became nauseous when I saw his hands crawl toward her hips and butt. My knees wobbled and I fainted when I saw who the lady was.
To be continued