Melina POV
The morning after that strange, confusing night at the club, my entire body felt sore. My head was still foggy from whatever Lina had given me the night before. I dragged myself out of bed, forcing my legs to move even though all I wanted was to sleep forever.
But rest wasn't an option in this house.
The moment I stepped out of my room, Lina's voice cut through the silence.
"Milena! You're awake? Good. You have chores waiting."
Of course I did.
My life was nothing but chores, work, and exhaustion.
I swept the sitting room, washed the dishes, scrubbed the bathroom, cleaned the floors, and prepared breakfast for Thomas before he even stepped out of his room. He walked past me like I didn't exist, picked up his food, and left for the restaurant without a single thank you.
As always.
After finishing the house chores, I changed into my waitress uniform and headed to the restaurant. Morning shifts were always busy. Customers demanded everything at once, and Thomas barked orders like a drill sergeant.
By the time noon arrived, my feet were throbbing.
Lina appeared beside me with another one of her small cups.
"Drink this. You look tired," she said sweetly.
Too sweet.
She always looked too calm whenever she handed me those "energy drinks."
The same ones she started giving me when I turned eighteen.
The same ones that made my head light and my thoughts fuzzy.
I hesitated for a second.
"Drink it, Milena. Don't make things difficult," she added, her eyes hardening.
So I drank it.
Like always.
The familiar warm numbness spread through me, relaxing my muscles but making my mind float. It helped me work faster but… it never felt right. I knew that. Deep down, I knew.
After the restaurant rush slowed, Lina ordered me home to rest before the night shift at the bar. I didn't argue. My body was buzzing with drug-induced energy and exhaustion all at once.
When I got home, I showered quickly and changed into something casual.
For once, I wanted to sit on the couch, breathe, and maybe fall asleep for a few minutes.
I didn't get the chance.
A knock sounded on the door.
I froze.
We rarely got visitors. And Thomas always called before coming back.
I wiped my hands on my shorts and approached the door slowly.
"Who is it?" I asked, my voice small.
No answer.
A chill crawled down my spine.
I opened the door just an inch
A hand shot out, covering my mouth.
I gasped, struggling, but the drug Lina gave me earlier made my limbs sluggish and weak.
A man stepped inside quickly and shut the door behind us.
Dennis.
His eyes were cold. His expression unreadable.
"I'm sorry, Miss Milena," he said quietly. "But I have orders."
Orders?
My heart slammed against my ribs. I tried to scream, but the sound never made it past his hand.
The room spun as he injected something warm into my arm. My vision blurred instantly. My knees gave way, and I collapsed into his arms.
I fought to stay awake fought harder than I ever had but my body wouldn't listen.
Darkness swallowed me.
The last thing I sensed was the faint scent of the man who had saved me…
Before everything went black.