Mira's POV
"Where are you taking me?" I hissed, the panic rising in my voice.
He acted like he didn't know me. The huge gate spread open, letting the car enter the estate.
The car packed in front of the huge mansion. The car's door opened and the guard gestured for me to step out but I hesitated.
Xavier got out and walked over, then his desk voice commanded. "Get out!"
My body moved quickly and I stood beside him. He walked ahead and I followed like a dog, climbing the small stairs at the front porch.
The large front door opened and he stepped in.
"Welcome back, Xavier!" The guards greeted, all lined up in two columns. The left with the maids all dressed in their uniform and on the right were the guards in their black suits.
I gawked, speechless as the servants raised their heads the same time he moved his fingers.
Who the hell was he?
"Follow me," he ordered, and strolled further into the house.
He got to the living room, took off his suit jacket and handed it to one of the servants present.
"Prepare her room in the servants quarters," he said. One of the maids bowed her head and left.
My eyes rang for a second. Did he just say servant? A room? Was he crazy?!
"Leave us," he said calmly. All the servants left except for two guards stationed at the door.
I watched him sit, not daring to do the same. He crossed his legs, and dipped his hand into his pocket, pulling out a cigar.
A guard walked over, turned on the lighter and lit the end of his cigar stick. He took a smoke, blew it out and then glanced at me.
"You should learn some rules if you're going to stay here," he began.
I had no interest in staying here.
"First, you will work like the others while you're under my roof. Second, you stay in your room after work and can't leave without my permission."
"What?" I yelled. "That's bullshit. I'm not your slave and I'm not doing any of that."
The cigar stopped before it touched his lips. From my peripheral vision, I saw the guards shift uncomfortably.
I heard a low chuckle, as his head rose. "You won't?" he asked. His low voice dropped again and I gulped.
Did I say something wrong?
He placed the cigar on the saucer then stood to his feet. I took a step back, my hands shaking. My throat closed like I'd swallowed ice.
He kept walking closer and I retracted.
My back hit the wall and I gulped. He leaned in, his face dangerously close to mine. "What did you say to me?"
I didn't speak, the fear claiming every part of my body. I quivered, my fist tightening.
"Go on. Let me hear it," he breathed. His warm breath touched my cheek.
"I…I…won't…work for you," I spat.
His face withdrew back a few inches, his green eyes staring into mine. "You're bold. I'll give you that."
His hand reached out so fast I didn't see it, gripping my neck tight. "Say those words again."
The air cut off my lungs. I felt my body rise with his hand going higher.
My fingers clawed at his hands, trying to get myself free. "Say it!" He yelled.
My body shook violently, kicking, clawing but nothing worked.
God. I was going to die by his hands. I want to live.
My eyes teared and I choked. My voice broke as I spoke. "P…please. Let me go."
His grip tightened and I slapped harder at his hand with all my strength. My breath kept wheezing with my limbs turning weak.
"I…I'm sorry," I stammered. My eyes begged for him to let me off.
"Never defy me again," he wanted and released me.
I fell to the floor with a hard thud, coughing and panting loudly. My hand rubbed against my neck as the pain slowly eased.
He crouched down to my level and briefly glanced at my reddened neck. "Next time, think before you say a word."
His hand stretched out to touch my neck but I moved back. His eyes flashed anger and I wished I had stayed put.
He dropped his hand, "You'll work until I tell you to stop. Do you understand?"
The tone of his voice was all I needed to hear. I nodded and he rose to his feet.
He clicked his fingers and the maid rushed in with a uniform in her hand. The black and white made me sick.
He took it from her and dropped it to the floor. "Pick it up."
I held the cloth, my breath finally settled. "You'll serve me. I'll let you go if I find out about your family."
"You're a sick bastard," I spat lowly.
"I know," he responded and lowered back down. He was so fast, I didn't see it coming. His hand grabbed my face and pulled me closer. "My advice, Mira. Watch your mouth. You won't be so lucky next time."
My eyes widened. How did he hear that? I had made sure I was so silent that I could barely hear myself say it.
His eyes turned brighter, glowing around his Iris. I swallowed.
"Let it be the last time, Mira," the back of his hand ran down the side of his face. I felt a little sharp edge hit my skin but I kept silent.
The glow in his eyes died just as quickly as it came, returning to his normal green shade. "Consider this your service for denting my car."
He walked off, his shoes clanging to the floor, leaving me on the floor, watching his muscle back disappear from my sight.
Holy hell. He was…not human. Maybe, I was dreaming.
I shook my head, thinking I had imagined it, but I didn't.
My head raced. I had gotten tangled with a monster.