Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 68858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Being able to walk like this was the only positive of this place. Most of the homes weren’t visible from the road, which added an extra layer of privacy for both me and whoever lived in them. Out of habit, I paused my music and checked my surroundings every few minutes. I still couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, but there was never anyone there. Not for the first time I wondered if I was alive intentionally or by mistake. My gut told me it was the former, but until I knew for sure or the reason why I'd always be looking over my shoulder.
I wasn’t sure how long I walked. At least two more songs finished before I decided to cross to the other side of the road. I began to turn, freezing when I realized there was a car slowly creeping around a partially obscured bend. I silently cursed and paused my music, waiting to see if they’d pass, or if I needed to start running.
As the sleek vehicle approached and came to a stop, I admired its impeccable exterior, immediately falling for it--a vintage Monte Carlo in perfect condition. I was curious why it was here amongst all the Rolls Royce and Bentleys. I strained to see the driver through the dark-tinted windows but could not make out their features. Suddenly, the driver's door opened, and my heart skipped a beat. He stepped out and stared at me from across the roof of the car. His lips curved into a smile, but it lacked any warmth or friendliness.
How was it possible that I ran into him again?
“Late night walk?”
“Something like that,” I replied, not giving away too much information.
He walked around the front of the car and approached the passenger side door. I watched him with cautious eyes. He was dressed in a white button-down shirt that seemed to have been tailored specifically for his perfectly sculpted body, paired with black slacks that fit just as well. It appeared as though he had just come from a business meeting or a night out. It wasn’t as if he had a legitimate nine-to-five that required overtime. On the other hand, I appeared completely out of place in this neighborhood. He swung open the door and immediately fixed his gaze on me, scanning my entire body. The intrusive evaluation felt like a searing iron pressed against my skin.
We stood still, neither of us moving or saying anything. I wasn't naive; I knew exactly what he wanted me to do. However, I refused to comply just because he expected it. I briefly considered walking away, but for my own safety, I stayed put. He looked amused by my silent defiance and slid his hand into the pocket of his slacks in a nonchalant manner.
"Get in the car, Elena," he ordered calmly, his voice carrying an air of authority that brooked no argument.
"Why would I do that?" I quickly scanned the empty street, noting that he had come alone.
"Because if you don't, anjinho, I'll have you brought to me in a far less courteous manner."
A knot formed in my stomach, and I felt a wave of fear wash over me. My rational side screamed for me to resist and not get into the car with him. But deep down, I knew there was no use in defying him. My mind was filled with countless questions as I removed my headphones and walked towards him. With each step, I felt a sense of dread settle over me. I anxiously watched him as he opened the door for me and guided me inside. As he closed the door and returned to the driver's seat, my mind was racing with a mix of emotions - fear, anger, and a dangerous curiosity.
He returned to the driver's seat and leaned over, causing me to jump. He didn't mention my startled response, but he laughed softly as he pulled the seatbelt across my lap.
“You need to stop sneaking out late at night. Consider yourself lucky that we're in my city. Anywhere else, and this conversation would be very different.”
His words sparked a mix of anger and surprise within me as he seemed to know about my nightly habits. “Are you having me followed?”
He gave me a look I couldn't decipher. “Of course. I always have someone keeping an eye on you.”
My stomach twisted into knots at his admission, and the ground beneath my feet felt like it was falling away. He said it so casually, and I knew he was telling the truth. All those times last week when I felt like I was being watched, there must have been someone around me because of him. It wasn't just my imagination running wild. Even tonight, when I thought the streets were empty, there must have been someone hiding somewhere.