Chapter Seven

اختر أهون الشرين

Go with the lesser of two evils

Rose

I look straight into her light green eyes as she continues to choke me—blocking my windpipe. My hands are gripping onto hers, trying to find release but her grip only tightens. She roughly pushes me against the glass window as she leans her face ever so closely; finding some sort of joy from this.

As I try to breathe when I barely even get to inhale any oxygen, I feel myself dying. This is it. I could have died from a freaking car accident but no, I'm going to die by being choked by someone I don't even know. I thought, closing my eyes—trying to bear the pain but I feel myself failing.

All of a sudden, I feel the grip loosening before disappearing completely, leaving me awkwardly standing against the glass window as I open my eyes, seeing that the woman is on the floor, being pulled roughly by Elia. I hold onto my neck—inhaling.

She uses her knife to defend herself as they strangle each other. Elia on the other hand goes for her leg which causes her to fall down as she tries to stand up; making me stare at them in surprise. She runs towards the kitchen counter before going on top of it and immediately climbing on Elia; trying to twist his neck, ending all of this.

He leans back on the glass window, making her groan in pain and loosen the grip around his neck.

Elia quickly turns thing around and drop her onto the ground before sitting on top of her and holding both of her hands up—making her smile seductively at him. I watch them, not really knowing what to do but Elia looks up at me, ''Get the rope in one of the drawers.'' He says and I quickly make my way towards one of the counters, looking for the rope.

When I stand right next to Elia, the woman continues to smile at him—probably thinking that he finds her attractive. Maybe he does find her attractive but the way he holds her, shows the opposite. He lifts her up before placing her onto one of the chairs and tie her body, hands and legs so she won't be able to move or do anything silly.

I watch her from up front and see that it would be insane if no men falls for her. She has thick long eyelashes and eyebrows that defines her eye shape perfectly—her light green eyes just make it as an attraction. Her defined nose and face including her perky full lips; all men would be head over heels for her. No lie. I know I'm probably insane too for describing her as beautiful when she tried to kill me a few minutes ago but it's the truth.

Somehow, I feel a slight envy.

Elia takes another chair, sitting in front of her—leaning in so close to her face that if he moves any further, he would be kissing her already, ''Who sent you?'' He asks, looking straight into her eyes; looking for answers.

She chuckles, seductively, may I add as she too, stares into Elia's eyes, ''Why, don't you know who I am?'' She replies, her accent seems foreign to me and it took me awhile to realise that she sounds Russian.

''Who sent you?'' Elia asks again, this time he sounds a bit more serious.

To my surprise, she sighs in boredom, rolling her eyes, ''You're such a boring man, Elia.'' She smirks at him, looking down at his lips.

It's a bit odd. I'm just standing here while watching them sitting so close to each other—you could have mistaken them for flirting if it wasn't for the rope and the tense situation. Elia leans back, running his hand on her legs, receiving another smirk from her, but he stops as soon as he gets a grip of her gun; which she has hidden near her boots.

Then, he places the gun underneath her chin, ''I know who you are. You're Maya Volkov, a Russian spy who works for diamonds and does not accept money for any reason at all. You also don't work for anyone unless that someone offers yo—'' He presses the gun on her skin, ''—something better.''

Maya smiles directly at him as her dark brown hair falls at the side of her face, ''You know me too well, Dominic.'' She stops for awhile, ''I must say, you're very attractive. Especially in person.'' From her voice, I can tell that she's seducing him but from the look on Elia's face, it's not even working.

''Who sent you?'' He asks, once more.

She looks up at me, her face shows how she finds all of this interesting. I continue to look at her as Elia glances at my direction for a short second, ''Your woman seems anxious.'' She chuckles.

Elia leans in, his nose touching hers, ''I'm going to ask you one more time or I'll pull the trigger. Who sent you?'' This time, Elia has the gun directly at her chin—one pull and she'll be dead. The bullet will go right up her brains, killing her directly with a sharp yet short pain.

I take a few steps back as she stops smiling all at once, leaving Elia staring at her serious expression, before saying, ''Lei sa esattamente chi. Egli vuole che tu muoia.'' Not only is she Russian but she's able to speak Italian, how interesting. I thought sarcastically.

He clenches his jaw, ''Dire lui a incontrare me in inferno.'' And with that, he pulls the trigger, causing me to yelp in shock. I look down at my bare feet—realising that he just killed her in front of me. In front of my eyes without a single warning. I've seen people get killed before but I never really thought it would affect me this much.

Seeing Elia killing her felt wrong—like I never want to see him kill anyone in particular. My eyes only stare at her dead body, not really knowing how I'm supposed to react. I watch as Elia stands up, unloading the gun and placing it on the counter before he turns to look at me, ''I'm sorry.'' He says.

''You killed her.'' I mutter under my breath as I furrow my eyebrows, seeing blood flowing down her body from her neck.

''I did.''

''I can't believe this.'' Sighing, taking a few steps away from him. I have gotten myself way involved in this and I don't even know if I'm on the right path or not. Obviously not. I clearly just saw him killed five people today—including the four men earlier today and now her, a Russian spy.

He only look at me; not uttering a single word and I completely understand why he did it. It's his job. You kill or get killed—that's how it works. That's how he thinks it's going to work. There's nothing that I can do but walk away and leave all of this behind; but he's right, I don't have anywhere to go.

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ears, ''You shouldn't have killed her.''

''What else was I supposed to do?'' He replies, his voice slightly louder, ''She's a Russian spy, for fuck's sake. She's a fucking killer. She could've escaped without any trouble but she didn't. You think that was just luck? Then, you're wrong.''

Keeping quiet, watching his every movement.

''I was doing us a favour. You would've been dead if I wasn't here in time.'' He adds before escaping towards the back—leaving me standing all alone with a dead body near me.

Without thinking, I follow him to the back, seeing that he is packing a few stuff into his bag. My eyes watch his every movement as he ignores me—continuing to pack. Then, he takes out another bag, throwing it on the bed before rushing towards the walk-in closet and within seconds, he walks out while holding a briefcase.

Elia glances at my skinny jeans that I wore previously before placing it on the bed, ''Change.'' He says before putting the briefcase into the second bag and leaving the room.

I change into my pair of skinny jeans—not really knowing what he has in mind. We're probably leaving again, that's a great guess. Once I'm done changing, I walk out to see him putting on a different shirt; making me stop walking, quickly stepping back into the room.

My heart starts to beat fast at the sight I saw. He was shirtless, for god's sake. Even from behind, I saw his perfectly toned back so I wonder how perfect his body might be from the front. I breathe out slowly, trying to calm myself down—right now is not the great time to get all excited about his body.

Clearing my throat, I say a few mantras before slowly walking towards the living room and see that he has already finished changing his clothes. He throws one bag at me and I catch it swiftly, earning a smirk from him before we both step out of the condo—heading straight into the elevators. Before the elevator doors close, I glance at the dead body for the last time.

''We are just going to leave her here?'' I ask, breaking the silence.

''They are going to come here and get her. That's why we have to leave.'' He replies, looking down at his wrist watch.

We head straight towards the basement and it seems like it's Elia's basement because there is only one car here—a yellow Chevrolet Camaro which catches my attention immediately, ''We need to keep a low profile.'' He says, making me roll my eyes at his sarcasm and earning a smirk from him.

Once we have entered the car, Elia starts to drive out of the basement—quickly speeding down the road. I lean my head against the seat, slowly realising we have been through a lot for the day and we've only known each other for a week. I don't know if I should be complaining or thanking him for bringing adventures in my life but then again, he's risking my life.

He turns the radio on and my lips curve up into a small smile as the song Prisoner by The Weeknd comes on. I glance at him and see that he has one hand on the steering while his other hand is currently resting on his lap. He looks tired himself, I can't help but notice.

''What happened to Elis and Elliot?'' I ask, suddenly feeling concern about them. They were at the mansion and since we can't go back there, I'm pretty sure the two of them are out of there too.

''They'll be fine.'' He turns to look at me for a few seconds, ''They're in Italy.''

I nod my head as a respond before closing them, ''Where are we going?'' I ask, not bothered to open my eyes.

''A safe place.''

I turn to look right and lean the seat to the back a little—drifting into sleep. Within seconds, I am already in my own slumber and everything seems to disappear including the problem that we're facing right now. All I can think of is myself.

''Mummy loves you.'' I smile as she pulls me into a tight hug—letting me feel her warmth. My heart flutters just by being near her because I don't want anyone else's warmth except for hers.

My arms are wrapped around her small body, ''I love you too, mummy.'' As I reply, proudly saying how I love her and how I can never stop loving her.

''Rose, you will grow up into a very beautiful woman. You will always be my daughter, no matter what. Remember that. I will always be there for you—always.'' She points at my chest, directly at where my heart is located. I nod my head and snuggle closer towards her, not wanting to let her go.

Slowly, I feel myself being pulled away from her as her cheeks are wet with tears. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion—seeing a man holding my hand tightly and taking me away. ''Why are you doing this?! She's our daughter.'' She shouts at him, pushing him by the chest but he steps forward, raising his index finger at her.

I run before sitting near the corner, watching as they both argue. The tone of their voices continue to raise and the situation are getting tense. He looks at her with full of anger while she looks at him with full of sadness, despair, ''She's your daughter, not mine.'' Then, he walks away—taking me with him.

''Mummy!'' I shout, trying to grab onto her hand but she watch as I get further away from her.

Her brown eyes doesn't seem joyful as they used to be—now they are filled with complete sadness. There used to be hope, happiness, excitement in her eyes but now they seem dull. Almost lifeless. I don't understand why she didn't run after me but she falls onto the ground, letting out endless tears.

I look at the man who I've known as my father as he looks back at me with full of hatred. His blue eyes—quickly looking away as he drives down the road and the sight of my mother continues to disappear, leaving me feel nothing but darkness.

Opening my eyes as I hear the thunder blasting through my eardrums before quickly turning to look at the driver's side and see that Elia is nowhere to be found. I look at the doors and see that it's locked. Before I could unlock it, I see him walking out of the convenience store—holding a paper bag.

He unlocks the car and enters, landing his eyes on me, ''You're awake.'' He says, placing the paper bag in the middle, ''I bought us something to eat incase you're hungry because I am.'' Then, he starts the engine.

I smile at him as an answer before looking away and furrow my eyebrows in confusion. I've never had any memory of my past—except for when Gonzales found me so how was it possible for me to dream of it? Was it just a mind game? Everything seemed so real—her face.

Just before Elia presses the gas pedal, I hold onto his forearm, making him look at me, ''C—can I go to the restroom?'' I ask, curving my lips into a small smile.

He nods, ''I'll be here.'' Then, I step out of the car—walking straight towards the restroom after glancing back at the car by following the signboards. I enter the restroom and I look at myself in the mirror, seeing how my dirty blonde hair is the same as the woman in my dreams and how my blue eyes look like his.

Running my fingers through my hair as I let out a deep sigh, feeling confused. I look at the mirror once more—somehow feeling disgusted by my own colour just because it matches his. My whole body feels some sort of hatred towards him yet I can't exactly remember why.

I wash my face with water and the coldness manage to bring me back to reality before stepping out of the bathroom and walk straight towards the car—entering it and see Elia eating chips. He gives me the chips and I gladly accept it. Then, we're back on the road.

''Is it far?'' I ask.

He changes the station on the radio before glancing at me, ''We're almost there.'' Then, he taps onto the steering wheel to the music and I smile, never seeing this sight of him, honestly. For once, it feels like we aren't facing any problems. We're like two young adults who are travelling the world without giving a damn at what's behind.

''You have good taste in music.'' I mutter.

My lips curve up into a slightly wider smile as my cheeks heat up a little when I hear him chuckle, ''Why, thank you, amore.'' Then, he turns to look at me—with a smile on his face, revealing his dimples.

''Amore, huh?'' I raise an eyebrow at him, seeing him returning me a playful smile.

''Tesoro, cuore mio, stellina, ciccia, angioletto, fiorellino, pick your choice.'' He shrugs and I just roll my eyes at him—I don't even know what all of that means. I thought, crossing my arms as I lean my head against the seat again.

He takes a turn and he starts to drive faster down the straight road. As we're deeper down the road and further away from the highway, I start to see a mansion from afar. Even from afar, I can see how amazingly huge the mansion is. Once we're close enough, Elia stops the car in front of the gates, pressing down the windows and putting his thumb on the scanner.

I eye his every movement and within seconds, the gates start to open—letting us pass through. My eyes wander around to the cars and motorcycles that are parked such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, McLaren and Ducati. Elia parks the car right near the front door before turning off the engine.

''Come on, tesoro.'' He says, getting out of the car.

As I step out of the car, I immediately look at Elia and see him taking out the two bags that he brought and the paper bag before giving it to me—asking me to hold it. I take it from his arms as we both walk towards the front door. Just before Elia could enter the code, someone opens the door from inside and I come face to face with a beautifully gorgeous man who is looking directly at me.

His light blue eyes scans over my body and I just swallow the nonexistent lump in my throat as I remember that I am currently wearing Elia's oversized shirt with a pair of skinny jeans and a worn out sneakers while he stands there, looking like a freaking Greek god.

''Hai portato una donna.'' He says and I can't help but feel my knees weaken at the sound of his voice but I regain my conscious by quickly blinking a few times.

Elia smirks, entering the mansion, ''Like you haven't.'' And I swiftly follow behind him, trying my best not to look at the previous man again. As soon as I step in, I immediately regret my choice because the living room is filled with gorgeous Italian men who are currently looking back at me.

My cheeks reddens but lucky for me, they are hardly visible sometimes. I look around the room and I see three of them are smirking seductively at me. Elia doesn't seem to realise my sudden discomfort as he walks towards them and places the two bags on the coffee table.

I stand awkwardly at my sport and within seconds, the spot right next to me is occupied by the same gorgeous man who greeted me at the door, ''Ciao, principessa.'' He says, smiling down at me—revealing one of the most heartwarming smile I've ever seen.

Before the others could say anything, we are interrupted by someone opening the door. All of us turn to look at the door and a familiar man steps inside—Marc—while eyeing the whole room.

He walks beside me, winking and I just look at him as if he had lost his mind before looking at Elia who's eyeing Marc with an expression that I can't read. ''So, that was you? Driving over the speed limit?'' Marc says, towards Elia and he just chuckles as an answer.

''What's your name?'' The man besides me starts to ask and I just look up at him, ''I'm Luciano.'' He smiles once more, almost weakening my heart but I just nod.

''It's—''

Elia cuts me off, ''—none of your concern.'' And I just look at him confusingly as he eyes Luciano with a smile; yet it doesn't seem like a regular smile. He walks towards me, taking the paper bag away from my hold and give it to Luciano, earning a chuckle from him.

I stare confusingly at Elia as he starts to slowly pull my hand up the stairs—leaving the men down there, looking at us, with some sort of meaning. Once we're upstairs, he pushes one of the doors open and closing it behind us, ''What just happened?'' I ask.

He shrugs, sitting on the bed and letting out a deep sigh—eyeing me with droopy eyes. We both stare at each other without uttering a single word and I somehow enjoy that because it feels like we're having a conversation without even saying anything. It's like our eyes are communicating on their own.

To my surprise, someone opens the door behind me and I walk forward before turning around to see a woman looking back at me. She furrows her eyebrows but Elia waves his hand at her, ''Ciao, Cassandra.'' Then, she rolls her eyes at him—closing back the door.

''Who is she?'' I ask, having the urge to know.

''She is Luciano's sister. Younger but much more mature than him.'' He replies, laying on the bed and closing his eyes. ''Somehow, I've gotten all of them involved but we'll be safe here.''

''What do you mean you have gotten all of them involved?''

Elia ignores me by standing up and taking his shirt off. My eyes widen at the sight of his body before quickly turning around—what the hell is wrong with me? I thought. I hear him chuckle from behind but I stay still, not wanting to turn around, ''What are you doing?'' I ask.

''Undressing.'' He replies, casually.

''Can't it be somewhere else?''

''It's not like you haven't seen anything, amore.'' My eyebrows furrow as I hear him getting near just by his voice but I avoid myself from turning around. It feels like my entire body goes ice cold for no reason—which confuses me. I used to be a prostitute for fuck's sake, why am I reacting this way?

I feel him tucking a strand of hair behind my ear and I feel his warm breath at the side of my neck, ''Si prende tutto in me non a voglio tu.'' He whispers, leaving me in confusion since I don't understand a single word he said but I keep quiet. My heart starts to beat so fast that I feel like I'm going to get a heart attack anytime soon so I quickly pull the door open, walking out of the room and closing the door behind me.

What did he say?