Page 105 of Gamble with Me
“Don’t make it worse than it already is,” the man lectured, almost sounding like he cared for my well-being. “Let’s go inside before the neighbors notice the fuss.”
“Of course,” I mumbled. “The neighbors.”
Without thinking, I inhaled deeply, prepared to shout like a lunatic, and hoping that someone would help me, when I noticed the tall figure approaching the man from behind. He was like a shadow, moving quickly and inaudible. It looked as if his feet didn’t touch the ground.
“Boo,” Malin said, startling the man, who swiftly turned around with his arm prepared to hit him, but he was quicker. He punched his opponent straight in the middle of his face with his gun. The terrible cracking sound resonated through the front yard, followed by a thud.
“Get inside,” he rumbled, opening the door. While I put Zara inside and sat in the passenger seat, he climbed behind the steering wheel and turned on the ignition.
“Who was that?” I asked, fastening my seatbelt because if I thought he had driven like a lunatic before, it was nothing compared to the speed we flew through the streets now.
“Valentino’s lapdogs,” Malin replied, clutching the steering wheel. He constantly checked the mirrors while I looked over my daughter. Her eyes were wide open, but she didn’t dare to make a sound. I took her hand, clutching it so she knew she was safe.
“I hope it will end soon,” I whispered, looking at Malin’s frowning profile.
“It’s only the beginning, Valeria.”
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Valeria
Clutching Zara in my arms, I stared at the two-story villa illuminated by the moonlight. The darkness surrounded it like it attempted to swallow it, but the house resisted the attacks with bright lamps placed around the enormous swimming pool and the stone staircase leading to the main entrance.
Before the massive black door with two torches at its sides sat three dogs, watching me cautiously. Two Dobermans and one Cane Corso had their brown eyes set on me, but they didn’t move an inch. They didn’t need to do much because only their massive physique and scary looks were enough to stop any intruder.
“Don’t be scared of them,” Malin said, offering me to take Zara, but when she looked at his painted face, she squeezed me for dear life.
“If they wanted, they would have us for late dinner,” I replied, kissing the top of Zara’s head. I tried to calm her down, yet it was hard in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by scary dogs and bodyguards.
“They are perfectly trained.” Malin lit a cigarette, blowing a cloud of heavy smoke toward the dark sky. “Anyway, I’m returning to the Starlight. Mrs. Graciela prepared separate rooms for you and the little princess. But if you want to stay together, it’s not a problem. Zyon should be home in the morning.”
“Be careful,” I whispered, catching his scrutinizing look.
“He’ll be fine,” Malin tried to reassure me, but his words couldn’t do much. Chester was dangerous. The people he worked for were even worse. I couldn’t just relax when I knew Zyon was the center of their attention.
“I hope so,” I whispered, exhaling deeply and glancing toward the house Zyon called ourhome.
The black monument was gorgeous and terrifying at the same time. Still, I could easily imagine living here. Everything was better than the apartment we shared with Chester.
“Can Alice come here after work?” I asked, realizing I had no one to call except my best friend to keep me company.
Malin’s eyes narrowed at something in front before he nodded, and half a second later, he was gone.
One of the bodyguards who guarded the perimeter led me to the house after Malin left. The hall was long and shady and smoothly continued into a spacious living room decorated in dark colors. The gothic sofa with armchairs, complemented by the black marble fireplace and the same-colored bookshelves, created a sophisticated, relaxing, and surprisingly inviting design.
The glass wall behind the couch offered a spectacular view of the garden and a fountain, and on the other side was the door that, according to the guard, led to Zyon’s office. Charcoal-colored walls were the last drop that turned the living room into an elegant place with its own soul.
Climbing the high staircase to my new bedroom, I glanced in awe at expensive paintings, sculptures, and modern decorations. The hall was also full of plants. The shiny floor was partially covered with a black carpet. The place looked like it was cut from the pages of a magazine. It felt surreal.
The bodyguard opened the third door on the right for me to enter, and I stepped inside. Two lamps on the nightstands enlightened another dark interior. I had a suspicion that there wasn’t any piece of furniture in a different color than black.
The king-size bed was covered with luxurious silky sheets and many cushions. Above the headboard, lavish dark grey wallpaper covered the entire wall, adding depth and a touch of glamour. Beside the bookcase that stretched along the wall, a leather armchair with a lamp and a wooden desk proudly sat.
I placed Zara on the bed, and we looked around like we were in some fantasy movie. I had never seen such a luxurious and extravagant place. It wasn’t my style. I liked to have light and colors, but I had to admit it was stylish and elegant, and I fell in love with it at first sight.
“What are we doing here, Mommy?” Zara asked in a thin voice laced with fear. I sat beside her on the bed, brushing her long hair.
“I know it’s confusing,” I started, carefully choosing my words. “But this is our home now.”
