Page 46 of Arianna

Taking one last look at the small house that was my haven, I take a deep breath and prepare myself for what comes next.

I should have known right there that my life would be completely changed when I stepped foot in Sebastian’s home base.

My Wildest Dream

Part II

“I didn't see you coming

and now I can’t unsee you.

You are everywhere.

You are everything.” - S

ARIANNA

Ellaiza

“Better I break your heart

than your neck, darling.” – B

I wake up to a breeze blowing in from the balcony doors. It takes me a moment to remember where I am. Silver and white curtains bellow softly as the night comes back to me. The thoughtful gifts of a nonchalant man. The scene in the beach house. The strange men with cameras shouted my name. The fifteen-minute helicopter ride and the half hour in a private jet landed me here. Chicago. The city where Sebastian lives.

I was so emotionally drained from yesterday’s events that I don’t remember arriving here. I don’t even remember getting into bed.

Where am I?

This is becoming the story of my life. Waking up in new places and seeing strange faces.

I roll onto my back, feeling the soft white sheets, and take a second to breathe. The feeling of uncertainty is creeping in again. I have always considered myself a strong person, and I have proven it more than once a time in my short life. But I must admit to myself, and myself only, that sometimes fear takes root in my heart, even if it's just for a little while before I remind myself that I have overcome worse, and this too shall pass.

One day, I will have complete control over my life. I need to survive this new chapter with this man to see it happen. As much as I like to argue with myself that he has given me no reason to fear him, I know he, like all the other men in my life before he came along, is a predator. One should never let their guard down around them.

They will swallow you whole.

The gifts and the new opportunities he has given me did touch a part of my heart that has been closed off for a long time, and I am grateful even when I can’t express it. But that will not erase the fact that I am at his mercy, and that is dangerous.

Especially for a woman like me that has only herself to keep her safe.

The loud banging of cabinets outside the door brings me back to the moment. Looking around the room, I notice white walls and black marble floor tiles. A huge double door right in the middle of the room leads to a balcony. A single black door next to an antique vanity sits on the other side of the room, close to a window.

God, this room is the size of a small condominium. Exactly how rich is this man? Rising from the bed, I move around the room, getting a better view of everything. It has a modern, classy vibe, just like the decor of one of those famous Hollywood families.

Modern, sleek, and classy.

It screams, ‘I have more money than you will ever acquire in your lifetime, and I will shove it in your face.’

I walk to the other side of the room, where there is another double door, and open it, completely stunned, when I find a walk-in closet the size of our living room at the beach house. I step inside, and the moment I do, all the sensor lights turn on automatically until the chandelier in the middle of the ceiling lights up.

This is not real.

White on white decor.

This is what heaven would look like if I believed such a thing exists.

Anyone that looks at me and realizes that I am the daughter of one of the richest criminals in the country would think this is nothing new to me, but it is. All the things Sebastian Kenton has given or shown me are new to me.

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