I sped through the large crowd, frantically pulling my hood over my head. It felt like my heart was going to burst out of my chest as I quickly passed the crowd of people. My brain tried to comprehend what just happened. How far away were they? I couldn't let them catch me.

"Scatena la verità."

I dared to glance behind me, hoping I lost them. That hope died as I made eye contact with one of them. Fear filled me as the man's eyes narrowed as he pointed at me and shouted at his comrades. I didn't know what he said to his men, but I knew it wasn't good news.

The urge to throw up or pass out increased at the thought of what he did to the other man, those lifeless blue eyes staring at me.

"Sblocca il cassetto."

I clenched my eyes shut as I remembered the gunshots and blood that ran along the alley. I could almost hear them echoing in my ears.

"Enlightenment."

I snapped back to reality as screams echoed the street, people running in different directions and trampling others. I was shoved to the side as I heard more gunshots being shot into the air.

"Find her!"

My eyes widened and I ran with the crowd.

"Rosaline!" I heard the man's voice shout. I whimpered as he repeatedly called my name.

"Rosaline!"

I snapped my eyes open and winced at the bright lights. I adjusted my vision and was met with a concerned Maria.

"It was just a dream, Rosaline. Are you all right? You were whimpering." Maria said worriedly.

I gave her a weak smile and sat up quickly, my arms trembling from the terror coursing through my body.

"It's fine, just a nightmare," I lied weakly. "It happens every now and again. I can hardly remember what it was about anyway."

Maria looked at me skeptically before nodding. She seemed to remember something and her eyes brightened.

"I was able to get you a ride home. Grab your things and I'll take you to the back exit in a few minutes."

I nodded and got up to stretch my muscles, sighing in relief. The couch was comfortable, but it wasn't meant to be slept on.

Gathering my belongings from the corner, I put my jacket on and the bag holding the clothes I was wearing before. I scurried after Maria as the front door opened.

We turned with wide eyes to see Michael. His head was completely drenched and from the smell, it was alcohol. His shirt was wet as well, clinging to his physique.

"A stupid drunk threw his drink at me. He's lucky I only threw him out." Michael growled as he wiped the sticky residue from his face and grabbed napkins from the table.

Maria laughed at his sour expression. I covered my mouth with my hand so he wouldn't see my smile.

"Tell Frank that Rosaline has a ride home. I'll make sure she can contact him in regards to the job." Maria said and Michael just grunted as he took his wet shirt off.

I looked away, a blush covering my cheeks.

"Hope to see you soon, Rosaline. You handled the crowd well tonight," Michael praised and I beamed. "Frank will be happy with the tips we earned today. Tomorrow night is probably going to get crazier once the word gets out about you working here." Michael said with a chuckle.

"Why would they come for me? Is it like a welcoming party for the staff?" I asked, looking at both Maria and Michael, who snorted.

"Something like that. Now come on, he's waiting." Maria guided me through the back. I shivered as the wind sent chills down my spine.

Realizing that we were stuck in an alley, I closed my eyes and took deep breaths. Maria was with me and if something were to happen, the door was right there to escape inside. Everything was going to be fine.

I sighed in relief as the information processed in my head.

"He should be here any second now," Maria said as a ringing echoed through the alley. Maria pulled something from her pocket and I saw it was her phone. Her face beamed as she answered the call.

"Hey babe," she chirped. I knew from her smile that it was probably her husband. The voice on the other side sounded rushed and frantic. Maria rolled her eyes.

"I'm fine. I'm out back waiting for Damon to take Rosaline home." Maria explained and sent me a sly look.

My stomach erupted into butterflies. Damon was taking me home? I felt a sense of giddiness and tried to play it cool.

"Yes, I will meet you there in a few minutes...I love you too. Bye." Maria ended the call and turned to me. "Let me give you Frank's number along with mine. That way we can contact each other."

I shuffled my feet in embarrassment.

"I don't have a phone," I admitted with a sheepish smile. Maria looked shocked.

"You don't own one? Are you sure you are from this century? Everyone has at least a flip phone." Maria asked with curiosity and I shrugged.

"I never had the need for one. Usually I use email." That was a partial lie. I have owned a phone before but I never used it unless I was calling my parents. My old boss was strongly against cell phones and only contacted me through email or in-person.

The last phone I had was a cheap model, but I got rid of it so I couldn't be tracked - especially by the Men in Black, which is what I decided to call the group from Los Angeles.

Yes, I nicknamed them something silly to bring some humor and light to the awful situation I was thrown into.

It didn't really help, but I was desperate at that point.

Maria looked at me with a smile mixed with humor and pity. She handed me her cell phone. I squinted at it. It seemed like it was one of the more advanced and expensive phones.

"Here, use this. We can go out and buy you a phone tomorrow." Maria offered. Knowing Maria wouldn't let me decline her gift, I reluctantly put it into my jacket pocket.

"Thank you." I murmured softly and slowly gave her a hug, which she returned immediately. It felt nice to finally have a friend.

"No problem Rosie." She looked behind me and smiled.

"There he is! We were waiting for you." Maria said as I turned around and spotted Damon.

I quickly scanned him, inwardly swooning as he stood there casually with his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket.

I looked into his eyes and saw he was just as handsome as he was inside the club. My mind could definitely not conjure someone like him.

Damon gestured to the end of the alley before he started walking. I said a quick bye to Maria, who was giving us a smirk, before quickly following Damon.

I watched Damon's back as he led us to his vehicle. Even though he had on a jacket, you can see the power his muscles have as he strolled through, confidence in his posture and aura. I had no idea how he wasn't cold.

He also had a dangerous look to him, his appearance causing people to back away.

Strangely, I didn't feel that way. I felt protected, knowing that no harm would come to me if he was around. I haven't had this sense of security for a long time.

I quietly let out a sigh of content, hoping he wouldn't hear me.

We finally made it to his car. I admired the black exterior. Even though I knew nothing about cars, I could tell that it was expensive.

Damon opened the passenger door for me and I got in.

"Thanks," I murmured.

Damon nodded before going around into his seat. He waited for me to buckle in before starting the ignition. He looked at me again, raising his eyebrow.

I looked at him in confusion before I realized I hadn't given him my address. I meekly told him as he pulled out.

The drive was silent, the streets almost empty with a few people around. I took quick peeks of Damon as he was driving. His face was unreadable as he calmly controlled the car.

I couldn't help but be disappointed that he didn't make conversation with me. Then again, he didn't seem like the kind of person who made small talk. I also didn't have the guts to speak up first. I mentally scolded myself for being too nervous.

I also missed how expressive he was.

At the club, he seemed softer and concerned. But now he was stoic, blocking me from his thoughts and making him distant. And I found that I didn't like it.

Keeping my head down, I fiddled with my fingers, hoping the car ride would be over soon.

The car slowly stopped and I looked out the window to see my apartment complex. I unbuckled my seat belt, eager to get away.

"Thank you for dropping me off," I said quickly as I grabbed my belongings and opened the door. "Hope you have a good night!"

I closed my door and began walking to the apartment building. I stopped when I heard a door closing and spotted Damon following behind me. He stopped in front of me and I looked up at him in confusion.

Did I forget anything?

"I'm taking you to your door," Damon grunted and looked down at me with a warning look, almost daring me to argue with him.

I tilted my head to the side and nodded, trying not to get excited that he spoke to me again.

Besides, he was just being a gentleman. You are being such a girl.

Turning around, I began the walk up the stairs.

I heard the steps squeak as we went up, different noises from our weights. Once I got to my floor I went to the end of the hall where the last door was.

I took out my key and began fiddling with the lock, hoping it would open easily. Luck was on my side when it easily unlocked with a click.

I faced Damon again to find him looking around the place in disgust. I cringed as he saw the torn wallpaper, gunk on the walls, and worn-out floor.

I made sure to keep my door slightly closed, not wanting him to see the inside. If he thought the hallway was bad, he didn't need to see the actual apartment.

Feeling more humiliation as he continued examining the building, I attempted to dismiss him.

"Well, thanks for getting me home safely. You are probably ready to go home now." I rambled as I started making a shooing gesture. I stopped when I realized how rude that was. He brought me home afterall.

I quickly went inside my apartment through the crack of the door.

"Have a nice night!" I said and went to close the door only for it to be blocked by Damon's black boot. I looked up to see Damon with a serious expression on his face.

"Promise me that you won't go back to that club. It's not safe for you to work there," Damon said, his eyes burning intensely into mine.

Shocked, I looked away.

I needed this job. Even though I was hesitant at first, it wasn't that bad and I was able to make some quick money. This was my chance to finally get some money to survive in this city.

"Rosaline," he growled when I didn't respond. I chill went down my spine before I put on some armor. I couldn't let him tell me what to do.

I am my own woman! It's time I grew some backbone. I knew he was probably worried after the incident tonight, but with Maria and Michael by my side, I should be fine.

I opened my mouth to tell him off until I looked into his eyes again. Any confidence I had a few moments ago withered in seconds.

So much for gaining a backbone.

"I promise," I whispered but not before crossing my fingers behind my back.

Hopefully, he never found out I had every intention to break my promise.

~*~

I lay in bed wrapped in my blankets. It was freezing so once again I wore my jacket to bed.

Looking at the ceiling, I thought about tonight's events. Almost everything that happened seemed surreal. I went from unemployed to finding a job and making new friends.

Tonight's excursion was a success.

One person who stood out from the rest was Damon. Every time I closed my eyes, I could picture his green eyes blazing with a scowl on his face.

There was something about him, an enigma that I wanted to uncover. I knew I had an immediate crush on him like a little schoolgirl since the moment he helped me.

I flushed at the thought. I never had a crush on anyone before. I felt like I was in high school all over again, acting like an idiot and staring at him.

He probably thought I was a creep and that's why he was ignoring me.

At least he was a gentleman and brought me to my door, right?

I wasn't foolish enough to believe he liked me, so why should I have a crush on him?

Even though a part of me wishes he may reciprocate those feelings for me, I know it's only because of the many cheesy romance books I had read at the bookstore in LA.

And besides, who wants a girl who is on the run? Not a sane one that wants to stay alive.

Cold dread ran down my spine and I sat up in shock as the revelation hit me.

I can't let anyone get close to me. That would only put them in danger and at risk. What was I thinking?

Self-hate stewed in my stomach as I thought about it. My ignorance would only lead to harm and destruction.

I refused to let anyone else get hurt because of me. This was my burden and I couldn't take anyone down with me.

Just the thought of Maria or Damon getting hurt brought tears to my eyes. They were good people and deserved to live happy lives. I would only bring them pain and suffering. What about the people that cared about them, like Maria's husband?

I would just have to stay away from them and go back into the background, just as I normally do.

Knowing I was going to be alone again made my heart clench, but I had no choice in the matter. I would rather be alone and unhappy if it meant they were safe.

With my new resolve, I settled on my bed and closed my eyes, hoping sleep would bring me out of my nightmares of reality.

Damon could now be nothing but a dream.

~*~

I woke up to a loud ring. Groggily, I sat up and glared at the vibrating phone on my chipped dresser. I carefully grabbed it and swiped the screen for the upcoming message:

Mental Hubby: Hey Rosie! It's Maria! Ready to meet up and get you a phone? Meet me at the store at 11. I put the address below. See you there!

I looked at the contact name and concluded that this was Xavier's phone. I gnawed on my bottom lip and played with my hair anxiously.

How did I turn Maria down? I couldn't meet up with her so our relationship could blossom, but I also needed to return her phone.

I could wait to give it to her at work, but I also didn't know who could contact Maria's phone while I had it. It could be an emergency and she wouldn't be able to communicate.

I groaned and rubbed my face in frustration. Then I lifted my head up and smiled as I thought of a solution.

I could go to the mall, return the phone to Maria, and before we could do anything, I would say I had other plans. Brilliant!

With a new plan in my mind, I texted Maria back:

Me: Sounds good. I'll meet you there.

I was relieved to finally send the message. I wasn't used to advanced technology and never played with a touchscreen.

Carefully putting the phone on my dresser, I got ready for the day– a cold shower and my regular bathroom routine. The only reason I am taking a cold shower was due to the water heater being broken.

I dried myself before examining the healing scar on my side. There was no sign of the stitches and the scar reflected in the light. I pursued my lips as my fingertips gently caressed it.

Though it was a bit sore, I didn't think the wound would rip open. With that in mind, I decided I didn't need to use a bandage anymore.

Putting on a worn out hoodie, undergarments, and jeans, I pulled my boots and heavy jacket on. I grabbed my keys, purse, and Maria's phone as I left my apartment.

I was locking my door when I heard a dreadful voice.

"Good morning Miss Sinclair."

Wincing at the croaky voice, I forced a smile on my face and turned to acknowledge my landlord.

"Mr. Meyers! Good morning to you as well." I politely said as I tried not to recoil at his appearance.

Mr. Meyers was a scary man. He reminded me of every stereotypical mobster that I had seen in movies.

He was on the larger side, his black hair balding and wearing a cheap blue sweatsuit. His chest hair showed and was partially covered by the large chains around his neck. He smiled with his yellow teeth and I tried keeping a smile pasted on my face.

I knew to never judge a book by its cover, but this guy was definitely the exception.

"Are you having any problems with the apartment? If so, don't be afraid to ask and I'll come inside to help." He said with a smirk.

That's exactly why I would never call you.

"The apartment is great Mr. Meyers. Thanks for the offer, but I have to meet up with a friend. Have a good rest of your day."

Before Mr. Meyers could say anything else, I scampered away and flew down the stairs. I sighed in relief when I made it out of the building.

I unlocked Maria's phone again and looked at the address. When I clicked on the message, another app appeared that showed me a map. I smiled in relief, knowing I wasn't going to get lost.

Joining the crowd, I made my way to the shop.

~*~

I gaped at the giant building in front of me. The store was huge! Luck for me, Maria was at the entrance with five other men, waving her arms frantically to get my attention.

Making my way over, I greeted her with a shy smile and held out her phone. Instead of taking it right away, she pulled me into a crushing hug.

"I'm so happy you made it! I worried that you would get lost," Maria laughed.

I blushed, her point being valid. The reason we met in the first place was because I got lost in the city.

"I probably would have if you hadn't given me an address and an app that gave me directions. Thanks for letting me borrow your phone," I said gratefully.

Maria took the phone and gave it to one of the men next to her. I looked around and saw that the men created a protective circle around us. They were all wearing normal clothes, seeming to blend in with the rest of the crowd. Still, I didn't like how close they were.

"Don't worry about them, they are just playing security. My husband gets protective and wants to make sure I'm safe. They're harmless and great guys, promise." Maria assured me once she saw my nervous look. The men all gave a quick wave before looking away, looking for any signs of trouble.

Time to follow through with the plan.

I made my eyes widen, making it look like I remembered something.

"Actually, I need to get going. Frank wants to talk about the job and I need to head over to the club. Maybe we can do this another time," I tried saying casually, mentally patting myself on the back for my quick thinking.

Maria frowned at my statement.

"But Frank said that he could talk to you tonight. Besides, we still need to get you a new phone. That is a more essential need if you need to contact somebody or get help." Maria explained, grabbing my hand and tugging me towards the store entrance. The guards followed closely behind us.

"But–"

"Frank can wait. Phone first." Maria stated, not listening to any of my arguments. Before I could come up with another idea, we were already inside the store.

Well, that plan went down the drain quickly.

~*~

I held my new phone in awe, afraid that I was going to drop it.

Though I argued with Maria, she stubbornly bought me the latest phone with a pink case with roses on it, and got me a new plan and number.

She even paid for everything, which made me feel guilty for how expensive this all had to be. No matter how much I insisted on paying her back, she dismissed it, calling it a "Welcome to New York" present.

My words went to one ear and went out the other. The security guards were alert and scanning the area, but let out occasional smirks as they watched my defeat. I was sure they had seen this side of Maria before.

I finally gave up and Maria smiled innocently at me.

"See? That wasn't so hard!" Maria encouraged me as we wandered down the block, pulling me to different stores and buying clothes without batting an eye. I was really hoping that all of those clothes were for her. I couldn't imagine putting any of it inside my little broom closet.

My eyes widened as I imagined the cost of all those clothes. She must be wealthy if she was able to afford all of this.

"Can we stop and get something to eat? I'm starving." I couldn't help whining as I looked longingly at the McDonalds next door. Maria shook her head and once again pulled me away.

"Fine, we can get something to eat. However, I am not in the mood for fast food. There's this awesome restaurant a few streets away. Let's go there!" Maria cheered.

She led us to the end of the block, a black car parked at the curb. My eyes widened in shock as one of the security guards opened the door and gestured for us to get in.

"Thanks, Tom," Maria said with a smile and guided me into the vehicle.

When we settled in, I couldn't help but compare the interior to Damon's. This car screamed "wealth", even more so than Damon's. There were even jewels on the cup holders - who gets jewel encrusted cup holders?

I would like to think they were fake, but after knowing Maria for only a short period of time, I doubted it.

Maria and I chatted as the driver took us to our destination. I tried to hold in the growls from my stomach, not wanting to embarrass myself.

Finally, the car came to a stop. The driver once again got out and opened the door for us. Thanking him, we went into a seemingly modern Italian restaurant.

The smell of garlic bread filled my nose, and my mouth watered. My stomach growled again, but luckily was covered by the classical music the restaurant was playing.

"It smells great in here!" I exclaimed in excitement, Maria's smile mirroring mine.

"This is one of my favorite places to eat. The pasta here is amazing!" Maria explained as a waiter took us to our table. Before we could even sit down, the staff already had water and breadsticks set out for us.

I smiled happily as I grabbed a breadstick and took a large bite. Maria looked at the menu while I looked around the restaurant.

My eyes stopped at different television screens, some showing sports and the news. All the TVs were muted and had delayed subtitles, but the sports channel wasn't what caught my attention.

It was the news footage.

A reporter was talking into her microphone, her face grave as she faced the camera.

"Even though the deadly shooting happened weeks ago, no suspects have been brought into custody. The men were masked and are still unidentified," the subtitles read.

"While there has been no statement on the cause of the shooting, experts are leading us to believe that it was not a terrorist attack or hate crime.

"The police have just given us a new update that there are a total of thirty casualties, including five dead and ten critically injured, including three children.

"Authorities are taking in as many witness statements as they can, all while helping families that have injured or lost loved ones.

"I am here with a few people who witnessed these horrible events."

I dropped my breadstick and began to tremble, unwilling to look away from a mother holding her small child in a frantic grip. Tears streamed down the woman's cheeks as she talked to the reporter.

"Once the gunshots were heard, everyone began to scream and ran down the street. I was able to hide my daughter and myself underneath a vending table and others quickly joined me. People were screaming, trampling each other to get away, or would just drop to the ground in sheer terror.

"I can't stop thinking about what would have happened if my daughter got hurt. She is my world and I–"

"Rosaline, did you figure out what you want to eat?"

I snapped my eyes away from the television screen and saw Maria and the waiter look at me warily. Trying to gain my composure, I forced a smile and grabbed my menu with trembling hands.

Don't break here. Don't break here.

"I'll just have the chicken Alfredo."

But I had lost my appetite.