"What the fuck was that about" Zolani watches as Eryx leaves out of the kitchen as I continue to eat my plate of food. While at the dinner table, Zolani and I had been whispering back and forth about that damn black steel door.

'There is nothing to talk about regarding Eryx". Zolani snorts and throws her hands in the air. "For the past five years, you have been breadcrumbing me about the damn man. Now you want to be mute about it". I stop eating and reach for a paper towel before wiping the corners of my mouth and then my hands.

I place my fork down on the now empty plate of delicious food that stopped the growling in my stomach from me not eating since earlier when we stopped at Sammy's Burgers. I take a deep breath before glancing over at Zolani.

"You have no idea what that man has put me through. All of the years I spent thinking I was with someone who loved me, was just a damn facade". Zolani reaches across the table and places her hand against my cheek, wiping away a tear that has fallen down my face.

"I'm sorry if I have been pressuring you to talk more about Eryx, I'm just concerned about you that's all". I wasn't yet ready to have a conversation with Zolani about what my life use to be or the person once was years ago. That part of me does not anymore.

"Let's not talk about my relationship with Eryx if anything I need to find a way to get back home". Zolani looks a bit confused at my statement. "I am not sure how the hell you are going to make that happen now.

Eryx has the entire property filled with large men with guns and cameras everywhere". One thing I was not was a coward or afraid of my husband. "The least of my concerns is trying to stay here and play the role of a dutiful mafia wife to a maniac".

Zolani's eyes blinked rapidly after I blurted out Eryx's identity. "I assumed he was either a drug dealer or an assassin", Zolani had an amused look on her face. I shake my head and drum my fingers out of boredom against the table.

"Close, he can play those roles sometimes, but he is the head of a mafia family". I then lean forward and whisper, "For your safety, I suggest that you act as though you do not even know Eryx's identity. The less you know the more it will keep you safe". Zolani and I stay at the table trying to come up with a plan of escape but nothing seems quite fitting to work. I am getting frustrated with not having a plan in motion.

Zolani stretches her limbs as she lets out a yawn, "I think I am about to go to bed, I think we should talk more about this tomorrow". Zolani was taking all this chaotic mess with stride, I assume when we both were captured back in Fountain View she would had a mental breakdown by now, but she truly surprised me by not faltering whatsoever.

I guess that was what made our friendship work. We never knew what to expect from each other. We had each other's back and though for many years I struggled to have a stable support system since being in this family. The silence in the kitchen is getting to me so I decide to get some fresh air and open the door to the patio that leads out into the massive backyard that holds my favorite place on the property...my secret garden.

It is a bit nippy outside and I fold my arms across the front of my chest trying to trap in my body heat. I walk slowly down the marble staircase that is sprawled against the backdrop of the mansion. I barely make it down the middle of the steps before I can feel hands wrapping around my waist.

"How many times are you going to wander off", Eryx presses his body against mine, his arms wrapped firmly against mine. "I wasn't wandering off I just needed some air, that's all". I wasn't interested in making conversation with Eryx he did not seem to take notice or probably even care.

"You do not mind if I join you". His hands slide up my arms until they reach my shoulders as he begins to massage my back. "This is your home, you can do whatever you want".

He then stops touching me, before he walks down the steps in front of me, and stares into my eyes, "This, is not my home, this is our home, Cherie, remember that". I sidestep him and walk further down the steps until my feet touch the ground.

I shift my body back around and frown at Eryx as he stands beside me, "For the record, please keep your hands to yourself. You do not have the right to touch me anymore". I am expecting Eryx to argue with me being that physical touch is one of his love languages. He then bows his head as if he is surrendering.

"As you wish Cherie. I won't touch you..until you beg and plead for me to do so". He then winks at me as I frown at his flirtatious response. I stomp my foot on the ground and march swiftly in the direction where my garden is located.

The sooner I find a way to escape the better, I cannot stay in Alphacrest, and I need to get away from this man as soon as possible.



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