His Promise

I'm almost to the edge of the woods when I feel someone grab my hair yanking me backwards. My feet fly out from under me and I let out a screech before colliding with the ground. Images from four years ago overwhelm me as I gasp for a breath. I lose sense of what is happening around me as I desperately try to gulp in air. As my vision tunnels, I feel a pair of hands on my shoulders shaking me. I manage to focus on those beautiful brown eyes that are full of concern. Calming down, I take in my surroundings. The man who I presume to be the one to grab my hair is laying in a pool of his own blood. Several of Alessi's men surround us watching him. I suddenly realize how close his to me and that he is holding me up. Pushing him off of me, I stand up abruptly and turn to go into the house.

"Next time you try to run away, I'd advise that you wait until all the bad guys are dead Emilia. Or better yet, just do what your told."

Alessi's voice is cold and it reminds me even more that I have no idea who this man his. Luke would have never talked to me like that. My heart breaks a little at his choice of words.

"I didn't realize I was a prisoner. I'll be sure to keep that in mind from now on."

I snap at him so no one can hear the emotion in my voice or see the shakiness of my hands.

Once I make it through the front door, I'm pulled into another set of arms. I pull away as Dria starts crying.

"Oh Em, I thought you were dead. I went looking for you after I heard the gunshots, and you weren't in your room. And then I heard you screaming and..."

"I'm fine. You don't need to be concerned with me while I'm being held prisoner here. I'll be gone soon so don't get so attached."

I side step her not wanting to see the disappointment on her face. I don't think any of this is her fault, but it doesn't mean that I want her getting so close to me. I'm not here to make friends. I actually don't even know why I'm here, other than the fact that Alessi wants something from me. I just hope I can figure out how to get out of here before he lets me know.

I make my way into my room locking the door behind me. Once I'm all alone, the tears start falling. I put my hand in my hair as I recall the pain from earlier. I go into my bathroom and look at my reflection. I'm disgusted with what I see. My eyes are red and swollen and seem more sunken in than usual, and my face looks thinner and paler than usual. I look at my hair that falls past my shoulders. I used to love mine and Ady's hair. It's a beautiful light brown with a slight wave to it. We rarely ever had to fix our hair since it always had a perfect beach wave and was effortlessly silky. Looking at it today, all I see are images of how broken I am. I look through the drawers until I pull out a pair of scissors. I mentally say goodbye to my hair knowing that my sister would be furious. The thought brings a faint smile to my lips as I start chopping off my hair. As more hair falls, more tears fall. By the time I'm done, I look at the uneven mess that hangs in the middle of my neck. I'm a sobbing mess as I make my way into the room and lay on the bed. Eventually I run out of tears and exhaustion fills my body. I'm too tired to pay attention as my door opens and someone lays behind me. I give into sleep as someone wraps their arms around me and holds me close.

Alessandrio POV

I run my hand through my hair frustrated. I was terrified when they couldn't find Emilia and even more terrified when I heard her screaming. My men were sure that we killed all the gang members who were waiting outside. Apparently one got away and made the mistake of touching my Rose.

I look back up to see Emilia slamming the front door. I shouldn't have talked to her the way I did. She wasn't a prisoner here. I just wanted to keep her safe and I guess she doesn't realize that. I make my way into the house and see my sister crying one one of the couches.

"Dria? Are you okay?"

I sit down beside her and pull her close. I'll always have a soft spot for my baby sister and I hate seeing her cry.

"Emilia thinks you're keeping her prisoner and she hates me for it. I don't know what you did to her, but you need to fix it."

I nod my head at her watching her wipe her eyes and compose herself.

"I'll try to talk to her."

I look down dreading the fact that eventually I'll have to explain everything to her. I know she will hate me even more if that's possible.

I head up the stairs determined to make things right. I'll explain everything and apologize until she forgives me. I don't think I can live with myself any longer if she can't forgive me. I'm pulled from my thoughts when I get to her room. I hear her sobbing and my heart breaks. I gently push open the door and see her laying on the bed. I look over and see her eyes are shut, but her breathing is still ragged and occasionally she lets out a sob. Crawling on the bed, I gently pull her into my arms holding her close. She smells exactly how I remember like flowers with a hint of cherry. The perfect smell for my perfect Rose. I notice her once long beautiful hair is jaggedly cut letting it hang loosely around her neck. I feel a pang of regret knowing how hurt she must be.

"I'm so sorry, my Rose. I won't let anyone hurt you anymore. I won't hurt you anymore. I promise."

I whisper into her hair hoping she can hear me even though she's fast asleep.