Chapter 10
MELANIE
THE FIRST THING I NOTICED WHEN I CAME TO WAS THE ABSENCE OF LIGHT.
ever turned off.
Even in my groggy state, I knew something was off because the lights in this place were never Dimmed, maybe, but never completely off I pushed myself up into a sitting position and tried to remember what happened. The last thing I remembered was Mr. Alonso threatening to kill me and then eating lunch
Of course. Had I not been woozy and unable to see a thing I’d have face–palmed but refrained for fear of hitting myself in the eye or something Who just gets a death sentence and then cats the food brought in on the orders of their soon–to–be killer? I disappoint myself sometimes I scooted backward until my back hit the wall and I rested my head against it, closing my eyes to try to contain the weird feelings going on in my body.
From behind my eyelids. I saw the lights come back on I opened my eyes and immediately wished for death. They were so bright and made my head pound. My vision was blurry so I blinked a few times and squinted. No change. I rubbed at them but the motion made my head pound harder so I gave up and just sat there silently cursing the men who put me in this
situation.
The familiar sound of my door buzzing caught my attention and the scent of bacon wafted over to me, reminding me of the little note he’d left for me with the last one. He’d done all but spell it out for me but I thought he was just going to shoot me in the head and burn my body, not sprinkle my food with slow poison.
My vision was slowly starting to clear up so I was able to see the hazy outline of a man setting down a tray.
“Morning, sunshine. Eat up” he said in a gruff voice. I frowned “Morning? I just ate lunch not long ago. It can’t be day yet. Also, since when do you speak to me?” my voice came out in a rasp.
Nobody in this place talks to me, probably under their boss‘ orders. Completely ignoring the last part of my statement he replied…
“It is what I say it is, and I say it’s morning and that’s it. Fin.
“He sees me eyeing the food with distrust and drew himself up to his full height.
“What? My cooking not good enough for you anymore? I brought it in myself because they say you like it, but now you stare at it like it is trash? So they lied to me? Am I a joke to all of you?” he ranted, getting louder by the minute.
My eye started to twitch. With all the problems I’m facing, I now have to calm an irate chef with an ego down. I forced a smile as I slowly shook my head.
“It’s not like that at all. Your cooking is marvelous. Truly amazing.”
This didn’t help at all as he just crossed his muscular arms and glared down at me, “If it’s so marvelous, why don’t you eat
Because there’s likely poison in it, you big oaf. I didn’t say this, however, but kept the stupid smile on my face.
“Im just not hungry at the moment. That’s all” I said instead, because there’s no way I’m telling this guy someone poisoned the food he was so proud of He’d break me in two.
Am I seriously going to lose my life over a plate of French toast, bacon and eggs? This exchange was getting more ridiculous by the manute.
Even as I said that, hunger gnawed at my stomach and I blinked in confusion. I still felt like I’d just eaten a little while ago, but the chef said it is morning and I’m really freaking hungry.
Could I have been wrong about the tunes all along? Or was this just a side effect of the poison? Everything was so confusing.
Tknow a hungry person when I see one. Eat” He said, jerking me out of my thoughts. We stared at each other for a few seconds and I slowly came to a realization that made me grit my teeth.
That bastard. He knew Did figure it out, so he’d made sure the chef would come in here and I was forced to eat. Why couldn’t be just choke me to death or lock nor in a gas room like any other murdering business tycoon? He was probably enjoying this. I sighed and tried to talk myself into this. The chef had said he brought it himself, and I didn’t think he’d knowingly allow anybody to taint it
At the same time, he was under his employ and likely was in on the whole thing. I decided to not overthink and just picked
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Chapter 101
up a piece of perfectly crisp bacon and took a bite. The chef had every right to be proud; it was truly delicious and I told
him so.
Unconvinced, he stood there and made sure I cleared the plate before making a grunt of approval and picking up the tray. As he made for the door, it opened and the bastard came in with his sidekick.
The chef stopped and glared at him “Your guest acted like she didn’t like my food.” He said and I rolled my eyes. Get over it already!
However, he’d just proved that he wasn’t aware of the situation and I mentally took him off my blacklist.
“I’m sure she didn’t mean any harm, Julio,” Mr. Alonso said calmly and Julio grunted again before shuffling out. When the door closed he trained those green eyes on me and walked closer. I felt vulnerable from my position on the floor so I made to stand up. I didn’t get far before I suddenly felt weak and collapsed back to the floor.
A light sheen of sweat broke out on my skin and I sagged against the back wall.
“So it was poisoned. You must feel pretty clever” I said between labored breaths, putting all the hate I could muster into the glare I shot at him.
“Hello, Melanie. How are you holding up?” I internally cursed him for his mocking tone but said nothing. It didn’t faze him. though.
“I admit that I originally planned on killing you slowly and leaving you for the vultures to feast on, but there’s been a change of plans. Congratulations, you don’t die a slow and painful death” he continued, watching my face. Like I should be grateful I’m not bird food.
“So you’ve decided not to waste too much time and dispatch me quickly instead. Yay me” I said with some effort, making him chuckle slightly “No. You don’t die at all” he replied and I eyed him warily.
In the short time we’ve been acquainted I’ve learned I can’t trust this man as far as I could throw him, for obvious reasons, so if he’s sparing me now he’s likely got something worse planned for me. He sat in front of me, patiently waiting for me to say something
His sidekick, however, was not so patient “Aren’t you going to say anything? You’re not dying.” He said.
I don’t even glance at him “Shut it, sidekick.” I retorted, watching Mr. Alonso’s eyes briefly light up with humor.
Huh. “What’s the catch?” I finally ask and he shifts like it’s exactly what he was expecting before replying.
“I’ve got a proposal for you.”
