Page 37 of The Ghost of Rage's War

“Follow me,” Romeo ordered, and Carmelle picked up the bags containing their new clothes as Sharp carried the girls. Quietly, I followed Romeo up some stairs and down several hallways. Romeo opened a door, and I walked into what was no doubt a suite of rooms.

“These will be yours. There’s a lounge, a bathroom and two bedrooms. The balcony doors open so you can sit outside and view the gardens,” Romeo said. “This is the suite phone. It goes through to Maria, and after ten o’clock at night, it’ll contact the night maid. The door here leads directly to a set of stairs which takes you into the garden. If you need food or drink, use the phone. Do not go wandering around the mansion.”

“Okay,” I muttered.

Sharp sent me several concerned looks, and I could tell he wanted to stay, but Romeo left and snapped his fingers at Sharp.

Sharp stiffened, and I sensed anger, but it mattered little to me. Before Sharp left, he leant close to me.

“You’ll be safe. I swear on my life,” Sharp murmured.

“Why would I trust you?” I whispered and flinched back.

Sharp reached out and steadied me.

“Because I’ll kill anyone who touches you. Make no mistake, Carmelle. You’re mine to protect. You don’t know me and have no reason to trust me. Shit, after what you’ve suffered, I don’t blame you. But nobody will harm you or the girls.” On those words, Sharp left and followed Romeo.

After Sharp was gone, I slumped and shook my head.

“I’ve swapped one prison for another,” I murmured.

“I’ll run a bath for you, ma’am. And order a snack for the children. Mealtimes are set. Breakfast is between seven and eight. Lunch is twelve to one, and afternoon tea is at four. Dinner is served at eight every evening. Snacks may be requested outside those times but not meals,” Maria stated and walked into the bathroom.

What the hell? I sat heavily on the sofa and stared at the large TV above the fireplace. At least we had one this time.

The water began to run, and I checked the girls. Sadie was snoring on the bed, and Shannon stood close by but didn’t move.

Maria came back and frowned.

“The little girl needs toys. I’ll speak to Mr Santos and arrange a delivery. What size clothing are they?” Maria asked.

I stared at Maria before beginning to laugh.

“Maria, I am not a guest. None of us are. We’re prisoners. Stop treating us otherwise,” I cried.

Maria pursed her lips. “For now, you are guests ofMr Santos. The staff understand that a bad man took you and Mr Santos is hiding you here, from him. Until I’m told differently, I’ll do what is needed to make you comfortable.”

That told me.

I shrugged and headed to the bathroom. I was drained and had no energy to argue. Robotically, I stripped out of the clothing I wore and jumped at Maria’s hissed breath.

“I’ll call for a doctor,” she murmured, her eyes looking at my black and blue breasts. Fury had caused some severe trauma. There were the other bruises, and I stood there as Maria’s gaze swept over my thighs and back.

“Epsom salts,” Maria said and poured a liberal amount into the bath.

She disappeared outside as I climbed in. I honestly didn’t feel any embarrassment. Tragically, I was numb to everything around me now. That allowed me to think because I didn’t have emotions to deal with. But even so, my thought process wasn’t clear. Logically, I understood I was in shock and was ignoring certain parts of reality. Nobody had the right to judge me. Not after the last… hell, what was the date?

“Maria?” I called.

“Yes?”

“What is the date, please?”

“Ma’am? You don’t know the date?” Maria asked, sounding a little astonished.

“No. I’ve no idea how long I was held for.”

“It’s the fourth of February, Ma’am.”

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