11- Lady Luck

Isabella

As I continued walking down the long and narrow hallway, I can't help but feel Grant as his grip on me tightens, his eyes all but turning to me every few seconds as if I was about to run away or plan my escape. Which was partially true, except he didn't need to know that.

Gazing at my surroundings I can’t help but notice lots of wooden doors each embedded into the stark white walls. Black tiles glistening against the soft glowing lights that lined the hallways. Beautiful pieces of artwork adorning the walls, leaving me awestruck all while occupying my mind, leaving no room for anything else.

And after many twists and turns and several corridors later, we eventually reach the grand staircase, one that split off on both sides of a massive foyer, highlighted by the most beautiful chandelier ever. A chandelier in which was constructed of three tiers, each tier cascading down like a beautiful waterfall made of crystal in which sparkled when the light hit it.

This ain't no home. It’s a freaking mansion. No, a castle. Like the one from King Arthur’s time, not that I paid too close attention during one of my many, many history lessons. Just how rich are these guys?

Slowly, we eventually move to descend, black marble flooring lined with intricate railing and matching rails to boot. A plush red carpet lining the center of the staircase to ease the heaviness of the black marble.

Turning briefly, I move to take a look behind me. The guards from before all but standing a good two paces behind us, their facial expressions stark as they moved to keep their gaze forward, avoiding any and all direct contact with me. Their body language stiff and their fists even tighter as if daring me to do something.

Nope. Not happening. Moving to direct my gaze elsewhere we slowly reach the last few steps of the staircase when suddenly I see a door. A huge black wooden door. The door. The one that would lead me outside if I really wanted to try.

Feeling a yank, I move to turn to glance at Grant, his eyes telling me “Don’t even try it”. Swollowing the lump in my throat I move to focus my attention anywhere other than the door, Grant moving to lead me through another set of doors. Stopping, we move to let the guards pass, the guards moving to open the doors. Once open, he tugs my hand again before leading me inside.

Upon first glance, my reaction was to gasp. The dining room large, like the size of a runway. Decorated with a deep olive carpet, rich green walls with hints of gold and another chandelier all but lining the ceiling. A large wooden and rather heavy table sat neatly in the middle. Large ivory chairs and plush cushions adorned it. Upon the table sat beautiful white china along with beautiful crystal glasses, each filled with various liquids. Silver flatware placed neatly next to each table setting. Then, to top it off, vases upon vases of deep red roses adorned the center of the table.

With my eyes wandering around the room, my eyes slowly turn to the table. My eyes all but noticing that were six really huge men currently present. Some chatting softly with one another while others didn’t. Searching further, my eyes move to travel towards the head of the table, a place where my father would have sat if I was home, but here, the head of the table was Lucus, my fiance. With his head down, it appeared he was looking over some papers that were currently in front of him. Alex busy with his phone while sipping his morning coffee, and Tony next to him as he started talking to a man that was seated next to him.

Entering, the chatter instantly dies as those who were present turn to acknowledge us. Fudge. Are my only thoughts as Lucus slowly move to look up, placing his papers down, he moves to stand, a smirk gracing his lips as he moves to walk over to us. Stopping about half way, Lucus moves to open his arms, his arms engulfing me in a hug, his long strong arms wrapping around my shoulders. Awkward and a little out of place I don’t move to return the gesture. Well, this is weird. Just then he moves to inhale my scent, and kiss the top of my head.

“Good morning Agapi (Love). I trust you slept well,” he whispered, before moving to speak louder for those to hear. “Come Principessa (Princess). You must be famished.” Then just like that, Lucus moves to grab my hand before ushering me over to the table, escorting me to the empty seat between Alex and Tony. Fantastic!

Moving to stand, Alex and Tony along with the rest of the men all move to stand as we approach. Lucus moving to pull out my chair, helping me to sit like the gentleman that he is before helping me to adjust the chair. Once seated do the rest follow. Looking at Grant, I notice he takes the other seat, the one adjacent from Lucus as Lucus moves to retake his position as before.

“You look wonderful Agapi mou (My Love)” whispers Tony to me sweetly. At the sweet endearment I know I’m blushing as my cheeks are basically on fire. Shyly, I say a thank you and offer a smile, remembering my manners. Yep, totally not weird.

A few minutes later, Lucus moves to snap his fingers and a door off to the side opens. Men and women all dressed in maid and butler outfits come rushing in, each pushing trolleys with a variety of food and beverage. Each servant slowly makes their way around the table with trays, each offering things like fruits, yogurt, pastries as well as eggs, rolls and various types of meat. Next comes coffee for those who wanted it and while orange juice was filled in mine, I’m a little disappointed they had not asked me what I’d prefer, not that it mattered anyway, it would have just been nice to have that option.

With my head kept low, I move to concentrate on my food. Various fruits as well as bacon and egg sat piled in front of me as small conversations could be heard. Some about business related things, some not, many in which I all but tune out, not caring about their line of work. Thankfully, no one seems to notice and for that I’m grateful.

About an hour or so later, breakfast slowly draws to an end, when a phone decides to go off. It’s a notification ping. Most likely from one of the men, one in which I learned earlier was Enzo. The room going silent, as eyes move towards the man in question.

With his facial expression conflicted, he moves to hold his phone, his hand moving to type something using a few key strokes on the screen before reading what was there. Once done, he moves to look at Lucus as if they were silently having a conversation with one another before every man moves to stand up, each scurrying out of the dining room as they focus on the task at hand.

Unaware they had left me, do I suddenly realize I’m left sitting alone. The dining room door wide open, not even guards were present. Um. What just happened? Do I move to follow my fiances? Or do I stay here?

Lost on what to do it all but dawns on me, almost like a ton of bricks. This was it, my lucky break. I could finally escape and return home before my father and mother could figure out what happened to me. Moving to stand I quietly move to creep towards the double set of doors. Peering to see if anyone was there. Nope. No one. Not one single person was left. Not even the servants.

Taking that as my chance to flee, I begin to quickly walk back the way I came, watching every direction as I did. The sound of my heels all but clacking against the flooring as I finally make it back to the giant chandelier. Waiting, I hold my breath for another minute or two before double checking for people. Still nothing.

Running, I quickly make a mad dash across the room, spotting the big black door. My heels still clicking as I do. Once to the door, I quietly turn the locks. Only to pause.

Taking a deep breath, I quietly turn the knob and begin to pull the handle. Thankful there wasn't an alarm system or else I'd be in major trouble. With the door opening more and more I can finally see the sun, the sun slowly seeping through the cracks as fresh air finally hits my face, the door opening wider. My heart racing as excitement builds. Finally I could go home and see my father.

“And what do you think your doing Piccolo Principessa (Little Princess)?” booms a voice.

Jumping at the voice I all but still my movement, my heart beginning to race. Turning to look behind me I all but see him standing in the middle of the room, a devilish grin gracing his face as he did. Alex.

“What do you think I'm doing? I’m moving to get some fresh air” I say, trying hard to hold strong.

“Don’t do it Isabella! You won’t make it 10 feet past the garden. And when I catch you, you definitely won’t like the results I give you” warns Alex.

Shaking at his words I all but consider giving up, yet before I could change my mind and chicken out, I swiftly throw open the door before racing from the house. His dark laughter all but echoing behind me as I all but hear him yell.

“Run, Run Principessa (Princess), Ready or not, here I come!”