This is goddamn long chapter.

AMBER RAIN:

"In truth you like the pain. You like it because you believe you deserve it."

The rest of my day had gone just as the previous ones had gone. I was locked him my room; alone with my thoughts for hours at a time. The same frail maid had brought me a small lunch and a plain dinner. I couldn't eat, my appetite nonexistent, since Caden's lesson. His words wouldn't leave my thoughts, his sinister tone leaving me scared. His motives were so hot and cold. He seemed protective, of course for his own benefit, but then he was threatening my life. He was only confirming I was temporary to his agenda. He was confirming when he got what he wanted, I would be dead.

Gone. He would murder me. Caden would consider that his prize.

Right now it was around 8:34pm. My room was dark. I had the window curtains drawn, sealed tightly with a silk rope. The sun had been too bright. I was angry at the happiness it shone, it made me crave freedom even more. I couldn't bear the sight of it.

I was under the freshly cleaned covers, their smell radiating flowers. No longer there was dirt and blood stains smeared on the sheets. They were stripped and washed when I was training with Caden. Mr. Moretti.

I was so anxious after "training" with Caden, my legs wouldn't stop shaking. He ordered one of his beefy men to guide me back to my room. The man was emotionless, quickly leading me here with my arms pinned behind me. But, the clean bed lifted my mood and calmed me down as soon I collapsed on the cold silk head first.

I was out as soon as that happened. I was asleep for the remainder of the afternoon. Completely out cold. I had been shut off from the rest of the mansion. When I woke up, there was a cold plate of mixed vegetables and some kind of seasoned meat placed at my bedside. Lamb I believe. The service who'd brought the meal hadn't bothered my slumber and the food sat wasting away. It was unappetizing and I pushed it away, the smell turning my stomach.

But, now that I was awake after being asleep for so many hours, I was becoming restless. I was kicking and squirming under the sheets for so many minutes before I gave up, throwing them off me and onto the carpeted floor with a loud groan.

I sat up and placed my feet on the floor, standing up and heading to the bathroom.

I couldn't stay in this room any longer. I was feeling too cramped and more captive then I should be in such a large piece of land.

Caden Moretti could suck my ass with his Mother Gospel attitude. I wanted to go exploring.

I peeled the workout clothes off my body, feeling my muscles tightening at the movement. I was so sore. I threw the leggings and top into the bamboo styled hamper. I pulled out my ponytail, letting my dark waves cascade down my spine. I ran a hand through my hair, gaining relief from pulling at the roots.

I slipped on some jean shorts I spotted earlier in the dresser and pulled a red tank top over my head. I stayed barefoot as I exited the room quickly. The lights were already out as I pulled the door shut behind me, letting it close quietly.

My feet padded down the dark hallway against the cold wooden floors. I was trying to stay quiet and scope out my surroundings but the area was so unlit I couldn't see three feet in front of me. I was worried about tripping or ungracefully falling down the marble staircase. Wherever it stood.

I could hear deep, manly voices murmuring amongst themselves further down the corridor. I reached the beautiful stairs and peered over the railing. Kudos for not toppling down them all together. I could see a bright glow right at the foot of the steps. Faint noises of cheering and loud whistles caught my attention. The big bad mafia men were watching a football game.

I rolled my eyes.

"What the fuck are you doing out of your room?" A menacing voice growled out from against a crisp white wall. Irritation was underlying their tone.

I turned my head, still gripping onto the railing, towards the direction of the deep voice. I met the gaze of two wicked emerald eyes glaring at me. Funny that beneath the shadows I could distinctively recognize those orbs.

"I. . .I couldn't stay in there any longer." I breathed. "I felt like I was going insane."

My eyes began to adjust to the dim hall lighting and I could clearly make out Shadow's tall, muscular figure and the way his arms were crossed across his long sleeved black shirt.

"What are you doing out here?" I asked when he remained silent at my statement.

"I've been out here for the past three days you've been in your room." He said. "Boss put me on the bitch-sitting, remember?" He asked without a hint of playfulness in his tone.

"I don't want to babysit that bitçh! Put Marino on it. You know I have more important matters to tend to then runners."

A flashback of my first day here flooded my thoughts, echos of Shadow's hateful words I could still hear.

"You actually followed those orders by him?" I asked in a little shock. Clearly Shadow was one of Caden's greatest weapons. He was deadly, ruthless even. I couldn't believe Caden would waste Shadow's skills on me. On watching a hall. Moreover, I couldn't see Shadow following Caden's orders. Especially since he clearly showed resent towards me.

"The man would have my balls if I refused." He seethed. "Trust me," he pushed off the wall and stepped towards my direction. I turned my body fully and pressed my back into the curved railing. "I'd rather be fucking the hot, wet pussy of one of the mansion whores Moretti has traipsing around here." He was right in front of my in a few short strides.

His face was right in front of mine. "But, once again you get in my fucking way." I flinched at his harsh, vulgar language.

"I was just looking. . .looking for Chiara." I started slowly. "I'm not going to run. You can go. I'm smarter than that."

He smirked, his eyes dark and narrowing. His playful demeanor was off tonight. He was angry about something. "No you're really not smart, Rain." He said. "You're a stupid, worthless cunt whose only purpose here is to end a longtime vendetta. But, you will try and run again." He fumed in my face. "It doesn't matter, though, you will still end up dead. Soon." He whispered the last part.

Shadow's arms gripped the railing behind me, trapping me.

"Get away from me." I said slowly. He didn't budge. "Get the fuck away from me!" I screamed, pushing at his solid chest with the palms of my hand.

I felt like he was going to hit me, do anything painful, but he just shot me one last glare before pushing away from me.

"I don't know what crawled up your ass but I don't deserve to be treated like that! By you or by anyone else here!" I yelled, making him stop in his tracks in the dark hall. "Fuck you. You know I didn't ask for this." I said the last part more quietly, feeling tears well up in my eyes.

I will not let him make me cry.

He turn his head, looking at me over his shoulders. His piercings giving him a more dangerous, monster-like appearance.

"You're the one paying for it either way."

He glanced at me for a few more seconds before storming away and disappearing around a corner. The noise of his loud footsteps fading away.

I pushed my tears down and waited for my breathing to slow back to a normal rate. After it did, I brushed my hair out of my face and turned to head down the stairs. I took two steps at a time as I neared the noisy men watching television.

A couple dozen men in expensive suits, supporting their expensive watches and designer shoes were lounging around the living space all facing a 165 inch (at least) flatscreen TV on the wall. Some men were yelling at the sports game in Italian, some were eating sloppily on the leather couches, and others had their slick phones in one hand and a beer in the other. The volume was turned relatively loud so their attention wasn't really focused on anything besides the cheering fans and blowing whistles.

Caden, Dylan, and Shadow were not amongst this group.

"Hello!" I called out to the group of men. I failed to get a response from one of them. The noisy television drowned out my voice.

Fucking assholes.

"UM EXCUSE ME!" I screamed, placing my hands on my hips. The men turned their heads quickly. Some reached for their weapons and stood up and others just glared at me for ruining their game. The volume shut off as all the attention was focused on me, the petite girl with the loudest mouth. Nice!

"Thanks! I thought that was going to be difficult or something!" I started in a mock-cheerful attitude. "Well, now that I have your attention can one of you tell me where Caden fucking Moretti is? He's really starting to piss me the fuck off with his My Dick Is To Big For The World attitude. I am so close to shoving my fucking foot down his throat." I asked watching some of their jaws practically become unhinged at my vulgar disrespect. "Oh wow, I really just said 'fuck' like three whole times, ha oops." I added more to myself with a chuckle. No one said anything. "Hm. Maybe one of you know where Chiara is? Loud girl, almost identical to boss man? Tiny? I need some girl time before I actually start bleeding from my vagina again and don't know where the fucking tampons are! You guys know this mansion is so freaking big!" I finished with a deep breath in, looking at each of the shocked men. "HELLO?"

"Is she drunk?" A random Italian loudly whispered to his friend while keeping his eyes on me. The friend just nodded quickly before chugging down the remainder of his libation.

Finally, a large, extremely muscular man stood up from his position on the black leather. He had a buzz cut and a long quote in cursive was tattooed across the back of his skull, wrapping around to end on his temples. He stood at a height of at least six-foot-seven. He was fucking ginormous! His suit was stretched across his body, clinging to the large ripples of muscle he had.

I could tell by his hard glare he wanted to be afraid of his harsh appearance but I was over these men using their harsher appearances to scare me into obedience. Egotistical bastards.

"Boss it out of reach as of right now." The burly man gutted out. His eyes cold but his words sounding robotic and rehearsed.

Caden could have not expected this behavior? Could he? Oh.  . .

"Shucks, I really feel like you're lying to me." I said while taking a few steps towards the beast. "Whatever response Caden had you memorize means absolute shit to me. I want to see him but I will settle for his sister; where is she?"

The man's face stayed frozen like stone, the other men just waiting for my response. A lanky, dark-skinned male was chomping obnoxiously on his crackers, making my eye twitch.

"I'll tell you where she is if you wrap your pretty pink lips around my cock, bambino." A deep voice purred out from his position on a black ottoman across the living area. His eyes were beady like a rats and he was muscular in the stocky sense because he was on the shorter side. His hair was slicked back in a low ponytail, the ends dead and curling on his expensive suit. A sick smirk was plastered on his lips and glasses sat on the edge of his nose. He was rubbing his hand in small circles on his thigh.

I felt my stomach churn at the offer. His whole demeanor was putting me on edge.

"Shut your fucking mouth, Matteo." The burly man snapped, turning his thick neck to glare at the smaller man. "sai perché è qui, un solo tocco e Caden avrà le tue palle." The bigger of the two hissed.

Matteo just shrugged, surprising me because the man in front of me was terrifying with every word he uttered.

"Caden av—what?" I asked, turning the attention back on myself. Matteo, the man who reminded me of a slippery eel, just grinned at my interruption. He stayed silent however.

"Chiara Moretti is in her bedroom. Third floor, East wing. Head back up those stairs, take a right and continue down the hall. She's in the second room on the left." He directed. "Her door is. . .her door is painted pink." He finished with a noticeable shudder. "You can't miss it."

I nodded, giving the man a soft smile. "Thank you."

I turned my back and made my way back up the stairs, my bare feet were cold on the marble. I reached the top of the first flight, the men under me discussing something in hushed tones, all in Italian. I could recognize Matteo's voice as I went to go up the second flight of steps.

"Get that stick out of your ass, Arsenal. The bitch will be dead soon, she could be handy for a good fucking before she bites it." The eel spat. "Moretti would probably enjoy the show and give me applause knowing how much he hates her."

I felt a slow burn spread through my body at his sickening words. My limbs felt heavy and I couldn't bring myself to climb another flight.

A few of the men cackled at his words. Were they serious? Did they do that to women? Rape them? Watch it? Enjoy it?

I couldn't bare to listen anymore as I began up the staircase towards Chiara's room. If anyone could calm the anxiety brewing inside me it would be her. I felt safe around here, even if it was only for a few minutes I could tell she wasn't evil. She had a kind heart. I needed that right now.

In a few short minutes of navigating my way while following the man's directions I reached Chiara's hot pink door. How adorable.

I brushed my hair behind my ears and lightly knocked on the door twice. I heard the shuffling of sheets, I assumed she was getting up out of resting in her bed. I waiting patiently for her to answer, I didn't want to come off as intrusive or pushy so quick. . .even though I were both of those things.

Seconds later, the door was pulled open revealing a very surprised Chiara Moretti. After our two short occurrences together I could clearly tell she wasn't anything short of beautiful no matter how much makeup was brushed on her face or what she had on. Right now, she was wearing black sweatpants that hung low on her narrow hips, her manicured feet were bare and sinking into her plush carpet, and she was wearing a long sleeved gray shirt cut right above her bellybutton. Chiara's hair was thrown up in a sloppy ponytail, strands of silky curls escaping the elastic and framing her heart-shaped face. She instantly smiled at me, flashing me her white teeth.

"Ciao, Amber!" She greeted while grabbing my arm and pulling me into her luxurious bedroom. My eyes widened at her strength but I couldn't control the smile playing on my lips.

"Hey," I responded as she closed the door behind me. Chiara walked in front of me and plopped down onto her Eastern King mattress. Holy fuck she had a huge bed.

What seemed like hundreds of fluffy pillows were placed in front of the headboard on the bed. They all matched the room's pink and gold theme uniquely. The room was one for a princess and the decor was extravagant.

She laughed as I ogled the beautiful space. "What brings you here? I assume Caden didn't send you here considering he left the house this afternoon, what's up? How are you? I haven't seen you since that dinner fiasco." She stated, her eyes swirling with concern.

Chiara patted the area next to where she was laying, inviting me to join her with a warm smile. I walked over and sat down cross-legged next to her figure.

"Well," I cleared my throat. "After the dinner, Caden pulled me out of my room. I believed he was going to kill me, he really scared me." I started, lying back on one of pillows.

"What did he do to you?" She asked, her voice had an edge to it as if she was expecting the worse. Her eyes were once again. "Amber did he. . .did he touch you? Gesù Cristo. . .

"No, oh God no." I rushed out, watching the majority of her stress leave her face. "No, he. . .well he tied me to a chair for. . .twenty-four hours." I closed my eyes remembering my struggle against the ropes and the hunger creeping up on me. "He was playing some kind of game with me, Chiara. He wanted me to suffer right under his thumb."

She grabbed my hand, steadying my nerves. I hadn't even realized I had began shaking.

I opened my eyes, looking over at Chiara. She nodded.

"Continue please." She said quietly.

I bit my bottom lip. "He released me and told me to run. He knew I had nowhere to go; he knew I had no idea of even how to get out of here. He. . .he wanted to hunt me down like his prey. It was a sadistic version of Hide and Seek." I released a heavy breath. "God, I've never been that scared before."

She squeezed my hand, her eyes lowering in shame. "I'm truly sorry for what he did, Amber. He used to never be like this. I. . .I hate this crueler side of him that had took front."

Her blue eyes were rimmed in tears, slightly red. I could see she was sensitive to her brother's behavior.

"Was there more?" She asked quietly after a few moments of complete silence.

"Yeah, he caught me." I started up again with a small laugh. "Obviously." I motioned down to myself. "He banged me up a little bit. He wanted to make me believe he was going to kill me, he even held a knife to my throat and suggested I say my last words." I rubbed my forehead. "I was a mess. I thought I was going to die."

She stayed silent, listening to me intently.

"He let me go and told me he wanted to train me. Gosh, I was so confused. He claims that he needs to keep me alive in order to gain something from me, he was warning me that other families. . .other murderers would be after me. He claims they would do worse things to me than he would and if I could protect myself it would be easier on both of us." I finished, looking over at her once again.

"Amber, I had no idea so much had happened in four days. Caden keeps me away from everything involving his plans." She said, pulling me into a hug. "Do you want me to talk to him? Punch him? Kick him in the dick? I will."

I actually laughed at her offers. "No, no please. I don't want his anger being displaced onto you. I just came to you to see if you could give me any answers." I pleaded with a hopeful tone. "Can you?"

Chiara pulled away from our embrace. "I don't know, Amber. I don't know as much as you'd think. A lot of what's going on is triggered from personal experiences that happened to Caden a few years ago." She explained slowly.

"What happened to him?" I asked in complete curiosity. Meeting a man with such clear disorders; I could only imagine what he has gone through.

She bit her lip. "Amber, your father-"

Chiara started saying when she was cut off by a loud, ear-piercing scream echoing off the walls of the house. The scream was one of complete fear, agony, and heartache.

I jumped off the bed, my heart jumping to my throat. What was going on?

Before my mind caught up with the rest of my