I would do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means becoming a monster myself.
Later that night
I dress up in a slinky red dress and too-high heels, hating myself more with every step as I venture out to prowl the clubs for Gerald's next victims.
My stomach churns the entire time, but I force on a flirty smile and strike up conversations, trying to seem casual and as if I'm out for a night of uninhibited fun and revelry just like everyone else.
But it's no use. I feel awkward and nauseous, and anyone paying attention probably notices I seem a bit off. Nobody bites. But I know I can't keep putting this off.
If I fail at this, if I can't bring myself to lure these women to their doom, Yara will die. I need to find another way to protect her, even if it means sacrificing myself.
As closing time approaches with no success, relief and worry both flood me.
I've failed my first test, but for now I haven't lured any other innocent people into Gerald's evil trap, and Yara and I are both still alive.
He can't expect results on my first day. I need a little more time to figure a way out of this nightmare.
There has to be someone who can help us. Someone I can tell the truth without them thinking I'm insane. The key is finding them before Gerald realizes his new toy is broken beyond repair.
I pray for the chance to keep searching as I make my way home, dreading facing Gerald and the punishment my failuremight bring. But Yara's life is worth any cost. I would endure anything to ensure her safety.
Absolutely anything.
I walk through the front door of the mansion with leaden steps, my heart pounding. Gerald will be waiting to hear about my success, eager to start the 'training' he has planned for his new recruits.
How will he react when I tell him I failed? I'm really taking a punt that he won't come down too hard given this is my first time trying.
The foyer is empty, but I hear voices coming from the study down the hall. Gerald's smooth, cultured tones, and a woman's laughter in response.
My stomach drops as I realized he's succeeded where I failed, and already brought a victim into our home.
Summoning my courage, I walk to the study and find Gerald casually draped across the leather sofa, a glass of brandy in one hand. A stunning brunette sits beside him, gazing at him with smitten eyes.
My entrance catches her attention, and she frowns at my presence, her territorial instincts flaring to life.
Gerald glances up with a shark's smile, noting my pale face and trembling hands. "Alina, darling, you're just in time. Our guest was wondering where you were. I was about to send a car for you."
His meaning is clear: he knows I failed, and is punishing me by making me witness his conquest.
The nameless woman's frown deepens at the obvious intimacy in his tone. She shifts away from him, regarding me with unveiled suspicion.
Gerald chuckles and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close once more. "No need to be jealous, sweetheart. Alina is part of the package."
Revulsion rises in my throat like bile at his words. I force it down and summon an answering smile. "Of course. My apologies for keeping you waiting."
Gerald's eyes gleam, seeing my capitulation. "There, you see? All is well. Now, we were just discussing how we might entertain our guest this evening."
His fingers trail down the woman's arm in a possessive caress.
"Any suggestions, darling?"
I swallow hard, wrestling with the urge to scream. To attack him and try to destroy the monster he's just revealed himself to be.
But one wrong move would mean Yara's death. I have to play his game, at least for now.
There has to be a way out of this, if I'm patient, if I can endure his cruelty. I will find it, no matter the cost.
"I'm sure we can think of something," I say softly. "After all, we aim to please."