Scarlett POV:
He waved his hand dismissively, telling me to leave—but I didn't. I couldn't. Not after everything I just went through.
Keeping as much distance between us as possible, I murmured, "Mr. Grey… what about what I asked for? Won't you consider it?" My head was bent, fingers fidgeting nervously.
He didn't answer. Instead, he turned around and walked away. I lifted my gaze, trying to see where he was headed. He stopped in front of a drawing, slid it open, and pulled something out.
Holy shit.
A gun.
A freaking gun.
My hands flew to my mouth as I staggered backward, eyes widening in horror. Even though it looked smaller than a regular one, it still completely freaked me out.
He turned and walked toward me. I froze—my entire body turning cold and rigid, like stone.
He took my trembling hands gently but firmly. Raising the gun, he pressed the muzzle against my arm. My head began shaking wildly, silently begging him not to.
Before I could react, he pulled the trigger. A sharp sting shot through my arm and I groaned, clutching it. He let go immediately and began walking away.
Wait… what?
I looked down. No blood. Just a tiny dot—like a needle prick.
His cold voice echoed as he paused near the balcony doors.
"Micro-tracking fluid. Be back here in two hours. And don't leave Eva's side," he ordered, stepping through the doorway and slamming it shut behind him.
A wide smile slowly pulled at my lips as I stared at the door. My eyes went wide in disbelief.
Did he just say that?
I smiled again.
Straightening my wrinkled, slightly torn clothes, I headed out and returned to my room. I practically ran—happiness bubbling inside me, on the verge of bursting. I rushed into the bathroom, took a quick shower, and slipped into a short silk gown that stopped above my knees.
When I came out, I spotted Eva downstairs with three bodyguards behind her. I called her name, and she turned, looking up at me.
"Is there a problem, ma'am?" she asked as I descended the stairs.
"I'm coming with you," I said. She blinked at me, confused.
"Ma'am, the boss will be angry," she warned, worry filling her voice. I just smiled.
"He gave me permission," I said proudly. Her eyes flew wide.
"Really? Are you sure, ma'am? You know how bad the boss's temper can be," she whispered, fear visible in her expression.
I nodded and walked with her toward the door, but the guard stopped me.
Right… Mr. Grey probably hadn't informed them yet.
I reached into my purse to call him, but before I could find his number, a cold voice cut through the air.
"Let her go."
He said from up the stairs, his back against us.
The guard bowed quickly and stepped aside.
Wow. That was… a ridiculous amount of respect.
I stepped outside and paused a few feet from the house. The cool breeze washed over me—fresh, gentle, freeing.
God, I can't wait to finally be free.
I got into the car—guarded by yet another guard—while Eva entered another. Three more vehicles followed behind us, each loaded with five bodyguards.
Why was Mr. Grey always so on alert? What could possibly go wrong?
"Ma'am, please do not roll down the windows," the guard behind me said. I frowned.
"Why?"
"It's safer that way. The windows are bulletproof."
I didn't budge. This was my one chance to be outside. Every minute needed to count.
I reached for the controls, but he stopped me—placing a hand under mine without actually touching me.
"The boss's orders, ma'am," he said, voice flat and expressionless. Perfectly trained.
"Well, he's not the boss of me," I muttered, moving his hand away and pressing the button.
I stuck my head slightly outside so they couldn't lock it from the central control.
God, I hope there's no speaker or camera in here. Mr. Grey will brutalize me for what I just said.
The breeze felt incredible, the trees outside lush and vibrant with the scent of nature. I breathed it all in deeply.
I closed my eyes, letting the outside world finally settle into me.
The car slowed to a stop. I opened my eyes.
We had arrived.
The parking lot was spotless and organized. My section was empty—probably reserved by Mr. Grey. It even had a separate glass door besides the main one.
Wow.
Does he own this town or what?
I stepped out, looking around like an alien experiencing Earth for the first time.
Don't blame me—it's been ages since I last stepped outside.
Then I remembered: I was still a convict. I shouldn't be out in public without a mask. I rummaged through my purse and pulled one out, just about to slip it on when a bodyguard stopped me.
"No need, ma'am. This area's like the outskirts of New York. No one cares about what's happening—or what happened—in New York."
Wow.
So I could walk freely. No one staring at me. No one calling me a murderer.
Nice.
We went to the supermarket and bought a ton of things—the guards taking turns dropping them off at the car. Everything was perfect. I felt free for the first time in seven years.
At the mall, they told me to pick anything I wanted. Instead, I picked something for Mr. Grey—a wristband with beads and other little accessories, making it shine beautifully.
I'm sure he'll like it.
"Please package this," I said, handing it to the guard trailing me.
I walked through the mall, taking everything in, enjoying the view.
I glanced out the window—
And the sight that hit me almost made a scream rip from my throat.