chapter 23

Killian's pov

The incessant drip of water was absolutely infuriating. I feel like I'm losing my mind. Zachary wasn't doing this to 'kill' us, because that's impossible, he was doing this to upset me, make me feel worthless, and it was working. I have absolutely no choice but to lie here and wait for rolland. I've heard of people going crazy from the Chinese water torture but I never knew I'd experience this first hand. Mr Lockwood?" Evita's voice broke the silence.

"I'm here Evita" i said looking for her hand. I finally found it.

"Oh my G** what's that? Something touched my hand" she caught me off guard. Why did she yell like that

"Be calm, its my hand" i said and grabbed her hand. The feeling was very soothing. I was starting to think clearly. "Mr lockewood " evita's voice echoed in my head. Now that i think of it, ive never heard her call my name. I should ask her, but what if she thinks Im going crazy? After few minutes of contemplating,i decided to ask her.

"Evita?" My voice cracked the silence.

"Yes?" She answered.

"Why do you still call me Mr Lockwood?" Why did it come out sounding like that....oh God

"What?" She asked.

"I mean, what if we actually die here? I don't want to die without hearing my name coming from those lips of yours" I said and now i sound like a weirdo. But i do want to hear it.

"What ? We are tied up to a plank, our whole body sore, with water dripping on our fore heads, and you want to know why I call you Mr Lockwood?" She asked. I could hear the shock in her voice, i don't blame her, I'd be shocked too.

"Yes"

"Well, I call you Mr Lockwood because you are my boss. And moreover, you asked me to" she finally answered. She's right, i did ask her to do that.

"When did I ask you to do that?" I asked smirking.

"You stated it clearly in the plane. And I have called your name before." She was now getting annoyed. And i like it.

"When?" I asked while drawing circles on her hand.

"You know..." she trailed off..

"No I don't know. Please be precise"i said smiling widely. It's a good thing she can't see me.

"Stop teasing me mr Lockwood" she yelled. I stifled a chuckle.

"I'm not, Evita. Tell me"

"Okay. When we were making out" hearing her say those words so fast almost got me laughing out loud. She still acts shy even though we are not making eye contact. I imagine her squeezing her already tape eyes shut, as she tightened her grip my hand.

"Stop squeezing my hand" I told her.

"When exactly?I mean we've made out a lot and I still can't recall you calling my name" I continued. I never knew how much fun it is teasing her.

"Can we not talk about this right now?" She asked..."what if someone is listening to us?"

"Are you dismissing the conversation?" I smirked.

"No not exactly, I just..."

"Then answer Evita." I cut her off.

" Well I can't remember exactly when"

" How about we make you remember?" I said. 'And never forget' i thought. My smile grew wider as i imagined all the things i could do to her. I was snapped back to reality by the sound of gunshots. Rolland just always have to make a big entrace, doesn't he?

" get ready miss valkov, we'll be getting out of here soon" i held on to her hand tightly.

"Okay but what's the plan?" She asked.

"There's no plan, just stay behind me always."

"That's ridiculous, what if I'm captured from behind, or worse, shot?" She yelled, obviously scared.

"Then make sure you stay low". I stated firmly.

Few minutes passed but rolland was no where to be found. I was starting to think Zach and Shawn overpowered him too. I just hope they haven't.

As if on cue, a rattling sound came from a distance and hue of light shined.

"My oh my" the familiar voice I've been longing to hear said.

"Rolland" evita shrieked. She recognizes him through his voice, isn't that lovely.

"Yes it me" his footsteps approached us quickly. I expected him to loosen the tie on me first but I was rather last.

"What took you so long?" I seethed Through my teeth immediately i removed the duct tape from my eyes.

"Pardon me, i had to take a leak." He beamed. I glared at him and stood up from the floor. I noticed There were blood stains all over his face and shirt. I looked over at evita, she looked exhausted, i mean who wouldn't be.

"Are you okay?" I asked holding her close.

"Yes I'm absolutely wonderful, thank you sir" she answered sarcastically. Rolland chuckled but zipped it when i sent a glare his way again. But She's right that's a stupid question.

"Okay you guys can suck each other's faces later. Right now we need to get out of here because Zachary is still no where to be found" Rolland said.

I tugged at Evita's arm gently signalling for her to stay behind me. We all made our way out of the room, with rolland in front leading the way and also making sure the coast was clear. The moment we stepped outside, we were held at gun point by Zachary and 2 of his men.

"Leaving so soon?" He chuckled.

"Zachary you don't have to do this" rolland spoke up.

"Where is my brother?" He shouted angrily.

"Your brother is with us, safe and sound. Just let us go and we'll send him to you. Alive and, well, in an acceptable condition" he smirked.

"I am going to shoot her if you don't bring him out" he directed his gun at evita this time. I stood in front of her still holding her hand.

"We obviously dont have him with us, let us go and we'll send him here in less than 20 minutes. You have my word"

" Your word? You killed my parents and my brother's wife. And you are asking me to trust your words?" He shouted shaking violently. One thing Zachary is known for is his temper, he is far more worse than i am. I have to do somethinh to ignite a bit of trust in him.

"I didnt kill anybody. One of my men killed your father, your mother killed herself and your brother's wife.....your brother's wife got Shot by accident. She was dragging the gun with me and she got Shot. It wasn't intentional." I sighed. I saw tears fill his eyes as he started at me.

"Just get me my brother, i promise to end all this right here and now, just return Shawn" his voice cracked and I must say, i do feel pity for him.

"I promise, your brother is fine" i said. He instructed his men to leave and he sighed.

"If he doesn't get here in an hour, i swear I will kill you and every single person you know " he threatened and stormed off. I held evita close to me and In between rolland and I as we proceeded out of the place.

*******

Evita's pov

The gruesome sight of bloody dead bodies caused my stomach the turn inside out. I tried my best not to focus on if too much as we made our way into a van. I sighed as the familiar scent of home hit my nose. My week here isn't something I want to remember this place for, but one thing I am surely greatful for is that I didn't end up as one of those dead bodies today. Although knowing that some of them died because they came to save me from Zachary's clutches, was very unsettling. And I don't think I'll ever be okay with that fact. Mr Lockwood who is seated beside me, placed a blanket around my shoulders and pulled me closer. If was as if he knew what was going through my mind. A small smile found its way to my lips and I rested my head on his shoulders.

"Don't worry, all this will be over soon" he whispered. I slwoly drifted to sleep as Rolland drove.

******

"Evita, Evita" Mr Lockwood's voice woke me up from the deep slumber I had slipped into. I opened my eyes to take in my environment, I was back at his place.

"What about Shawn?" That was the first thing that came to my mind.

"He's back with his brother now. Everything is fine" Mr Lockwood's hovering figure said to me. I heaved a sigh of relief as the burden lifted from my shoulder.

"we will be leaving in an hour. Get ready and meet me downstairs. You can continue your nap in the plane". He added after seconds of stating. I nodded in response and he turned around to leave. Before stepping out, he came back and placed a long, lingering kiss on my forehead. With that, he left shutting the door behind him. I felt my heart leap with happiness, it's either from the kiss or from the thought of seeing Lilly and everyone or from both. Slowly but surely, I got into the shower,had a steaming hot bath and changed into a white t shirt and black biker's short, along side a Nike shoe. I strapped my hair into a loose pony tail and applied light make up ( lip gloss and mascara). 'Okay I'm ready to go' I muttered and picked up my cellphone that was on the night stand. Before stepping out,I turned around and waved the room goodbye. I opened the door and came in contact with mr Lockewood. He was no more in the outfit he was in but now In a navy blue suit which complemented his eyes And skin colour.

"Here" he stretched out his hand and I took it while muttering a thank you. We both made our way downstairs hand in hand at into his car. We both sat at the back as Rolland already took the front seat and Sebastian was driving.

"You too look so lovely together" Rolland teased and we all laughed, all except Mr Lockwood. I must say I missed him a lot.

"Sebastian, drive" he ordered. I snorted and earned myself a stern look. I just smiled in response. "Finally going home" I thought and sighed. Mr Lockewood held my hand as we drove off and I watched the mansion leave my sight.