Chapter 30: Chapter 30

I went out of the room, not forget to shut the door and locked it before heading upstairs to clean up. My body was drenched with Peter's blood and I smelled like shit. On my way to my room, I looked out the window that it was almost dark. I didn't realize that  I'd been in the basement longer than I intended to.

I turned on the shower and let myself relax. It had been rough days since I got here and there was nothing I'd love more than spending time with my girlfriend. I missed her so much.

I turned off the shower and grabbed a towel to cover my waist down. I went back to my room and grabbed sweatpants then laid myself on the bed.

I took out my cell phone, planning to call Valerie but then I decided not to. I was so rude to her last night and I doubted she wanted to talk to me. So, I called Hunter instead.

"Yes, boss?", Hunter answered on the second ring.

"Is everything alright there?", I asked.

"Yes, everything's fine", he answered.

"How is she?", my voice softened when it came about her.

"She's alright. We just dropped her at the apartment", he said and I sighed in relief.

"Alright. She can stay there tonight but tomorrow she has to come back to the house. Jonathan plans to kidnap her so I want to always keep your guards up", I said with gritted teeth.

"And if she didn't cooperate, just knock her out", I said.

"Knock her out? Are you serious boss?", Hunter asked in disbelief.

As much as I hated that, I didn't have a choice. I'd rather she hated me than the idea of her getting killed.

"Do I sound like I'm joking?", I snapped. "Just do what I said", I said before hanging up.

I threw my phone away and let myself rest, thinking about my sweetheart.

VALERIE POV

(12 hours ago)

I woke up feeling like crap. My eyes were puffy because of the crying all night. I looked at my phone and it was almost 8. I rarely wake up early on Saturdays but I couldn't sleep anymore. Every time I closed my eyes, my mind drifted to Sean and his words.

I headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth and showered. I grabbed his shower gel and rubbed it against my body. I closed my eyes, enjoying the warm water hitting my body. When I felt refreshed, I turned off the shower and grabbed a towel to dry up my body.

I walked back to the room and wore my clothes from the night before because I didn't have any more clothes in here. I could just grab Sean's but I couldn't get myself to do that.

I headed downstairs with my small bag. The faster I got out of here, the better. But it was all ruined when Mrs. Rhodes greeted me in the hallway.

"Good morning, dear", she smiled as she dusted a painting in front of her.

"Breakfast's on the table like usual. So, help yourself", she said showing her pearly whites.

"Thanks, Mrs. Rhodes but I need to go back to the apartment", I said trying not to offend her.

"Not without your breakfast, young lady. It's the most important meal of the day", she said pushing me to the kitchen. This lady wouldn't take no for answer.

"Alright", I sighed in surrender, taking a seat at one of the chairs.

I grabbed a plate and placed some sausages, bacon, and omelets on my plate. I was starving remembering I didn't have dinner last night.

When I was munching on my food, Georgina walked into the room. She dressed nicely in a long sleeves shirt and a pencil skirt which showed her perfect curves. Her hair was tied in a neat perfect bun. She smiled when she saw me.

"Hi, Valerie", she chirped as she took sausages with her hand, as poured her coffee.

"Hi. You look nice", I said.

"Thanks. I'm meeting a client otherwise I'd be still in bed now", she joked and chuckled.

"I know the feeling", I muttered.

"So, why do you up so early?", she asked taking another sausage on the plate.

"I'm going back to my apartment", I said as casually as I could.

"Oh. You're not staying here anymore?", she frowned.

"I don't know.. ", I trailed. "I just miss my roommate.. and my bed", I joked.

She nodded. "Ah, I know the feeling. But come back whenever you want, OK?", she smiled.

"Sure", I returned her smile.

After drinking her coffee, she took off leaving me alone in the kitchen. But soon, Hunter and Jack came inside the kitchen with Hunter's emotionless face and Jack who looked like he just woke up. Hunter smacked his head when he accidentally yawned.

"Coffee?", I offered.

"Oh, thank God. I thought you'd never ask", he said grabbing a mug. Hunter scowled in improvement but Jack seemed to ignore him.

"You want some?", I asked.

"No, thank you", he said in a monotone voice. This guy always talked like a robot. Jack was a more easy-going type which I was more comfortable talking to.

"So, I need you to take me to the apartment",  I said after finishing my breakfast.

"Alright", Hunter answered. Guess Sean already talked to him.

"Wow, the boss listens to you, huh?", Jack said as he poured another coffee on his mug.

"What's that supposed to mean?", I asked curiously.

"Well, the boss never listens to anyone", he blurted.

"Jack", Hunter warned him.

"Relax, dude. She's just asking", Jack rolled his eyes. "Loosen up, will you fella?", he patted his chest.

"So, can we go now?", I asked them and Hunter nodded.

We headed towards the car and when Jack was about to open the door for me, I gave him a scowl which he just laughed at, and opened the passenger side for himself.

I took out my phone to check whether there were any messages from Liam or Sean but I I got none which saddened me more. I put my phone away trying to hold back my tears.

After a few traffic, Hunter finally pulled away in front of the apartment. Hunter looked at me from the rear mirror, probably signaling me to get off the car, which I did. I closed the door and hurriedly towards the building. The car was still waiting there until I was safe inside the building.

I let out a sigh of relief once I was in the lift heading to my floor. It was 11 AM and I doubted if Dani had woken up but soon I found out she wasn't in the apartment because all the rooms were empty and her bed was untouched. She probably slept at Jake's place which was nothing odd.

I suddenly felt exhausted, probably because of the lack of sleep I got last night. So, I headed to my room to change into a large sweatshirt and threw myself on the bed I had missed the most.

A few hours later, I woke up feeling hungry. I looked at the clock and it was past dinner time. I didn't know I slept that long! But the good thing was my mind and body felt refreshed.  Then it all ruined when my stomach growled needing to be fed.

I walked out of my room, half awaked heading to the kitchen. Dani must still not be at home because I didn't see any sign of her. I opened the fridge, examining the ingredients available. Luckily there was enough to make grilled cheese sandwiches.

When the sandwiches were being cooked, the smell filled in the room making me excited to eat. I was cooking my last sandwich when suddenly James came inside the kitchen making me startled. When did he get in here?

He scanned me from head to toe and I slapped myself for still wearing my oversize sweater with no pants.

"James, I didn't know you're here", I nervously said as I tugged down the edge of my sweater to cover my below but it was no use.

He slowly walked towards me and I found myself stepping away until my back hit the wall, trapping me. I could smell the alcohol from his breath. He was drunk.

"I've been waiting for this to come", he slurred. What?

Before I could react, he smashed his lips against mine. I whimpered as I tried to push him away but he pinned both of my hands against the wall, making me helpless.

His one hand released me as he made his way to my body then my inner thigh making me want to puke. I tried to push him again with my free hand but still useless. He was too strong.

"James, please stop", I sobbed as his lips moved down to my neck but he ignored me making me sobbed more. Then he bit my neck hard making me cried out in pain.

"What's going on here?", Dani's voice filled the room making me froze. James stopped as well and turned around facing her. I was shivering like crazy. He seemed soberer.

There was silence then James decided to speak up. "Babe, I can explain"

"Explain what?", she shouted. "That you just made out with my best friend?"

"Babe..", he walked closer to Dani

"Don't babe me, you jerk", she stepped away.

"Please, let me explain first", he said with a soothing voice which Dani couldn't resist.

"Fine. You have one minute", she snarled.

"She just came to me, babe. I tried to push her away. She threatened me to do it", James glared at me and my eyes widened.

"What the hell are you talking about? You attacked me first", I was yelling now though my tears were still falling. Dani's eyes now turned to me.

"Dani, you know I wouldn't do that to you. You're my best friend and I have a boyfriend for God's sake", I told her.

"Oh yeah? But it didn't stop you from kissing me", James snapped.

"Are you listening to yourself? Do I have to smack it out of you, to tell the truth?", I was now angry.

"You're the slut here, Valerie. I know you've been eyeing me since I'm dating Dani", he exclaimed.

I let out a forced laugh. "Me? Eyeing you? Don't flatter yourself, you son of a bitch.. ", I stopped when Dani's hand made contact with my cheek.

"Get out", her voice was low.

I looked at her in disbelief. "Get out?"

"Yes. Out of my apartment now. You have 30 minutes to pack your junk", she said turning on her heels. I caught James smirking once Dani said those words.

"Dani, wait", I said following her. "You're not buying his bullshits, right? I'm your best friend"

She stopped then turned to face me. "Am I now, huh?", she crossed her arms.

"What do you mean?", I asked confused.

"Valerie, you've been keeping things to yourself lately. You never talked or reached out to me like you used to. It's like I don't know you anymore", she said.

"And when I found out you've been hitting on my boyfriend, that's where I cross the line", her lips were formed in a thin line.

"Please, Dani", I begged. "I've told you I don't do such a thing. You have to trust me", my eyes watered.

She looked at me and sighed. "Just get the hell out of here", she headed toward her room and shut the door behind her.

Then I lost it. I cried like I never did before. Everybody hated me. Liam, Sean, even Dani. I had nobody now and I got nowhere else to go.

I slowly wiped the tears from my cheek and walked to 'my room to pack. I got 30 minutes as Dani said. I quickly packed all my belongings into my big suitcase. I couldn't stand staying here longer.

After I packed everything, I headed to the door, not forgetting to put all my keys on the table near the front door. I didn't even say goodbye to Dani. Why should I when she hated me now? I was sure she was glad I was gone and she could have the place for herself and James.

When I was out of the building, I was lost. I didn't know where to go so I just stood there, thinking about what just happened. I couldn't believe she'd just kick me out like that. All those years of friendship and she trusted him more than me.

I felt water dripping on my head, I looked up and it started to rain. Then the rain got heavier making me wet from head to toe. Did God not punish me enough? I couldn't just stand here. I needed a place to stay.

Then an idea hit me. I began to walk in my suitcase, but it was hard with the heavy rain and the strong wind. Not to mention that it was dark with only a few street lights illuminating my surroundings.

I felt relief when I saw the building and quickly headed to the lobby. The security eyed me suspiciously but I ignored it and went to find the lift.

I was shivering from the cold and when I reached the floor, I wasted no time and found the room number. I knocked on the door and waited for the owner to open it but nobody answered. I knocked again, this time louder then I heard footsteps and the door was swung open.

"Valerie?"

"P-Please, I have nowhere else to go", I stuttered.