Unexpected Salvation (Unedited)
Mona
Why?
One question she kept asking herself over and over again. She didn’t deserve the salvation offered to her.
She should not be amongst the living.
Certainly, not when her only friend, the only family she had left, died in the hands of that soulless monster.
Even in hell, death would have been a piece of heaven for her. Someone so broken like her had no place in a civilized society.
She was a former sex slave. Nothing in her name except her working mind, a notable talent. The only part of her cultured by Lemónte.
Just thinking about his name made her tremble in fear. Knew when she least expected it, he would come for her. She had nowhere to hide.
Taking a deep shaky breath, she willed her mind blank. She looked around her, barely seeing the room she was confined in for weeks.
Barely functioning. Barely alive.
She had forgotten what it was like outside the real world, had no idea how to cope.
Her lips lifted in a bittersweet self-deprecating smile. None of this was right. She should not have been given a second chance.
Here she was, her body fully healed while Sheila was never to be found. She had a gut feeling her best friend was six feet under. Dead because of her.
For some unknown reason, the Man above deemed Mona worthy despite her sins, rewarding her with a new life.
But she was no innocent miss. She had done unspeakable things to endure her fuck up existence. No more deserving than the man who groomed her.
The master she served was the definition of evil. He used her. Mind, body, and soul. Helpless, knowing no one could save her, she gave in to her demons, serving to survive.
Her family was murdered, and burned to ashes years ago, she let him save her. At his mercy, he carved her flesh with his brand. Trained her to be his silent weapon. Nothing but a bargaining chip to his cronies, utterly destroying her inside.
Another thing that was taken was her voice, rendering her mute. Years of abuse, thick, rusty chains wound around her neck and limbs could do that to a fragile girl.
Small words she tried to utter were so painful she learned to be quiet and communicated with other means instead.
For years, she had suffered. Her only family, the only one who took punishments and degradations for her, was gone.
Then one day, the monster tormenting her for years, vanished from her world, too. Leaving her rotting in his basement. At a loss. Slowly dying.
Mona prayed and prayed that she’d die. She had no use anymore. Joining her papa and mama, her brother and sister, was the ultimate deliverance. Everything she had lived for while in captivity, gone.
Curled in the deepest and darkest corners of the basement, she begged the devil to take her. To end her suffering so she could join the family she loved. They should be waiting for her on the other side. Maybe by the serene river with a cottage nearby.
Disappointingly, this time her prayers were answered in another form.
Blinding light came through that blasted doorway and men of gigantic proportions, gentle as a teddy bear, unchained her before she fainted.
In and out of consciousness, she heard the soft voices imploring her to hold on. To live.
She almost gave up. Too tired to do what was asked of her. But, alas, the medical team trying to revive her had been experts.
Mona made it. Opening her bleary eyes to a new day, she tried to fathom what her new chapter would be.
Despite their kindness, ungrateful bitch that she was, she had kept a vital secret from the kind couple.
Should have just told them and been done with it.
But the woman who took her in was very thoughtful. She reminded Mona of someone close to her heart.
Su mamá.
Briefly shutting her rich brown eyes in agony, she muttered another prayer from her lips. Por favor, ayúda me.
Today, she was finally being discharged from the satellite hospital inside the orphanage compound.
They said they were bringing her home.
If only that was true. For her real home was not here. She belonged in Mexico. But what would she find there? Nothing.
The only place she called her own was burned to ashes many years ago.
“Mona?” Startled, she turned to the doorway. “Are you ready, dearest?” Trying to curve her lips, showing a small smile, she nodded.
Lina, a handsome woman in her late forties, with the lightest blond hair and the kindest cornflower blue eyes Mona had ever seen, smiled brightly, dispelling the gloomy weather associated with London.
“Great! The boss has agreed for us to take you in.” In seventh heaven, the woman crossed the room and took care of some of the young girl’s meager stuff. “He is a wonderful man. You will like it there.”
Mona highly doubted it. Yet, for the lady’s sake, she would try. Besides, where would she go?
Taking her tablet out, she wrote her response. “Thank you, Lina. I am ready.”
That was another lie she had to make. She would never be normal enough to be ready to live a life. Too tainted to be amongst these decent people.
Let alone join the living.
***
Lina had pointed out they had passed King’s Road and they were entering Chelsea.
She remained quiet. Noting down the landmarks her companion kept pointing out, still lost in her thoughts.
What could she do now that she have time on her hands? She had to know.
“Lina, do I have a job when I get there?”Interrupting the woman’s thrilled ramblings, she turned to ask.
“Oh, no, sweetness. You are not required to do anything in your state. We have to make sure you are fully healed. But, if you are adamant, I could let you help me in the kitchen and gardens. Janine will be there, too. You won’t be bored.” Lina absentmindedly tried to tuck Mona’s unruly curl to her ear, and the young beauty flinched. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” She looked contrite, regretting her forwardness.
“No! It’s okay. I’m not used to it yet.”Looking remorseful, she gazed back at the tinted window. More than anything, she should trust her new guardian.
She and her husband Bob were angels on Earth. Always putting her needs above theirs. Lina almost never left her side since day one.
“No. There is nothing to be sorry for, child.” Another one of her bright smiles eased Mona’s anxiety. “Hmmp. We’re here!” Lina exclaimed, changing the subject, clapping her hands.
Nervous, she trained her eyes on the heavy gates as they slowly parted, letting the black SUV in. Damn! She was not expecting this.
Elegant wrought-iron gates opened into a perfectly manicured driveway lined with lush, mature trees and vibrant flower beds.
A grandiose and magnificent London mansion came into view. She inhaled sharply.
Growing up in luxury until she was taken, she was used to it at one time but this was different.
What she was admiring now was beautiful beyond words.
The facade of the mansion sitting at the end of the well-groomed property, painted in all white, could rival any manor in high society.
It was the epitome of luxury and class. Nestled in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods, it commanded attention with its regal architectural design and impeccable attention to detail.
“This is the boss’s house. We live with him.” She also pointed at the houses they passed by, crafted to the theme of the estate.
Men in black patrolled the grounds. A familiar picture, her core shook at the sight.
Suddenly, harsh reality knocked its ugly head, pulling her pleasant thoughts from the clouds. She was in another cage!
Security and privacy were paramount in this luxurious London mansion. State-of-the-art surveillance systems, gated entrances, and discreetly placed security personnel ensured the utmost safety and tranquility for its occupants. But it had the opposite effect on Mona.
She had lived in one for years. Her suffering was unequaled. Painful memories plague her.
Instinct made her glance around, looking for an easy escape. There was none.
Clawing at her throat, trying to breathe, she cried out, curling into a ball on the car’s floor. Another panic attack made her hyperventilate.
“Sweetness. Mona. Please. You are safe here. Please, Mona, listen to my voice.” Lina tried to penetrate the fog in her brain.
“Men.” She croaked, forgetting her writing pad.
Thankfully the car had stopped, opening the door, Lina called out to her husband who was anxiously waiting at the curb. “Tell the guards to vacate this part of the estate.”
He bobbed his head in acquiescence, turned to shout at his men. Following his command, the ground was cleared immediately.
Opening the door for them, he held out his huge palm for his wife. His kind eyes were trained on the lass huddled on the floor. “You are safe here, sweetness. The boss and I will kill anyone who dares touch you.”
That kind voice. She knew him. He saved her.
Everything quieted down. She could hear the birds chirping from the tall trees once more. Her breathing returned to normal.
“Are you alright, kid?” Bob’s deep familiar rumble made Mona blink.
“Ollie?” She rasped, gazing at him in confusion. Still finding it hard to tell the twin brothers apart. They were the only men she could tolerate near her.
He grinned boyishly, showing his crooked teeth. “Nope. Just old Bob. Use your pad, child. I don’t want you hurting. Come on. Let’s get you settled, yeah?”
She nodded reluctantly.
Lina’s small hand was engulfed by his as he assisted her from the back of the car. Both patiently waited for her to come out.
Tugging her shirt down, Mona followed more slowly, her awestricken gaze roamed her unfamiliar surroundings again.
“Dinner is almost ready. Ollie and Janine prepared a feast.” Bob rubbed his tummy and smacked his lips.
His wife laughed. “You are always hungry!”
“That, I am, beautiful. But first, let’s tour the boss’s house. He is still at the club with Dante.”
Who is Dante? It was the first time she heard the name.
“Oh, yes! Come on, Mona. Let me show you to your new home.” Lina beckoned her.
Shaking her head timidly, she did, following at their heels, trying to look normal.
***
The mansion itself boasted a stately exterior, adorned with intricate stone carvings, tall arched windows, and a striking entrance. Heavy double doors with intelligent safety features.
Stepping inside, a grand foyer welcomed them, with a breathtaking crystal chandelier hanging from a cathedral-like ceiling.
Her neck craned to inspect the bespoke dancing jewels, the natural light made them twinkle from within.
“Yup. The interior designer went over the top.” Bob grunted, shaking his head. Still not used to this type of luxury living.
“Come on, let’s check the second floor. Our apartments are attached there. I’ve finished decorating your room yesterday.” Lina was swaying excitedly.
She had a room? Mona paused to write down.“I thought we were going to live in one of the cottages?”
“Oh, dear. I forgot to tell you. Bob and Ollie are the boss’s right-hand men. They are needed all the time.” She explained vaguely.
Biting her lip, she tried to think. She knew there was something more the couple was hesitant to tell her. Regardless, she smiled faintly again, accepting Lina’s explanation.
Climbing the marble staircase with gold trimmings, she was directed to the south wing.
“The north and east wings are off limits. We don’t enter that section without proper clearance.” Bob said.
Every room within the estate exuded opulence. The expansive living areas feature rich hardwood flooring, ornate ceiling moldings, and custom-made designer furniture. Lavish silk drapes frame the large windows, inviting soft natural light to fill the rooms.
She was directed to the second door on the right side of the long hallway.
“Tadah! This is yours, sweetness!” Lina opened the room with a flourish.
Her bedroom was exquisite. A sanctuary of comfort and luxury. The colors, cream and muted pink, gave Mona a sense of deja vu.
This was how her room was painted back at the Hacienda.
It showed off a spacious bedroom, a true haven, with its own private sitting area, a fireplace, and a balcony overlooking the sprawling estate grounds.
Entering all the way, her jaw dropped at the stunning layout.
“Do you like it, kid?” Bob asked nervously. While Lina was grinning from ear to ear with tears in her eyes.
Turning to them, she gave her very first genuine awkward smile.
The father figure beamed, choked with emotions, remembering another time. “Explore your new room. We will wait here, kid.”
Mona did.
The ensuite bathroom was a true oasis, featuring a freestanding bathtub, a walk-in shower, and marbled countertops.
Creams and potions, perfumes, and other stuff were displayed for her.
Her new clothes were already arranged in the walk-in closet.
Twirling around, she felt...happy. The alien emotion made her cautious. She should. This could be taken from her with a snap of a finger.
Returning to her guardians, she wrote.“Thank you, Lina, Bob. I like it here already!”
“This is your home now. The safest place for you. I will make sure of it.” Lina’s eyes flashed with determination.
Clearing his throat, he uttered. “Okay. I am starving. Let’s check the kitchen.”
Another sweet haven for Mona. The spacious gourmet kitchen was a chef’s dream, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, marble countertops, and a center island for casual dining.
Adjacent to the kitchen was a sophisticated dining room, complete with another elegant chandelier and a long, polished dining table, perfect for hosting lavish dinner parties.
Janine and Ollie greeted them jovially.
Directing them to their seats. A banquet laid before them.
Her stomach churned. She had never seen this much food in years.
Conversations flowed around her but her concentration was on the lavish dishes before her.
“After this, we will tour the grounds,” Lina said after taking a bite of the perfectly cooked roast beef.
“Yes. We need to shed some calories.” Janine added.
“You will always look sexy to me, Jan.” Ollie wiggled his eyebrows.
Mona ducked her head, blushing.
“Stop embarrassing the girl you oaf!” Bob growled while their wives giggled.
The evening became more relaxing for her and she found herself in between the two ladies during the extended tour.
In addition to the main house, the estate features a range of amenities for leisure and recreation.
A spa and wellness center, complete with a sauna, steam room, and a fully equipped gym.
The estate grounds showcased meticulously landscaped gardens, featuring sculptural fountains, serene ponds, and pathways that lead to hidden seating areas and gazebos.
To indulge in outdoor entertainment, the mansion offers a stunning swimming pool and a poolside cabana, perfect for hosting summer parties or simply unwinding.
Tennis courts, a private cinema, and a wine cellar complete the array of recreational comforts available on the estate.
In conclusion, her new home had an unparalleled level of sophistication, elegance, and comfort. Its impeccable design, breathtaking interiors, and comprehensive amenities create a haven of opulence and tranquility in the heart of the city.
Only a billionaire could afford all this.
Confused, one question kept bothering Mona.
Who was the boss?
Was she going to meet him soon?
__________________
I am sorry if I am going to break your heart with Mona’s story.
Thank you, babies, for patiently waiting for Book Three: Guns And Royalties.
Love you all! Xoxo 😘
