Chapter 2 - The Mask Slips
The kitchen door swung open with a bang. I turned, forcing my face into a mask of mild annoyance, clutching a glass of water as if I had just been getting a midnight snack.
"What is going on?" I asked, my voice steady despite the adrenaline.
The head of security, a man named Vane who had a scar running down his cheek, squinted at me. "Clara. Have you seen the Boss?"
"The Boss?" I blinked, feigning confusion. "I haven't seen him since dinner service ended at eight. I was just finishing my notes for my clinical rotation."
Vane scanned the kitchen, his eyes lingering on the heavy, locked door of the storage room under the stairs. My stomach turned, but I didn't flinch.
"We lost him on the security feed near the west hall," Vane muttered, signaling his men to fan out. "He’s injured. If he’s hiding somewhere, he’s a danger to himself."
"I hope he's alright," I said, my voice soft. "He seemed... troubled at dinner."
Vane grunted, unconvinced, but he stepped back. "If he comes through here, call the primary security line immediately. Don't engage him."
As they filed out, the house groaned with the weight of the search. I waited until the footsteps faded into the distant hallway before pushing the hidden panel. Raphael was leaning his head back against the wood, eyes closed.
"You’re a good liar," he said, not opening his eyes.
"I’m a survivor," I corrected. "There’s a difference."
"I know," he said, his eyes finally flickering open. "That’s why I chose you."
He slowly stood up, wincing as his ribs shifted. I reached out, instinctively grabbing his arm to steady him. The contact was electric, a sudden shift in the atmosphere that left us both breathless. For a moment, the crime boss and the nursing student disappeared, replaced by two people trapped in the eye of a hurricane.
"Your lip is cut," I said, pulling a small medical kit from my apron.
"It’s nothing."
"Sit down," I ordered.
He obeyed. As I cleaned the wound, he didn't look at my hands. He looked at me, his gaze so intense I felt like he was reading my soul.
"Tell me about Micah," he said.
I froze. "How do you know my brother's name?"
"I know everything about the people who work in my house, Clara. Especially the ones who are paying for experimental treatments. The bills are piling up. You’re three months behind on the latest round."
May you like
My hands shook. "I... I’m working on it."
"I already paid them," he said.
