CHAPTER 16

WAKE UP CALL

ADRIAN

I woke up because of this dámn phone ringing, it was Christian. I picked it up, it was Lisa, who spoke, "Hey Adrian". Lisa, or should I say Vasilisa Dragomir is my distant cousin. She's the one who introduced Rose to me. Usually, she's one of my nicer cousins, but I don't want her to wake me up this early, especially when it's only been only a few hours since I fell asleep. I replied, "You must have a goddamn good reason for calling me so early in the morning!"

"Yeah, I have. Is Rose with you right now?" I turned around and looked at Rose. She's fast asleep.

"Yeah, but she's asleep. Lis, what's going on?"

"Please can you go where Rose can't listen to our conversation?"

I wanted to say no, but I could sense that Lisa's serious. I said, " Yeah, gimme a minute". I put on my clothes and covered Rose properly and quietly walked out of the room.

"Now, will you tell me what the hell is going on?"

" Adrian, it's about Mason. He's dead."

"What?"

Lisa's voice was broken and I can hear her cry, " Mason was murdered last night!" Her words went silent.

"Lisa, what are you saying?"

This time, Christian answered, "Mason was attacked by a group of gangsters. They are after Rose. You need to hide Rose until we figure out who the hell they were and why they are after Rose."

"Okay."

After our conversation ended, I recollected my thoughts. Rose was supposed to be a part of the meeting last night. But she came here with me, so Mason went to the meeting in her place. Those people knew that Rose was supposed to be in. Rose's trip was an unexpected factor that saved her life. Who could harm Rose? Many hate Rose, her rivals, her competitors. Many would target Rose because of her father's involvement with the underworld and many would target her because of me. Grandaunt Tatiana hates her, but she would never harm Rose. Would she? Her conversation about Under Randall's death replayed in my mind. Is she involved in this? Did Abe know this? Was it his enemies targeting her? I need answers.

I called Abe. " Abe, I need to talk to you"

"Adrian, my son."

"You knew, right? You knew Rose was being targeted, that's why you asked me to bring her here"

"Why would I do that? I am well capable of protecting my kilim" he smirked.

Kizim: daughter

I went silent for a second. " Yeah, you are. But still, you sent her with me. I know there's something you are hiding from me. At least tell me what's going on?"

"I think you know the answers, son. You just need to figure them out."

"I am coming back"

"Do what you need to do!"

"What about Rose?

"Let her rest in that sweet little home until things are better. My people are covering that whole street around Belikova Residence in Baia".

"What?"

"Told you, my son, hehe" he cut the phone call. I should have known.

I went back to my room, took out one of the suitcases and packed my clothes. I looked at Rose, she was sleeping peacefully. I wonder how would I tell her about Mason's death, that he died in her stead. Can I even tell her? Can she handle it? I know how much Mason means to her! I need time! I need her to stay here for a time being. She's safer here.