Chapter 9 I was still on the agonizing phone call with Adrian when I felt a shiver run up my spine , as if someone was watching me . There was only one person who could give me such chills . Lucian I spun around so fast , only to see that no one was behind me . The door was opened slightly , however , and when I glanced into the hallway , it was empty . " Am I just imagining things ? " I asked myself . " What was that ? " Adrian cut in from the other end of the line , reminding me he hasn't hung up yet . " Nothing . I have to go , Adrian . Lucian is coming , " I lied quickly . " I'll come see you soon . " I rushed out before hanging up . " Good riddance . " I muttered under my breath . Based on the conversation I just had with Adrian , Lucian really did a number on him . I would've paid anything to see him getting beat " Well , him being in the hospital would at least keep him out of my way for a while . " My voice was light as I made my way to the bathroom to get ready , determined to make this a productive day . There was one person I'd been dying to see since my rebirth . In my quest to change my fate and make things right , I owed this person a lot After my shower , I dressed and made my way downstairs . I had just managed to cross the mansion's double doors when I was stopped . " What's going on ? " I asked the two stern - faced guards in pristine suits . * You are not allowed to leave , Mrs. Blackwood . " One of the guards said , without even glancing in my direction " Why the hell not ? " My tore rose slightly as my patience wore thin . " It is the boss's order , madame ." The other guard added , his gaze was hidden behind his shades but I could tell he wasn't looking at me either . " Lucian asked you not to let me go out ? " I was shocked . I didn't understand . We were fine just an hour ago , nothing seemed out of the ordinary . He hadn't even told me I wasn't allowed to leave . So what the hell was this ? " Call him ." I ordered . " Ma- " I said call him . " I repeated , cutting him off . " I want to be sure he was the one who gave the order . " " I'm sorry , madame , but we can't do that . The boss specifically said he should not be disturbed before he left , " guard one said . His tone was anything but sorry . " Well , then get out of my way . I don't have time for this . " myway . I moved forward a step , only to be restrained by the arm by guard two , Big mistake . I glared at him . He had to be new . Clearly , he didn't know that no guard was ever to place their hand on me . Guard one leaned in and whispered something to him , and guard two let go of my hand so fast , one would think I burnt him or something " My apologies , madame . " He said quickly , bowing his head . " Get out of my way . " I gritted out , but neither of them moved . 1/2 Chapter 9 1 pulled my phone angrily from my purse and dialed Lucian's number . It rang , but he didn't pick up . I tried again and again . Same result . I got that he didn't trust me , but seriously , I really didn't have time for this . If I was to change my fate . I had to leave the house today . I noticed guard one speaking into his wireless earpiece . My ears perked up as I realized he was talking to Lucian . " Yes , boss . Noted , boss ." Was all he muttered stiffly before tapping the earpiece with his index finger . " So ? " I asked impatiently . " The boss said you are not allowed to leave the premises . " His tone was even stiffer than before . I didn't blame him . Lucian had that effect on everyone . But still , that didn't make me any less irritated With one last glare at the guards , I veered around and stormed back into the mansion , heading straight upstairs to my room , my mind racing as I tried to think of a way to escape the estate . I dashed to my room balcony . It was on the other side of the mansion - fewer guards there but … Absolutely not . " I shivered , staring at the four - story drop below . " I would definitely break something if I fell from that height . " I shook that idea out of my head . " I need to find a way of getting out of here , and soon . I told myself . As I paced my room in frustration , I suddenly had a flash from " Why didn't I think of that ? " I almost screamed in excitement . my past life . I darted straight to Lucian's study and made a beeline for the bookshelf behind his desk . My fingers moved quickly , feeling for something behind the rows of books . Just when I thought all hope was lost , my fingertip touched a tiny , barely noticeable button and I pushed it. There was a soft rumbling noise before the whole shelf shifted to the side , revealing a secret passage behind it . " Yes ! " I whispered in pure joy . Without waiting for an invitation , I rushed through the opening . The bookshelf slid back into place behind me , sealing the passage in darkness . I quickly pulled my phone from my purse and turned on the flashlight . The passage wasn't dusty or cerie like one might envision . It was actually qube clean . In my past life , Lucian had shown me this secret exit in case of emergencies and boy am I glad I remembered . 1 walked for about ten minutes before finally pushing open the exit door . It led to the woods at the far opposite end of Lucian's estate . " Freedom at last ." I breathed out in relief . It didn't take long to reach the road . As I waited for the ride I'd ordered , I silently prayed that Lucian wouldn't return to the estate just yet - because if he did , I know for a fact that he'd turn the whole city inside out in search of me A car horn snapped me qui of my thoughts . Without delay , I got in . " Whereto , madame ? " The cab driver inquired . " Thi He e 2/2