Free Sample
Preview from chapter one
With the curtains drawn, a soft, golden glow from the late afternoon sun filters through the room, casting a warm hue across the plush carpet. The TV hums with the low murmur of a sitcom, the laugh track punctuating the quietude of the otherwise still afternoon. Gabriela 19 years-old girl, a vision of youthful beauty with her golden tresses cascading down her shoulders, lounges comfortably on the couch, her eyes half-closed as she watches the mindless entertainment. Her slender fingers trace patterns on the fabric of her white and pink pajama top, which clings gently to her toned stomach. She's lost in thought, her mind wandering to the week ahead, the promise of adventure, and the whispers of a secret she's been harboring.
The two burly figures in black hoodies and gloves move swiftly and silently through the unlocked back door. Their eyes, the only visible part of their faces, dart around the room, scanning for any sign of life or valuables. They are professionals, their movements practiced and precise. The taller one, with a scar running down his left cheek, takes the lead, while the shorter one with a slightly lopsided smile follows, his gaze lingering on the half-open jewelry box on the dresser. The smell of freshly baked cookies still lingers in the air, hinting at a recent but hasty departure.
Her mind is miles away, lost in the anticipation of her secret rendezvous with her online gaming friends tonight. The digital world is her escape from the mundane reality, where she is not just a college student but a valiant warrior in a mystical land. She smiles at the thought of her avatar's latest victory. The sweet scent of cookies still lingers in the air from her earlier baking spree, a comforting reminder of the real world she's about to leave behind.
The two burglars, having cleared the first floor of any signs of inhabitants, now stand at the base of the staircase leading to the second floor. The taller one, his scar a stark reminder of a past filled with hardened decisions, tilts his head slightly to the side, listening intently. The shorter one's eyes widen as he hears the faint sound of the TV from upstairs. They exchange a knowing look, the air thickening with tension. They ascend the stairs, their footsteps as silent as shadows, their gazes locked on the partially ajar door to what appears to be a living room. As they approach, the faint outline of a figure on the couch comes into view. The shorter man's eyes widen further as he recognizes the figure of a young, attractive woman. The taller one puts a firm hand on his shoulder, a silent reminder of their mission, but his eyes also betray a flicker of lust. They both watch Gabriela, her beauty a stark contrast to the darkness they've embraced. Their breaths are held in unison, their hearts beating in sync with the anticipation of what might unfold.