Chapter 8 Brown Eyed Savior

He caught her just in time before she hit the ground, both of them looking confused. Master? Who was Master? Her eyes widened in fear when she saw him, clearly wanting to faint, but his accidental shake had triggered it. He lifted her gently, carrying her upstairs while studying her battered face. A wave of tenderness and compassion washed over him; all he wanted was to protect her. Why was she here? Who had hurt her? His heart clenched. He needed to investigate if Damon's men were causing trouble again. Placing her on the sofa in the sitting room, he knelt before her, captivated by her beauty despite the bruises. Her green eyes, filled with fear before she passed out, were the most beautiful he had ever seen. "Is anyone here?" He called out. Lina rushed into the room, freezing at the sight of Maya unconscious with her boss. "Sir Derinem, you're here?" "Yeah, get me some cold water, she fainted," Derinem instructed, his gaze fixed on Maya. As Lina hurried off, she couldn't shake off the heaviness in her heart. Maya was back; she thought the girl had left for good. Shaking her head, she reminded herself it wasn't her concern. Maya slowly opened her eyes, momentarily blinded by the brightness. ‘Maybe I'm dead,’ she thought, almost relieved to be free from pain and suffering. Derinem glanced at her, puzzled by her reaction. Was she out of her mind, or was there something wrong with her? Why was she trembling like a leaf? Taking her hands in his, he spoke softly, "Are you alright?" Maya looked up, meeting his gaze closely. Although he resembled her Master, this man had gentle brown eyes that she found herself getting lost in. She nodded, remembering her Master's warning to stay silent when he spoke. "I feel fine, sir," she stammered. Lina returned with a glass of water, which Derinem took and offered to Maya. "Drink up," he instructed. She followed his command, taking small sips of water. As she observed him, she realized that he was her Master's brother. Known for his cruelty, she was surprised to see him helping her regain her composure. His crew-cut dark hair and well-trimmed beard complemented his handsome face, unlike her Master's more unkempt appearance. Caught staring, Maya quickly looked away, feeling embarrassed. "I'm sorry, sir," she apologized. He smiled, "No need to apologize. I didn't take offense. What's your name?" Maya remained silent, unable to go against Master's orders. If he didn't want her name revealed, then she wouldn't reveal it to anyone. Not even Sir Derinem. "You're not going to tell me your name?" He gently lifted her chin to meet his gaze. Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded, "Please, Sir, don't tell him. I promise it won't happen again." Frustrated and concerned, he placed his hands on her shoulders. "Ouch!" she cried out. Startled, he quickly withdrew his hands and carefully adjusted her gown to expose her bruised shoulder. The sight of the red, bruised skin filled him with both worry and anger. "Who did this to you?" But, like always, he knew she wouldn't speak up. Confused and feeling helpless, he gazed into her tear-filled green eyes. Turning to Lina, his voice stern, he demanded, "Who is she, and who hurt her?" As Lina began to speak, another voice interrupted, "She’s, my property." Maya recognized the voice immediately—it was her Master's. She turned to see his expression, which showed annoyance directed at her brother. Derinem stood up to face Damon, their expressions showing displeasure at seeing each other. "Why are you here, Derinem? Wasn't Calabria enough for you?" Damon questioned. Derinem tried to divide his attention between his brother and the trembling girl. Something was definitely not right. "You promised to keep me informed about Maria's situation. What's going on, Damon? Why haven't I received any updates in the past two weeks?" Listen to yourself," the two men leaned forward, and Maya thought there would be a fight. When Damon noticed Derinem's phone in her hand, he realized something and glared at her with intensity. "Why are you out here?" "Uhm, Abby called me again, and I didn't want to wake you up, so I answered it..." "Enough!" He raised a finger, not wanting to hear more excuses. She trembled. She knew she was in trouble. She covered her mouth with her hands to stifle her sobs, but her shoulders continued to shake. Derinem stopped himself from confronting his brother. As Damon had said, this was his territory, and whatever this girl was was his concern. But he couldn't help but be worried. "What happened to her?" "She fell down the stairs," Damon replied sharply, his gaze hardening on Maya, "didn't you?" She nodded vigorously, "Yes, Master, I fell down the stairs." Derinem knew it was all an act. His brother was up to something dangerous with this green-eyed angel, and knowing how far Damon could go, he was capable of anything. Damon stared at his brother defiantly, "Any more questions?" Derinem didn't hold back. "Who is she?" "I thought I told you she's my whore, damn it." Maya saw the compassion vanish from his brown eyes, replaced by a stern gaze. Her heart warmed. She was convinced he now regarded her with disdain. "We agreed no fooling around when Maria was present, and what number is she now? Fourth, fifth, sixth? Where is Maria?" "Maria is in her room, sir Derinem," Lina replied. He shifted his attention back to Maya, puzzled by her presence. She didn't belong here, and she certainly didn't match Damon's description. Damon returned to Maya, lifting her into his arms so her head rested against his bare chest. She made no protest. "Let's clean up those wounds, sweetheart. We don't want them to get infected, do we?" Derinem couldn't tear his gaze away from her until they disappeared from view. Her Master led her back to his room, seating her on the bed before squatting in front of her. His gray eyes studied her face. "Why did you attempt to escape, Maya?"