“To repay me?” he says huskily, coming down on his haunches. He smells of high-end class and elegance; two things I am not used to.
I nod my head, filtering through my thoughts for an answer to our problems. My father has borrowed money from someone who is obviously very capable of killing people. Who has probably already killed many people.
“I planned on killing your father in return for my money, but since you’re here, tell me what your idea is…”
The way he says idea has my skin crawling. Goosebumps erupt across my skin. I don’t actually have any ideas; I just said it to try and buy us some time.
“I will get a job so we can just pay you back in payments or…” I have to throw it out there. His full-on laughter cuts me off. He is an asshole, and I am certain everyone in the room knows it. I glare at him as I watch a huge smile form on his face.
“Payments… Hmm… That’s a problem, dear Bree.” My name coming from his mouth causes and the eruption of goose bumps on my skin. I feel the need to ask him to keep saying it, but at the same time, the dark look he is giving me makes me want to piss and shit myself.
“Problem? I don’t see what the problem is if you’re being paid back. Do you?” Somehow I have gained a backbone at that moment, and I stand up. I know I have every reason to be scared, but I’m not. I am calm and cool, and I am somehow going to find a way out of this mess. I can’t lose my father, especially after just losing my mother.
I watch as Alzerro pulls a gun from his back. I am not sure how I hadn’t noticed it, and out of pure terror I fall backward, barely catching myself before I hit the floor.
“You don’t make deals with the mafia, my dear. I’m the mafia king, and I don’t take payments unless they’re in blood. So tell me… Who shall be paying today?” A sick smile creeps onto his face as he points the gun at my father. Alzerro’s cold, dark eyes stare into mine, and there isn’t an ounce of mercy there. He will shoot my father without blinking; he will shoot me without blinking. He isn’t the type of man who gives second chances.
“No…” I beg. I am not sure where it came from. All I know is I can’t face losing someone again. It will be as if I am dead anyway.
He lowers the gun, turning his attention back to me. I can feel his hot breath on my face as he looks down at me. “What is your form of payment then?” I notice the way his eyes linger on my breasts, my body in general. He is intrigued by me. He wants me.
“Me,” I whisper for his ears only. He isn’t stupid; he knows what I mean. I, however, am so stupid, so very fucking stupid. I know there will be no walking away from someone like him. He pushes his longish black hair from his face as he continues to hold the gun in his hand like he is weighing his options carefully.
His eyes narrow, and for a brief second, I think he will say no.
“Deal…” I know he isn’t done, though. There is a “but” in there somewhere… “But if you run, I will kill you. Men, take care of her father.” Alzerro’s hand snakes out, gripping the hem of my shirt. I thought he said that we had a deal! An icy, sweaty feeling of dread sweeps through my body. This can’t be happening! I only offered myself so I could save my dad! I try to push his hand away, but I am obviously no match for him. He looks amused, yet deadly serious, as my skin feels the burn of his hand slowly roaming up to the top of my shirt. I hear the tear of fabric as he rips my shirt to gain access to my chest, but I hardly notice because I’m held captive by the fear in my father’s eyes as Alzerro’s men surround him.
“Stop! You said we had a deal!” I cry out. Alzerro said we had a deal, so why did he order his men to hurt my father?
I am horrified as the thugs grip my father’s head to hold him in place. The man who had guided me in here looks gleeful as he takes his place next to my dad and prepares to carry out ‘the king’s’ orders. Tears stream down my dad’s face as he waits for the pain to come. His eyes never leave mine, telling me how much he loves me and how sorry he is.
The brute’s fist lands against my father’s face with a sickening crunch. Hearing my dad’s painful groans and seeing his blood gush out is just too much for me to handle, and I’m on the verge of collapsing. These thugs can’t do this! They have to stop! It’s wrong!
“Make them stop! Please! I will do whatever you tell me!” I am screaming and sobbing as I plead with Alzerro. My eyes beg for his to meet mine, but they still linger over my body. I am close to being a hysterical, blubbering mess, but I have to keep my wits about me; I have to find strength. I have to do something. I can’t lose my dad.