Chapter 4: The command

Maya’s POV

That bloody bastard! I knew he was up to something, but I kept going back to him anyway. “You sold me out again, Schmuck!” I yelled, trying to kick Stephen between the legs as he yanked me off the floor.

“He offered a mouthwatering reward, Maya. I couldn’t say no to that,” he said, dragging me toward the man who had apparently gone to book a room—to have his way with me. All for money.

“You’re the most despicable, useless person I’ve ever met,” I spat, spitting in his face.

“Don’t worry, pip-squeak. I’ll tell him to go easy on you,” he smirked.

“Mom?” My head snapped in a direction. Stephen immediately let go of me, and I fell onto my back. My heart pounded in my chest as I scrambled to my feet.

“Where the hell is your mom?” he demanded, scanning the crowd.

“Fuck you!” I cursed, bolting away.

“Cunning little freak! Get back here!” he yelled, chasing after me. I sprinted through the crowd, crashing into someone at the entrance before slipping into the darkness outside.

Crouching behind a row of parked cars, I pulled out my phone and dialed my mom. She was my only way out of this. If she found out where I was, I’d be dead for sure.

“What is it, Maya? I’m already on the bus,” her frustrated voice came through, car horns blaring in the background.

“Why are you on a bus? What happened to your car?” I asked, glancing around to ensure I was still safe.

“It broke down in the middle of the road. What do you think?”

“Damn it. Let me call you back, Mom!”

“Did you just…”

I hung up, spotting the old loan shark in the distance—the same one who’d been planning to have his way with me earlier. My stomach churned as I watched him shaking hands with Rylan.

“Bloody bastard!” I hissed under my breath.

“Caught you,” Stephen sneered behind me, making me jump and fall onto my butt. My breath hitched as he grabbed my arm, dragging me toward the loan shark. “How far do you think you can run, Maya?"

“Let me go, Stephen! I’m begging you!” I pleaded, my voice shaking. “If Moxie finds out, she’ll break up with you.”

“Let’s see how she survives with just you around her,” he laughed, the sound echoing in the quiet night.

“Let her go. Now!” Rylan’s voice boomed, making Stephen release me instantly. Once again, I hit the ground, letting out a sharp cry of pain.

“And who the hell are you?” Stephen growled, stepping toward Rylan. Their eyes locked in a tense stare-off.

“Leave her alone for now,” the loan shark muttered, tugging Stephen back toward the bar.

“You shouldn’t be here if you can’t defend yourself,” Rylan said, turning his gaze to me.

I stood and brushed the dirt off my clothes. “Don’t think for a second you’ve won. I’m not that easy to get rid of,” I snapped, meeting his surprised expression as he stepped closer.

“Oh, it’s you,” he smirked, crossing his arms and leaning against a car. “Didn’t think a bob hairstyle could change you that much.”

“Scumbag!” I threw a punch at his face, but he ducked, and my fist slammed into the car hood instead.

“Fuck!” I cried, staggering back and shaking my hand as pain shot through it.

“You need to anticipate your opponent’s movements before you attack. Now get in the car. I’ll take you home,” he said.

“Bastard! I hate you so much!” My voice cracked as I fought to hold back tears.

“Are you coming or not?” he asked, opening the car door.

“I’d rather go back inside than go anywhere with you! You’re despicable. How could you conspire against me after everything you’ve done? You’re the worst!” I spat.

“That’s enough. Stop rambling. I don’t even know what you’re talking about,” he said, shutting the door.

“Pretending, are we?” I sneered. “Don’t act innocent with me. I saw you shaking hands with that creep. You’re in on this! If you’ve got the guts, come and try it yourself. I’ll strangle you!”

“You’re great at shifting blame,” he said coldly. “I didn’t drag you here, did I? You came on your own. You probably came here for some dirty work. Are you one of their hired strippers?”

The way he spat the word made my blood boil. My fists clenched, but no words came to my defense. His piercing gaze held mine, and for a moment, I was caught off guard.

“Get in the car. Now,” he said firmly, opening the door again.

“Scumbag!” I hissed, grabbing my bag to leave. But when I glanced toward the entrance, I saw Stephen lighting a cigar, his eyes locked on us.

“Damn it!” I muttered. Swallowing my pride, I turned to accept Rylan’s offer, only to see him already driving off.

“Wait!” I yelled, running after the car. I threw myself in front of it, forcing him to slam on the brakes.

“Got a death wish?” he yelled, sticking his head out the window.

“Obviously,” I shot back, walking to the passenger side. He unlocked the door, and I climbed in, fastening my seatbelt. I glanced back to see Stephen retreating into the bar.

“That was close,” I muttered under my breath.

“Why were you at the bar?” Rylan asked, taking a sharp turn that nearly sent me flying into the door.

“Mind your damn business and stop driving like a maniac,” I snapped, checking the time on my watch. “Shit, it’s past nine already?” I groaned, leaning my head back.

“Why were you there, and what’s your name?” he repeated.

“Can you stop asking dumb questions?”

“Can you talk without being rude?”

“I can, but not with men like you. Waste of respect,” I shot back.

“Do you really think I’m involved with those men?” he asked, glancing at me.

“Isn’t it obvious? You’re still bitter over the lie that vixen told you—the one that made you let her ruin my hair. I swear, Rylan, I’ll make you pay for every strand I lost.”

“Do you realize you’re in my car?” he said, pulling over abruptly. The sudden stop flung me forward. His intense gaze pinned me to my seat, forcing goosebumps on my skin as I tried to look away, but couldn't.

"Stop what you're doing, Rylan! What the hell? Fuck!"