The shootout.

A sharp, stinging pain shot through Ariel's entire body. She struggled to move, but then she felt something cold on her back, erupting the pain in that part of her body. Her eyes flung open.

“Fuck!” She cried. 

“It's okay, just relax.” 

That was Xander's voice. She looked up and realized that she was back in her old room, and Xander was pressing cold water on her sore lower back. 

She winced as the memories of the previous night played in her mind, over and over again. She could remember it clearly— it was as clear as day, leaving her with pursed lips and fisted palms.

After teasing her and forcing her to go against her morals, Miguel had fucked her recklessly, making sure tears of pain mixed with pleasure poured down her face before he let go of her. Her core was sore, burning like there were embers in it. Her wrists, which had suffered under the pressure of the handcuffs as she tried to get away from the beast, were red. 

“What have I ever done to him?” She sniffed, her anger melting away and turning into hot tears. She couldn't hold it back. She was more ashamed than angry, he had tricked her! He mercilessly teased her, forcing her to give her consent. 

“I can't believe I gave in to his touch.” She continued to lament and that statement made Xander stop what he was doing, his eyebrows pressing together.

“Gave in? Why would you do that?” He questioned, wringing out the wet rag that he was using to massage her.

“I couldn't help it. His voice… his fingers on my skin.. his tongue..” Ariel paused and internally scolded herself, realizing that she was getting turned on again.

Xander bit his lip, “you don't want to get involved with him, Ariel. He is bad news, the devil himself, and he will completely destroy you if you let him get any closer to you.” 

Miguel was his best friend, but he couldn't stop himself from talking about him in that manner, especially since it had to do Ariel's heart. 

“I don't plan to get involved with him, I plan to ruin him completely and that's exactly what I'm going to do. He'll definitely pay..” she trailed off, overwhelmed by her thirst for revenge.

“Careful tiger, playing with fire does not usually end well.” Xander chuckled, getting to his feet as he had finished taking care of her wounds. “Get some rest and I'll have the maids move you back to Miguel's suite before he gets home.” 

He turned to the door only to find Sally staring at him, a blank expression on her face. He glanced back at Ariel who did not say anything further, she had shut her eyes, her breathing heavy. 

“Take care, Ari.” Xander sighed and left the room, meeting Sally outside.

“Take the bowl of water out of there, okay?” He instructed and made to walk away but Sally blocked his path, her eyes dropping sadly as she gazed at him. She bit her lip, as if fighting back her tears.

“Is there a problem?” Xander raised a brow at her.

“Master, tell me, is there anything that I lack? I am beautiful, curvy, and even smart. Or am I not?” She questioned, keeping her voice low as she gazed at him.

Her heart was slowly breaking into so many pieces, and a part of her died everytime that she had watch Xander care for Ariel in ways he had never cared for anyone. 

Xander was just as heartless as Miguel, he had different women at his disposal, but never cared for any of them. She loved him deeply, and hoped to gain his attention one day. 

“Sally? What are you going on about? Of course you're pretty.” He shrugged.

“Then why don't you look at me?” She grabbed his shirt without thinking, her tears blurring her vision. “I can be anything you want, your slut, your whore.. anything. I'll do anything you want me to, just take me, please!” Her desperation was palpable. 

“Stop it!” Xander gently pushed her off, glaring at her in a bid to remind her of her place.

“Come to your senses! I'm not interested in making you my slut or whatever. Sally, we grew up in the clan together, you have always been like a sis..”

“I'm not your sister!” She yelled in frustration, tears falling from her eyes as she grabbed him again. “I want to be yours.” She sighed, trying to plant a kiss on her lips but he dodged her lips and nudged her away, shooting her a glare.

“Don't fucking do this again.” He fired and walked away. 

Tears stung Sally's eyes as she watched him walk away, fury rising in her as she stared into Ariel's room.

“Ariel.” She squeezed her palms and then left in a haste.

——

Lucius, Laura and Miguel were on their way to Miguel's company— the only legit business that he had. They wanted to check out a shipment that recently came in and Miguel needed his trusted assassins for protection. He never went anywhere without protection.

“Laura, did you check the shipment information like I asked?” Miguel questioned, staring at his phone screen while rubbing his chin.

“Yes boss, everything is intact. But I have no idea what's in the shipment.” Laura pointed out.

“I have a loot hidden under the plastic importation.” Miguel said casually.

“Drugs?” Lucius turned his head, he was sitting in front with the driver.

“Ammunition.” Miguel corrected and Laura smirked.

“Just what we needed. The weapons room is running low and the torture devices have started to rust.” She read out, a smug grin on her face. She loved to play with weapons, it was one of the reasons why she was known as a psychopath.

Before any of them could say another word, a bullet rammed through the windshield out of nowhere, finding its way into the driver's head.

The car made a quick swerve as soon as the driver dropped dead, almost hitting the cars behind it. But Lucius was quick enough to grab the wheel and forced the car to stop. 

“What the hell was that!?” Laura cried out, pulling out two of her guns and stepping outside immediately, unfazed by whatever had just happened.

Lucius joined her, both of them searching the chaotic streets for who fired the bullet. Laura was the first to spot the black Audi which was driving towards them, two guns sticking out of the windows.

“Watch out!” She cried and they both ducked before the bullets started to rain. They shot from their hiding places, delivering fatalities to the driver of the other vehicle.

“Get the boss to safety! I'll hold them off.” Laura ordered and Lucius ran to the car to get Miguel but Miguel had already stepped outside, holding his own gun. He was ready to fight, especially because he recognized who was sitting in the car. 

Jerry.

“Today is the day you die, motherfucker.” He smirked and walked closer to the car, firing his bullets non-stop. 

“Boss! No!” Laura screamed, watching a bullet fly towards Miguel. 

It hit him, and he went on his knees instantly. 

“No!” Lucius and Laura cried out.