“Let's be partners." Tristan's face held a grave look, never in his life has he been so serious about something. He was tired of working for Andrew, it was time she upgraded his status. “Partner?" Andrew repeated teasingly, what made him think that far? “Is there something wrong with that?" “No…not at all." He answered, almost laughing. “But I don't think my father will agree to that." He added. “When have you ever needed your father's permission to do anything?" A smile tugged at his lips. “Either we're partners or you can find someone else to do your dirty work for you." Andrew scoffed as he continued the work he was doing. “You aren't my only option." Tristan's face turned sour and Andrew relished the look. If he wanted to be partners with Andrew, he'd have to work harder for it. "Okay then. I hope they find who's killing your men.” He said, walking to the door furiously. All of a sudden remembering something, he turned to Andrew, that serious look back on hi
**FIVE YEARS AGO. Amelia's screams echoed in the tiny room as the belt landed on her back, leaving her with marks with each strike. “You've been a bad girl.” A gruff voice said and struck her back again. “Now, you'll have to pay.” Her screams got louder as his strikes got more painful. “Please…I'm sorry…spare me.” She begged as sweat and tears ran down her face and snot from her nose. Her body was read and filled with wounds that were left to fester. Her body ached from the beating and she felt pain on her vulnerable part. It was all too much for her. The door to the door opened and Alejandro entered, his face devoid of any human expression as he peered at her “Alejandro, help me…” Her breathing was ragged, and she stretched her hands to touch him. “Why did you do that?” He roared. “You know we need them!” His bored holes into her body with his now angry eyes, the only expression he seemed to have. “It…hu…hurts…” She cried, her breath ceasing. “No more, please.”
‘they're suffering because of you.’ His words rang in her head, reminding her that it was all her fault. ‘why did you run away?’ ‘it’s all your fault. come back!’ ‘if you want to see them again, you know exactly what to do….’ ‘or else—’ the sound of the gun firing replayed in her mind and she screamed. “Amelia! Are you okay?” Josie asked, rushing out of the kitchen with gloves on and sweating all over her face. Amelia looked at her confused, she herself not understanding what was going on. “You screamed, are you fine? You look pale and have wrinkles.” Josie touched her forehead, trying to crease the lines that appeared there. “I'm fine, just a little tired.” She gave Josie a smile just to get off her back. She was far from fine. Her mind was running with every action possible to take. Still, they all led back to her on the bed with him. There was no escaping it, that was her fate. “Thank God we're going shopping then. Since the death of Manny, I haven't really bee
Amelia jolted in shock as her phone rang, disturbing her leave and quiet. Just as she picked up the phone, she threw it back in the bed as she saw the caller ID. ‘Sebastian.’ It showed as it continued ringing. She knew too well who was calling, and she was terrified to pick up. She breathed, inhaling and exhaling heavily, calming herself down. Sounding sacred to the enemy was not an option. Even though she was dying inside, she had to appear tough, it was the only way to get through this. “Javier?” Her voice shook as she said his name. So much for appearing tough. Sebastian and Alejandro were suddenly on alert hearing her voice. “Pequeño ángel, you're running out of time.” He cautioned. “And my patience is wearing thin.” “Release them first and I'll come. I'll do as you say, just leave them alone.” She pleaded the familiar words leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. “That wasn't the agreement was it?” He tsked, “Don't think I don't know where you are little Angel. I
“You need my help?" “Yes, urgently." She stood timid in front, twisting the handle of her bag in anxiety. His silence was killing her. Why wouldn't he just say something? Andrew eyed the woman who had caused a commotion in his office. Why was he so drawn to her? What was it about her that made him want to keep her close? Even now, he was fighting himself. He didn't want to get invoices in whatever her family was in yet every path of his body was screaming at him to help. Why? “Why? Why should I help you?" He kept his work aside and crossed his arms. If he was going to help her, at least she should have a particular reason. “Aren't you going to ask me to sit first?" “Aren't you going to answer my question?" Amelia scoffed and adjusted her clothes, yes she was here to plead with him but couldn't he show a little bit of courtesy? She was starting to question all the signs she saw. Didn't he like her anymore? If that was the case, agreeing to her request wo
Andrew laughed out loud, drawing the attention of passers-by. He didn't know why but Amelia's statement sounded funny. Help him get Lorenzo? Who did she think she was? “What's funny?” Her brows furrowed as she glanced angrily at the laughing man. She was in a pickle and all he could do was laugh. “Do you think I'm bluffing?” He stopped laughing and cleared his throat. “Yes, I think you are.” He closed the door of his car and leaned on it. He couldn't help but smile as he stared at her red face. “What do you know about Lorenzo? He's not someone you can just find.” “I know you're looking for him.” She spewed. “And?” “I know he had a hand in killing your wife.” Andrew froze and Amelia smirked, she had him now. “He fled to Ecuador but you still can't get to him.” She continued, making sure to give him enough reasons to help her. “Plus someone keeps killing your men and you think it's him.” She said the final sentence with pride. Her information was sure enough to
“Andrew.” He grunted as the men pressed him to the floor. “It's nice to see you, you haven't aged a bit.” He joked, and one of the men punched him in the face. “Seems like luck isn't on your side today.” He stood in front of Jason and bent to his level, “What are you doing here?” “Do you know him?” He asked, facing Amelia, she vigorously shook her head and looked at Jason pleadingly to cooperate. She needed Andrew's help and if he knew she was in any way associated with Jason, all her effort would all go to waste. “Come on Amy, don't deny me now.” Amelia sneered at him and she looked at Andrew with pity eyes. “I don't know, I just see him around sometimes. I don't even know his name.” She lied and when Jason called her name for the second time, she felt like she was about to explode. “How come he knows your name then?” “I'm pretty popular around here.” She flipped her but when she noticed Andrew's serious expression, she calmed herself. “I work as a stripper at one
Amelia heard a knock and she answered, “Come on in.” She heard the lock of the door click shut and she sat up. “You!” She yelled as she charged towards Sebastian but he caught her with little to no effort. “Calm down or you'll get caught.” “Do I look like I care?” She snarled at him. “What was that yesterday? Why did you behave like that?” “Amelia it's not—” “You denied me, how could you? And how did you know Andrew? How come you've never mentioned him before?” He cuts him off, unwilling to give him any chance to speak. “Will you let me explain first!” He shouted but his voice drowned in her million questions. “I thought you were captured? How did you get out?” She eyes him suspiciously, he doesn't look like someone who had been beaten. He had wounds, but they were already healing. “How I escaped isn't important. Just hear me out.” He pleaded. Still, Amelia was hellbent on getting her questions answered. Her hand flew to her mouth as she gasped. “You did it didn