Chapter : 2 [ Knight in Shining Armour ]

[ Arielle ]

The room shrank two sizes when the tall man, whom I had supported on my shoulder entered in my apartment. My paintings were laying in every corner, covered in dust. I hardly come here since my father found out about my passion for painting and art. He thinks it’s useless since I have to make a good, obedient wife in future.

He groaned a little when I helped him to sit on the sofa and went to bring first-aid kit. Born and raised into a mafia family, treating a bullet wound wasn’t new to me. I had treated my brothers before. When I came back into the living room, the man laid back on the sofa.

I knelt down and carefully removed his shirt to see the severity of the wound. It looked really bad. I took the tweezers and sterilized it before removing the bullet and the man winced. He looked in pain yet he tried to remain strong and unbothered.

“You should see a doctor soon or it will get infected.” I said to him but he didn’t respond.

I quickly bandaged his wound and gave him painkillers. He slept in no time. I had no choice except to watch over him. My father’s wrath would be waiting for me. I will have no escape from the punishment I deserve for leaving his security circle and openly rebelling only to fall prey into his enemy’s hands, something Desmond Wilson will never digest.

I covered the man with a blanket and decided to tell my mother who must be freaking out. Perhaps, received a few lashes from my father for not keeping an eye on me. Before I could dial my mother, a knock on the door startled me. My heart began to thump loudly.

It could be either my father or his men since no one else knows about my secret address. But I had no option except to open the door. I padded my way to the door, careful enough not to disturb the devil who killed someone to save me.

I twisted the door knob and spotted my younger brother Adrian, the sole reason of my problems. I didn’t know where I found my strength, I slapped him hard on the cheek.

“You piece of shit! What have you done?” I unleashed my anger on him.

“I am sorry, Ari. I didn’t do it on purpose. I needed money that I lost in gamble and father would have killed me if I asked him.” He apologized while rubbing his red cheek but he didn’t look guilty.

“They almost raped me, Adrian. Do you understand what could have happened to me?” I ran my fingers through my hairs as angry tears rolled from my eyes.

“I am sorry, Arielle. I didn’t know Nicolai would demand you in exchange. I was about to tell father but he has been in a bad mood for days. Please, save me.” He cried and joined his hands.

“I am going to tell father, Adrian. You have no idea what you have done. You breached a pact between us and the Russians. They won’t sit quiet.” I said, my heart sank.

Before he could say anything, a shadow came in front of us and pushed Adrian away. He looked more vicious than Anton with a scar across his left eyebrow to his lips. His eyes darted on me. My knees began to shake uncontrollably and I looked heavenward, pleading to God that it was my dream.

I didn’t know what to do, run or wake up my saviour who definitely didn’t look in a shape to fight this brooding man. He took a step forward and I retreated back until my back hit the wall.

“The price must be paid, Malishka. Your brother told me that I can have you in exchange of forgiving his mistake and I am here to collect my price. I’ll spare your brother’s life if you give yourself to me for one night. I’ll feel delighted to leave this gift for your father dearest who shouldn’t produce imbecile like this pup.” The man said in broken English. His pale, skinny face twitched as he spoke.

His eyes lingered on my face before he stepped closer to me. My voice seemed to leave my throat. He looked like a predator, ready to scavenge on me. His lust filled eyes raked on my body.

“Please, leave. This is none of my business. I haven’t taken anything from you.” I said with confidence since it was my father’s area and I had another man who could be Nicolai’s enemy.

“I am giving you a day’s time, malishka. Come to me on your own or I’ll send your brother’s head served on a gold platter to your father.” The man said and just like he came, he stormed away.

I clutched my chest and fell on the floor, his words resonated into my ears. He won’t spare us easily.

“Arielle, please save me or he’s going kill me.” Adrian crawled to me and with fear filled eyes, he begged me.

“Save you by sleeping with your debtor?” I slapped him more as my anger exploded. I felt disgusted.

“Please, save me. Father won’t find out, I swear.” He said shamelessly and I didn’t know what to do with him. He had gone insane.

“I think father will deal with you and your mistakes. He must know that his son is ready to sell off his sister for something he stole from his enemy.” I said under gritted teeth and went inside the apartment only to meet with two grey eyes staring at me.

I felt embarrassed, he must have heard everything.

“I am leaving, Miss Wilson. Thank you for your help. I do not want to cause you more trouble but I advise you not to be too soft. Nicolai could have taken you but he knew I was here and he won’t make any stupid move in my presence. Take your own stand or else you’ll live rest of your life like a puppet in the hands of your father, brother or husband.” He said and took his blazer.

I was crying silently. He was right. My whole life had been dictated by my father and elder brother.

“I’ll drop you at your home. You aren’t safe here alone when your own brother is ready to trade you.” He said as he walked past me.