Adrian

Adrian

“He really underestimated me.” He smacks his lips, shaking his head meaningfully.

“I like you, Adrian.” He says again and I find myself glaring at him.

“That's why I'm going to offer you a deal,” He continues and I just stare at him.

What deal?

“You have two options. It's either you get killed or you kill.”

“What do you want Nikolai?” I grunt, feeling pain course through my body.

“If you want to kill me, just do it already!!” I yell, struggling with the chair and it makes annoying sounds that make my ears itch.

“Why kill such a pretty boy like you, when I can make good use of you?” He asks no one in particular, then he smiles and continues.

“The deal is simple, work for me. Not only will it earn you your freedom, you'll get paid more than what that fucker pays you.”

“And why should I work for you?”

“I've run my check on you, you have potential and I like that. So what do you say? Huh?” He stares directly into my eyes and I look away. Not that I find him intimidating but I felt uncomfortable.

“The clock is ticking, I'll give you till evening to make a decision. While you think, I'll let my men have fun, and don't worry it won't hurt.” He smiles at me and I begin to struggle with the restraints. I know he's not up to no good.

“Much.” He abruptly adds, turning to leave as two men walk in.

“Niko-” I do not get to call his name when a punch lands on my jaw.

….

Everything hurts like hell. Fuck! That bastard asked his men to beat me up. And I got the worst beating of my life. They never went easy on me while they kept pummeling punches on my perfect face.

I try to shift in my chair as my stomach growls and twists in pain. I'm sure my stomach is on the course of digesting itself with how empty it is.

I don't know what the time is and I have not eaten or drank anything since the bastard captured me.

I hear something move and I follow the direction, my eyes having adjusted to the darkness. There's nothing there. It must be some of the rats that have kept me company over the course of my stay.

I close my eyes and let my head lean back on the chair. I don't know how it's possible, but somehow I fall into sleep, though restless.

But sleep all the same. I don't know how much time passes but the harsh bang of the door jolts me out of whatever comfort I had found.

I peer into the darkness and see the familiar shape of the man who I so wanted to shove a bullet in.

A nice bullet wedged in his skull would do just fine. I eye his figure and nearly go blind when the lights come on without warning. I hiss in pain, and through my one good eye, I see him smile widely.

"Sorry, I forgot I had turned you into a bat." He says with a slight grin.

"You must be used to the darkness now I suppose." He adds after a thoughtful expression flashes across his features. His eyes travel down the length of me and I notice his smile grow as he looks at each tortured inch of me.

"Feeling good?" Nikolai asks me and if anyone were to see him now, they would think he was asking if I had recovered from a stomach ache or something minor like that.

“I feel great,” I reply, my voice dripping with sarcasm and he laughs.

“I'll enjoy having you around.” He says, nodding his head meaningfully.

“Have you made your decision yet, Pretty Boy?” He asks and I can't stop myself from glaring at him. I hate when he calls me that. With passing.

I purse my lips, only to be welcomed by a sharp pain.

It's either I kill or get killed. And there's no way in hell I'm ready to die.

Fuck no! I would rather work for Nikolai. How hard can it be? I need money and he's richer than Igor.

I know men like Nikolai keep to their words just to uphold their pride, so I have nothing to worry about.

"You have one minute to decide so choose wisely." He says again and I look away from him.

I think hard. There is no way I was going to die now, I have so much to live for. And someone to live for. Larisa crosses my mind and I close my eyes in pain.

Ever since I got in here, I didn't allow the thought of her to cloud my mind because I just couldn't bring myself to.

I would lose my mind if I did. I think of her light blue eyes that lit up whenever she smiled. Then and there, I know what I'm going to choose.

"I'll work for you," I tell him and his smile grows larger than life.

"Good choice, pretty boy.” I bite my lip hard. That name irks me. I feel the need to punch him.

“I must say, you're very lucky. I already have a job lined up for you.”

"Who?"

He smiles and then steps closer. He leans down and traces a finger down my jaw. He brings his mouth close to my ear and says,

"The one who sent you here in the first place Adrian." It's the first time he has called me by my name.

“Igor?” My brows furrow and he leans backward while nodding his yes.

“Yes,” He replies.

“Where’s the fun in not returning his energy?” He shrugs and I find myself just staring at him. Damn! Nikolai Rostov is an unhinged Bastard. My new Boss.