Chapter 4. His dominance

Thirty minutes have gone since we had a stranger-kind argument. We halted in front of the abandoned building made out of concrete and brick as if it were left after decades of destruction. I scrutinized it with curiosity. The outside was sheathed in graffiti, making me wonder if there was a gang inside that made this place their home base.

We stepped out of the car, allowing me to inspect further the surroundings. There were two doors from a building on the left side that didn't match the other door on the right, which was slightly ajar, revealing a staircase going up and down to unknown destinations, and there were no windows on any of its walls.

But why would Courtney be coming here?

I didn't notice him staring at me until he cleared his throat. "Be careful when we go in. And ignore anything you see. Got it?"

His words left me puzzled. "Why? What is this place?"

"Quit asking." He stepped forward, his mesmerizing gaze never leaving mine. "You initiated coming with me. Now stay quiet and listen to every damn word I say."

"Okay." I exhaled softly, choosing not to press further, though the question still lingered in my thoughts. He motioned for me to follow, and without hesitation, I did.

We made a beeline for the door on the right and stepped inside, greeted by an enveloping darkness. As we walked in silence, my curiosity intensified, but so did a creeping sense of dread with every soft scuff of my flat shoes against the floor. Just as the anxiety settled in, a flickering light bulb burst to life, casting a glow that unveiled the room. The sight took me aback: six men in black suits and bow ties sitting in a semi-circle around a long table where different champagne bottles lined the edges. Judging by the way they looked at us, they were surprised.

I glanced at Courtney, my nerves rising. He didn't say a word; he just motioned for me to stand by his side.

"Who is she?" One of the men queried. He looked at me with the utmost contempt, like an ant under their microscope, as he examined every inch of me.

"For once, you've brought a pretty woman, Sir."

"A slut," chimed in one of them, sneering as he took in my appearance. "But she looks like a virgin. Are you, girl?"

They all burst into laughter, but their disgusting words only fueled my disgust.

Even though their words made little sense to me, I couldn't help but think how foolish they were for making such ridiculous accusations.

I was taken aback when Courtney pulled out his gun and shot the man who had called me a "slut." He didn't hesitate for a moment, and the bullet struck its mark in the man's right arm.

"Shit!" The man shouted, clutching his injured arm.

"Watch your mouth. She's not a whore," Courtney growled, his voice low but deadly. His gun remained steady, and the anger in his eyes was undeniable. "Say another word, and I won't hesitate to put a bullet in your head."

"I'm sorry, Sir!" The man whimpered, terrified. "I was just joking."

"Confessing you meant it or not makes no matter either way." He stepped forward and stopped from a distance. "You know I don't tolerate disrespect."

"Y-Yes, Sir. I'm sorry," The injured man stammered, still wincing from the pain. "It wasn't my intention."

"That better be true because I don't have any sympathy for your kind," He warned, his eyes burning with rage, suggesting he might kill the man right there. "I can't stand people who don't respect my rules."

His presence was overwhelmingly intimidating. From that moment, I knew he was not just an ordinary man but someone who could make others bow down and give him what he desired. He was the kind of man with power and dominance, which I could sense by just standing here.

The other men displayed no signs of disagreement with his words. They remained silent, nodding in agreement with everything he said.

"F-Forgive me, Sir, I didn't mean to make fun of her," the injured man said, still grimacing in pain.

"Apologize. Now." His tone was steady but left no room for negotiation. The other men held their breath, knowing that crossing him could lead to serious repercussions.

The man bent low, his head nearly touching the ground as he stammered, "I'm really sorry. I promise it won't happen again." He looked at Courtney with desperate sincerity before turning to me. "I'll let him decide my fate if I mess up again. Just give me another chance, Ms…"

"Adeleine," I replied, managing a small smile. "It's okay." I was determined not to stir up any more trouble.

"You're in the clear," Courtney said, lowering his gun. A wave of relief washed over me; at least no one had to die because of me. I couldn't bear the thought of witnessing such a tragedy.

"All of you except Oliver, finish your work before the others return," Courtney commanded.

"Got it, Sir," they replied in unison, nodding respectfully.

"We'll keep you posted on anything important," one said before they quickly filed out of the room. Oliver remained, standing in front of Courtney, ready for further instructions. "What can I do for you, Sir?"

"Take her to the guest room and ensure she has everything. You know the drill."

"Understood, Sir." He nodded, and a surge of unease washed over me.

I wasn't comfortable with this arrangement. I had trust issues, especially with men, and it felt silly, but somehow, Courtney was the only one I thought I could lean on right now.

Before I could voice my concerns, Courtney pulled me closer with a firm grip around my waist, his gaze steady yet reassuring. "You've been fidgeting for the last twenty minutes. Just take a deep breath and stop overthinking. You're safe here, and I truly mean that."

There was something in his tone that stirred an unfamiliar warmth inside me. Despite his tough exterior, I sensed a sincerity that made it hard not to trust him, even if I wasn't sure why.