Chapter 005

Bianca’s POV

Immediately the man fell to the floor, the other man grabbed my hand. “Let me go!” I shouted, trying to yank his hands off, but his grip was too tight as I struggled against him, my heart racing.

As he pulled me toward the back of the room, I glanced around. Everyone kept going—laughing, cheering, the music pounding like nothing had happened. I was the only one frozen in shock. The only one who seemed to care that a man was lying dead on the floor.

“What have I gotten myself into?” I whispered, as the man dragged me through a door detached from the main building. I could hear my pulse hammering in my ears.

“Why are we going through the back? Are you trying to kidnap me? Somebody, help me!” I screamed, but before I could cry out again, he slapped a hand over my mouth and pushed me into a dark room.

“Open this door! Is anybody there?” I shouted, banging on the door with all my strength, but it was useless.

Suddenly, the light clicked on. I spun around, and my breath caught in my throat. “What the-” my voice trailed off.

Sitting calmly on a chair, facing me, was the last person I ever wanted to see—the man I slapped in the club.

“I… I’m sorry…” The words tumbled out before I could stop them.

“Shhh…” he cut me off in a low voice as he walked toward me.

“You can go,” he said to the men standing behind him. They nodded and left without hesitation, leaving me alone with him. Alone with this man who exuded danger with every step.

I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He was undeniably handsome, like something carved out of darkness. The suit he wore only added to his charm. It reminded me of Marcel from six years ago. How could someone be so beautiful yet terrifying?

“I’ll commend you,” he said, his voice smooth.

“You’re quite brave for a lady, had the nerve to slap me. So why are you trembling now like you can't hold a chicken?”

“I…" I tried to speak, but my throat felt like it was closing. Words wouldn’t come.

“You know what I could do to you,” he continued, “and yet, you still did that.”

“That’s why I—” I started, but he cut me off again.

“When I’m finished with your list of offenses, then you can plead for mercy. But for now, shut up. I’m still talking.” His voice was commanding, and I shrank back in fear.

He picked up a pistol from the table, his fingers tracing the barrel like he was reacquainting himself with an old friend.

“You were paid for a job, and you left halfway. You thought it was wise to abandon your customers, shatter the most expensive bottle in the lounge… and then slap me.” He paused, his dark eyes locking on mine as he sat back down, the gun resting casually in his lap.

I swallowed hard, taking his silence as permission to speak. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. Please, I’ll do anything to make it up to you. Just… don’t kill me.” My voice shook with fear, tears stinging my eyes.

“Anything?” he asked, his eyebrow raised in mock surprise.

“Yes, anything. Please, just let me go. I don’t want to die,” I sobbed, the tears flowing freely now.

He chuckled, “You think you can walk into a mafia stronghold, slap the boss, and then beg for forgiveness like it’s nothing?” He leaned forward, his grin stretching wider. “I don’t think you realize how things work here.”

“Please…” I choked out, my entire body trembling as I stared at the pistol in his hand, waiting for the inevitable.

“You owe me a considerable sum, one I’m certain you can’t afford. So, why don’t I help you out by making your life easier?” He flashed a wicked smile, lifting the gun slightly. “I could take that burden off your shoulders by taking your life.”

“No, no! Please!” I screamed, my voice breaking as a gunshot rang out. The bullet whizzed past me, so close I could feel the heat of it. My heart lodged in my throat.

“Almost,” he laughed, clearly enjoying the fear twisting through me.

“And if you don’t want to die, you have two choices,” he said, leaning back in his chair, the smile gone from his face. “Either you find a way to pay your debts in one week, or…” he paused, letting the silence stretch unbearably. “Or be with me for six months, in case you don't understand.” He paused to look at me again.”you be my slave for six months.”

“Slave? Who?” The words slipped out before I could stop them. My mind reeled as I tried to make sense of what he was saying. Be a slave to him? A mafia boss? I could barely afford my rent, let alone pay off this kind of debt but this? Nah.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. “There has to be another way,” I muttered under my breath. But as I looked at him, my gaze lingered on his face, his strong jawline, the dangerous curve of his lips. “No, Bianca. Focus. This isn’t the time to be thinking about how handsome he is.”

“Can I… Can I decide tomorrow?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, shaking with fear.

He pressed a button, and the door swung open. The two men from earlier entered. “Take her to the site for tonight. Keep an eye on her,” he ordered, and without another word, they dragged me out of the room.

I didn’t dare protest. I just wanted to be alive.

They pushed me into a car, and we drove off into the night. My heart pounded louder with each passing second." I should have known going back after slapping a VIP customer was a bad idea.I could…" Suddenly, out of nowhere, gunshots rang out, bullets tearing into the tires. The car jolted violently.

“What’s happening?!” I screamed, but neither of the men answered. Instead, the driver sped up as the shots continued to ring out.

My heart raced as the car came to a sudden halt. The gunfire didn’t stop.

“Why did we stop?!” I shouted, but before I could react, the men leaped out of the car, guns blazing, leaving me alone. My hands shook as I stared out at the chaos unfolding before me.

“Jeez! I can't believe I escaped death at the hands of the mafia boss, only to be caught in the middle of a shootout”.

Suddenly, the door yanked open, and a man, different from the others, pulled me out.

“Who are you? Drop me.” I tried to struggle, but he was stronger than I. He opened the door to another car and dropped me inside. Before I could scream, the vehicle sped off.

“Who are you people? What is happening?!” I cried, tears streaming down my face. “I should’ve just let the boss kill me, it would have been better.....”

“My little B,” a familiar voice whispered from beside me.

That voice. My heart stopped. It couldn’t be…

I turned, and my eyes widened in shock.

“What part of ‘you’re mine and I own you’ do you not understand?” he said, his voice deep and haunting. The same voice I hadn’t heard in six years.