Chapter 5

Elara's POV

My parents used to tell me to be cautious around wealthy people because they were frequently manipulative and could easily disrupt your life if they wanted to. As I stood now before Lorenzo Russo, hands trembling and my heart pounding against my chest, I realized that I should have listened.

After using the money, I had discarded the wallet into a river while laughing like a maniac as I enjoyed the sweet taste of revenge. I hadn't bothered to check if there was anything else inside. And now here I was, regretting all my life choices as I tried to figure out what to do.

"Mr Russo," I stammer, gulping down a large amount of air. "You must be mistaken, sir. I am sure your picture must be in another one of your wallets. Surely you have more than one, right?"

Lorenzo Russo's hardened face turns even colder, the expression strong enough to send a shiver coursing down my spine. "I believe you want to play with me, Walker. That picture is very important to me and is the only one existing on this planet, so tell me where it is right now or else. You should understand that I am a man of my words.”

Okay Elara, try to remember something. What if it fell off in the alley when I removed the dollar bills to hand them over to the man? Or maybe under my bridge when I counted the money? Or could it be at the hospital? My mind only succeeds in leaving me at a dead end.

My throat tightens as I stare into Lorenzo's eyes for any trace of amusement or even mercy, but there is none. Finally accepting my fate, I sigh deeply, my shoulders slumping. “I—I truly have no idea where it is,” I whisper, my voice so low I’m unsure if he hears me. I didn’t check what else was inside. Please trust me.

He takes a step closer, and I try to move backwards, but the enormous wall of muscle behind me makes it impossible. Lorenzo's closeness suffocates me so much that I have to inhale deeply so my lungs don't collapse from lack of air.

I look down, focusing on the shiny tip of his expensive white shoes, but I feel his warm hands wrap around my neck. A gasp erupts from my throat as my eyes finally meet his icy grey ones.

I am aware of what he is going to say.

“Then I suppose you’ve put me in a difficult position, Elara. Because until that picture is in my possession," he leans down to run his lips around my ears. I shiver visibly, my mind already knowing where this is going. He'll be calling the poli–

"You’re going to be working for me.”

I freeze, my mind trying to process his words. Did I perceive correctly? Or are my ears deceiving me? Work for him? Hell no.

The words hit me like a slap across the face. “Work for you? Sorry sir, I—I already have a job—” I lie. I haven't had a job since the demolition.

“Not anymore.” He interrupts, laughing wickedly. “Your new job is to serve me until I get what I want. And if you even think about running, I assure you that your precious Jaden will suffer the consequences.”

My heart stops. He can't be serious, right? “He’s just a kid Lorenzo. You can’t involve him in this.”

Lorenzo’s lips curl into a smirk. “Oh, I can and I will. It’s simple, really. You give me what I want, or Jaden ends up in a world of pain. And believe me, I always keep my promises.”

“No, please,” I say, my voice breaking. I can’t let Jaden get hurt because of me. I don’t even know what picture Lorenzo is looking for, but I know I have to find a way to fix this before it’s too late. “I’ll work for you. I’ll do whatever you want. Just don’t touch him.”

“Very good Elara. You've made a wise choice. Although you didn’t really have much of a choice to make.

I clench my jaw and fist my hands by my side. Although I really want to punch the evil out of him, I very much know how powerless I am. So with a deep sigh and roll of my eyes, I ask him, "what exactly do you want me to do?”

His smile widens. “Oh, I thought you wouldn't ask. Well, you’ll be my personal assistant, of course. But don’t think for a second that I will only assign you tasks like making coffee or setting up meetings. “There will be more... personal matters that you’ll need to handle.”

“Like what?” I ask, hating the way my voice trembles. I hope it's not what I'm thinking, because I will kick him in the–

“Like making sure my affairs run smoothly, digging up information on my competitors, and spying on some people.” He leans in closer, his gaze locking onto mine. My heart relaxes. At least he isn't asking me to warm his–

“And the most important will be to care for my human needs. You know a man like me needs constant pleasure to focus, right?”

The implication in his tone makes my stomach twist, but I force myself to nod. I'll make him think I'll do whatever he asks, but he'll regret ever offering something like this. “Fine. When do I start?”

Lorenzo's eyes widen. He clearly expected me to argue about the last point. If only he knows what's coming his way. He straightens, tucking his hands into his pockets as he gazes at my face. I keep a straight face, though my mind filled with all the different things I will do to make him regret.

“Immediately. You’ll be reporting to my office tomorrow at 9 AM sharp. Don’t be late.”

What the hell? How does he expect me to get to work to do that? I'm in a different country.

As if seeing my thoughts, he commands loudly, leaving no room for argument. "Go pack your things. We leave in 30 minutes."

I swallow hard and nod, not trusting myself to speak. He takes one last look at me and smirks, then turns and walks towards the door.

Before he steps out, he pauses, then pulls out his phone. “Oh, and one more thing.” His eyes gleam as he glances at the screen, and a bright, mocking smile plays on his lips. “I also know where Jaden and his mother are." He says, making my eyes widen, and I can feel my heart falling to my feet. How did he find out?

"You can thank your friend Nina for that. She was quite... eager to provide information for a little financial help. She also told me some interesting secrets of yours.”

His words hit me hard in the chest, and my mouth drops to the floor. Nina? My best friend betrayed me? I stagger backwards; the wall being the only thing to protect me from falling.

“I hoped you won’t be as easily bought,” he adds, amusement lacing his voice as he watches me. “But then again, everyone has a price.”

The door clicks shut, leaving me frozen in place. I’m not just fighting to save myself anymore. Now I have to keep Jaden safe and figure out why Nina would sell me out. And which secret of mine could she have told him?