Escape

Lily's POV

"Baby, it's time for bed. Come with me." Kael said.

But Ava resisted, wrapping her arms around my neck. "No, I want to stay with Lily."

I watched as Ava and Kael engaged in a silent stare-down. Just as it seemed Ava would win, Gabi intervened. "Ava, darling, let's get you to bed. I'll read you a story."

Ava's gaze didn't leave Kael's face. "I want Lily!"

Gabi's smile faltered, her eyes flashing with jealousy.

I quickly intervened, not wanting to be cut up in their drama and destroy my chance of running away. "Hey, Ava, it's okay. Go with your dad."

Ava's face scrunched, but she eventually nodded. "Okay, Lily." As Ava left with Kael, Gabi's expression darkened.

Her eyes narrowed, her lips compressing into a thin line. I noticed but refused to dwell on it. My mind was already racing with escape plans: find my phone, bag and get out of this mansion.

I followed Gabi until we reached the room. "You think you're special, don't you? Kael didn't kill you for touching Ava, and he's letting you sleep over tonight."

My heart skipped a beat, but I didn't react. I knew I had to keep my wits if I wanted to escape. "I don't know what you're talking about."

She grasped my arm, her nails digging deep. "Listen carefully, whore. Stay away from my man, and make sure I don't see you ever again."

I tried to shake her off, but she tightened her grip. "Sure," I said. The door slammed shut behind her, and I exhaled slowly.

I scanned the room, searching for my bag. It was nowhere to be seen. The competition was tomorrow; I haven't called Nana yet, and she must be worried.

I had to escape tonight, with no distractions. I took a deep breath before opening the door and running out.

I searched the rooms I could open but found nothing but guns. I spotted a door to my left and darted inside, closing it quietly behind me.

That was when I saw my bag lying on the bed, its contents scattered everywhere. Everything was there – except my phone.

I searched the nightstand, dresser, and desk. Where was it? Just as I opened a drawer, the bathroom door swung open.

Kael emerged, water dripping down his skin, a towel dangerously low around his hips. My heart skipped a beat.

He looked very hot, he had the perfect structure, like a Greek sculpture. I wondered how he looked naked; I wondered if I could draw him naked.

Would he let me? But my thoughts were interrupted.

"Like what you see?" Kael asked a hint of amusement in his voice.

I was about to turn around, but I stopped when I noticed my phone in his hand.

"What are you doing with my phone?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.

Kael's gaze met mine, and I saw a tiny smirk on his lips.

"Getting acquainted with your contacts; you have interesting pictures and videos," he said, scrolling through my phone.

My eyes widened. "Give that back, sir. How is it unlocked?"

Kael's smile grew. "Hacking is easy, and I won't give it back until I'm satisfied with…"

He paused, reading something on the screen, his jaw clenching.

"Who's Timothy?" he asked, stepping closer, his towel slipping dangerously low, showcasing his V-cut and a slight bulge.

I closed my eyes and swallowed hard. I was having thoughts I shouldn't have at this moment.

How can a man his age look this hot? How old is he, though? 38? 39? 40?

"You're testing my patience, Lily," he warned, grasping my arm, his touch sending sparks through me.

I tried to pull away, but he held me tight, pulling me to his chest.

"Timothy," he repeated, his hot breath against my face.

Somehow, I'd say he looked angry.

"A friend," I replied cautiously.

"How close?"

"I don't see how that's any of your business, sir. I need my stuff back; I need to pack before tomorrow."

I retorted, trying to keep my cool.

Suddenly, Gabi's voice cut through the tension.

"Kael!"

"Handle it," he retorted.

Gabi's eyes darted to me, then back to Kael. "Willy isn't talking."

Kael's jaw clenched; he grabbed my arm. "Come with me."

I struggled, but he dragged me along. "Why? Where are we going?"

Kael's response sent chills down my spine. "To settle unfinished business. Besides, I never said I'd let you go just yet.”

Willy hung upside-down from the ceiling, his battered and bruised body out for display. I thought I went through the worst when I was electrocuted but what they did to Willy was on another level.

His arms were missing, more like blown up.

"Talk," Kael said calmly.

"Make me," Willy spat, blood dripping from his mouth.

"Hot water, one minute."

I felt my skin lose its colour as I watched how Willy, still upside down, was lowered into a large tube of steaming water and brought back up. His scream and cough echoed through the room.

I turned away, not wanting to see more as I felt like throwing up but Kael turned me back.

"Who hired you, Willy?" Kael asked.

"I'm not who you think I am, my real name is Willy Hitler, and I'm the son of your organization's greatest enemy." Willy managed to say, his eyes dropping.

Kael chuckled. "Greatest enemy? Am I a joke to you? Do you think the Gambino empire deals with….. children? You are nothing but a pawn in someone's silly game Willy."

Kael signalled to Gabi, “Cut his ears and make the water hotter, let's see how much he holds up.”

I covered my mouth, horror-stricken. Willy’s ear was cut off, and he was dipped into hot boiling water again, but this time it was longer.

My eyes welled up with tears as I begged, "Kael, please stop! He'll die if you continue!"

Kael looked unmoved. "So? Why are you bothered?”

“You're a monster!” I screamed at his face.

A sly grin spread across Kael's face. He pulled me close to him and whispered. "You have no idea how far I can go to get what I want. Or who I want." He said the last part low, his gaze lingering on my lips and I shivered, my heart already in my throat.

Willy gasped, his words barely audible over the ragged sound of his breathing. Willy's cries weakened, his voice fading to a mere whisper. "It's Ti-Tim..." he stammered, breathless.