CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

Lillianna woke up and found herself entwined in AJ’s strong arms. His scent was so manly… Something so comforting about being in his arms. She had her head on his chest and he had his leg draped over her body and his arms holding to him tightly.

She hated that it felt like she belonged right here. Hated that her head was fucking her up with how much it was identifying with AJ. She did not know how to stop this feeling.

He was sleeping with the other girls and that was making her sick. She was so upset over it. It was hard to control. She hated him… Yes, yes she hated him. She truly loathed and detested him but knowing, knowing he was intimate with the other girls was not something she was able to handle.

She was finding it hard to eat, hard to do anything. Her brother was killing her. He thought she was a slut… A hooker… An escort. He thought she accepted their ways… It wasn’t the case. Lillianna was but a pawn in this game.

It was hurting her how Paul was suffering because of AJ’s actions. She just didn’t know how to stop AJ. He was a maniac.

He seemed to believe it that she was his… That she did belong to him. He made it out like this was the case to everybody around them.

The fact that he was still worked up about Sargent Gromer was a worry. He just didn’t take it lightly when anybody so much as looked her way. Maybe because Gromer was a cop… That could be the reason he was taking it hard.

Lillianna wanted to move out of his embrace, it wasn’t right to feel how she was feeling for him. It wasn’t right at all. She had somehow along the way fallen hard for her captor.

He was a mean man, a torturer, a sadist… He was everything that was wrong in this world and most certainly in her life. It was stupid to feel anything but complete contempt for AJ but there it was. She stupidly fell in love. Her heart didn’t care what her head told her.

She knew that AJ had woken up when he smelt her hair as though taking in her scent. Now from what Lillianna knew about this setup between AJ and the rest of the girls was that none of them ever spent the night in his room or even came into his room. Whatever was done was usually done in their rooms or in his office… So she didn’t quite understand why she was in his room or in his bed…

Lillianna couldn’t help tensing when AJ kissed her head. Did he even know what he was doing? She was so confused… Why was he kissing her head? Why did he want her in his bed… In his room… Why did he insist to make the world believe she belonged to him… Why the fuck did he mark her! That was the one thing that was really getting to her the most. He marked her… Marked her for life.

AJ moved away from her and left the bed. If he knew she was awake or not he didn’t let on. He used the bathroom and left the room. Once he was gone Lillianna let out a breath she had been holding.

She left to her room to change.

She quickly finished off before she hurried downstairs to serve him. Did not want to give him a reason to start on her today.

He was having a smoke with Tristan when she placed the coffee in front of him. “Good morning.” She said to nobody in particular.

“Morning.” Tristan replied. He had this look about him… Lillianna sat down feeling like a complete loser. She was actually kind of glad when the girls joined them. Of course the girls wanted to kiss AJ and Tristan so openly. Lillianna just looked away.

“Have you spoken to your sister?” AJ asked Sally. Sally who seemed totally unprepared for that question.

“No… Tristan never asked me to…”

“Nice. Never thought to check up on her? I mean, she’s your sister right?”

“What the fuck AJ? Let it go.” Tristan jumped in now.

“For how long are we going to let this go? Ha? Look brother, I’m telling you now, either you get onto this or I will. My nephew will not go around life thinking he doesn’t have us as his family. You want to be a dead beat dad that’s for you. I will step in… Don’t make me do that. Take the fucking role and go and see your son…”

“And what? Ha? You think Callie is going to even let me look at him this time? Do you even know her?”

“Do what you need to do…”

“Fuck man… I think it’s for the best I do not do that AJ… She’s a good mother. She would have worked it out…”

“Yeah, so good. I mean, if you’re okay with having another man raise your son… Let your kid call another man dad…”

Tristan did not seem to like that at all. He had his back up. “Is she seeing anybody?” He asked Sally now.

“I don’t know… I haven’t spoken to her.”

“Call her.” Tristan seemed on edge thinking that Callie was with another man. Lillianna didn’t understand why AJ wanted to start this up again. Callie was so better off without the likes of the Forte brothers.

Sally called her sister and it rang out. “I think she’s blocked me.”

“Nice.” AJ nodded his head. “What now bro?”

“I’ll go see her…” Lillianna thought that was a terrible idea… Not her place to say anything. She sat there keeping her mouth shut. Tristan was going to see Callie again? A sure recipe for disaster.

The next few days and things were strange. AJ made absolutely not attempt to touch her, he did not sleep in her room nor did he tell her to go to his room. Nothing. He spoke only when he wanted something and other than that didn’t really give her much attention at all.

Paul was also around but was extremely cold toward her. It was like he couldn’t bring himself to even look at her. Lillianna was practically invisible which in this household was not a bad thing at all.

She spent her days just hanging around waiting for AJ to order her around. Some deal went through and it was all happy days. Apparently a party was happening and Lillianna was to be there like the other girls and play nice.

She did not want to be at the party. Did not want to hang around and see what went on. Did not want to be a part of it all. Especially because her brother was going to be there. She didn’t think she could take it if he was to give her that look of utter disappointment.

She was to dress for the night like the other ladies. It surprised her when Sally came into her room with a dress. “Boss wants you in this.” She said tossing the dress on the bed. Lillianna nodded her head. “He wants your hair up… All of it.” Okay then…

After a shower and going to the effort to straighten her hair, she tied it in a neat ponytail and saw to applying some makeup. She looked okay… Had lost some weight but didn’t really care. She wanted to get this party over and done with.

The dress was a fitting dress, strapless and had two splits on either side riding up her thighs. The dress in itself was not short, it sat just below her knees but was extremely sexy… It showed a lot without showing much type thing.

The straight cut of the dressed showed only the top of her breasts… Still very decent compared to what was worn here. She had to be happy with that. What she wasn’t happy with was the fact that her back and shoulders were exposed. AJ obviously wanted everybody to see his mark.

She cringed when she looked at it in the mirror. AJ… It was so clear now. AJ… That fucker really did that to her…

Lillianna put her heels on before she reluctantly left the room. House was buzzing. Place was filled with people. She had to do her best to relax. These were all very dangerous people right now.

She looked around and found AJ talking to a few men. Paul was with him and they were in deep discussion. She decided not to approach him, she would wait until he was done before she went over to see if he wanted anything.

Lillianna almost cried out when a man approached her with a glass of champagne. “For you…” He handed it to her. Lillianna looked around nervously. She took the drink so not to be rude but wanted to run and hide. “You are gorgeous…” This young attractive man said to her.

“Thank you… I’m with AJ.” Just say it.

“AJ? Really? As in AJ Fortes?” She smiled and nodded her head. “Oh… Yeah, why am I surprised. He only goes for the best right… Does that mean you are off the market or is this a all for one type thing…”

“I’m only with AJ…”

“Fuck… Well I lucked out…” She shrugged her shoulders and looked away. Lillianna needed this guy to leave. “I’m Anthony…”

“Lillianna.”

“Gorgeous name for a gorgeous girl.” Flattering. Not the time but sweet.

Before Anthony could say anymore Sally walked over to Lillianna and spoke in her ear. “Boss wants you to go to him…” Fuck… Fuck!

Lillianna excused herself and made her way over to AJ who was still with the group of men. He put his arm around her without looking at her and continued his conversation. This was like the first day in a week that he gave her any sort of attention.

She was afraid… Afraid of his intent… Did he see Anthony speak to her? Did he care?

Paul had this hard look about him. “And who might you be?” One of the men asked now. Lillianna rubbed her lips together not really knowing how to do this. When nobody said anything she forced herself to reply.

“Lillianna…”

“Lillianna… Well darling, have to say you are a looker… You have actually taken my breath away. You sure can pick them AJ… Only the best for you right?”

AJ looked at Lillianna and nodded his head. His dark eyes looking hard. “Yes… She’s a fan favourite…” He said before returning his attention to the men.

“Do you mind?” This same man asked AJ. Mind what? Oh my god… Was he asking AJ if he could sleep with her? She was not a fucking whore!

“Mind? Do I mind if you fuck my girl? Yeah I do… She’s not one of them…”

“What? I… Since when?”

“Listen Drake… I would stop while you can…” AJ had this scary vibe about him suddenly. Drake nodded his head giving up instantly.

Paul redirected the conversation so they were talking about something else. AJ excused himself and held Lillianna’s hand leading to the outdoor sofa. He sat down and left her standing. Um… “Would you like a drink?” She dumbly asked. She had no idea what else to say. Oh my god… He looked so hard… Looked angry.

AJ looked up into her eyes… She didn’t know what he was thinking. “Turn around.” Oh fuck… No… Not here. She drew in a deep breath before she turned around hoping to appease him.

Once she was facing him again he nodded his head. He lit himself a cigar keeping his eyes on her every move.

“Dance for me.”

No… No he did not. He did not just say that. Lillianna looked around feeling sick in her stomach. Her brother would actually kill her…

“Please…” She whispered.

“Please what? Your master wants you to dance for him.” He was serious. Fuck…

Lillianna looked around and Paul was busy with a few men. She prayed that he didn’t see her do this. She was hoping he did not divert his attention to her. Lillianna could see it in AJ’s eyes that he was looking to start something with her. Why now? Why out here?

She drew in a shaky breath and began to sway to the music. Nothing provocative at all. She just wanted it so he didn’t think she was defying him. She moved to the music feeling so very stupid… Feeling dirty.

AJ had a drink in one hand and a cigar in the other hand as he watched her move. This was so humiliating. He was not going to make this easy on her. He wanted a performance.

This was the best she was able to give right now.

She was about to beg him not to make her continue this but before she could even speak a man was standing behind her with his hands on her waist rubbing himself onto her backside.

Lillianna halted instantly and came to move away. “No baby…” Oh my god. She was freaking out. Suddenly the man was on the floor and Paul was pounding into him repeatedly.

Lillianna was freaking out. He was going to kill this guy. “Paul!” She grabbed his arm to stop him. Paul who nudged his arm out of her grip angrily. He grabbed her face hard and lifted his hand as though to strike her.

“Don’t be doing that.” AJ spoke now. The place turned deadly silent. Lillianna stood there frozen. Her brother looked ready to kill her.

“No? What if I do this?” And before she knew what was happening, Paul had a gun to her. He pulled her into his arms and pressed the gun onto her temple. “I think this works out…”

AJ sat there looking so unbothered. He continued to smoke his cigar as he eyed them out. “Stand down.” He was talking to his men. His men who were coming to hurt Paul… Oh my god.

Lillianna didn’t know what to do. Paul was more than ready to shoot her. “My sister the fucking slut…” He whispered in her ear before he literally shoved her to AJ. She fell straight into his lap.

Paul thankfully put the gun away and looked at the armed men. “Come at me!” He yelled clearly still very worked up. Please… She wanted it so Paul just calmed down.

“Go cool off brother.” AJ was giving Paul a warning. Lillianna was sitting beside AJ at this point. She was shaking. She came to get up to her brother but AJ held her down. “Go.” AJ wanted Paul to leave. For everybody’s best interest right now… She understood how deadly this could be.

Paul nodded his head, he spit at the man who was bloodied up on the floor before he literally stormed out. AJ indicated to his men to get rid of the man.

Tristan was good to get things back to normal after that. Took a while before things sort of settled down.

Lillianna was a nervous wreck. She was shaking and was doing her best to stop her tears.

AJ lifted her chin and forced her to look at him. “You okay?” What? Did he really just ask her that? No she wasn’t okay… This was all his fault. All of it… This was all on him.

She moved her head away from him and came to get up. He held her down again, he seemed agitated.

“I’m going to the room.” She was done. Actually could not take this shit any longer. She was so done. So very done. She literally nudged her arm out of his grip angrily and headed up to the room.

She was a wreck. How dare he humiliate her this way! How dare he do that to her?

Paul was such a hothead. He was just making it all worse. There was literally nothing he could do to stop this. She didn’t understand why he wanted to carry on for? He was making everything that much harder on her.

It was all getting the better of her. Lillianna was at her limits right now.

To fuck her up even more, AJ followed her to the room. Nope… No… She was not doing this.

“You need to leave me alone…” She was going to fight. She had nothing left right now. It was enough. She was as down as you could get. Low… She had literally hit rock bottom right now. “I mean it AJ… Just go… Go… You need to leave me the fuck alone!”

AJ rubbed a hand over his mouth and approached her. What the fuck did he want? What? It was enough what he was putting her through?

“Settle down.”

“Oh my god… Settle down? Fuck you! How’s that for settling down?” She was livid not caring about the consequences right now. Right now she was willing to fight to the death. AJ continued on until he was right in front of her. Lillianna shoved him so hard using both of her hands. “I hate you!” She yelled shoving him again. “I fucking hate you! I hate you! I hate him! I hate you all!”

She didn’t know half the things she was saying. She was just so over it all. Her fists were pounding on AJ’s hard chest. He grabbed her wrists and held them together subduing her.

“Enough.”

“Let me go! Let me go you son of a bitch! Let me go!”

It didn’t matter how much she struggled or fought, AJ was not going to ease up until she settled down. The minute she did that she lost her fight and went limp.

***

AJ almost had a heart attack when Paul put the gun to Lillianna. He was sick in his stomach thinking of what if scenarios. His head was all over the place. Holding her limp body in his arms he felt like killing her to save her the horrors of his way.

Thing was he actually could not seem to get it together when it came to Lillianna. He was a mess. He was just obsessed with her. Everything about her. He was in love and it was killing him.

No longer because she was the enemy, that didn’t matter to him any longer, it was more than that. He knew he would never own her heart… Damage had been done. He owned her… She was his property… His… But he would never own her heart and that was a scary thought to AJ now. The fact that she would never love him…

He picked her up and placed her onto the bed. At this point Lillianna was actually sobbing. She hid her face into the pillow and just sobbed quietly. AJ felt his heart being ripped out of his chest. It killed him seeing her this way.

He pulled her shoes off one by one before he moved into the bed and pulled her into his arms engulfing her. He wanted her inside him. He wanted to shield her the pain he was going to continue to inflict.

AJ hated this feeling of need. This need he had to be with Lillianna. This fucking need to keep her to himself. He hated it. He was deliberately fucking up her relationship with Paul because he knew she loved Paul and would always choose her brother over him.

Lillianna tried to get away from his embrace but AJ held her tightly. “Shh…”

“Don’t… You need to stop… I can’t… AJ… I can’t… Don’t…” She was really struggling.

“I’m only holding you…” He was really confused. Had no idea how to work this one out. It was just all getting to him. All of it was.

She gave up the fight and wept into his chest. AJ held her to him and kissed the top of her head letting her cry it out.

He was a monster, he knew this already. It wasn’t new to anybody who knew him. Tristan was the softer one. Tristan had more of a heart than AJ ever did.

AJ did what he did downstairs because his jealousy was at an all time high. Seeing Lillianna speaking to Anthony, having Drake ask if he could have her… Yeah, AJ was not good at all at keeping his jealousy at bay.

She was sweet, that was the issue. Gave you this look and you were instantly drawn to her. She had this allure about her. AJ saw it the minute he looked at her.

He had found out she was Paul’s sister and went to have a coffee alone at the diner. He paid attention. She was just so oblivious to what was around her. That smile… That fucking smile that never reached her eyes. She was just smiling to make it out like all was well.

Lillianna moved out of his embrace after a while and sat up. AJ didn’t know how to do this. He was so confused. She had her back to him…

She came to get up but he held her arm keeping her down. Her back still to him. “Just stay.”

Lillianna turned around so she was facing him now. She looked so sad. “Why? Why are you trying to ruin me? I… Why are you confusing me?”

AJ cursed under his breath and stood up now. He walked around to her and squatted down in front of her looking into her amazing silvery eyes.

“AJ… You need to stop… Please…”

“Stop what? Ha?” He was becoming frustrated.

“Stop acting like you care. Stop acting like I matter to you… Just stop doing that. I’m doing whatever you want… I just can’t handle this part of it. Can’t you just stop… Let me go…” She was begging for her freedom now.  

Fuck!

“I can’t let you go.” Fuck!

“Then let my brother go…”

“No.” No use lying. “It’s not that simple… Stop asking me that. You belong here with me.”

“I am here AJ, doing whatever you want me to do. Ready to serve my master.” That said she left him there and went into the bathroom.

AJ felt like he was being punched in the stomach. She was not going to give an inch. He didn’t know how to do this. For the first time in his life and AJ felt completely out of control.

There was no way of sorting this one out. He knew that was the case…

AJ decided to leave the room and return to the party. He would do his best to keep it under wraps for now.

The next day and Lillianna was dressed and ready to serve him. She did not look him in the eyes. She was doing her thing and keeping pretty much invisible. AJ didn’t give her any attention. Truth was he was unsure how to be with her now.

He needed to put Lillianna out of his head.

She served him like she did every day, not saying or doing much at all. AJ noticed how nervous she was. Her body giving away how anxious she was as she waited for him to order her around.

Paul showed up a few days later. He looked hard and stressed out. AJ sat with him and the boys outside. “Got you the information you wanted.” He tossed over a folder to AJ. AJ nodded and put it aside.

“What the fuck was that last week?” Tristan asked Paul now. “Do you get how fucking stupid that move was? You almost killed Rolo…”

“Yeah…” Paul nodded his head and lit himself a smoke. Lillianna was sitting inside. He made sure that all the girls were inside for now. The men were all sitting outside.

“What the fuck man? You can’t be doing that. Not here… You’re lucky you are still alive. It would have taken for one fucker to start shooting…”

“Well I mean you’re right. Not my fault my sister is a fucking slut… She was doing what she is meant to do. Slutting it up for the men… Of course it was my fucking fault.” Paul snapped.

AJ tensed. He didn’t like it that Paul was referring to Lillianna as a slut. Not one little bit.

“If she is a slut she is my slut.” AJ looked right at Paul when he said that.

“Fuck you!” Paul snapped at AJ angrily. He looked pissed as hell. “Fuck you!”

AJ tilted his head and eyed him out. “Oi… Fucking watch yourself brother…” Tristan was quick to step in. “I’ll fucking kill you… Do you hear me?”

“Maybe you should be hearing me… You want me to continue doing shit for you then you let her go. Do you get that? Kill me I don’t give a fuck, just let her go… I won’t be doing fuck all until you let her go…”  

AJ leaned back and took this all in.

“Say I fuck you up and keep her anyway… That will work too…”

“You do that.” Paul snapped before he picked himself up and went inside. AJ told the men to stand down. He followed Paul inside and heard him go off at Lillianna. He had her arm in a tight grip. “You enjoying this life? Ha! You like to be his little slut?” He was shaking her hard.

“Walk away Paul…” AJ shoved him away from Lillianna hard and pushed her behind him. Lillianna shook her head and wiped her tears.

“Paul… It’s not like that… I swear to god… I…” AJ knew she wanted to say she had no choice but stopped her sentence.

“You what? Ha? You parade yourself for his amusement? Ha? You want all the men around to know you are a fucking whore!”

“I’m not… Paul… Please…” Lillianna was crying, really sobbing now. The men were inside standing aside as this was taking place. Lillianna moved away from AJ and went over to her brother. AJ was about to smack her.

“Stay the fuck there Lilli… So help me god I will end you…”

“What do you want me to do? I don’t know what to fucking do!” She yelled out. “Tell me what to do… Tell me… Please… Paul…” AJ didn’t like this at all. She was fully dedicated to her brother and that was pissing him off.

“You do what you’re doing… Keep being his little whore…” He said nodding his bed before he left. Lillianna’s breathing was coming short. She was going to have another panic attack.

She looked around and her face dropped when she noticed everybody there. He could tell she was about to drop. AJ grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. He held her to him where she went almost limp.

“Breathe…” He spoke quietly to her. “Easy…” She was shaking and sobbing. AJ was so fucking frustrated. “Fuck off!” He yelled at everybody to leave. He needed to settle her down before she collapsed.

Once they all went outside AJ sat her down. He had his arm around her shoulder and her head on his chest. He kissed her head and just comforted her until she somewhat settled down. He didn’t know what to fucking do…

Took a while before she composed herself and moved away from him. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

“Are you okay?” He found himself asking.

She gave him a look like he was insane to ask. “Great.” She replied looking away.

“Let him vent… He will stop eventually…”

“Okay.” She just went with it.

“Lillianna...”

She turned her eyes to look at him now. “How do you think what you are doing to me is okay?” She asked him quietly… “You have punished him enough… You have punished him enough. One mistake… He paid for his crimes. He will continue to pay for them… What are you getting out of hurting us?”

How to answer that? How to reply to a question he wasn’t ready to answer?

“He knows how this game is played… He shouldn’t’ have done what he did…”

“Okay, but he did… He has proven himself to you. What more? I mean when does it end AJ?”

“I’m never letting you go…” He found himself saying. It was the truth. The sooner she understood this the sooner they could all move on. Her face dropped.

“Then let him go…” What the fuck? “Let him go… I’m here… Leave him alone. He doesn’t need to see this…”

“You think he will accept that?”

“He will have to. Just… I can’t survive this. Seeing him look at me this way… I’m not a whore… If I am it was not by choice.”

Nice.

“You’re not a whore.” He said feeling irritated at how this was working out.

“No? What would you call me?” Her eyes looked so sad and defeated.

“Your mine…” And this obsession was not going anywhere any time soon. He was downright so fixated on this girl that nothing else was making any sense to him.

She swallowed hard and nodded her head. “And when do you suppose I stop being yours?” Nope… Not doing this.

“The minute I no longer want you I will kill you. I said it before, you belong to me. I don’t like to share what’s mine… You belong to me alone… I don’t like it that your brother impacts you the way he does… Don’t make me hurt him Lillianna…”

He meant it too. AJ meant every word. If the only way to get Lillianna to understand that her only focus should be AJ, he would hurt Paul. He would do whatever he needed to do to get his point across.

Her face…

“I am doing whatever you want. I will continue to be your whore… I will be whatever you want me to be. Just stop with Paul…”

“Enough.” He snapped getting up. “Up.” He ordered her now. This bitch was getting to his head. She drew in a deep breath and stood up. He saw how unsure she was. She looked afraid and with reason too.

AJ grabbed her face pulling her into his body. He was going to hurt her now… The fear of losing her was overtaking everything else in his head right now.

“I will gut you alive… Do you get that? I will gut you alive before I let you go…” AJ was hating himself, the fact that he had no way of fixing this situation…

He shoved her away from him abruptly before he kicked the coffee table out of his way.

“Fuck!” He yelled out of pure frustration and lack of control. “Whatever happens next is on you…” He pointed at her now. “Do you hear me?”

“AJ… I’m sorry… Stop… Stop…” Yeah, she understood what he meant. He would fuck her brother up…

“Get the fuck out of my face before I cripple you.” He warned her. He could see how helpless she looked. She didn’t know what to do. Smart girl left and headed right up to her room.

AJ was livid… He was about to do something stupid. He returned outside and lit himself a smoke. He was pissed as hell now.

“What the fuck is going on?” Tristan the idiot had to ask.

“Fuck off Tristan…” AJ warned him. “Fuck right off brother.”

“What’s the issue? What are you doing?” And he wasn’t going to stop.

“I’m doing whatever the fuck I need to do.”

“Paul is going to blow man…” Jarred now. “I mean, that’s his sister… You can’t expect him to keep his mouth shut…”

“Na, I get that.”

“What the actual fuck bro?” Tristan shook his head clearly not agreeing with what AJ was doing.

“The fuck is keep out of my business.” AJ said grabbing his liquor and sculling it all in one hit. He was done with this fucking bullshit.

AJ didn’t give a flying fuck what anybody had to say about anything. Lillianna was his problem alone. He was going to do whatever the fuck he wanted to do. Never listened to anybody before regarding his personal affairs and was not about to start now.