It was the god-like man from the ice cream shop; his mischievous smile and dominating aura couldn't let me think straight. I kept asking myself what was going on and why he had a gun pointed at my dad.
"Is this a robbery attack?" I muttered to myself, but there was nothing of value to attract such a man here. I was more confused than ever. I was trying to gather my head around what was going on and what this stranger from the shop was doing at my house when one of the men gave my dad a resounding slap.
I was shaken to my very core and scared, but I couldn't hold back the tears. Dad fell on his back, and I couldn't resist rushing toward him. I held him as he was wincing in pain.
"Dad, are you okay?"But he didn't give me a reply; he quickly sat up and held me so close to him as though he were protecting me from the danger in the room.
"I'm good, honey; don't worry, it will soon be over," my dad reassured me with a shaky voice.The man from the ice cream shop chuckled so devilishly as he walked close to Dad, grabbing him by the collar and asking him,
"Where the heck is my money?"Dad, scared and shaking, opened his mouth to say something, and all I could hear was "Please don't hurt us." I didn't know when tears escaped my eyes; I was so furious at the man who brought my dad to his lowest point.I wanted to end his very existence. I jerked off the floor and grabbed his shirt. I tugged at it vigorously while screaming.
"Get the hell away from us!"I knew I was no match for him, but I couldn't sit still and watch him manhandle my dad. He looked down at me with disdain; he had an unreadable countenance, but whatever he felt was nothing pleasant, he quickly signaled his men to grab me.
Before I could say, Jack, I have forcefully pulled off him. I fought whoever it was that was holding me to free me. I kicked and wriggled, but it was all in vain. The size of the man grabbing me was three times my size, and his chest muscle was thick and broad as a wall.
Dad knew I was in trouble, as he was almost crying while holding up his two hands together in a plea.
"Please, I beg you, don't hurt my daughter; I can't lose her either."."I will do anything you want, but please, please don't hurt her". Dad kept on begging that devil; he smirked and turned to me. He gave me a hard look. before turning to Dad.The inferno boiling inside me, I could have sworn, would burn him to the ground with only his ashes as his remains.
"You ran away with my money thinking I wouldn't find you, right?" I was a bit confused by his words; I didn't understand what he meant by Dad ran with his money."Did he have trouble at his office?" I muttered to myself. but he didn't say anything about it. I was quietly looking at both Dad and the intruder, trying so hard to make head or tail of what was going on.I thought we had left New York City to forget the past, and, Mom, I thought we came to Boston to heal from the pain.
"I didn't run with your money, please; I was going to pay you back once I have your money. My wife's sickness drained us of everything we had, and yet we couldn't save her. I can assure you, sir, I will get your money, please". Dad pleaded with him, but his pleas fell on deaf ears as he looked unmoved and unflinching by his tears.
"Where exactly are you going to get the money from?"
His eyes wandered around the room, and I read the disgust written all over his face. He looked at our apartment with disdain, and I wouldn't blame him either; the apartment didn't look like much. It was more like a shithole."How exactly do you intend to pay me? I told you that no one crosses me; you can run but cannot hide from me, and I have come to collect my debt!" He barked at Dad, sending shivers down my spine.
That was when it dawned on me that the real reason we left New York was not to get a fresh start; we left everything behind to run for our dear lives. I didn't know how I felt realizing we were owing a ruthless man; the fact that we were actually on the run was one thing I wouldn't have guessed right if I was asked to guess.I couldn't blame Dad for borrowing money as he was doing everything possible to save Mom. I also didn't want to blame Dad for running either; no one would want to be indebted to this monster, but then again, I had no idea how we would escape the fate that awaited us.
"I will never dream of crossing you, but if you will just give me a little more time, I will get your money ready for you, sir". Dad tried reassuring him.He gave an evil smirk and walked right toward me."Please don't touch her" Dad pleaded, and he came close, towering above me like a high wall. He grabbed my jaw, turning my face from one side to the other as if he were examining me. I was scared as hell as I was standing face-to-face with the man, I later learned his name is Mace Hunter, the billionaire cartel leader of New York City.Mom's chemotherapy milked us dry, and our family finances depleted in a matter of months. Dad became so desperate and determined to save his wife that he didn't think twice before borrowing from the devil himself.
"I'm not going back without my money, and since you can't pay it back, I will just have to take my pound of flesh."
I didn't know why the sound of taking his pound of flesh didn't just settle with me. I had only met him for a few minutes, but I knew he was definitely up to no good.
"You have a beautiful daughter here," he said, smiling. Dad was busy shaking his head and pleading on the ground. I didn't move or say a word as tears kept flowing.
"I will take her as mine; consider that payment for your debt". He finally announced it, looking directly into my eyes. I couldn't hold his gaze as his eyes bore more resemblance to a beast than a human.
"No, no, no, not her," Dad begged him, struggling to free himself."Take me instead; she has nothing to do with this"."Oh, but she has everything to do with it. Have you not heard of the sins of the father visiting the children?" He stooped down, whispering into Dad's ear. I could swear he was enjoying the whole scene. I wondered if he had a heart or just a hole."Please, just take me instead; she is just an innocent little girl.""And of what use will you be to me?"I watched on with tears in my eyes as Dad escaped from the grasp of the people holding him down. Hitting him in the balls with his knee"Matilda, honey, I'm here".Dad rushed towards me but was yanked off mid-way through getting to me. Mace Hunter has grown angry and impatient; he can no longer take my dad's fuss. He took out a gun and pointed it at my head."Shut up and keep quiet. If you as much as raise a finger, I will blow her brains out!" He barked at Dad.I could hear my heart racing so fast, and the tears kept flowing so freely. This was my closest contact with a gun. I have never been at gunpoint, but I believe it wasn't an experience I would want to re-live.Dad kept mute and didn't utter a word as I cried; he placed his palm on his lips so he wouldn't make a sound and also lose his daughter. Mace Hunter walked towards me, the man I dreaded and hated the most.
"Dennis, you are no fun; let's play this game the other way around. Matilda Hoult, you can end all this. I don't want to kill you or your dad, but I wouldn't mind doing it if you don't do as I say".I looked at him with bloodshot eyes as he kept smiling as he spoke."Come with me and become mine as payment for the debt owed, or I will kill your father". He acted as if he were giving me options, but I knew he was just playing mind games with me; he was determined to take me, and there was no going back.I stood in the middle of a room filled with light, and yet it seemed everywhere was pitch black. My whole world was coming to an end, and my dreams of a sweet, tender lover sweeping me off my feet were collapsing right before me. Is this what I get?
Then again, my dad's life was actually at stake.
While I was still in a dilemma, a knock came at the door, and Mace Hunter hid his gun behind him and signaled his men to open the door while also being alert.One of his mean-looking guys opened the door, and I was shocked when I saw Grace standing at the other end. I died and woke up seeing her standing at the door while smiling.
I thought of many ways to warn her to leave, but I knew what would happen if I tried crossing him. I know we might not all live to tell the story.
"Tilda, I forgot to give you this best friend bracelet that I bought earlier today". Grace said as she walked into the sitting room.I tried to put up a smile."Oh! Thanks Grace You can leave it on the counter; I will look at it later". I quickly replied to her while trying to discharge her before Mace changed his mind."Don't you like the bracelet?"
"Of course I do, but you should get home now. Is it not too late for you to be outside?"Mace sat on the couch watching as I tried to get my best friend out of our apartment. I can't have the two most important people in my life in danger. The devious bastard smiled as he told his men to shut the door. Grace was still bewildered at what was happening and who the men were."Now, Tilda, where were we before the intrusion?" he asked, chuckling mischievously."Come now, Darling, what is your response? Should I put an end to your dad's miserable life and your best friend's too, or would you accept to pay off the debt by accepting my proposal?"
I stood there in pure dismay and dilemma."Perhaps we should help her make a stand, fast". he said to his men.He grabbed Grace by the neck and was choking her; her face turned red, her eyes were almost bulging out of their sockets, and she was struggling to breathe. I couldn't believe how far he could go just to get me to accept his ridiculous proposal. when I couldn't stand it anymore.
"I accept your proposal; just don't hurt them, please". I screamed, and he immediately released Grace from his grasp.
"No... No... No... Matilda don't". "Please, Sir, just take me and leave my daughter". dad cried.He smiled and signaled his men to take me away."Please allow me to say my goodbyes before you claim me". I begged him, but my pleas fell on deaf ears as his men dragged me out."Nooooooo Matilda! Dad kept on screaming my name".Grace couldn't make heads or tails of what was going on, but she sure knew she wouldn't be seeing me anymore. I could see both of them on the floor, screaming and crying as they were held down.I kicked and hit the man dragging me away in vain. He opened the limousine car door and put me in there. I tried fighting my way out to help my dad, but he pinned me on the seat as he fastened the seat belt."Nooo!! ........., Dad...........!!" I kept on screaming. "Calm down, sweetie; I could think of many things I would like to do to you". He mocked me. I sat down quietly sobbing in the car with my mind running wild. I knew it might be the last time I ever saw Dad. I was more concerned about him falling into depression from losing Mom and me, Then I looked up and Mace had a bitter grin on his face. I kept on wondering what this devil wanted from me, how I could escape from him, and what he was scheming. What he said kept on playing on my mind and sending a cold shiver down my spine. I knew
Just the thought of me being all lovey-dovey with Mace Hunter after the horrible experience I had with him made me want to puke my guts out."He isn't that bad, you know"."He is Ray; could you change the topic please, because this one is making me sick"."Wow, alright if you say so".We were still discussing when we heard a knock on the door, and then the door opened. I was a bit relieved when it was not Mace who entered, but one of his men. "The boss said you should get her ready to move", said the man who walked in. I was frantic, and I looked at Ray immediately to get answers from him."What is he talking about? Where exactly is he Moving me to Ray?" I asked a bit anxious, while staring into the eyes to get answers. "Calm down, Matilda, it's nothing; we just need to introduce you to others since you are new, that's all".I don't know why I felt that Ray didn't want me to freak out, but I knew something was not right."I will be waiting at the door". Ray said with his head slight
He turned almost immediately, Ray and I looked at each other, and he continued feeding me."You have a hell of an appetite for someone who has been unconscious for three days," Ray teased me.All I could do was smile, and I laid down to rest.* * * * *"It has been one week now, and your healing is just fine, Tilda," Ray said, sounding so concerned."I don't know if I should be glad or maybe I should go into mourning," I replied, wearing a depressed look.Ray has never left my side since I woke up; he spends most of his time with me, telling me stories and trying everything he can to make me comfortable. It felt as if he wanted me to forget the real reason I lost consciousness, but how could I, when I knew the kind of fate that awaited me?How can I forge ahead as if nothing happened? I prayed each day that I should have remained unconscious or even dead rather than face the cross that Mace is about to dish out to me.Ray has been avoiding the topic, trying his best not to mention it,
She placed a plate right in front of me, and the aroma of a nicely prepared meal saturated the room. It brought back memories from the past; it smelt like mom's cooking, and I remembered how she hums songs in the kitchen while preparing meals for the family and her beautiful smile. I wished things remained that way. Then I wouldn't have met this devil sitting right in front of me. I suddenly remembered the day I found out about her cancer, the day I came back from school and met her in the kitchen preparing dinner. Where she found the strength to still prepare dinner that night made me wonder if she is from this world. She has superhuman strength and a good sense of humor; even on her death bed, her smile didn't fade, and her light didn't go dim.* * * * *"How was your day at school?" mom asked"It's school mom," I replied as I made my way to the kitchen. She smiled and rolled her eyes at me. The aroma from the meal she was making hit me, and believe me, it was divine."Go freshen u
I woke up early in the morning to the whistling and bustling of some birds outside my window. I rubbed my eyes for a while, as though to rub away any remnant of sleep still lurking behind them. I sat up on the bed and stretched myself for a while.I'm so happy this morning. I guess my dream the previous night was doing wonders this morning. I dreamt I was no longer in this house and I was free at home with Dad and Grace, having breakfast, talking, and laughing. It was my first dream in this God-forsaken house, and I loved every bit of it."Oh, how I wish it could be true, though." I glided off the bed and danced around the room for a while. I went to the window to open it, and I leaned on it, sticking my head out to take in some fresh air while enjoying nature. I danced back into the room, preparing to shower, when a knock came on the door. Before I could say a word, the door opened instantly. I sometimes wonder why they bother to knock since they would open the door anyway, even when
"What is wrong, Tilda? I have been calling your name for a while now but didn't get any reply. Realizing it wasn't Mom, after all, I cried even more. My ticket to freedom is not even real. I thought it would be my last day in this miserable world."Did something happen? Why are you crying?" Ray asked as he rushed to my side."Ray, my whole world has come to an end," I said amidst tears. The tears flowed freely like a river."Tilda, tell me what happened." I tried explaining to Ray the bomb that Mace had dropped on me this morning, but the pain and heartbreak I felt were beginning to choke me up. It wouldn't let me say more than three words, and I began sobbing again. Ray gathered me in his arms, and I rested my head on his chest while crying to my heart's content. After what seemed like forever in his embrace, I raised my head from his chest, and he loosened his grip on me, and I dried my eyes.I knew he would be confused, wondering why I was shedding tears, so I told him of Mace's pr
As I stood at the door waiting for one of his henchmen to take me to him, a lot of thoughts ran through my mind. I just couldn't put my mind at rest."This way," one one his men said, startling me back to reality. I heaved a sigh and followed immediately as he led me into the study. He opened the door wide, bidding me to enter."He is waiting for you," he said. I gathered the last shred of confidence I had and walked right through the door. I felt as though each step I took closer to him was taking me closer to my doom, yet I couldn't run from it. The man who led me inside didn't enter the study with me; he shut the door immediately, and I became apprehensive.I turned to look at the door, contemplating bailing, but I had decided it was time I faced my foe head-on. As I walked into the room, he was sitting at his desk looking through some documents. It was a bit dark in the room with only the table lamp on. I wondered why he would be working in the dark, but then I remembered how dark
I couldn't sleep; I kept tossing, turning and thinking about the events of the previous day and the fact that I had to marry a Capo, whatever that meantI remembered when I came across a post on Mace Hunter. It was actually the first time I heard about him; the media described him as one of the most sought-after bachelors in New York and the Heir to Hunter's global company. If only they knew the real Mace Hunter like I have known him these few days. Maybe they will stop reporting lies.I saw many comments online, mostly from women, praising him for his good looks and wealth, and many wishing to marry him but if only they knew he was more of a beast than a man.I also thought that he was handsome, and I had some pictures of him downloaded on my phone. that I left behind what seemed like a lifetime ago. I turned from one part of the bed to another, trying so hard to rid my mind of Mace.I thought about my decision and wondered if I had made the right one. I began racking my head, trying
MACE'S POVI had so many thoughts running through my mind as I raced up the stairs. I prayed so hard, but it wasn't what I was thinking. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to her.I was in disbelief looking at her standing like an avenger with a gun in her hands and Sarah lying down dead beneath her. I never thought Amorino could fire a gun, but here I am looking at the very impossible staring me in the face.I ran towards her, took the gun from her, and handed it over to Ray.I looked her over before hugging her. I was glad she was okay and even happier that we both saved our son together."Amorino, are you okay?" I asked, peering into her face."I'm fine; where is Vey?" she asked immediately, looking from me to Ray."Vey is fine," Dad replied. She quickly ran to him and grabbed him from his hands, hugging him so hard."Mammy!""Mammy is here, Vey," she said, smiling at him."Hold on, were you going to accept this crazy bitch proposal?" S
MACE'S POVThose very words were what I had been waiting for this whole time. I paused immediately when I heard Ray say he had found the bitch. I let out a devilish grin because I knew what I had in store for that mad bitch.She had taken more than she could chew. If she had messed with me, I would be lenient, but you mess with my family, and I will send you to the afterlife in pieces."Where?" "Right under our nose."Tilda jumped off the bed while hurriedly heading to the door"Honey, where are you off to?" Mom asked her. "To get my son!" She screamed, her voice filled with pain."Amorino," I gently called her; she didn't answer, nor did she glance my way. I touched her shoulder, and she turned towards me."I promise to bring our son home; I give you my word," I reassured her, looking her in the eyes while patting her hair."Mace, I want to bash that weirdo's head in for causing me pain.""I will make her pay for all the pain and misery she has caused
MATILDA'S POV"Ma'am, is everything okay?" Martha asked immediately, she rushed into the sitting room. I sat down, mopping like a fool, still unable to process what was happening. I began feeling dizzy, and the whole room was spinning nonstop in my eyes."Ma'am," she called yet again, but I was slowly losing sense of my surroundings. I heard her beckoning on the guards to come, but before I knew it, I had lost consciousness.I opened my eyes, but the light was too bright. I shut my eyes, but I could hear Sergio and Mace arguing over God knows what. I managed to open my eyes, and I tried a little harder to keep them open as my eyes adjusted to the brightness of the light."Darling, you are awake?" I heard Ana's voice. I followed the voice only to see her seated on the chair next to the bed.I was a bit confused about where we were and what was going on."What happened to me?" I asked Ana. I tried getting up, but Ana held me down."Honey, please stay put." I
MATILDA'S POV"Keep it wet; we will make Lavey's sister when we get back," he whispered into my ears, and I giggled like a teenage girl.We quickly rushed our bath; we were running out of time, and the last thing I want is grace nagging my ass. We prepared to leave for dinner. I came downstairs to find Lavey and her nanny all dressed up. She was on the phone when we came downstairs, but quickly put the phone away when we showed up."You guys ready?" I asked the nanny."Yes Ma'am" Mace took Lavey from the nanny, and we set out for dinner.Our little adventure in the shower delayed us a little bit; when we got to the Castillo's, the room was already packed. It was a lovely sight to behold; there were no outsiders in attendance, just family. Sergio, Dad, and Ray were having a hearty conversation while the ladies were laughing over something Kimberly said."There they are," Ana announced, all smiles. I hugged Kimberly while Mace was busy speaking with Pearl.
MATILDA'S POVI brought my hands to my mouth in awe; I couldn't believe my eyes. I never expected that he could be this sentimental. I guess being a father comes with some changes."It's beautiful," I said, smiling at him as he held me in his arms."I wanted to give our prince the best," he said proudly.It is the best nursery I have seen. There was a beautiful white baby bed at one end of the room. The wallpapers were so beautiful. I couldn't get my eyes off the drawing of a lion's head and the family motto written boldly on the wall."A lion?" I asked Mace while pointing at the drawing."Yes, Amorino, we need to always remind him that he is a hunter," Mace replied while kissing my hair."Of course," I said, rolling my eyes."Do you think Lavey would love it? I painted the room myself," he whispered.I was a bit surprised to hear he did all this by himself. I brought his hands close to my lips and kissed him."He will adore it," I said to him, and I went
MACE'S POV "What lady?" Ray asked, giving me the What the heck are you talking about Look. I read the room and didn't ask any further questions."You got this, right?" I asked Ray, pointing at the building."Get the hell out of here, tell Tilda that I will be right there."I quickly entered one of the cars, leaving Ray behind to clean up the building.I got to the safe house. Jumped out of the car the minute I turned off the ignition. I ran into the house frantically in search of Amorino. I met Ray's mom in the hallway, all smiles."You made it, Mace, this way," she said, pointing to one of the rooms at the end of the hallway.I opened the door to see Mom seated next to Amorino on one side of the bed, while Grace sat on the other side."Ocean!" mom screamed. I went over to Amorino; she looked a bit worn out, but I was glad she was ok."My love here is our son," she said, holding our peanut wrapped in colorful clothing. I couldn't contain my joy when I s
MACE'S POVI rushed to the torture room, where I found Dad seated. I told one of our men to lead Dad into the room and away from Ricci's minions. I came closer to see a dead body lying on the floor. I guess one of Ricci's fools thought he could kill Dad seeing he was wounded. I went over to his side; he was losing a lot of blood. I got more worried. What pained me most was how to explain to Mom that Dad got hurt. Why would he take the bullet,"It should have been me," I kept whispering to myself.I fished out my phone from my pocket to call a doctor, but my dad wouldn't let me. He grabbed my hands, looking me straight in the eyes. I could tell the amount of pain he was in."Don't," he said."We should get you a doctor, dad.""I'm fine, ocean; the bullet just grazed my skin. Patch me up or get our men to patch me up, and I will be good as new." I was lost for words, looking at my old man asking to be patched up the old-fashioned way. I sometimes forget he
MACE'S POVI was still at the study sipping a glass of whiskey while Dad had his face buried in a piece of paper he was holding. I didn't bother checking what he was reading because I had a lot on my mind.I couldn't get the thoughts of Amorino off my mind. I was missing her badly. The picture of her sleeping soundly in her lingerie kept playing in my head. This is the first time she is sleeping outside the house after we got back together. I was fighting the urge to go get her. I knew I couldn't bring her home just yet, not when the baby could pop out any day from now. I can't give her the attention she needs right now, and besides, Francesco won't go easy on her if he ever finds her.I need to put an end to this shit as fast as possible. I was still lost in thought when Ray called me. I looked up to see Kieran standing next to Ray."You're here," I said, looking at Kieran. He nodded."I heard how things went in Italy," he said.I smirked, pointing at
MACE'S POVI woke up the next morning to the beeping sound of my phone. I checked the time, and it was 5 a.m. I pulled my fingers that had been buried under my pillow out and got off the bed to prepare. I had some scores to settle this morning. It was time to rain blood on Ricci and his minions. I warned that fool that I might be my father's son, but I'm not my father. I was already prepared to leave, but I was checking out my outfit when Ray called to inform me that he was downstairs.I turned to the bed to find Amorino still soundly asleep. I didn't want to wake her, so I wrote a note on a piece of paper and placed it on the bedside table where she could easily find it before leaving. I came downstairs to see Ray sitting comfortably while munching the last bite of the cornflakes on his plate."Making yourself at home," I asked him."What can I do?" he replied, wearing a smirk."Besides, I need all the strength I could get, you know."I wasn't ready f