Chapter Two

Dario stared at the man in his clutches with bloodshot eyes while the others watched in fear; trembling like little children. At this moment, this man had a fifty percent chance of survival because Dario Pavel was as deadly as a viper; ruthless to the core.

“How can they move if they are still tied?” He asked them. “We spent lots of money on these women and you want them to die before they even serve their purpose.”

“Sorry boss.” The man said as he struggled to breath.

“Sorry will not rectify your mistake. Untie them quickly” Pavel replied as he freed the man in his clutches.

“Yes, boss” the others replied at once; obeying his orders instantly. The helpless women staggered out of the container as soon as they were freed but one them was too injured to move. Laying lifelessly on the cold floor of the container, she whimpered; calling for death to take her away. Pavel walked up to her and felt her pulse. It was weak as death was listening to her silent prayers but Pavel was not ready to let her go.

“What happened to her?” Pavel barked.

“Japheth should know better, boss.” One of the men answered fearfully

“Let Japheth come to me right away!” Pavel shouted and soon, Japheth was standing beside him.

“You called for me, boss.” He said politely.

“What happened to her?” Pavel asked calmly.

“Nothing much, boss. She became ill after I bedded her.” Japheth said with a mischievous grin plastered on his face.

“You bedded her without my permission.” Pavel’ tone was changing by the minute.

“She is too beautiful, I couldn’t resist.” Japheth smirked with lust in his eyes. “You should try it too, boss. I promise you won’t regret it. She is as sweet as she looks.”

“How old is she?” Pavel replied with a question.

“Nineteen. She wanted to be a singer or model.” Japheth bellowed with laughter.

“So, you not only bedded her but you also tied her up with the rest of the women despite knowing that she was ill.” Pavel said; glowering at Japheth, making him realize that he had committed a grave mistake.

“I have done this before boss so what so different about this one?” Japheth asked with a quizzical expression.

“Do you want to know the difference, Japheth?” Pavel asked disdainfully as his hand hovered around his back pocket with a known intention.

“Yes, boss.” Japheth replied casually but Pavel was not joking. He grabbed his handgun and put a bullet through Japheth’s head, taking him into death’s hands immediately.

“The difference is that she got you killed, Japheth.” Pavel snorted before walking back to the injured girl. He carried her and placed her lifeless body in the hands of his most trusted aide, Saga. “Take her to my quarters and call the doctor immediately. She must not die.”

“Yes, boss.” Saga said and rushed the girl to his master’s quarters.

“Clean up this mess and make sure Japheth’s body is fed to the wolves.” Pavel directed his other men before leaving.

***

Dario Pavel walked into his bedroom; dim lighted and adorned with grotesque shadows that sent chills down the spine of all who visited it for the first time. Finding that girl had been bathed and all her wounds cleaned and bandaged made Pavel happy. He approached her and saw that she was fast asleep, prompting him to feel her temperature.

“She has a running temperature. Has the doctor checked on her yet?” He asked Saga as he removed his hand from the girl’s brow.

“He is taking too long to arrive.” Saga replied.

“He had better come here fast or else.” Pavel said in a threatening tone.

“Don’t be angry, Boss. Let me try to contact him again.” Saga said before leaving the room. Pavel eyed the girl intently. He could not help but feel the urge to save her time and time again. He was about to sit down beside her when a heavy pound on his door abruptly diverted his attention. One of the servants went to the door and opened it only to find one of his father’s loyal men standing in the doorway.

“Why did you come?” Pavel asked the man as he walked to the door to meet him.

“Young master, your father and my master requires your presence.” the man said with utmost respect.

“Why did he suddenly call for me?” Pavel was forced to ask.

“That he didn’t say.” the man replied with his head downcast. Pavel took a sympathetic glance at the girl and turned to the man instantly.

“Fine, I will come with you.” He said, gesturing to the man to go out with him, leaving the maidservants worried. They knew that their lives would be jeopardy if the new girl did not survive.

***

Meanwhile, back in the Women’s quarters, Kedade, Pavel’s special escort was in a merry mood. She gulped down her drink and replenished her glass, grooving to the beat of disco music with the other women when Lusha, her closest rival came in with back news.

“You’re here drinking and Master is thinking of replacing you.” Lusha jeered.

“Dario could never do that, Lusha.” Kedade replied with a chuckle.

“Things are different now. I saw Saga taking the new beautiful girl into master’s room. She is unwell.” Lusha said, determined to add fuel to the fire.

“That must be it then. Pavel is kind; he must have called a doctor for her. He did the same for me.” Kedade responded with awe as she lovingly thought of Dario Pavel.

“That’s true but he certainly didn’t kill anyone who molested you?” Lusha said with a tone of mockery “Pavel never restricted Japheth from having any women he liked but today, this one girl led Japheth to his death.”

“Impossible!” the women chattered.

“Lusha, what nonsense is this?” Kedade said as a spark of jealousy was ignited in her.

“Keep thinking that its nonsense until the girl finally takes your place.” Lusha said before walking away, laughing hysterically.

“Lusha must be lying because she envies me but I must find out the truth.” Kedade said, immediately.

***

Pavel gave his father a light hug and sat down to talk as he smoked a cigarette to keep him calm. After all, talking to Lorenzo Pavel was not a simple matter.  

“What brings you here, dad?” Pavel asked as he poured wine into a glass, giving it to his scary-looking father. The man was well built with a full grown moustache. He had a lot of experience when it came to the business and the ugly scar on his brow was all the proof Pavel needed to know that Lorenzo was a tough man.

“I heard that you single-handedly killed one of my loyal men. Japheth was good at his job and you know that very well.” Lorenzo hissed.

“He jeopardized the business.” Pavel said, trying to remain calm.

“How so…?” Lorenzo asked, giving his son a suspicious look.

“He messed with the most beautiful girl we have and left her to die. We have spent a fortune on these girls; incurring losses is not a priority.” Pavel replied with confidence this time.

“This girl, how beautiful is she?” Lorenzo smilingly inquired.

“….very beautiful; young and vibrant. She is asset to the empire but we may lose her.” Pavel answered with awe.

“You have always had a keen sight for beautiful and precious things. You must save her life then.” Lorenzo said, grinning from ear to ear. “I'm proud of you. You’ve started taking this business seriously. I didn’t know a day like this would come to fruition.”

“I have always taken the business seriously. I just hate playing hide and seek with Police Enforcement.” Pavel answered with a shrug.

“You have always hated such games as far as I can remember.” Lorenzo said, laughing heartily.

“The Police are after me so, laying low will be convenient. Maybe a trip to Mum’s house for a month or two will do.” Pavel said.

“What if you're caught?” Lorenzo spoke in a cold tone.

“…on what charges? Those dimwits have nothing on me. Besides, I have terminated the threat. I heard that Japheth’s sketch was done recently.”

“Are you telling me that Japheth died for another reason?” Lorenzo asked in a shocked tone.

“I kill two birds with one stone. You should know that by now. But I don’t want the others to know why he died. They will be scared if that happens.” Pavel responded; beaming profusely.

“Are you this heartless? You always seemed so sweet.” Lorenzo remarked, clearly impressed with his son.

“An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Isn’t that what you always say?” Pavel twittered.

“Undeniably true but don’t get too carried away. You need these men and their loyalty.” Lorenzo cautioned his son.

“I hear you loud and clear.” Pavel replied smilingly.

“I will leave now. I hear Kedade has some complaints to air out.” Lorenzo teased his son. “…..women and their insecurities….”

“Is that why you abandoned mum?” Pavel asked.

“I loved your mother but she was a different seed; so softhearted and an enemy to my cause.” Lorenzo replied with a sigh, an expression of regret was pervading his face.

“What is your cause, Father?” Pavel asked on.

“I get nervous when you ask such questions.” Lorenzo said, coming back to his senses.

 “You don’t have to answer my question but you must let me groom the new girl.” Pavel said.

“Just tell me the truth. Do you want her…?” Lorenzo asked.

“Your line of thought isn’t far from the truth but business comes first.” Pavel responded meticulously.

“You can only have one woman by your side.” Lorenzo told his son.

“If I have to choose between them, I choose the new girl.” Pavel replied hastily.

“I didn’t know it would be this easy for you. Kedade’s fears have come true in one day.” Lorenzo remarked.

“Kedade knows the rules of the game but the girl is totally oblivious to what we do here. She needs someone to groom her.” Pavel answered immediately.

“That is a valid reason but Kedade won’t understand that.” Lorenzo said

“Kedade must understand that nothing lasts forever.” Pavel countered his father’s argument, making the man grin with pleasure.

“It’s true what they say. Dario Pavel has no heart.” He said.

“There is no room for emotions in this business. You taught me that, remember?” Pavel responded with a smirk.

“I am glad you grasped the concept religiously.  Goodbye for now, son.” Lorenzo said, bidding his son farewell. Pavel returned to his bedroom and found that the girl had woken up. She gave him a subtle smile as she tried to suppress her pain but he could see right through her pretense. Pavel walked up to her and sat down on the bed, taking her temperature once again.

“Who are you?” she stammered blankly.

“You’re awake.” Pavel said, entirely ignoring her question. “How do you feel?”

“Sore…” the girl replied with a frown on her face.

“It looks like it was your first time. I pity you.” Pavel remarked.

“What was…?” the girl asked, obviously clueless about what he was talking about. Her voice was low that Pavel had to lean in to hear what she was saying.

“Mm, you coming here.” Pavel answered tactfully as he poured some water into a glass, giving it to her.

“Thank you.” the girl responded beamingly.

“I have to go and arrange for your dinner. Hopefully you will get stronger after eating. It doesn’t look like Japheth fed you….” Pavel said as he eyed the girl apologetically.

“I don’t know who Japheth is but I'm really hungry.” She said, making Pavel cackle.

“I’ll be back.” Pavel responded smilingly.