98. Manacled. Riley . -Rough texture of the makeshift pillow pokes against my back as I gaze out at the foggy window. I wish I could get up and clean the dust to steal a glance outside. I don’t even know if there are any trees around. Hearing the occasional honks and chatter of people, I can tell I’m somewhere in a city. But…If that’s true, why does no one responds to my pleas for help? Maybe there is no chatter, and I am imagining everything.The cold bites through the thin blanket I have wrapped around me, doing little to keep the chill at bay. Shivering, I clutch it tighter to find some warmth in the freezing room. The first night I gained consciousness, I thought it was a cabin. Only that could explain the wooden wall and ceiling with no color or polish on it. Then I realized it’s a half done house, a makeshift dwelling to keep me captive.A strong urge to itch the wound on my wrist takes over, and I wiggle in my spot to distract myself. I have been trying to relieve the pressur
AvengedRiley -Chill has seeped into my bones, making the simple task of removing my shirt way harder. My manacled wrist is to blame too. Scarlet wanted to help, but Tank dragged her out, throwing me an evil smirk. He knew no one would help and West didn’t care. The fact that he was right made me cry. I wasted quite some time sobbing and now my body is shuddering with cold. So fuckin stupid. I should use my head instead of sobbing like a child. The thought makes me cry harder.Shoving the worst thoughts away, I take several minutes to remove my clothes. Once I am done, the tshirt hangs near my cuffed wrist. I am tired, my eyes heavy with sleep. A strange sense of calmness takes over as I scoot towards a dry spot and lie by my side.“Nyet. Ne spi. Don’t sleep!” I hear Scarlet’s frantic voice as I drift in and out of my dreamy state. “Andrei!” she yells out. God… Why is she being so loud? She taps my face and I pull away from her, annoyed. “Andrei!”“CHTO?” someone snaps at her, mak
100. Past. Mikolaj . -Russia? This is implausible.“What are the chances that the location is incorrect?”“Well… If they used something to fake the location… We will figure it out. But the phone is off now.”My chest is constrained as I say, “Let’s figure that out before drawing the conclusions.” I don’t want to imagine what situation she is in right now. Raylan cuts the call as I turn my attention to her parents.“Was it about Riley?” Lena asks with a twinkle of hope in her eyes.“Her phone was switched on in Russia. We are figuring out how true that is.”“What?” she exclaims as panic spreads across her face. “Where in Russia?”“She doesn’t have a freaking passport. How will she exit the country?” Garrett cuts her. “It’s next to impossible for someone to reach that far after crossing borders in a freaking week.”Unless she tagged along willingly…Lena picks up her phone and presses it to her ear. Her expression quickly falls as she mutters, “It’s switched off.”“I have a team on th
Live Feed. - . Riley . - .“My parents don’t have money… and you know that,” I exclaim in disbelief.I guess I should be happy I know what his purpose is. I have been going mad wondering why he dragged and locked me up here.“That’s why I asked Jacob to help me out in the first place,” West says, making himself comfortable on the bed next to me.I stare at him as he pushes back his tousled hair. “So this is the noble cause you were talking about. It’s all about money, after all.”He shrugs, and I get off from bed to create some distance. This room is tiny, barely enough space for walking. With Ghost and West in here, it feels overcrowded. I glance out the window, lost in thought. I don’t even know what’s happening at home. Is Mikolaj still bothering my family with that non-disparagement agreement, while Mum and Dad are looking for me? Sometimes I wish I didn’t cause them trouble. Why can’t I just have an ordinary life?“I am hoping your boyfriend cares enough to send some cash.” “He
102. Call. - . Mikolaj . - .Gripping hard on the steering, I try to focus on road wondering what the fuck I am supposed to do. Learning everything about Reed’s past should be my priority.“When was the last time you heard about him or his so-called activities?” Garrett asks.I told him earlier that Reed has a reputation in Russia and my brother wanted me to deal with him. Antoni chose me because he wanted the hit to be discreet. Lena got inconsolable after that. She has her head leaned against the window on back seat. Garrett’s question brings her attention to us.“He attacked my car a month ago… We haven’t been able to trace his whereabouts since.”Garrett clenches his fist to steady his trembling hand and asks, “Will you be returning to Michigan today?”“No,” I say, eyeing him at the sudden change of topic. Honestly, what’s there to talk about when there is not much we can do. The realization is humbling and humiliating that we have no choice but to wait. “I will stay until I learn
103. Dark web. - . Mikolaj . - .Sitting alone in the dimly lit hotel bar, I am swirling my drink while gazing at the inky darkness spread outside. I am here craving some distraction. Her phone was switched off, and the message was never delivered. I know he will call and I am apprehending our conversation. What does he want? Money? If it was that simple, why did he wait a week? And how long will he take to respond?Sound of approaching footsteps interrupts my thoughts and I raise an eyebrow, noticing Philip accompanied by an unexpected face. I give them a slight shake of my head and their steps falter. I have not missed the watchful eyes following me this evening. Last thing I want is Natalie’s face plastered all over tabloids. It’s not bad enough how they have phrased my involvement with Riley. ‘Business Tycoon Entangled in Shocking Romance Scandal.’‘Romance with College Student Turns Mysterious for Mr Mikolaj’The Worst headline that came across my notice said, ‘Age-Gap Affair T
104. Party of sorts. - . Riley . - .The door swings open, and I flinch away from West. Tank strolls with an evil smirk as he eyes me from head to toe.“No one would mind if you taste her once again, you know,” he tells West.“Quit it, Tank! We talked about this.”He shrugs, handing a pouch. “You forgot this.”Grabbing the pouch from his hand, West jerks his head. “Leave.”Tank shrugs, licking his lips as he backs away. “Just saying… I know the temptation.”West locks the room as I am standing at my spot, unsure. Good thing I didn’t try my luck. I would have ended up in a worse situation than being cuffed to the bedpost.“I am a mere object here… A freaking property you can taste?”West ignores the jibe and comments, “It’s late. You should have slept.” “Yea, it’s that easy.”“You weren’t this chatty before.”Well, I was. Then I wasn’t. I was getting my cheekiness back before all hell broke loose on me. First Mikolaj and his stupid deal, and now this. “You are confusing me with Natal
Party of sorts - 2. - . Riley . - .I had asked West last night if he had contacted anyone, but he didn’t spit out a word either.“Why are you here, Tank? Do you need something?” Scar says as before I can ask Tank anything.“A blow job,” he says with a twinkle in his eyes. I know he is talking to Scarlet, but his fixed gaze at me pisses me off beyond no explanation.“Try that and I will bite it off. Then maybe shove it in your mouth,” I grit through my teeth.His face contorts with anger as he strides towards me. Scarlett rushes between us, creating a barrier while my fingers twitch to grab the knife on the counter behind me.“West won’t be happy if you create a mess in here.”“He isn’t my fuckin boss.” He snarls.“Even others won’t be happy. This is an important meeting, Tank. Please… Calm down.”With a jerk, he grabs Scarlet’s hand and backs away. “Join us for the party or die in the kitchen, but you cannot leave this area until the party is over.”“I was looking forward to attend
. - Riley - .“Lie down with me?”Mikolaj nods and pulls out his phone, typing a quick message. I watch him, feeling an odd tightness in my chest that I can’t quite understand. When he finally tucks his phone away and lies beside me, I turn onto my side to face him. It’s then I notice the slight hitch in his breathing, each breath rough and uneven, his face etched with lines of pain.“How bad are your injuries? Your liver?”“It’s fine. She was creating a fuss for no reason,” he says with an air of annoyance towards the stern lady. “My ribs are still a mystery. We will know more after x-ray.” His voice trails off, and I glance up at him, raising a brow.“And…?”“Nothing serious. I’m hoping it’s just a hairline fracture, not a full break…”“Sounds awful.”“Not that bad, trust me. I am just worried about how I will handle Jessie jumping around in bed.”I go quiet when I hear Jessie’s name. How things will be when I get back to my life. West could try to kidnap me again, or Maxim. Would I
. - Riley - .As they wheel through a dimly lit hallway, lethargy and dull pain wash over me like a heavy blanket. My back aches, my left arm throbs, and there’s something digging into my neck that’s becoming increasingly annoying.The stretcher carrying Miko pulls away from me and he protests, “Take us to the same room!”“No…” the medic who tended to us in the chopper says pointedly.“Oh, for fuck’s sake, it’s not a hospital!” Mikolaj snaps at her.“Our commitment to our work rivals that of an emergency room.” She claps back in a mockingly professional tone and I am wondering if I should laugh or be wary of her statement. “Plus, do you want to die of internal injuries?”“Yeah man… We need to make sure the person paying us doesn’t drop dead,” the guy with the dislocated shoulder croaks, eliciting a round of chuckles from the others. “I feel fine,” Miko mutters, sulking.“She needs some privacy, and you need an ultrasound.” With that, she rushes into a room with the man who has a bull
Ride. - Mikolaj - .“All clear.” The Merce ahead of me says after a quick sweep of the room. A brief glance behind tells me the man limping along with me is losing his strength. “Stay here and make sure no one comes from behind,” I tell him. We both know it’s unlikely—everyone in this building is either dead or incapacitated. Still, I would rather he conserve his energy than exhaust himself before the mission is over. We’re not safe until we’re out.“How is it going?” Raylan asks over my ear piece and I grunt.“Not sure if she is here,” I reply, keeping my focus on the bodies lying down. My urge to drill another bullet in each of their heads is strong, but there’s no point in disrespecting the dead, especially when it would invite more legal complications than we already have.“Fuck.”My heart hammers in my chest as I ask, “What?”“Yours is the only team having some action. Rest of the sites were… Not the one,” he says with a slight pause.Based on the analysis of the sunlight and
110. Rescue . - Riley - . My hands tremble as I grab the door handle and pull. It doesn’t budge. Did West come back, or is it just the seven of us under attack? A small part of me wonders if it's the police. I have no choice but to wait and watch my luck unfold. So I do that. I sink in a corner and flinch with each gunshot. Rapid sharp cracks make my heart jump as I realize someone is firing an automatic rifle. This can't be a rescue mission. Considering the chaos outside I will definitely die before the night ends. Chewing on my lips, I glance towards the bathroom and consider. I should try 911 again. My legs are weak beneath me as I tiptoe inside and lift the lid off the toilet tank. I reach in and feel the cold plastic of the phone. Next, I go to the mattress and lift the edge just enough to grab the folded piece of tissue that hides the unused pregnancy test. I shove the test into my pocket, promising myself If I survive this night, first thing I will do is take the test. My
. - Riley - .Thankfully, I am already on the move to put the toilet tank lid back on when Scarlett slams the door open.“What did you do?” she demands.“One of them grabbed me… I- I just reacted,” I say, reaching to flush, praying that the flimsy plastic bag somehow saves the phone.She nods, her expression unreadable as she turns on her heel. “Come with me.”Her silence makes my heart thump and I follow her down the hallway, my mind racing. “Scar?” I ask in a small voice.“You could have come to me!” she snaps. “Reed is trying to seal a deal with them, and the man you attacked is someone important.” She is quiet for a moment, breathing hard as she asks, “Seriously, tell me, are you seeking trouble for no reason?”“I am NOT!” I defend myself, my anger rising. How could she say that to me? “He was groping me. What am I supposed to do? Let him feel me?” “As long as he is not screwing you without payment, I don’t see a problem. Get down on your high horse and focus on keeping your head
. - Riley - .As West locks the door from outside, I turn and my eyes meet the stare of security camera, its red blinking light taunting me. Is Mikolaj really watching or is West just playing mind games? Doesn’t matter. I am pissed at both of them. West kidnapped me, but Mikolaj... He literally forced me to live with him so I would be miserable.“Does my misery make you delighted, Mr. Josef?” Slight shake of my head I add, “I fucking hate you… Hate that you used me to get your stupid revenge.” I know he cannot hear me, but if he could, would he even care? Turning on my heel, I stroll into the bathroom. As my hand grips the cold knob, the rage drains away, leaving the hollow ache. My emotions are a chaotic mess, bouncing between hurt and fury. I should blame the sex party West forced me to stay in. The atmosphere of lust and excess made my eyes bleed. Figuratively. Then he had the nerve to ask for a kiss. And the worst part… First thought that crossed my mind was how Mikolaj would re
Deal. - Mikolaj - .“They will try to squeeze you dry, Miko. This 10k stunt was just to put you at ease with the idea of spending money. I know you’re stressed, and this is why you need to consult others before spending any more money,” Raylan says as he pulls over in front of Camilla’s house. Apparently, paparazzi are still lingering around my house, hence Camilla brought her here.“I will also look for an expert who can advise us on negotiations. If they contact during the night—which we both know is highly unlikely—ask me or Camilla first. Don’t decide anything alone.”I’m too exhausted to show my annoyance. So I simply nod and grab my bag to walk inside. House is dark with a dim glow pouring from the laptop on dining table. Camilla is sitting there, clenching a tissue in her fist.“Camilla?” She closes the laptop and straightens her back.“Took you a while…” she asks in a strange voice.“Yea,” I reply, my eyes searching her face. She seems somewhere between upset and composed.“I
Ping. - . Mikolaj . - .Raylan kicks on the door, and with a loud thud it slams against the wall. I stroll inside and look around for the occupants. Then I see him. Victor glued to the couch, startled. “About time,” I say as he gets up and takes a run towards the door.Raylan blocks his way, pushing him back inside.“Wh- What do you want this time?” Victor asks as Raylan nudges him one more time as he stumbles onto the carpet.“Camilla told me about your polite comment a few hours ago,” I sneer at him. “We were curious what it meant.”After my meeting with Jacob and Natalie, I got an interesting call from Camilla and I took flight back here immediately. Since the website Jacob told me about is inaccessible, I am hoping to find some answers here. “I-I meant no offense.”The door knocks and Camilla’s voice comes through. “Are you guys in there?” Raylan lets her in and her eyes widen, seeing Victor. “Where the fuck are your clothes?” Then she frowns, her eyes searching for something. “
Party of sorts - 2. - . Riley . - .I had asked West last night if he had contacted anyone, but he didn’t spit out a word either.“Why are you here, Tank? Do you need something?” Scar says as before I can ask Tank anything.“A blow job,” he says with a twinkle in his eyes. I know he is talking to Scarlet, but his fixed gaze at me pisses me off beyond no explanation.“Try that and I will bite it off. Then maybe shove it in your mouth,” I grit through my teeth.His face contorts with anger as he strides towards me. Scarlett rushes between us, creating a barrier while my fingers twitch to grab the knife on the counter behind me.“West won’t be happy if you create a mess in here.”“He isn’t my fuckin boss.” He snarls.“Even others won’t be happy. This is an important meeting, Tank. Please… Calm down.”With a jerk, he grabs Scarlet’s hand and backs away. “Join us for the party or die in the kitchen, but you cannot leave this area until the party is over.”“I was looking forward to attend