Punishment

Emma's POV:

"Hey! Stop her?!"

I heard One of Leonardo's men cry but I couldn't lose focus. My heart racing with fear.

I needed to get out of here and free my father and sister.

I spotted a fence and made a run for it. My adrenaline kicked in.

I grasped the cold metal, lifting myself. As I reached the top, a gunshot sliced through the silent night, I froze.

I glanced back; the garden was now filled with the silhouettes of men and they were catching up with me.

I jumped off the fence, my ankle twisted in a jolt of pain. My hands throbbed as I dropped to the ground. I bit back a cry. Curses echoed from the men behind the fence.

I'd rather die than go back to that shit hole.

A streetlight illuminated the area as I limped away, trying to increase my pace.

A long trail of cars followed right after, but I hid between the shrubs. I knew they were on the hunt for me.

I limped through the deserted streets, my eyes fixed on the familiar outline of my home. As I turned the corner, I saw the shadow of my father closing the window. My heart swelled with relief.

I took a step to go in before I noticed men coming out of our house in hurried steps.

Parked outside our home were black cars, their tinted windows reflected the faint moonlight.

My instincts screamed that they were Leonardo's men. I froze, my mind racing with fear.

I hid in a nearby corner, holding my breath as I waited for the men to leave. Time ticked by, very slowly. My heart pounded in my chest, my senses on high alert.

A bright light suddenly filled the night, illuminating the street as shouts erupted. I stumbled out of my hiding spot, my eyes fixed on our home and my heart skipped a beat.

The house was engulfed in flames, the windows shattered, and the door hanging off its hinges. I felt gut-punched, my palm slick with sweaty. My mind went numb as I raced toward the house.

"No!" I screamed, my voice hoarse with desperation.

I covered my face with my hands, my eyes scanning the windows for any sign of my family. Where were they? Were they still inside? Our neighbors were all outside already.

I tried to rush into the burning house but the heat was intense, forcing me back as the fire service men held me in place.

"Ma'am you can't go in." He said holding me tighter.

"Noo. My father and sister are still in there. Let me go!" I screamed, my voice lost in the cause of weeping. "I have to save them!"

But it was too late. The house was consumed by the fire, and I was dragged away, helpless and screaming.

"Unit 27 is already gone. The fire spread too quickly." The words from the communicator stilled me instantly.

Firemen rushed out carrying stretchers with bodies badly burnt and moving towards the ambulance.

"Unit 27, a man and a woman." One of them shouted to the other taking notes as they pushed it into the ambulance.

I rushed towards them in panic. This can't be happening.

I saw my dad just now. This body was burnt beyond recognition, it can't be him. I hugged the burnt body tightly as they tried to push me away from it but I held on.

Tears ran down my face as quickly as the rain. My shoulders shook as I engulfed myself with my grief.

I slumped to the ground. A hand grabbed my arm, pulling me back. I struggled against the strong grip.

In a desperate bid to break free, I sank my teeth into one of their arms.

The man yelped in pain and slapped me across the face. I stumbled back, my vision blurring.

Leo stepped out of the car, his eyes blazing with anger.

"You idiot," he spat, slapping the man who had hit me. "I warned you not to touch her. She's mine to punish."

The man cowered, clutching his cheek. "S-sorry, boss."

Leo's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes burning with fury.

"Take her to the car," he ordered, his gaze stern. "We'll finish this at the mansion."

The men closed in around me, their grip like a vice. I struggled and kicked, but it was no use. I was dragged away, helpless and terrified, as the burning house faded behind us.

As soon as we got into the mansion, I was dragged by me, and my shoulder slumped as I was pushed forward. Leo paced around the house his eyes dark and unreadable.

I rushed to him as I was dropped to the floor.

My palms reached forward, and with everything in me, I smacked him across the face.

His eyes widened with shock and fury. I could hear the men gasp but I didn't care anymore.

That wasn't enough to bury my family alive.

My fist pounded on his chest. "How dare you! You killed my family." Tears ran down my cheeks as I loosened my grip on him.

"Why? Why didn't you punish me? Why did you do that to my father? They did nothing to you!"

"I punish silly girls. You belong to me, your family died because of you. This is a warning!" He pushed me,e and I stumbled back; I had no strength to fight. I so much hate this man. I wish to slit a knife down his throat.

He pulled out a gun and removed the safety. The sound of the gunshot stilled me, he bent and picked up the bullet.

"This bullet will be in your brain the next time you touch me." He moved away.

" Take her to the basement. Keep her there till I say otherwise. And keep an eye on her."

Two men led me down a dark hallway and opened the door. Before I could say a word, I was pushed inside and the door was locked, followed by the fading footsteps of the men.

I could barely make out anything as the room was pitch black. Grief caught me like a wave, and I finally let the tears fall.

I curled into a ball, alone and shattered, my eyes shut tight. If only I hadn't been stubborn, my family would have still been alive. The guilt tripped me up.

I yearned for the sweet release of death, but sadly, my journey had just started, and I vowed to Leo down with me.