Chapter 4: Bargaining Power

"Four million pounds." Diego owed Juan only two million pounds, but he needed money to get by for a while. He knew that the money was a spare change for Dominic. It was also spare change to Juan but Juan was very prudent and money conscious. He did not dispense money easily as Dominic did. One could even say Juan was a miser sometimes.

"That is a lot of money you're asking for," Dominic whistled, sitting straight in his seat. "It's just a beautiful girl."

"A beautiful girl that your rival wants who can potentially make him close to billions," Diego replied. He knew that the mention of Dominic's rival would spur him to make the purchase.

"Valid point but I can't pay that high," answered Dominic. "It is too high."

"Anything lower than four million pounds is low," countered Diego with a smile.

"I can always get her if I want to, without your help."

"We've agreed that what I told you was worthy so either with my help or not, you are meant to pay me."

"I can decide not to pay you," Dominic grinned. "And there's nothing you can do about it. Absolutely nothing."

Diego knew exactly what kind of man Dominic was and he was prepared on what to do... Or rather say since he knew the situation would end up like this. "I guess that is why people will always prefer Juan Moreno. The man keeps to his word, unlike you who is nothing but a—"

It was the second time Diego was getting his head slammed into a table that day. A ringing sensation disturbed his brain and ears, together with a feeling of intense pain. However, it was worth it because he could predict the exact words Dominic was going to say. The words he has needed to hear since the start of the meeting.

"You smart bastard," came a growl. Dominic turned to his men. "Get him the money and I don't want to see him again. I'll take care of getting the girl without his help. After all, she's naive."

Diego smiled in triumph, wishing he had thought of the deal sooner.

*+*+*+*+*+*

"I brought Chinese food," Diego grinned at Arya. She stood by the kitchen sink clearing it up. There were broken alcohol bottles around the counter and several cups of instant cup noodles that had been eaten and thrown carelessly. She had been too exhausted the nights before so she had not done any chores. The moment she came home and saw the pile of work, she decided to do it there and then so she could feel at peace.

Annoyance coursed through her veins at her stepfather's presence. She had been enjoying the tranquillity of being home alone and had hoped it would be one of the nights that her stepfather did not sleep at home.

"That is nice," she simply mumbled. She did not want to have any conversation with him but most times, he did not shut up.

"For the two of us."

"Oh?" Arya wondered why her stepfather was being nice to her.

Since her mother had died, every form of friendship from her stepfather was pushed aside by Arya who is considered suspicious. The first time he had been friendly with her, he had tried molesting her but she was able to escape. However, it was not so for the other times; he succeeded.

Her mother had come to Italy for a holiday one summer and then had met her father. Finding security in the man, she found no need to go back to the States until he was killed in a massacre.

A year later, her mother had met Diego who at first seemed to be perfect. That was until his excessive drinking and gambling habits came to light only it was too late as they and already been married. Arya's mother had never liked the idea of divorce so she told herself that she could endure all the pain and torment he inflicted on her and one day, was rushed to the hospital.

When Arya's mother had been brought out of the hospital, she was not alive.

"I'm not that hungry, I'll pass."

Arya hated collecting things from her stepfather as he always made sure she paid it back in ways she hated.

"Hey, come on! Don't be a spoilsport." He brought out a pack of food and dropped it on the kitchen island. "I'm offering you something for free, accept it."

Arya was hungry as she had not eaten a single thing that day. She glanced at the food plate and back at her stepfather.

"I don't want anything in return," he rolled his eyes. "Go ahead and eat."

Diego had received the sum from Dominic and had thought to treat himself for a job well done. Then he decided he should treat the daughter of the pretty bitch he had married also. After all, she was the one that made him his millions so easily.

He felt proud of himself for keeping her around him.

"Let me finish my chores first," she said.

He waited in the kitchen, watching as she tidied up the sink and then moved to the floor. She took her time in completing her chores to discourage him from waiting for her but he seemed relentless.

"You are done, so join me in eating," he said. "Do you want to microwave the food?"

She shrugged and then microwaved it.

"Thank you," she mumbled, after taking a bite of the food. It was so good.

"How would you like to live in a mansion Arya?" Diego asked. "And leave that waitress job of yours. It'll be nice eh?"

Arya shrugged. "I love working."

"What if you could still work?" And live in a mansion?"

"That will be nice I suppose," she shrugs, finding the questions suspicious. "Why do you ask."

"Maybe your wish can come true," he grins at her.

"Did you win the luxury?"