CHAPTER 2
Her head ached.
She opened her bleary eyes and tried adjusting to the dimness in the room.
Oh! Her head.
She groaned and tried touching her head, but discovered she couldn't. Her hands were tied. Whaaaat??
She shifted and more things dawned on her. She was sitting on the floor. What the hell???
Conniption gripped her immediately. Where was she?? Who brought her here?
Oh! She could recall the gunshots, and the men barging into her room and making her pass out. Who the hell were they?
"Hello?" She called, her voice wavering.
Somehow, she could feel she was in danger.
The door opened slightly and a strange face popped out. It was more like he just wanted to see if the young lady was awake as he closed the door immediately.
"Hey! Who are you? Let me out of here!" Nina called out, but there was no response.
She moved uncomfortably and tried freeing the ropes, but it was clearly impossible. Clearly impossible.
Her heart raced fast.
Shortly, the door opened again and this time around, there were three boys in all - two were brightly garbed, while the other dressed in black.
The two stopped by the door, while the one in black proceeded towards her.
Despite the dimness in the room, Nina could identity an extremely handsome guy when she sees one.
He was tall, elegant, graceful walking steps, and eyes that portrayed.... darkness.
With each step he made, Nina could feel her heart throb.
Finally, he got to where she was and dropped to a crouch in front of her. And that way, Nina could have a clear view of his face - his cold but handsome face.
She couldn't explain the way it made her feel; the darkness, the cuteness, they all seemed to blend.
But then, with the rugged look of his, she could tell he was dangerous and something in his eyes said he wanted to hurt her.
"Nina Cyphers" he finally called in a groan, his icy eyes on her; eyes that looked like they've never seen warmness in their entire life.
"I've been waiting for this day for long now". He added and Nina shivered inwardly.
"What do you want with me?" She swallowed hard.
"Do you need money? Name your price and I'll pay you double. Just let me go".
His lips moved into a smirk - an evil grin.
"Dear Nina" he touched the tip of her hair. "No amount of money can set you free from me. You're part of what I want and have always dreamt of. You'll be playing a major role in my revenge mission".
Nina's eyes dimmed. Revenge? What revenge is he talking about?
"I don't even know you" she stuttered. "What revenge are you talking about?"
"Of course, you wouldn't know me" he chuckled. "but I've known you for years, Nina - because you're the daughter of my greatest enemy"
There was a thud. What?
Suddenly, her eyes caught the gold chain on his neck. The pendant...it had the image of a dragon on it and the sight made her terrified.
No. The fire squad. He couldn't be part of them, right? Of course, no way. He couldn't be part of them.
"Where's your father?" He asked and she swallowed hard and looked at him.
"I... I don't know" she answered.
"You're lying to me".
"I'm not!" She yelled - out of fear tho.
"He's out of the country and I haven't seen him in days - I swear".
Silence descended as he stared at her face with scrutiny.
Then, he let out a grunt and lifted her jaw.
"Tour father thinks he's smart, right?" He scoffed. "he thinks he can go free from me by going into hiding? Well, he's very wrong. Let's see how he would react when his daughter becomes my slave".
Slave? That was the word that hit hard at Nina.
"What're you talking about?" She furrowed her brows. "I'm nobody's slave".
He yanked her hair hard immediately and she almost screamed.
"Listen carefully, Nina" his voice was rasped, her hair in his hands, drawing her closer to his face.
"I should've killed you right away, but I chose not to. And for that reason, Nina Cyphers, you're mine. Your mind, your soul, and most importantly, your body.
"My name is Jericho and from this day on, you have become my property; my slave. I'll do whatever I want with you; and you, Nina, will only live to please me. Your life is for me, and so is your breath. If you ever disobey me, I'll punish you severally. Do you understand?"
Nina's scalp was already burning as she whimpered painfully. She's never been treated this way in her entire life - never.
"I said..DO YOU UNDERSTAND?".He spelt out the words and she nodded tearfully.
He let go of my her hair, pushing it roughly and she winced.
"You'll refer to me as your Master" he muttered and stood up.
Hold on... Master?
How can she call him Master?
Tears pricked her eyes as she stared down at the floor, unable to look at him.
She couldn't bring herself to cry in front of anyone.
"David!" He called without stress and one of the boys from the door ran towards him immediately.
"Yes Boss" he bowed.
Jericho fixed his eyes on the whimpering lady on the floor for sometime before speaking up.
"Have her cleaned up and brought in to my room in 30 minutes time" he passed the order and left.
David - the guy who was assigned to Nina - untied her hands and lifted her from the floor."Come on" he said gruffly and started walking away with her, and she just followed like a sheep would to the shepherd.They left the room, walked down a corridor and walked into another room. It looked more arranged, a bed, neat floor, wall mirror. It looked more arranged and sooth Nina's taste a bit. At least, she found it preferrable to that thing she had been in some minutes ago."Go to the bathroom and shower" David said gruffly. "There's a night dress in the closet when you're done".Nina was frightened. Oh, Christ! She needed a way out of here.She turned towards the bathroom, but suddenly stopped and turned back to David."Name your price" she said nervously. "I promise, I'll pay you in double. Just get me out of here - please".
When she was done dressing up, she returned to the bedroom and David took her to the Boss' room. Jericho's room.On their way, Nina kept looking around, wondering where she could possibly be.Could it be far from her basement? Or somewhere cldle? And where was her father, anyway? Was he looking for her?Of course. He should've been informed of the scandal at the place already and was probably looking for her already. Oh! She really needed to get out of here. She had to.She came across some boys and the thoughts started dawning on her bit by bit. Jericho was definitely a gangster, but her greatest fear was him belonging to the fire squad. Oh! She'd never be able to bear it. Never!She was almost panicking. How on earth would she be able to survive it?Finally, they got to the "King's" room and David - after knocking on it - opened the door and led her in.
"Really? Over your dead body?" He snorted as he walked towards her. He grabbed her chin hard and made her face him. "Don't make me angry, you slave!" His eyes were burning red.Nina could see the darkness in his eyes. He was going to use her. Use her to lure her father.Nina eyes watered as Jericho pushed her to the bed.Oh! He was going to use her. Going to sleep with her. Going to be his slave. Rather, sex slave. Isn't it?Why was she involved in this?Nina sniffed as she saw Jericho come towards her with ropes which he took from a drawer.What's he going to do? Nina creased in thought. He was going to tie her while he have his way.Finally, a tear came out from her eyes as she struggled to get down from the bed but she was caught by Jericho."Don't try to escape." He snarled and pushed her hard to the bed before climbing on it and stayed on top of her.
Nina walked downstairs with the maids. When she got to the sitting room, she saw Jericho with some boys. He was smoking too.He turned when he noticed her presence and summoned her to come closer.Nina limped forward to him while the maids went back to their duties. The boys with Jericho laughed, seeing her the way she walked to them.She rolled her eyes at them and said, "Bastards" with so much hatred in her voice.She just hate this place. She hates Jericho. Everything that has to do with him.Jericho heard the word and arched his brows at her. "You don't insult my people." He snapped."Like I care." Nina retorted as she got to him.Jericho pushed her down to her knees and played with her hair."Guys, she's my sex slave from this moment. Tell others about it. I don't want anyone to touch her without my permission. Is that clear?" He introduc
Nina was taken to the torture room and was left there alone.She panicked. What has she done? Why did she disobey him? She shouldn't have done that mistake.Minutes later, Jericho came in with David. What's really his relationship with David? Perhaps, he might be his assistant or something.Nina's heart skipped a beat as she saw Jericho go to the other side of the room and brought out a long whip.Oh! He's going to beat her to death?"Please, I was just feeling weak and hungry. I couldn't find the maids around. So, I had to come downstairs myself." She tried to explain but it seems Jericho isn't buying that.He got to her and bent down to her size. He stared at the fearful and tearful ocean blue eyes of hers.He smiled evilly and said,
Her body trembled as she saw Jericho staring coldly at her. He wore a hoodie.How did he know she was here? Why would he come here? So many questions ran through her mind. She gulped and looked away."Alicia, i think I'm in trouble. Jericho is here. He's going to kill me when we get home." Nina panicked.What if he knows what she told Alicia?"The leader is here? Where?" She tried to look back but Nina stopped her."Don't look back. See, just go. I don't want to put you into trouble. Just go back to class carefully." She told Alicia."Seriously, I can't believe you're so afraid of him.""I should be. Don't you know who he is?" Nina's eyes never left Jericho.Alicia was so eager to turn back and see who the guy Jericho is. She gently stood up from her seat and traced Nina's gaze.He saw h
Chapter 9Nina got into the second car with Jericho while the boys took the first car. Her heart skipped so many times.What's waiting for her at home? She heaved a sigh which made Jericho stared at her.He watched her for some seconds. His eyes roamed slowly on her body. Her brown hair was long, brown eyes and perfect lips.Her lips were plump and kissable. He shook her head slowly and looked away. He shouldn't be imagining what it feels to kiss her.No, he shouldn't.They got home and came down from the car. He walked inside and hastened his steps to his room.Nina on the other hand, walked slowly, dragging her feet on the tiles. She got to Jericho's door and glanced.Should she go in or not? No. He didn't ask her to come in now. Nina gulped and sat on her bed just as she got to her room."What's my fate right now?" She asked herself.
Oh! She shouldn't have been Jericho's slave. She'd make her life miserable. She doesn't want to see any other girl apart from her alone.She belongs to Jericho. No one else. She owns him. She only can tame him, take care of him and love him. Not Nina.Wait! How did she become Jericho's slave? Huh?She got to the bed and grabbed Nina by hair, waking her up with her horrible voice."Bitch!" She yelled."Hey! Will you stop that and stop grabbing my hair." Nina snapped and yanked her hand off her hair.What the hell? Why will she grab her hair like that? Just like that? No, she doesn't take nonsense from people."You're Jericho's slave? Since when did he start having slave? And how that f*ck did you get into his life?"Stacey fired, glaring hard at Nina who care less."You should ask him that question amd not me. He has the reason for making his slav
Tears of joy rushed down Nina's face as she nodded vigorously. She was super excited!She couldn't contain her joy as soom as Jericho slipped the gold ring into her middle finger.She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately before checking out her finger. "Oh...I love this, Jericho! I do!!" She kissed the ring on her finger while Jericho stared at her with a bright smile on his face.**"Ahhhhh!!!" Alicia screamed as soon as she entered Nina's room and they both ran into each other's arms."He proposed!!" Nina cried as she jumped up, showing off her fingers to Alicia whose mouth dropped opened at the beautiful sight of the ring."Geez!! Oh Nina...I'm so happy for you! When you told me last night over the phone.... I couldn't just sleep! I've been so excited." Alicia said excitedly."Thank you bestie,I wish
You?" Nina gasped. It was beginning to make sense!! Before anyone could stop her,Nina ran forward with her hands like claws as she grabbed Valerie's neck crazily. "Where's is my baby!! Where did you take her,you thief!!" Nina screamed madly, fighting Valerie."Let go of me!!" Valerie cried.Jericho rushed and dragged Nina back into her arms, trying to pacify her. "Calm down love."Valerie scoffed, rearranging her hair. "I do not know what you are talking about! What baby?""You still have the guts to deny,huh!!" Nina yelled, trying to break free from Jericho who held her tightly to himself.The head police,Mr Quentin stepped forward. "You will have to go with us to the station ma'am. All of you."Valerie looked at him and scoffed. "I'm not going anywhere,me man! I have a baby to take care of!" She snapped at the man.
Valerie rushed in and looked around. Joe could she have forgotten to lock the door?She was really certain someone had been there.Then she took notice of the missing baby stuffs she'd left on the bed and knew there was fire on the mountain.Hurriedly she left her room and went round the house but couldn't find Rita."Where the hell did she take my baby to?" Valerie asked angrily and took out her phone, dialling Rita's mom's line.**Rita finally got to the hospital she'd seen on the TV then stopped one of the nurses. "Can I speak with the head doctor here?""And you are? Does the doctor have an appointment with you?" The nurse asked."I have an important message to pass. I think I have something hltnsr might help him." Rita said nervously and the nurse scoffed with disbelief."Are tiu selling something?, Just go aw
"My baby... Meredith..!" Nina called restlessly from her bed although her eyes were still closed.Jericho was confused on what to do next! He was damn too confused.**Valerie smiled evilly as Janet met her at their agreed location with the baby wrapped into a white shawl.They were both inside Valerie's car beside a free and clear road at the outskirt of the town."What are you gonna do with her?" Janet asked.Valerie look looked at her. "I don't think that should be your concern. I'm gonna give you the money right now and after that you know what to do next. Disappear."Janet nodded. "I know. Stop making it look like I'm disappearing out of the world. I still insist on knowing what you will do with this baby." Janet asked again.Valerie stared down at the baby as she began to stir inside the shawl. "I will think about that on my o
Valerie got to her room and locked the door behind her. She quickly picked the call before it could cut off."Hi, Janet?""Valerie. The lady gave birth not long ago." The Janet lady said from the other line.Valerie's heart skipped. "Good. A girl?""Yeah. What are you planning on doing now?""I'm planning on doing anything possible to destroy that witch! She thinks she can have the last laugh? Huh! That's not possible!" Valerie vibrated."Calm down and tell me what to do next." Janet said lowly and Valerie swallowed."She must not take that baby home. I want her kidnapped. Immediately." Valerie says, glancing back at the door to be sure no one was listening."You remember our deal,right? I give you the baby and you give me my money ASAP." Janet said from the other line."I know! That's what we agreed on. How soon can you get h
Jericho was not a bit surprised. He was ever so ready for this news. So ready.He looked up at the doctor. "I will take my leave now. And thanks." He added abd left the hospital.He got in front of the doctor's office and thought about what to do about Valerie then choose not to say anything to her till they got home.He returned to her hospital room and met her packing up her stuff.Jericho walked over to the baby's cot and looked down at his face. "He's cute."Valerie smiled at the comment. "He is. Just like you."Jericho scoffed and looked at her. "Just like me? He doesn't look like me." He replied.Valerie stared at him abd nervously looked away. "I'm almost done. Are you taking us home now?" She quickly asked, trying to change the subject."Do I have a choice?" Jericho asked with a smirk on his face abd wal
"What happened,Nina?" Jericho asked again."Someone said something wield about Valerie."A course mate of mine back at the university told me she's a girlfriend to one of his friends,Nick. Is it possible.... befriending a pregnant woman?"Jericho stared on at Nina. "Nick? I know Nick.""You do?" Nina asked."Yeah. She claims he's her ex. Are they still together?" Jericho was stunned."Leo said so. I couldn't believe him either.""Am I really the father of the child?" Jericho asked no one in particular."There's only one way to find out." He added.**"So happy for your dearie! He looks so cute!" Nancy cooed as she carried the little pink creature in her arms.Valerie half smiled as she stared at the baby. Nancy looked at her and rolled her eyes.
Nina's eyes widened as she stood up on her feet with wobbling feet. She wanted to faint. The news was overwhelming!"Oh my God....thank you Lord!" Alicia gasped and hugged Nina who was still speechless.The nurse who delivered the news turned and left while the two still stood there, catching their breaths."I...I...can't face it." Nina suddenly said and Alicia looked at her. "I can't..""Why? You've been waiting for him to come out of coma all these days. You've woken him up and now you don't wanna see him?" Alicia was confused."I.... almost killed him, Alicia.""But he's alive now,Nina! Come on. Let's go see him." Alicia said and took Nina's wrist pulling her along with her.**The doctor checked Jericho's palm as he rested his back against the back of the bed. His face was flushed as he stared around.
Nina's eyes widened as she stood up on her feet with wobbling feet. She wanted to faint. The news was overwhelming!"Oh my God....thank you Lord!" Alicia gasped and hugged Nina who was still speechless.The nurse who delivered the news turned and left while the two still stood there, catching their breaths."I...I...can't face it." Nina suddenly said and Alicia looked at her. "I can't..""Why? You've been waiting for him to come out of coma all these days. You've woken him up and now you don't wanna see him?" Alicia was confused."I.... almost killed him, Alicia.""But he's alive now,Nina! Come on. Let's go see him." Alicia said and took Nina's wrist pulling her along with her.**The doctor checked Jericho's palm as he rested his back against the back of the bed. His face was flushed as he stared around.