28 ~ A Devil In My Hell

Brinda

“This is a toast to a victory well deserved. I'm proud of you both. And note that, you both are free to ask me whatever you want.” Francesco winked at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. 

I knew what his intentions towards me were but I won't give in. Instead, he would pay for his sins.

We clink our glasses and we all gulped the contents down our throats. We finished eating and Bullet presented the crypt key to Francesco whose eyes widened in surprise. 

“Now, the time I have been waiting for has come.” Francesco's voice was lower than we spoke, his eyes danced around the box as he collected it from Bullet. 

It felt as though it had been his life's longest and biggest dream. Only time will tell. He has achieved his aim already and so will I achieve mine. 

He tapped my shoulder gently and I shifted my head to his direction. He stared at the box for some time before he stretched his hands towards me. 

“Take it.” He ordered, his gaze commanding and unrelenting. 

I also stretched out my hands towards the box but I moved it slowly, careful not to fall into his trap. I don't know what he has in mind. It might be a rest. 

When my hands finally grabbed the box, I felt a cold burning sensation around me. I raised my eyes to look at Francesco who blushed at me.

“I'm trusting you with this. Make sure you keep it as much as you tried to save your mother's life a month ago.” He said, letting my expression drop drastically. 

I knew he said that on purpose to provoke me but I remained calm. 

“I mean it!” He added with authority as he gently pulled his hands away. Then, he made his way to his room. 

Bullet gave me a ‘what the hell just happened' look as she parted her hands, demanding for answers. 

When evening arrived, I walked into Francesco's room only to be welcomed by the thick smoke from heavy smoking. I used my right hand to blow the hazardous waste around my face away.

“I want to reach somewhere, Francesco. I will be right back.” I told him while I looked away. 

“You are free to go. Anyway… is that your request?” He questioned. 

“No!” I stated. Whether I am to live or die, we will engage in them together. I can't leave now, I must see to it that you cross to the other world before I leave your miserable life.

I nodded my head and headed towards the door until his sleepy voice stopied me. “Don't stay too long outside. Also, the name is Don and not Francesco.” He corrected me. 

As I trudged away from the room, a deep sigh escaped my lips, weighed down by the exhaustion of dealing with his callous attitude. 

The familiar streets seemed to blur together as I made my way to the apartment — A place that once resonated with warmth and laughter, now a haunting reminder of all that I had lost.

Stepping into the living room was like stepping into a time capsule. My eyes landed on the photos of my mother, Sarah, and her bright smile pierced through my chest like a dagger. 

A wail tore through my throat as memories came flooding back — The laughter, the tears, the countless moments we shared. It was as if the past was replaying before my eyes, taunting me with what could never be again.

Grief and anger swirled together in a toxic storm, fueling my resolve to make Francesco pay for his cruelty. 

My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms, as I vowed to send him to the depths of hell. The pain and anguish simmering beneath the surface threatened to boil over, but I channeled it into a cold, calculated determination.

When I was done, I slid into the kitchen, my movements swift and deliberate. I opened a cupboard, revealing a small, unassuming box — slightly larger than the one that safeguarded the crypt key. 

With a practiced hand, I transferred the crypt key's box into the new container, closing it with a soft click. The box was one of many I had used in the past for clandestine missions, its innocuous appearance belying its true purpose. I returned the box to its hiding place, my mind already shifting to the next phase. 

With a sense of finality, I locked the main door behind me, the metallic click echoing through the stillness. That's when I heard it — A low, smooth voice that sent a shiver down my spine.

“Brinda.”

The voice was unmistakable, its familiarity stirring a mix of emotions within me. My heart quickened, my senses heightened as I turned to face the speaker.

I guess the visit was over. 

I locked the door as soon as I stepped out of the house. It was then I heard a familiar voice from behind. “Brinda.” 

“Mr. Desmond, what do you want?” I asked without turning to look at him. 

“I have a new mission for you.” He hinted. “You can get a lot of money this time. Trust me on this.” 

I turned slowly to his direction, my eyes stagnant on his face. “Did I tell you that I look like a hired killer?”

A mischievous smile played on his lips. “It's gonna be worth thousands of dollars. Think about it.” He concluded shortly before he walked away. 

What an offer but… I can do anything. Even if I get the money, what will I gain from it? Nothing! In as much as I'm still in Francesco's clutches. 

Poor me. 

I adjusted my black leather purse carefully on my shoulder as I made my way into Francesco's living room. My jaw dropped after seeing Bullet seated watching a TV show. 

“What the hell are you doing here, girl?” I asked, though mocking her a little. 

“To be frank… I requested for two days off from Don.” She responded by spreading her arms in the air. “By the way, he wants to see you.” 

“Who is that?”

“Now, don't play dumb. Who else would want to see you? He is in his room. Good luck. And ensure you ask for something beneficial.” 

My breathing grew rapidly as I walked through the empty passage to Francesco's room. My sandals slapped against the polished marble floor. 

As I entered Francesco's room, I met him seated with his legs spread aside as if inviting me to sit in between. “I'm here.” 

“Yes…” He paused before he returned the cigarette in his mouth. He puffed the smoke into the air and I stopped my breathing. “I'm gonna go to the… bathroom now… and you can tell me your request, okay? I don't mind playing dirty with you.” 

He stood from where he sat and stumbled to where I was. He touched my face slightly and tried to peck me but I moved back. 

“No worries. There is still a lot of time left for us to enjoy. Get me some chilled water before I return.” He slurred his words, his speech barely intelligible. 

He made his way to the bathroom, almost tripping over his own feet. “I'm okay!” He bellowed with laughter, his voice echoing off the walls. 

Quickly, I opened the fridge and served some water as he requested. I looked left and right to be sure no one was watching as I emptied the last grinded bottle I had left into the water. I shook the glass cup for some time and smiled before I dropped it on the table. 

After five minutes of tapping my foot endlessly on the floor, Francesco found his way out of the bathroom muttering some words. He had a towel wrapped around his waist. He left other parts bare. He staggered to sit across the table – Opposite me. 

“What do you want, Brinda?” He asked. His words were slow and irritating. I did not respond. He smirked and gestured to me that I should pass the water to him. 

I picked up the glass and crossed to his side. “Here it is.”

“What do you want, Brinda?” He asked again, delaying me whether purposely or not. 

“My freedom.” I let the cat out of the bag. “I just want to leave. I hate you. Seriously, I hate you!” 

He snatched the glass from me. In the process, the water spilled on his chest. His hands shook uncontrollably for some moment. 

I gazed at him with an unwavering look. Then, the sound of a shattering glass from beneath me made me look down. Francesco has crushed the glass with his hands. 

His eyes blazed with an unholy desire, the flames of his gaze scorching my skin. “You will obey me,” he growled, his voice low and menacing. “Body and soul.”

I recoiled, my heart racing with defiance. “No!” I spat, the word torn from my lips without thought.

He chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine. “You should tremble with fear,” he whispered, his breath hot against my skin. “I will shatter you, piece by piece, and then... I will remake you in my image.”

I shook my head, my rage boiling over. “No!” I screamed, my voice hoarse with emotion.

He leaned in, his eyes burning with an otherworldly intensity. “You're addicted to me,” he whispered, his words dripping with seduction. “And I'm addicted to hurting you. I'm the devil in your hell, and you're the angel in my darkness. But in your eyes... I see my own destruction.”

I snarled, my anger and fear mingling into a toxic brew. “Yes, I'll destroy you!” I screamed, my voice echoing off the walls.

He smiled, his lips curling up in a cruel smile. “Before that happens,” he whispered, his breath hot against my ear, “let me show you the true meaning of pleasure and pain.”

Nevermind Francesco. You are trapped and I am the only one that can give you freedom. You will come begging and I will crush you forever.