Chapter 3

Alison

“Where are we going?” I finally asked, breaking the silence.

We had been driving for hours, heading down the path that led out of the city. I was beginning to feel uneasy.

The stranger’s  dark eyes flicked to me in the rearview mirror. “The Highlands,” he said simply.

“The Highlands?”  I asked.

“My home,” he added, offering no further explanation.

Finally we pulled into a long, winding driveway. Guards were stationed outside, and they bowed their hands when he stepped out.

“Damien!” A man called out walking in our direction, and I saw the stranger look his way.

‘So that was his name?’ I thought to myself.

“I thought you were dead,” The man continued. “You didn’t pick up my calls or reply to my messages.”

“I had things to handle.”  Damien said, in a firm tone.

The man’s brows furrowed. “By things, you mean a bimbo?” He jerked his head in my direction, his scornful gaze raking over me.

“The girl isn’t the reason I disappeared for days Hugh,” Damien replied evenly. “Our paths crossed by chance. Though, it turned out to be a good thing—she helped me get the watch.”

The man who Damien had referred to as Hugh looked shocked. “You must be kidding me!”

“I’m dead serious,” Damien said, his lips curving into a faint smirk. He turned to me, holding out his hand expectantly. “The watch. Now.”

I hesitated, but his piercing gaze left no room for argument. Reluctantly, I reached into my pocket and handed it over.

Damien held it up triumphantly, a victorious grin spreading across his face. He turned back to the man, whose expression softened into a matching smile.

“We’ve won,” Hugh said.

“Damn right,” Damien replied, the smirk on his face deepening.

Hugh slapped Damien on the back. “We need to celebrate.”

“Of course!” Damien agreed, his eyes cold as they shifted back to me. “Follow me,” he ordered.

I followed silently as Damien led me into the estate. The towering stone walls seemed to close in around me, and I couldn’t ignore the guards stationed at every corner. Each one bowed their head as Damien passed.

‘Who was this dude?’  I wondered.  ‘And why were they so happy about a watch?’

Damien stopped walking turning to look at one of the guard standing near the door. “Inform everyone to meet me at hall immediately. I have something important to announce.”

When we reached the grand hall, the room was filled with men who rose to their feet at Damien’s arrival.

“I have good news,” Damien announced.

“I know you all have been worried about my disappearance but I’m here to inform you that. It was all for a good cause. I have been able to get hold of the Santiago’s priced position.”

He held up the watch. “With this, we are about to crush our rivals.”

The room erupted in cheers, the men raising their glasses and pounding their fists on the tables.

I stood awkwardly at the edge of the room feeling out of place.

Where these people some gang of thieves?

Damien suddenly turned to me, dragging me forward with a firm grip. His touch was unsettlingly warm, and I hated the way my body stiffened under it.

“This is the woman who made it possible,” Damien declared, holding my arm up slightly.

“So tonight, my boys we celebrate, because victory is already ours.”

The men cheered again, some raising their glasses toward me. I managed a weak smile, unsure whether I should feel flattered or frightened.

Damien’s hand lingered on mine for a moment before he let go.

“Hey!” I called out to him, as I saw him walk away.

I had a lot to ask him and a lot to say. So I decided to follow him.

When I got out of the hall Damien was gone. It was like he vanished.

“You must be looking for Damien,” a voice said behind me. I turned to see a tall girl with redhead and blue eyes.

I nodded hesitantly. “Yes, do you know where he is?”

A sly smile crept across her face. “I can help you find him. Follow me.”

I followed her down a series of corridors. But when we reached a dark room. I felt weird.

“Where are we?” I asked, my voice trembling.

The girl's smile twisted into a sneer. “The dungeon.”

She waved her hand at the guards stationed at the entrance. “Leave us.”

The guards obeyed without question, and the moment the door closed, she turned on me. Grabbing my hair, she yanked me forward and slapped me hard across the face.

“So, you think you can waltz in here and take my place as the leading lady?” she spat, dragging me further into the dungeon.

I struggled against her grip. “I’m not here for that! I only came because of the watch!”

“Liar,” she hissed, her nails digging into my arm. “I know women like you—chasing after powerful men like Damien for their wealth and influence. But let me tell you something: he’ll never love you. Men like Damien don’t love. They use, and then they dispose.”

Her next words sent a chill down my spine. “He’s a member of Santos.”

My eyes widened. I had heard the name before—the infamous Santos gang, a deadly mafia group known for their ruthlessness.

“You should leave the Highlands,” she snarled, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Or you’ll end up like the skeletons behind you.”

She shoved me toward a pile of bones in the corner, their sight making my stomach churn. Before I could respond, she heard approaching footsteps, and she ran.

Moments later, Damien appeared, his eyes narrowing as he spotted me on the ground.

“What are you doing here?” he asked,

I winced, my cheek still throbbing from the slap. “I… I was looking for you.”

“You look like you got into a fight but that doesn’t matter. I have a job to do.”

I Ignored his words. “Are you the leader of the santos?”

“So the people have told you about me or did you go asking around?”

“I need to know if it’s true Damien.” I asked, not lifting my gaze off him.

“And they also told you my name.” He said.

“I want answers to my question. Are you really part of the mafia.”

He moved closer. His dark eyes weren’t so frightening as he leaned forward, placing his lips close to my ears.

“Disobey me and find out.” He whispered.

“I don’t mind taking the chance.” I managed to say.

“I wouldn’t be giving you that chance.” His voice rose. “Now, come you have a job to do.”

“I’m not here to work for you.” I said. “I don’t want to be involved with a mafia.”

“It’s too late.”

Before I could speak, he yanked my forward, dragging me into a  room.

“Strip!” He said after shutting the door. “Now!”