Chapter 4

Alison

I stared at Damien in disbelief.

“You heard what I said.” His voice was cold, and his eyes distance. “Take off those clothes.”

“I can’t.” I replied. “I don’t want to…”

The cold calculating looking on his face faded, and a smirk popped up. “Do you think I want to fuck you?”

I didn’t say anything I just stared at him.

He chucked. “You’re not my type, Alison.”

I noticed as he pulled out a red dress, handing it over to me.

“Wear it or I will have to strip you down myself, and drape it over your head.” He said.

I collected the dress, and Damien gave me a warm look. “Good girl.”

“If I do this would I leave this place?” I asked ignoring his words.

“Do you want to die?” He asked in a casual tone.

I shook my head.

“Then stop asking questions. You have one minute to get dressed. I will be waiting in the car.” He walked away leaving me alone, as I held the dress.

I hated the fact that he was doing this.

I got dressed quickly and when I got inside the car I asked Damien the same question.

“I need to be reassured that I would get the freedom I need.” I said as Damien started the engine.

“I’m not holding you captive. In fact you should be glad you’re here. I’m your protector remember.”

“You claim to protect me but in reality you’re just using me.” I said In a shaky tone.

“Shows you’re priceless.” He replied. He was being corky, and that added to my frustration.

“You’re stuck with me Alison.” His voice sounded final. “And I’m not going to let you get killed.”

He focused on driving and soon we arrived at the location. It was an elegant restaurant with sliver chandeliers, and golden chairs that were spread out.

“This,” Damien said, pulling out the damn watch that put me in this mess, “is your mission.”

“Seriously why does everything I do have to do with this watch. What’s so important about it?” I asked hesitantly.

Damien’s eyes narrowed. “Your job is not to ask questions, Alison. Your job is to follow orders.”

I nodded.

“All you have to do,” he continued, “is deliver the watch to the buyer and collect the money. It’s a simple exchange. Nothing else. Do not complicate it.”

I nodded again.

Damien’s jaw tightened, as he stepped closer. “There’s something I need to warn you about. When you meet the buyer, do not—and I mean under any circumstances—let him touch the watch until you have the money in your hands.”

He paused, his intense gaze boring into me. “Do you understand me, Alison?”

“Yes,” I whispered.

“Good, I’m glad you understand,” he said, but then his face darkened, his lips curling into a dangerous smirk. “Because if you fail this mission, I’ll end you.”

My breath hitched, he looked so terrifying as he spoke.

“Now go,” Damien ordered, handing me the watch.

I clutched it tightly, my hands trembling slightly as I stepped away from him. His voice stopped me mid-step.

“Alison.”

I turned back.

“I mean it. Do not screw this up.” I looked back at him and nodded.

“The man’s seated there.” He pointed to a seat close to the window.

“Are you the one who texted me?” The man asked as I approached him.

“Yes,” I replied, forcing a smile.

He gestured to the seat across from him. “Sit.”

I obeyed, my grip on the watch tightening.

“Well?” he said, leaning forward eagerly. “Show me the masterpiece.”

I pulled out the watch. His eyes lit up as he muttered under his breath, “Alberto… this will change everything.”

He extended his hand toward it. “Let me hold it.”

“Not until you show me the money,” I said firmly, remembering Damien’s warning.

The man frowned but nodded, reaching for a briefcase by his side. He placed it on the table and began to unlock it. My heart pounded as I waited, but then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw him—Aiden.

He stepped into the restaurant and beside him was Mabel, her arm looped possessively through his.

My heart sank. What were they doing here?

I couldn’t tear my eyes away as Aiden guided Mabel across the room. They seemed so… intimate. My stomach churned as Mabel leaned in and kissed him.

“Excuse me,” the buyer’s voice cut through my thoughts, but I ignored him. My attention was locked on Aiden and Mabel.

“I best be on my way,” the man spoke up again. “I don’t think I want the watch anymore.”

“What?” I snapped back to reality, turning to face him.

Before I could react, he stood and walked away. I looked down at my hands, and realized the watch was gone.

No. No, no, no!

Damien’s words echoed in my mind, and I felt a cold sweat break out over my skin.

Moments later, I spotted Damien heading in my direction.

“Where’s the money?” he asked.

I stammered. “I…I looked away for a second, and he—he took the watch—”

Damien’s eyes darkened, and before I could finish, he grabbed my arm and yanked me toward the exit.

“You’re going to regret being born,” he growled, his voice ice-cold as he started the engine.

He looked scary, his corky nature was gone making me frightened.

The drive was reckless, the car swerving dangerously as Damien sped through the streets.

“I gave you simple instructions!” he shouted, slamming his hand against the wheel. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, tears streaming down my face.

“Sorry?” he barked. “Sorry doesn’t bring back the watch! Sorry doesn’t fix this mess!”

I clutched the edge of my seat, praying we wouldn’t crash as he sped down the dark roads.

When we finally arrived at the mansion. He stepped out of the car and barked an order to the guards stationed outside.

“inform Hugh that the plan was a flop.” He said to the first guard.

“You,” he turned to another guard. “Prepare the red room and take her there.”

“Damien, wait—” I began, but he cut me off with a sharp glare.

“Not another word,” he hissed. “You’ll speak when I allow you to.”

The guards grabbed my arms, pulling me toward the mansion as I struggled against their grip. “Damien, please!” I begged, more tears streaming down my face.

He didn’t respond, his back to me as he followed closely behind.

When we reached a door, one of the guards pushed it open, revealing a dim room with crimson walls and lots of tools and devices.

“Leave us,” Damien ordered, his voice echoing in the room.

The guards released me and stepped out, shutting the door behind them.

I turned to Damien, my body trembling. “Please, Damien, I didn’t mean for this to happen—”

“You didn’t mean for this to happen?” he repeated mockingly.

He grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. “Do you know what happens to people who fail me, Alison?”

I shook my head, tears streaming down my cheeks.

“They suffer,” he said coldly. “And you’re no exception.”

For a moment, his grip on my chin tightened, his dark eyes searching mine. Then, he let go, stepping back.

“I’m not unreasonable,” he said. “I’ll give you a chance to fix this.”

I looked up at him, hope flickering in my chest. “I’ll do anything,” I said desperately.

He smirked. “You’ll have to. Because if you fail me again…” He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. “You won’t live to see another sunrise.”