The room was filled with silence, save for the slow, deliberate sound of Hector lowering his gun. The bodies of Tara and Monroe lay sprawled on the floor, blood seeping into the wooden planks. The other men in the room stood frozen, their faces pale with shock. Hector’s gaze swept across them, his expression unreadable. Then, with a sharp exhale, he spoke. “You should all take notes,” he said, his voice cool and measured. “If anyone tries to betray me, they will pay with their life...no matter how important they are to me.” He took a step forward, his boots echoing against the silence. “Remember my rule,” he continued, his eyes darkening. “A life for a life. These two tried to take mine, and this is the consequence that has befallen them.” He let his words settle. “The same will happen to any of you if you try the same.” The weight of his words settled heavily over the room. One of the men, braver than the rest, swallowed hard before asking, “But… how did you know it was t
“I am alive.” The words left Ruby’s lips in a breathless whisper, her eyes wide with disbelief as she sat up in bed. Her fingers trembled slightly as she touched her face, her throat, her arms....everything was intact. She had been certain she would die. Her mind reeled, replaying the last thing she remembered—collapsing to the floor, gasping for air, foaming at the mouth. She had accepted death in that moment, had welcomed it even. Yet, here she was. She exhaled sharply, looking around. Hector’s bedroom. Again. The realization sent a shiver down her spine. She sighed, rubbing her temples. What she had done had been reckless. But it had also been necessary. She had gambled her own life, and for what? A chance. A mere possibility that she might get closer to her goal. If she had died, then so be it—her fate had been sealed anyway. But she had survived. And that meant something. She knew Hector well enough to know that if he had truly wanted her dead, he would
Hector stared at Ruby as he waited for her answers. "My heart could not bear to watch you die." She replied. His jaw clenched, his mind reeling. He narrowed his eyes, his voice low and dangerous. “What does that mean?” Ruby lifted her gaze, her eyes filled with intense emotions. “I know it sounds ridiculous,” she admitted. Her voice was soft, yet unwavering. “I know my place. I know I am nothing but a dog to you, a slave at your disposal. I know that.” She exhaled sharply, lowering her gaze for a moment before looking at him again. “But I couldn’t forget our first meeting. I mean...I haven't been able to forget our first meeting.” His brows furrowed. “Our first meeting?” She nodded, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. “I was under the influence,” she continued, “but that doesn’t mean I forgot. That day… what happened between us…the way you fucked me.....the things you did to me, even today...it’s still in me. It’s a part of me.” Hector inhaled. That first day, th
Eduardo stormed into the house with an energy that filled the entire space. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he scooped Selena off the couch, spinning her around. She shrieked with laughter, clinging to him as her heart pounded from the sudden thrill. "Eduardo! What’s going on?" she asked, breathless. He set her down gently but didn’t let go of her arms. His voice was thick with exhilaration as he said, “I just found out from a reliable source that Camila is dead.” Selena’s laughter froze. Her body stiffened, her wide eyes locking onto his. "What?" "Hector Morales killed her." Selena gasped, stepping back. Her hands trembled as she covered her mouth. "That mafia boss?" she whispered. "Is he really that ruthless?" Eduardo nodded. His expression darkened, his excitement shifting into something more serious. "You don’t understand, Selena. Hector didn’t just kill Camila—he wiped out an entire casino. And that place? It was practically owned by Don Gray." Selena swallowed
Ruby sat still, her mind racing. She had begged Hector countless times before, pleaded with him to let her go. Yet, every time, he refused. So why now? She raised her head, meeting his gaze. “Why the sudden change of heart?” Hector’s fingers curled into a tight fist. His jaw clenched, but he kept his voice steady. “Why are you questioning me?” Because it didn’t make sense. That’s why. Ruby stayed quiet, watching him. Hector exhaled and turned his back to her. Anger swirled in his chest...not at her, but at himself. If only she knew how hard it was for him to send her away. Still, she pressed. “I just want to know why, Hector. You were so sure before. What changed?” He turned around slowly and walked toward his chair, sinking into it. His eyes locked onto hers. “I have a rule,” he said finally. “A life for a life. You’ve probably heard it before,” he went on. “Since you were willing to give your life for mine, I can’t let anything happen to you. That’s why I’m setting you
Camila paced her small room, her stomach twisting in hunger. The untouched plate of food sat on the ground, mocking her. She stole another glance at it, but the knot in her chest made it impossible to eat. Then, the door creaked open. Her head snapped up, and she froze. Standing in front of her was Ruby. She looked… different. Dressed in a flowing white dress, her face soft and calm, Ruby seemed untouched by the nightmare they were trapped in. But Camila saw beyond the surface. She saw the sadness in her friend’s eyes, the weight she carried. Tears burned Camila’s vision, and before she could say a word, Ruby ran toward her, pulling her into a tight embrace. Camila clung to her, holding on as if she would disappear. Behind them, Hector stood in the doorway, watching in silence. For a moment, his expression was unreadable. Then, without a word, he turned and shut the door, leaving them alone. Camila pulled back slightly, her hands gripping Ruby’s arms. “Are you okay?” R
As Ruby pulled away from their embrace, she looked at Camila with a soft but determined gaze. “Hector cares about me, Camila,” she said. “I can see it.” Camila shook her head. “Ruby...” “No, listen to me.” Ruby held her hands firmly. “Apart from the misunderstanding in the beginning, Hector isn’t a bad person.” Camila scoffed, crossing her arms. “Are you even hearing yourself?” “Try to see things from his side,” Ruby insisted. “Don Gray destroyed his family. He killed his parents right in front of him.” Camila’s lips parted slightly. Ruby’s voice lowered, filled with emotion. “Who could bear that?” She took a deep breath and met Camila’s eyes. “Look at me, Camila. Imagine if someone was responsible for your father's death. Wouldn’t you want revenge?” The words hit Camila like a blow to the chest. She gasped softly, suddenly understanding. But she still shook her head. “Ruby… revenge is dangerous. You’re playing with fire.” Ruby gave a small, knowing smile. “Tru
After they left the torture chamber, Hector led Ruby back to his room. He stood by the door, watching her for a moment before speaking. “Get enough rest,” he said. “The time for Don Gray’s execution will arrive very soon.” Ruby’s lips curved into a small smile. “You already agreed that I would do the honors.” Hector smirked, shaking his head. She never forgot anything, did she? “I did,” he admitted. Then, for reasons he couldn’t quite explain, he added, “Is there anything you want?” Ruby blinked. “I feel like I still need to do something for you,” Hector continued, crossing his arms. “For putting your life on the line for me.” The words felt strange on his tongue. Since when did he care about repaying people like Ruby so much? More than that, why was he being so... considerate toward her? He knew he was attracted to her, but he wasn’t the kind of man who was unnecessarily kind to women. The idea alone made him uncomfortable. Still, he waited for her answer. Ruby
The silence in the room stretched for minutes. Hector sat on the edge of the bed, watching Ruby carefully. Then, without a word, he picked up the plate. He held out a spoonful of food. “Eat.” Ruby hesitated, shaking her head. “I meant what I said...I really don’t have much of an appetite.” Hector didn’t budge. “I’m not asking, Ruby. Just eat a little. You’re going to break down if you keep this up.” She sighed, looking away. He exhaled. “You know, I left an important meeting for you. I don’t do things like this. I don’t sit by anyone’s bedside and care for them. But here I am.” She looked at him, eyes soft. “Thank you.” His jaw clenched. “I don’t want your thanks, Ruby. I want your honesty.” His gaze locked onto hers. “Are you still hurt by Don Gray’s death?” She frowned. “No.” “Were you in love with him?” She stiffened at the question. Then, without hesitation, she swore on her life. “I despised that man, Hector. With a passion. And now that he’s dead?” Sh
Hector had barely been gone an hour when Ruby stirred from sleep. She sat up slowly, hugging her knees to her chest. She felt a sadness so deep, so consuming, that it left her breathless. She didn't know how long she stayed like that, curled up on the bed, lost in thoughts. But then a soft knock came at the door. The housekeeper entered, carrying a warm smile. “Good, you’re awake,” she said gently before turning to leave. A few minutes later, she returned with a tray of food. The aroma filled the air, rich and inviting, but Ruby barely glanced at it. "I don’t really have much of an appetite," she murmured. The housekeeper placed the tray in front of her and gave her a knowing look. "You should try it. It’s nice.” Ruby sighed, feeling too tired to argue. "Thank you," she said quietly. She picked up the spoon and had a taste. And then a memory hit her. She was sick. Feverish. Weak. She had been lying in bed, waiting for the family doctor to arrive. At that ti
After watching Don Gray’s body disappear, Ruby turned and walked away. She didn’t look back. She made her way to Hector’s room. Hector followed her, his sharp gaze fixed on her back. He expected something....a reaction, a flicker of emotion. But she was quiet. Too quiet. Hector prided himself on understanding people. He could break them, twist them, strip them down to their very core and know what made them tick. But her? She was an enigma. What was she thinking? Was she disturbed by Don Gray’s death? Did she regret anything? He hated this uncertainty. Hated that he even cared. In the past, he would have used pain to get the answers he wanted. A knife. A whip. A gun to the temple. But now? The thought of hurting her made him sick. The realization burned inside him like a slow fire. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to speak. "Are you okay?" Ruby looked at him, her expression calm. “I’m fine.” A lie. But he didn’t push. Instead, he changed
Ruby watched in silence as Don Gray's screams faded into nothing. His body twisted and convulsed in agony until the fire consumed him completely. His last movement was a desperate, futile roll across the floor....then stillness. The room smelled of burning flesh and smoke. Hector took one last glance at the charred corpse, then waved his hand. “Dump him in the river,” he ordered, his voice devoid of emotion. The men moved at once, hauling what was left of Don Gray away. But Camila was not there to witness it. She sat in her bathtub, submerged in warm water, yet feeling no warmth at all. Her mind was miles away, trapped in the past. She saw it again...the gun in her hand, her finger pulling the trigger, Hector flinching as the bullet grazed his hand. She had tried to stop him. Tried to save Ruby. But then Ruby had fallen at Hector's feet begging to be his dog, just to spare Camila. Camila squeezed her eyes shut, gripping the edges of the bathtub as nausea threate
A few hours later, Hector straightened his cufflinks and glanced at Ruby. “It’s time,” he said, his voice calm but carrying an edge of excitement. "Get ready." Ruby could tell this was important to him. The sharp suit. The polished shoes. The way his men stood straighter when he spoke. She dressed quickly, slipping into one of the red dresses he had given her. Almost all of them were red. She didn’t bother to ask why. She tied up her hair and stepped out. The same men from the last execution attempt were present and four more, with the exception of the dead ones were there as well. The air in the room was humming with silent anticipation. But this time, something had changed. Ruby was not thrown into a cage. She was not told to sit on the floor like an animal. Hector pulled out the chair beside him and motioned for her to sit. The men exchanged glances. They noticed. They understood. Ruby’s place in Hector’s world had shifted. No speech. No grand declaration. Hector simp
After they left the torture chamber, Hector led Ruby back to his room. He stood by the door, watching her for a moment before speaking. “Get enough rest,” he said. “The time for Don Gray’s execution will arrive very soon.” Ruby’s lips curved into a small smile. “You already agreed that I would do the honors.” Hector smirked, shaking his head. She never forgot anything, did she? “I did,” he admitted. Then, for reasons he couldn’t quite explain, he added, “Is there anything you want?” Ruby blinked. “I feel like I still need to do something for you,” Hector continued, crossing his arms. “For putting your life on the line for me.” The words felt strange on his tongue. Since when did he care about repaying people like Ruby so much? More than that, why was he being so... considerate toward her? He knew he was attracted to her, but he wasn’t the kind of man who was unnecessarily kind to women. The idea alone made him uncomfortable. Still, he waited for her answer. Ruby
As Ruby pulled away from their embrace, she looked at Camila with a soft but determined gaze. “Hector cares about me, Camila,” she said. “I can see it.” Camila shook her head. “Ruby...” “No, listen to me.” Ruby held her hands firmly. “Apart from the misunderstanding in the beginning, Hector isn’t a bad person.” Camila scoffed, crossing her arms. “Are you even hearing yourself?” “Try to see things from his side,” Ruby insisted. “Don Gray destroyed his family. He killed his parents right in front of him.” Camila’s lips parted slightly. Ruby’s voice lowered, filled with emotion. “Who could bear that?” She took a deep breath and met Camila’s eyes. “Look at me, Camila. Imagine if someone was responsible for your father's death. Wouldn’t you want revenge?” The words hit Camila like a blow to the chest. She gasped softly, suddenly understanding. But she still shook her head. “Ruby… revenge is dangerous. You’re playing with fire.” Ruby gave a small, knowing smile. “Tru
Camila paced her small room, her stomach twisting in hunger. The untouched plate of food sat on the ground, mocking her. She stole another glance at it, but the knot in her chest made it impossible to eat. Then, the door creaked open. Her head snapped up, and she froze. Standing in front of her was Ruby. She looked… different. Dressed in a flowing white dress, her face soft and calm, Ruby seemed untouched by the nightmare they were trapped in. But Camila saw beyond the surface. She saw the sadness in her friend’s eyes, the weight she carried. Tears burned Camila’s vision, and before she could say a word, Ruby ran toward her, pulling her into a tight embrace. Camila clung to her, holding on as if she would disappear. Behind them, Hector stood in the doorway, watching in silence. For a moment, his expression was unreadable. Then, without a word, he turned and shut the door, leaving them alone. Camila pulled back slightly, her hands gripping Ruby’s arms. “Are you okay?” R
Ruby sat still, her mind racing. She had begged Hector countless times before, pleaded with him to let her go. Yet, every time, he refused. So why now? She raised her head, meeting his gaze. “Why the sudden change of heart?” Hector’s fingers curled into a tight fist. His jaw clenched, but he kept his voice steady. “Why are you questioning me?” Because it didn’t make sense. That’s why. Ruby stayed quiet, watching him. Hector exhaled and turned his back to her. Anger swirled in his chest...not at her, but at himself. If only she knew how hard it was for him to send her away. Still, she pressed. “I just want to know why, Hector. You were so sure before. What changed?” He turned around slowly and walked toward his chair, sinking into it. His eyes locked onto hers. “I have a rule,” he said finally. “A life for a life. You’ve probably heard it before,” he went on. “Since you were willing to give your life for mine, I can’t let anything happen to you. That’s why I’m setting you