“One slight mistake and I won’t hesitate.”
I stayed still, gripping the hem of my dress as if that could anchor me. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Artur’s expression darkened. “Shut the fuck up.”
I stepped away, biting my lower lip to stop any sound from escaping.
A sharp knock echoed through the tension, and the door swung open. Renat came back, and this time, anger was evident on his face. His glare locked onto me, and something told me this was bad. It was like he discovered something about me that he didn’t like.
He turned to Artur. “She is Marco’s girl?”
Artur didn’t answer. He didn’t even look at me.Marco.MyMarco? He was the reason I was in this mess?
What was Marco involved in?
How well did I really know him?
We met in my father’s office, and the moment our eyes locked, a spark ignited between us. It could’ve been his captivating smile, his playful winks, or the fact that he was an Italian in LA. In a city where finding someone who shared my heritage felt like an anomaly, that connection was rare.
Renat’s lip curled. “I will have her,” he said. “I’ve been working on Marco’s case.”
Flutters stirred in my chest the instant I laid eyes on Marco. We connected, and soon we were dating. While I knew he handled his family’s business, the details were vague. As long as he kept up a legitimate job, I didn’t pry. The beach house was the only other property I knew he owned, and if he had siblings, I was none the wiser. I played the role of the innocent girlfriend, content to let him tell me things at his own pace. But now, I waspaying the price. What kind of girlfriend didn’t know the source of her man’s wealth, or whether he even had siblings?
Artur exhaled as if bored with the entire situation. “Get her out of my face.”
No one needed to tell me. My life was in danger, and it would only get worse if Renat got his hands on me.
“You’ve got the wrong person,” I tried again. “Please.”
Artur scoffed. “Get her.Out. Of. My. Face.”
The reason for my kidnapping, for all this chaos, seemed to center on Marco. Artur’s venomous attitude toward him revealed a bitter enmity. And anyone connected to him was a target. But what did Artur want with me? I had no answers. I should never have broken up with Luca.
Renat nodded toward the door, a silent order for me to follow him. I glanced at Artur, hoping he would change his mind, but the man didn’t look my way. Renat opened the door, and I followed. He led me down a dim corridor, deeper into the mansion. Renat seemed to dominate this part of the house.
People bustled around us. Most men wore black suits, while the women were in black skirts and white blouses. Everyone moved with the same precision. The entire place buzzed with a strange, silent energy. A world where obedience reigned and freedom felt like a distant memory. A gilded prison.
Renat stopped abruptly, and I almost collided with his back. We had arrived at a door, and without a word, he grabbed the doorknob and shoved it open.
Something felt off as we entered the room. I hesitated, and Renat noticed. He dragged me inside, and I stumbled forward, biting back my frustration. I regained my footing with a gasp. My gaze locked onto the naked woman standing by the bed. My heart lurched, and I turned back to Renat, the sting of humiliation creeping up my neck.
The lady cleared her throat, a mix of embarrassment and shockcrossing her face. “I didn’t know you had company today.”
“Leave.” Renat’s voice was cold and commanding. Without waiting for her response, he grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the bed. The woman scrambled to flee, and he barked at her, “Get the fuck out, now.”
He shoved me onto the bed, and I landed with a jolt. I tried to sit up, ready to fight, but he pushed me back down with a force that knocked the wind from my lungs.
The door slammed shut behind him, leaving us alone. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat louder than the last.
“We will talk this way,” Renat growled, his hands firm on my shoulders, trapping me beneath his weight. “If you fail to cooperate, I’ll ruin you.”
Fear rushed through my veins, and I shook my head.
“Don’t do this,” I pleaded, my voice shaking.
He snorted. “You think you can tell me what to do?” His eyes darkened, and one of his hands slid down my shoulder, grazing my chest. I fought to shove him off. “Should I show you who is in charge here?” His voice dripped with malice.
“No need,” I cried out. “No, please. Stop.”