CHAPTER XII
M y eyelids fluttered open against the harsh reality, the dim cell coming into focus as I fought against the lingering fog in my mind.
The cold concrete floor offered no comfort, its rough surface biting into my bare skin.
Panic seized me as fragments of the most recent events flooded my consciousness, but I clung to the sound of a familiar voice and the memory of that special night.
The night Nico made me feel as if I were the most precious thing in his world; his touch was gentle, his eyes sparkled with lust and adoration—all of it grounded me like an anchor to his soul.
Flashback
I stepped into Nico's office, my bare feet quietly touching the hardwood flooring, and locked the door behind me. I leaned against it, my black heels dangling from my fingers.
We were heading out to the symphony, and I could hardly contain my excitement. I chose his favorite red dress and let my hair down in soft, wavy curls.
God, he looked sexy in his black dress shirt rolled up to his elbows, revealing the tattoos on both arms, along with a black vest and tie.
As if he could sense me in the room, he lifted his gaze, his ocean-blue eyes locking with mine, a smirk playing on his lips. He reclined against the leather chair, interlacing his fingers and resting them on his stomach.
“Angel,” he greeted, his voice a low rumble. “You never fail to take my breath away. You look stunning.”
My heart fluttered at the admiration in his tone.
“Thank you,” I replied, pushing off the door. My hips swayed in a natural rhythm, drawing his attention. His eyes trailed down my body, taking in every detail. He swiveled his chair, following my movements like a silent predator assessing his prey.
I closed the distance between us, stopping mere inches away. “I need your help.” I offered him one of the heels. “Could you please help me put them on?”
Nico’s eyebrow quirked in amusement, his grin widening. “Help put on your shoes?” he parroted.
I nodded, my eyes holding his. “Yes,” I purred.
He laughed softly, shaking his head, but he didn't question me.
Nico grasped the shoe and leaned in closer. His warm hand cradled the back of my foot and slid the stiletto around my foot. His eyes locked with mine, sending a wave of pleasure through my body. I almost came in my panties from his intense gaze alone. That was how much power he wielded over me.
I raised my foot and positioned the heel against his chest. It caught him off guard, forcing him to lean back into his chair.
Nico’s eyes darkened, a mixture of desire and amusement flashing across his face.
“You forgot to strap the heel,” I joked.
His lips curled into a smile.
My breath hitched as Nico's fingers grazed my ankle, eliciting a subtle shiver from me. His focus was unwavering as he secured the straps, his blue orbs holding me captive.
I felt my cheeks flush as my body responded to his touch, craving more. It was ridiculous how his touch made me feel sexy and alive. The idea that a man like Nico, with his dangerous reputation as a mafia king and a cold stone killer, could want me was intoxicating.
Nico leaned in, his lips brushing against my toes, his breath warm against my skin, and I let out a moan.
My body wobbled slightly as I fought to remain upright.
He smirked mischievously. “I can smell you, Angel. Do you need a release?”
Without a moment’s hesitation, I whispered, “Yes.”
Nico's hands traveled up my legs, his touch possessive as he grasped my hips. He rubbed my ass in circular motions. “Is the door locked?” he rasped.
I nodded.
“Good,” he said, putting the other shoe on my other foot. My heart raced with anticipation as he stood up.
He loomed over me like a freaking god, placing his hands on my shoulders, turning me around until I was facing the bookshelf.
I felt his presence behind me, his muscular body pressing against my back. His dick was hard and insistent, eliciting a soft groan from my lips.
Nico's chuckle vibrated through me, sending a wave of pleasure down my spine. His lips ghosted over my collarbone, awakening the goosebumps on my skin.
“You smell so fucking good, Angel,” he murmured.
I closed my eyes and arched into him, wanting more.
His hands found the zipper of my dress, slowly drawing it down. The dress slid to the floor, pooling at my feet, leaving me clad in nothing but my red lace underwear and bra.
“Turn around,” he growled, his voice thick with desire.
I complied and found his eyes devouring me, burning with intense desire.
“Fuck, you’re delectable.” He licked his lips and reached behind me, unhooking my bra.
The bra joined the dress on the floor, and I stood exposed before him.
He dropped to his knees, his hands gripping my hips. He trailed kisses along my stomach, lower, until he reached the apex of my thighs. His gaze locked on mine, making my knees weak. He nuzzled against my pussy, savoring my scent.
A soft moan escaped me when his lips pressed a lingering kiss against my core. I grasped his broad shoulders, fingers curling slightly to steady myself.
“I think I'm going to have my dessert first.” He slid his fingers along my hips, hooking into the sides of my panties and slowly, torturously, drawing them down. He tucked them into his pocket, a mischievous glint in his eye.
I let out a nervous laugh, but it was cut off when his tongue swiped between my pussy lips. My hands fisted in his hair, and my hips thrust forward, seeking more of his touch.
“Oh,” I moaned, grasping his shoulders for support. “Nico, please,” I begged, my body on the brink of combustion.
Nico didn’t hold back as he devoured me, gripping my thighs, holding me in place as he shoved his tongue deeper inside me, feasting upon me like I was his last meal.
My body finally surrendered, and a scream tore out of me in pure ecstasy. As I stood, breathless and sated, Nico rose, his lips glistening with my arousal. He reached for me, his hands around my throat, and pulled me close, his lips finding mine in a searing kiss.
“Gigi?” Valarie’s voice pulled me out of my memory. “Can you... can you hear me?”
Gritting my teeth, I forced out a response. “Yes.” My body ached as I shifted, the movement sending a jolt of pain through my bruised limbs.
Gathering my wits, I attempted to sit up, only to be met with a wave of dizziness. The room spun, and I closed my eyes, wanting the world to stop giving me whiplash. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. I turned my head, wincing at the sight of my aunt’s battered face.
“Damn it,” I hissed, my anger rising.
“It looks worse than it feels,” she whispered.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I fought to maintain my composure. “Gigi, talk to me. Are you okay?” Uncle Malik choked out. He sounded so broken.
I moved toward the bars, ignoring the dried blood between my legs. I winced when I saw his face, a portrait of worry, appear between them.
“I’m…I’m okay,” I lied.
His expression hardened, his eyes burning with determination. “I’ll get you out, I swear it.”
I shook my head. “We’re trapped, Uncle Malik. We’re going to die here.”
“Don’t you dare give up!” Malik's tone was sharp, but his eyes pleaded with me. “You’re strong, just like your mother. We’ll get through this.”
“Strong?” I spat. “Look where it got her! That asshole killed my baby!”
As if summoned by my words, the heavy footsteps of approaching doom echoed down the corridor. My breath caught in my throat as the silhouette of the Puppet Master materialized from the shadows, the asshole guard by his side.
“Gigi,” he drawled, devoid of any affection.
“What more do you want?” I snarled. “Haven’t you done enough?”
I was fed up! Sick to death of this relentless cycle of men who thought they could do whatever the hell they wanted, who believed they could cause pain just for the sake of it—who thought it was their right to play God.
Well, fuck that! I refused to be a victim anymore, to let their arrogance dictate my existence. I would not be silenced or intimidated. I would stand my ground, even if it meant dying in the process.
His smile was evil. “You'll see in due time.” He waved his hand, and the guard stepped toward Valarie.
“Stay away from her!” I shouted.
Valarie’s eyes met mine, unafraid. “It’s okay.”
The guard's laughter was a cruel mockery as he grabbed Valarie’s hair, yanking her head back. “Shut your mouth, or you’re next,” he snarled, his grip tightening
“No!” I screamed, my anger transforming into raw, primal fear.
“Watch closely, Gigi,” the Puppet Master said. A twisted smile spread across his face as he gestured to the guard. “This is what happens when people challenge me.”
The guard seized the chain linked to her collar, forcefully wrapping it around her throat multiple times before yanking it tightly.
Valarie’s hands shot up to her neck in a desperate attempt to halt him.
She kicked out and struggled fiercely, fighting against the restraint that was going to kill her.
I couldn't just stand by and let him murder my aunt in cold blood. As I rushed to her aid, Uncle Malik’s screams reached my ears, pleading for me to stay back. But my instincts kicked in, and I delivered a swift kick to the guard’s shin, momentarily loosening his grip on Valarie.
The guard lunged at me with surprising speed.
He grabbed my collar, his grip like iron, and attempted to strangle me.
I reacted instantly, my fingers burning as they clawed at his hands.
I lashed out with my heel, connecting with his leg, but he delivered a sharp kick to my back that sent me crashing to the ground, my face grinding painfully against the hard surface.
Fuck. That hurt like a bitch.
The guard climbed on my back, wrapping his hands around my neck. I struggled for breath, my vision blurring. Suddenly, I felt a weight lifted as my aunt pounced on the guard to pry him off me.
Uncle Malik’s shouts became distant, drowned out by the rush of blood in my ears. All I could register was the intense pain.
Then a commanding voice boomed into the small space. “Enough!”
As I managed to flip over, gasping for air, my eyes locked onto the Puppet Master, his face contorted in rage as he advanced toward Valarie.
“Get your damn hands off her!” I roared.
He moved with calculated slowness, a devilish grin spreading across his face. In an instant, his backhand connected with my cheek, sending me reeling, the force of the blow numbing my senses.
“Stay the fuck down! Know your goddamn place!” His kick to my ribs was aimed to incapacitate me. I curled up, trying to protect myself.
He seized her by the chain collar, yanking it cruelly. The metal dug into her neck as he swung her around, her body slamming against the wall with a sickening thud.
“Aunt Valarie!” I attempted to rise, but my body betrayed me and refused to obey.
“Stay where you are, Gigi!” Valarie shouted with determination, but the Puppet Master’s cruelty knew no bounds. He unleashed a kick, silencing her.
“Please...just stop!” Tears of anger and desperation streamed down my cheeks.
“Shut her up, Ceaser!” His command was met with swift action.
Ceaser grabbed the chain around my neck, tightening his grip until the links dug into my skin. I choked, my airway constricting as I fought for oxygen.
My eyes widened in terror as the Puppet Master unleashed a barrage of kicks, each one landing with bone-shattering force. Valarie’s body went limp, her head snapping back with the final blow.
With Valarie subdued, the man’s attention shifted back to me. I felt his hot breath on my face, his eyes burning with hatred. “You’re weak, pathetic,” he whispered. “I’m going to enjoy breaking you bit by bit.”
I glared defiantly, summoning every last ounce of strength. “You will never break me.”
A cruel laugh escaped his lips, followed by a punch to my jaw. The blow dazed me, and I tasted blood in my mouth.
“We’ll see who’s left standing when this is over,” he snarled, his fist connecting with my face repeatedly. Each punch felt like a hammer blow, sending shockwaves through my body.
“Consider this a lesson, Gigi,” he said coldly, turning away as if he’d just extinguished a candle. “Fuck with me, and this is the price.”
My heart, once filled with rage, now lay in pieces. “Nico…. will kill you. Even if I die…he’ll come for you,” I muttered, staring at the blood pooling on the floor.
His laughter, cruel and mocking, echoed in the cell as he turned to leave.
Ceaser delivered one final kick to my already battered body, knocking me out cold.