12. 12Tori
12:Tori
I've been stuffed inside the house since the meeting ended. The ride back was full of Nico boasting, feeling so arrogant and smug it made me sick to my stomach. He promised that he would take me to see Alicia for putting on such a ‘ wonderful performance’ .
The door creaks open and he steps through, but I notice that Marcus isn't behind him like the looming shadow he is. Nico steps through the door without a word and starts pulling me outside.
“Where are you taking me?” I ask as the fresh air hits my lungs.
“Fulfilling my promise, dear.” Nico’s hand wraps tightly around my arm as he walks me. His grip isn’t painful, not yet, but it’s firm enough to remind me who’s in control. “I'm taking you to Alicia.”
“Isn't this usually Marcus’ job?” I follow along hurriedly, almost tripping over my own feet.
“Don't worry about Marcus. He's off having some fun.”
I guess even henchmen get vacation time.
Maybe now's my chance to escape. I mean, I am being taken to Alicia, and Nico is down a brooding henchmen.
The thought is a brief daydream, but my mind keeps circling back to the meeting, like it has been for hours. The moment I sent the boys away—God, I hope they understood what I was trying to do—keeps replaying in my head.
The moment they were gone, the meeting took a turn for the worse, at least for me. The final deal was... unsettling. Diablo wants me to start learning the business—whatever that entails—and to move into one of his estates. Apparently, as his daughter, I’m supposed to inherit the empire he’s built, but I can’t exactly do that if I don’t know how it runs. And, of course, Nico will be by my side, ensuring my ‘ transition ’ goes smoothly.
I had to beg Diablo to keep Nico and me together. Pretending to be so madly in love with Nico that I couldn’t bear to be separated from him was nauseating. And then there was the kiss. I still feel the bile rising in my throat at the memory of it.
Ugh. So gross.
But it worked. Diablo seemed to buy it, and Nico—well, Nico looked entirely too pleased with himself.
Now, as we approach the door to Alicia’s room, my stomach churns. I haven’t seen her since we were separated days ago, and I can’t shake the image of her tied to that chair. My heart races, a mix of relief and dread, as Nico finally pushes the door open.
“There,” he says flatly, gesturing toward the figure slumped on the cot. “You’ve got ten minutes.”
I don’t waste a second. “Alicia,” I breathe, rushing to her side. She looks... better than I expected.
I'm sorry, Tori. Are you disappointed by that?
Get it together, woman .
Her clothes are tattered, and her hair’s a mess, but there’s no sign of the bruises or bomb that had haunted me all day. She looks up at me, her brown eyes glassy, and for a moment, I see the Alicia I remember—the one who always had my back, who could make me laugh even on my worst days.
“Tori,” she croaks, her voice hoarse. She sits up slowly, wincing as if even that small movement costs her. “I thought he wasn’t going to let me see you again.”
“I’m here,” I assure her, sitting beside her on the cot. “I’m fine. Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” My eyes scan her face, her arms, looking for any sign of injury.
She shakes her head, though her movements are slow. “No... not really. I mean, he’s a monster, but you know that. He’s been keeping me locked up, but he hasn’t... done anything.”
I guess strapping you to a chair with a bomb is nothing?
She's trying to be strong for you, Tori. Stop acting weird.
I exhale, the tension in my chest loosening just a fraction. “I’m going to get you out of here,” I promise, gripping her hands tightly. “I swear, Alicia, I’ll figure this out.”
Her gaze drops to our joined hands, and she’s silent for a beat too long. When she looks back up, there’s something in her eyes—something guarded. “Tori, there's no getting out… maybe you should just... do whatever he says.”
I blink, her words hitting me like a slap. “What?”
Her fingers fidget against mine, her voice trembling. “I mean, what’s the alternative? Fighting him? You saw what he’s capable of. He'll hurt you, and I can't stand that.” Her tone is desperate, pleading, and it makes my stomach twist.
“That’s not like you,” I say quietly, narrowing my eyes. “The Alicia I know wouldn’t roll over like this.”
Her lips press into a thin line, and for a moment, I think I’ve pushed too far. “The Alicia you know didn't survive the hell I've been going through,” she snaps, her voice breaking. “You don’t know what it’s like, Tori. You don’t know just how cruel he can be.”
I don’t respond right away because she's right… I don’t know what it’s like. Not really. But I do know what it feels like to have your spirit crushed, to feel like the walls are closing in, like there’s no way out. And I know what it’s like to fight despite all that. “I’m going to get us out,” I repeat firmly, refusing to back down.
She sighs, her shoulders slumping. “I just... don’t want you to get hurt.”
The words are there, the concern is there, but something about it feels... off. Alicia’s always been the one to charge headfirst into danger if it meant protecting me. This cautious, fearful version of her doesn’t feel right. I push the thought aside for now, chalking it up to whatever hell Nico’s put her through.
“Listen,” I say, squeezing her hands. “I’ll figure it out. Just hang on a little longer, okay?”
She doesn’t respond, just nods weakly. Her gaze drops again, and there’s that strange look in her eyes—the one I can’t quite place. Before I can press her, Nico’s voice cuts through the air like a blade.
“Time’s up.”
There's no way it's been ten minutes.
I jerk my head toward the door, where Nico leans casually against the frame, his dark eyes fixed on us. “Say your goodbyes, Mrs. Moretti.”
Alicia’s grip on my hands tightens for a split second, and then she lets go. “Be careful,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.
I rise to my feet, glaring at Nico as I move toward the door. “I’ll be back,” I tell Alicia, my voice steady even though my heart is anything but.
Nico smirks as I step past him, his hand falling to the small of my back as he guides me out. “Touching reunion,” he drawls.
I bite back the retort burning on my tongue, my mind racing as we walk away. I can still feel Alicia’s hands in mine, her words echoing in my ears.
Something isn’t right. I just don’t know what.
Nico's hand presses firmly against my back as he leads me toward the house. His touch is meant to appear guiding, maybe even gentle, but I feel the pressure of control in every step. I grit my teeth, counting my breaths to keep from snapping at him. I don’t even know what I’d say if I did.
Give yourself some credit, Tori. You know exactly what you'd say.
You're a lowlife piece of shit who probably couldn't even get laid by a sex worker, so you decided to steal girls and make them sleep with you, telling yourself they liked it. There's not a soul on this planet that would ever willingly want to touch you because your soul is so black it leaks out from you, poisoning the air around you. And, given time, I promise I'll be the one to end you the moment the opportunity arises.
The house looms ahead, dark and silent, as if even the walls know better than to breathe too loud in Nico’s presence. I can’t decide if it’s eerie or oppressive.
It's definitely both.
“You’ve been good today,” Nico says suddenly, his voice breaking the tense silence. It’s almost conversational, but there’s an edge to it that makes my skin crawl. “But I can’t help but feel you need a little more… encouragement.”
Encouragement? Yeah, right.
You just want to touch me.
I don’t respond, keeping my head down and my eyes focused on the worn path beneath my feet. Silence is safer. Silence doesn’t invite punishment.
Look at that, Tori. You're learning.
Nico locks the door behind us, the heavy click of the bolt sliding into place echoing like a death sentence.
He guides me up the stairs, his steps deliberate, and my pulse quickens with each one. The bedroom door is open, and it’s the same as I left it—dark, cold, and unwelcoming.
Once inside, Nico lets go of me and moves toward the window, pulling the curtains closed with a snap. “We’re going to test your loyalty tonight,” he says, his tone calm but firm, like he’s discussing a business deal instead of my autonomy. “You sent the guys away, but don't think I didn't catch you sending them a hidden message.
“Take off your dress,” he commands, and the words hit me harder than I expect. They’re not a request, they’re an order. His eyes are locked on mine, unblinking, daring me to defy him.
I don’t move. I stay frozen in place, my fists clenched at my sides, my entire body a bundle of tension.
“No,” I say, my voice quiet but firm. I hold his gaze, willing him to see the defiance in me.
That's right, bitch. You still haven't broken me.
Nico’s lips curl, the smile cold and unfeeling. He steps closer, “No?” he repeats, his voice growing darker, more dangerous. “You think you can say no to me?”
I meet his gaze, refusing to back down. “I know I can. See: No. No. No, no, no, no. I’m not your fucking puppet,” I snap back, my voice biting and sharp.
His hand shoots out, grabbing my wrist with a force that makes my breath catch. He yanks me toward him, his chest pressing into mine. I try not to react, but the pressure of his grip is enough to make my arm ache.
“You think you have a choice here?” he growls, his voice low and menacing. “You think you have any control right now? You don't. I will break you, Tori. If I have to, I’ll go to Alicia’s room and have my fun with her right in front of you. I'll tell her it's all your fault I'm doing it, because you couldn't just take off your dress when I told you to. Then maybe, maybe , you’ll learn what happens when you don’t listen.”
The words hit like a punch to the gut. The thought of Alicia—of him going to her, pushing himself inside her—makes my blood run cold.
I can’t let that happen.
I swallow hard, my throat dry. “You touch her, and I’ll make sure you never touch anyone again.”
Nico laughs darkly, the sound low and cruel. He leans in, his lips brushing against my ear. “You think you can stop me?” he whispers. “You think you can threaten me? I do whatever I want, Tori. You’ll see that soon enough.”
I hate that he’s right. But in this moment, I have no choice. I can’t let Alicia suffer because of my pride.
Just take the dress off, Tori.
You can do it.
With a sharp breath, the fight is drained from me, but the rage still simmers beneath my skin. “Fine,” I spit, the words barely escaping my lips. “I’ll do it. Just leave her alone.”
Nico’s grin widens, but it’s not a smile of victory. It’s a smile that promises more pain, more destruction. “Good girl,” he murmurs, his voice dripping with mock affection as he lets my wrist go.
I hate him for it. But I do as he says. I reach behind me, unzipping the back of my dress. The fabric slides down my shoulders, and I let it fall to the floor, the sound of it hitting the floor almost too loud in the tense silence between us. My skin feels too exposed, too vulnerable, but I refuse to let him see how much it affects me.
Nico steps closer again, his eyes scanning me like he’s sizing up a piece of meat and determining how he wants to cook it. It makes my skin crawl, but I don’t flinch. I won't let him see me break.
“Now the rest,” he says, his voice laced with impatience. His eyes lock onto mine, cold and demanding.
I hesitate for another moment, somehow shocked he'd ask for more than that.
Because you're an idiot. Of course he wants more.
“You're kidding me, right?” I deadpan, because I may have been biting my tongue a lot more, but this isn't something I'm just going to take.
“No,” he leans in, running his finger along my jawline. “I'm being very serious, darling.”
“Why? I've done everything you've asked of me today.”
“You did.” He nods, standing to his full height once more, crossing his arms as if that would intimidate me. “You did everything I asked to save your friend, but I want to know how far you're willing to go for her. Can you be selfish?”
There's a smile playing on his face as if he finds this all amusing. It's almost as if he thinks himself the game master and I his pawn. He wants to know my limits. How far can he take it before I let him hurt my friend.
I'll go pretty fucking far.
Feeling a fire in my stomach to prove my point, I undo my bra, glaring at him the entire time. The straps slip down my shoulder, and the fabric falls to the floor. I step out of my underwear, leaving myself completely exposed to him. Nico’s eyes trace over me, slow and deliberate, like he’s savoring the moment, but I don't waver. I keep my head held high as if this doesn't bother me at all, when in reality, it's tearing me up inside.
“You’re even more beautiful than I imagined,” he murmurs, his voice thick with satisfaction.
I don’t respond. I stay still, my chest tight, my hands clenched into fists at my sides.
I won't let him break me .
Nico steps closer, his fingers trailing over my skin, moving slowly. His hand reaches for my breast, squeezing it roughly, and I don’t flinch. I won’t give him that. But the touch makes me feel hollow, like I’m being peeled away piece by piece.
“Still pretending like you don’t mind this?” Nico taunts, his voice low and mocking, his thumb brushing over my nipple until it hardens under his touch. “Maybe it's not that you mind it, but that you enjoy it. All that fight is just for show, isn't it?”
I don’t answer. I refuse to let him hear my voice, to give him the satisfaction of arguing with him . So instead, I flip the bird and continue to glare at him with murderous intent.
His hand moves down my body, trailing over my side, along my hips, and then lower, over my thighs. His touch is cold, and I feel it like ice against my skin, making me tremble with something that isn’t desire. He moves behind me then, pressing his body against my back, his breath hot on my neck.
His hand slides to my thigh, pushing it open wider. I stay as still as I can, clenching my jaw, refusing to let him see how much I despise this. He leans over me, his lips grazing my ear as he whispers in that same sickening tone.
“Get on the bed.”
I don’t hesitate. I turn in that direction and move, the mattress creaking under me as I sit down. The cool sheets against my bare skin are a reminder of how little dignity I have left. I lie back, my eyes never leaving him as he steps toward the edge, peeling his shirt off.
He tosses it aside, his bare chest exposed to me. He climbs onto the bed, his body looming over mine, his eyes dark with that same hunger. He spreads my legs wider, and the weight of his gaze makes me feel like I’m nothing but an object.
This isn't happening.
This isn't going to happen.
Oh God.
Nico leans down, his hands moving over my body with slow, deliberate strokes. His fingers brush over my skin like he’s marking me, claiming me, and I hate how it makes me feel so powerless.
It's either you or her, and you're the one making the decision.
You want him doing this to Alicia?
Yeah, didn't think so.
He moves lower, his lips brushing over my nipple before his hand slides down between my thighs. I don’t move, my body going stiff under his touch.
No. No. No.
Grow some teeth, vagina. Bite his dick off if it enters!
Just as his fingers move toward the waistband of his pants, the sharp crack of a gunshot rings out, cutting through the silence.
I never thought I'd be so happy to hear gunshots.
Nico and I both freeze at the sound.
Another shot follows, closer this time, and his expression hardens.
“Stay here,” he growls, his voice low with anger and something else I can’t quite place. He stands abruptly, his body pulling away from mine as he quickly moves toward the door, still shirtless but not caring, with the sense of urgency he now carries.
I lie still for a moment, the sound of the gunshots reverberating in my mind. My body is tense, every muscle ready to spring.
He's delusional if he thinks I'm actually staying here.
It takes me just a second to remember how to move again before I scramble off the bed, my hands shaking as I grab Nico’s discarded shirt, slipping it on over my head. It’s too big, the fabric hanging loosely on me, but it’s the fastest thing I can put on that will cover me entirely. I forget about my bra and underwear and head for the window, cracking it open.
The night air hugs around me as I slide through the window, and lower myself as far over the edge as I can. The ground below is too far for comfort, but I have no choice.
I can’t wait . This time, I'm getting to them.
God, I need them.
I need to feel their arms around me again, need to know they're there. My soul craves their love, their attention. I need Ryder's jokes while Blaze fusses over my health and Thorne holds me close. In order to ever feel like myself again, I need those three like I need air to breathe. They aren't a craving anymore. They're a fucking necessity.
I grip the ledge, my fingers aching as I carefully slide down, using every ounce of strength to keep steady. I dangle for a moment, legs swaying in the wind as I gauge the drop. The ground feels miles away, but the urgency to escape outweighs the fear.
With a final, desperate push, I release my grip, twisting my body as I land with a harsh thud. A dull pain shoots through my leg at the impact, and I bite back a grunt. It’s not that bad.
Walk it off, Tori. You’re fine
It's time to get the hell out of here.
I push myself upright, ducking into the shadows, head down. The sound of gunfire echoes all around, and my heart hammers louder. But I don’t slow down—I keep moving, my legs heavy, my breath short, making sure to stay unseen.
I reach the asylum door and yank it open, my fingers slipping on the metal. Inside, it is eerily quiet, broken only by the distant sounds of shouting and gunshots. I move quickly toward the hall that leads deeper inside. This is dangerous, and I really should just get the hell out of here while I can, but I can’t leave her. I’m determined to find Alicia.
I race through the darkened halls, heart pounding so loudly I can hear it in my ears. The room I left Alicia in— it's here somewhere.
I reach the door, push it open, but it’s empty. The room is still as cold as it was when I first walked in, just no Alicia. Panic claws at me, but I push it down.
Where the hell is she?
I turn on my heel, racing back out into the hall and rounding a corner. Moving faster now, I collide with something hard, something solid.
My nose hits a wall of muscle, knocking me back, and for a moment, everything blurs. I stagger, gasping for air, my heart pounding in my ears.
Then, the scent hits me—familiar, unmistakable. I look up, eyes wide with shock, and find myself staring into a face I never thought I’d see again.
The world slows.
His voice, low and gravelly, vibrates through me.
“Tori…”
I freeze, tears welling in my eyes at the sight of him.
I can breathe again.