Chapter 14

I want to ask him what he is going to do to Jack and my sister, but every time i open my mouth to speak, my throat dries up and i freeze. It's like i cannot force the words to leave my lips, no matter how hard i try.

Maybe it is better for me not to know. Maybe knowledge is not power in this situation. But i can’t be left in the dark. Not about this. Not about my sister. If only i were as brave as jack. He would have asked and demanded an answer. No matter the consequences.

But i can’t even bring myself to beg for their safety.

Maybe if i beg for his forgiveness he will let them go or keep them safe. I never meant to go against him or take his money and run his drugs. I had no choice. It was either obey David or watch my sister suffer in ways that would kill her. She isn’t as strong as me. She doesn’t know how cruel the world can be. And i never want her to. I have to protect her, i promised mother that i would.

I promised her days before she died that i would keep Sarah safe from harm for as long as i could.

“Alexi.” i murmur, handing him back the empty plate, i didn’t realise how hungry i was, not until i saw the bacon and eggs.

I have never been someone who eats a whole lot on a morning, but fuck, i wolfed that down before even taking a breath, and Alexi did the same to his.

Though i suppose being the size that he is required a lot more food than what i need in a day. A fuck tone more.

“Yes, Malyshka.” he says, watching me.

I take a deep breath summoning the courage to speak. “Please don’t hurt Sarah, i know that i went against you, and i know that this is your city.” another breath, “But i need you not to harm her, please. She is a child. Innocent. She hasn’t done anything wrong.”

“So, you finally summoned the courage to ask me, i was waiting for this.” He laughs, placing the plates on the floor and turning towards me, giving me his full attention. “I will not hurt your sister.” he says, “But in return, i need you to obey me, and i want you to stay here, where i can watch you. Where you can be mine.”

I stare at him, confused.

What the fuck does he mean by that?

I clear my throat, “I-I am not really looking for a relationship right now.”

Even if he is hotter than the sun. I have always been attracted to dangerous men, but nothing like this, i have never felt this desperate. And that is a problem. A big fucking problem.

His eyes darken, “Don’t dismiss me before you have even given me a chance, Stephanie.”

“Yeah, but, you know, you shot me, that isn’t exactly a great start to a relationship.” i say, scoffing as i shake my head, “It isn’t even like we are on the same wavelength. You are rich, powerful, sexy. I am a nobody.” i sigh a little. “I’m nothing.”

Alexi's eyes brighten and he smiles, “You think i am sexy?” he asks.

My face brightens an embarrassing shade of pink, and i slowly turn away, “Yes. But that wasn’t the point i was trying to make.”

Fuck. I didn’t mean to say those things. What is wrong with me? Do i have Stockholm syndrome already?

“None of the other stuff matters.” He says coldly, so sure of himself. “All that matters is that you choose me. I want you to choose to be here.”

“I can’t do that.” I say, my own voice sounding colder than i meant it to. “You kidnapped me, shot me, held me hostage, and now you are asking me to choose to be here with you?”

He nods, “That is exactly what i am asking.” he states. “I can give you a better life, not just for you, but for Sarah too. We can work things out together, and eventually, i will buy you and Sarah an apartment. You can be together.”

I frown, “You have that much sway in social services?”

That cannot be true. He can’t just give me my sister back. There are rules.

No one gets past the rules. Not even the mafia.

“I have the mayor and the family court in my back pocket, malyshka.” he says, his voice warmer than before. “I can do whatever i want, it’ll be like snapping my fingers and she will be back in your care. All you have to do is choose me.”

I stare at him for a long time, biting the nail on my thumb, anxious and scared. What if i did choose him? It isn’t like i have to fall in love with him. He mentioned nothing of love. But he does want me, and he isn’t exactly ugly or broke. He isn’t a drug addict either.

He is dangerous, and with him at my side, i will never have to survive on the street again. And neither will my sister. Maybe she will even be able to go to a nice school.

But there is also the chance that he will grow bored of me and throw us both out. I have to be prepared for that too.

“I want an allowance, and a bank account.” i say, keeping my voice even, “and i want to see my sister whenever i ask until you are ready to give me an apartment.”

“Done.” he says with a single nod. “Anything else?”

“You can’t force me to have sex with you.” i tell him, “Not until i am ready to give it to you.”

He nods again. “Done.”

I sigh, relief flooding through me like a tsunami. I never knew negotiating with a mafia king would be this easy. I could ask for anything i wanted in this moment. He might not agree. But i can chance it.

Not that i will. I don’t want to push my luck.

“I choose you.” i say after a long pause. “I will stay here, by choice.”

“Good.” he says, smiling.

It isn’t like his usual smile; it is bright and hopeful. He looks genuinely pleased. Like he is happy that i chose him.

“I have some conditions also.” he says, the smile fading.

My blood runs cold, what is he going to ask from me?

“What are they?” i ask, already regretting saying yes.

“You must do what i tell you, especially when it comes to your safety, being with me is going to put a tremendous target on your back. You need to be prepared for that.” his voice is cold again, calculating. “You will also not leave this house without one of my personal guards escorting you. If they are busy, you do not leave the ground. Under any circumstances. I don’t care if it is an emergency. Do you understand?”

I nod, “yeah, seems easy enough.”

At least it isn’t a long list for me to try and remember. They are easy rules. It shouldn’t be too hard to follow them.

I didn’t expect him to be so... reasonable.

Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.

Maybe things are going to be ok.