Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen

Camila's POV

‘Darling, I'm in hell already.’

Marco's words stuck in my head like a broken record replaying on a loop. It's been two weeks since the incident with my dad though I barely saw Marco around the house, whenever he was around he'd bark orders at me and remind me of my place.

‘Don't do anything stupid like trying to run away or expose yourself to the public, you have everything to lose Camila.’

His words replayed in my mind every time I step into the workplace. I always had my guards up, looking over my shoulders and behind me. He's barely home but gruesome and horrifying cries rent the air almost every night and I didn't dare step outside of my room to find out what was happening.

My screen lit up as I received a message, it was from my boss; Owen.

How about lunch with an investor and I today? You need to put that talent of yours to good use.

I smiled and texted him back. Send me the address, as long as they don't serve asparagus.

Then I added a smiley emoji to it and grinned ear to ear. Somehow, Owen visited my department often and we got a bit close, professionally of course. He'd text me some important work and ask for my input which I happily provided, it brings me nostalgic vibes.

At lunchtime, I alighted from a cab and inhaled sharply as I stepped into a restaurant with Mi Casa Su Casa inscribed on it in bright neon lights. A waiter received and politely led me to a reserved area. I could see Owen already seated with a middle-aged man, he waved to me and I waved back, not losing my smile.

Owen stood up and politely offered me a seat. “Miss Camila.”

I nodded, reciprocating his gesture. “Good afternoon gentlemen.”

“It's a pleasure meeting you, Owen here has said a lot about you.” The investor replied.

I blushed gently and saw from the corner of my eyes, Owen motioning for the waiter to bring our lunch.

“I hope he mentioned that I have a good eye for good investments?” I asked calmly.

“He didn't mention you were beautiful, I'm Paul Krueger.”

“Mr. Krueger, it's an honor to convince you to make one of the biggest investments you'll never regret.” I replied, shaking his hand and he chuckled softly.

“You'll make a good salesman.” Krueger laughed, pointing his finger playfully at me.

As if on cue, the waiter ushered in our food.

“I've got to earn my keep don't you think?” I asked, calmly, to engage him in the conversation.

“Sounds enticing, so what are you offering?” Krueger asked, chewing on a piece of his steak.

“We've got this impressive team working on developing neural implants that allows you to play virtual reality games in real time, your opponent could be anywhere in the world, literally. All you've got to do is activate the chip and you're in.” I explained, making the deal tempting.

“That sounds fun and also risky, isn't it going to affect the brain or something?” Krueger asked, worriedly.

“You have our medical team to worry about that, you just provide the cash and you get the results.” I bargained.

“How much are we talking about?”

“Depends, that's for Mr CEO to settle with your legal team, so what do you say? You want in on this or not?”

“You draw up a good plan then I'll give it a second thought.” Krueger agreed.

A smile curved on my face and I looked at Owen, he looked very pleased at this. How did I get information about this entire deal? I managed to convince Owen to send the details of the entire business framework and came up with some mouthwatering offer to lure in our investor and it worked. If I kept this up, I'd be promoted and be able to earn enough to pay off my father's death and escape that beast.

Ping!

My phone screen lit up and my heart sank as I saw a name pop up, it was Marco. He sent a message which sent chills running down my spine.

I told you not to play any games didn't I little wolf? What are you doing at a restaurant?

Immediately, I felt my throat dry and parched, my shoukders stiffened and I instinctively sank deeper into the chair I sat as my eyes darted around the room, feeling a shift in the air and a wave of dread washed over me. Then, I saw his familiar figure walk in. It was unmistakable, the Italian leather shoes, perfectly tailored tuxedo and suffocating air of terror was all around him.

‘Marco.’

The words left my lips more of a whisper. He locked gazes with me, his steps were quiet but it resonated loudly in my ear, slow, deliberate and bearing danger.

Danger! My instinct kicked in but I dared not move, not an inch. I didn't hear anything, couldn't hear it.

Marco halted at our table, a smile that didn't reach his bloodshot eyes curling on his lips.

“So, you decided to disobey me little wolf?” His voice was steady, smooth and almost soft.

“Marco.” I managed to mutter, the words sticking to my throat.

He lost out a long mirthless laughter.

“Who are you?” Owen asked, impatiently.

Marco didn't say a word but he stared at me, his eyes bore into my skin like a lethal topical poison then thud.

Smack!

Marco slapped me hard across the face which sent me spiraling on the floor, the sting spread instantly. Owen instinctively jumped to his feet.

“Camila!”

I held up a hand. “Stay out of it please!”

Marco snickered. “You shameless shut, I let you breath and you're running off selling yourself to these cheap bastards?”

Krueger and Owen were obviously shocked by this outburst and I'd rather they didn't get involved. I cleared my throat and forced myself to stand up.

“I'll come home with you, not here please.” I begged him, swallowing what's left of my pride.

Marco tilted his head sideways and grabbed a bottle of wine from the table then dumped it all over me, I stood there, silently letting him sulfate me.

“You think you call the shots here?”

He didn't raise his voice, it was almost quiet but the place was now a mess.