253

253
  Chapter 253
  Riley Burke  
  ~•~
  I started moving back slowly as he walked into the room. 
  I never liked him. 
  I never imagined I would even see him again. 
  What did he want from me? 
  Why did he take me? 
  What did he plan on doing with me? 
  I screamed as he came closer, a bloodcurdling scream. 
  “Get away from me, you monster!” I yelled at the top of my voice as tears flowed down my face, as though it was a waterfall. 
  “It’s nice to see you again. After so many years.” He said as his lips curled into a mischievous smile. “You’ve grown into a fine young woman. I mean, it was hard for me to recognize you at first.” 
  “What do you want from me, Maxim?” I asked, trying to steady my voice. “Please, let me go!” I pleaded, my tone desperate. 
  Yes, Maxim was the person who kidnapped me. 
  I had forgotten about his existence and was shocked to see him come inside the room. Maxim was one of my mother’s boyfriends who turned out to be a fraud. 
  Rowan and I never liked him. 
  We also made it clear that we weren’t his biggest fans. We were the happiest people when we realized that their relationship had ended. 
  Maxim was in prison for a long time and I had no idea he had been released. After he disappeared from Mama’s life, he didn’t even cross my mind once. 
  Plus, she wasn’t the one responsible for putting him in jail, so why was he back to attack our family? If anyone would take revenge on anybody, it would be my mama who should be going after him. 
  She didn’t even care about him anymore because she already had everything she wanted. She had a loving husband who treated her like a queen. She had amazing kids who would do anything for her. 
  She didn’t need a random man who came into her life just to hurt her. He wasn’t even worth revenging. I couldn’t help but wonder why he came back after so many years. 
  “You’ve only been here for two days, don’t you want to spend more time with me? Haven’t you missed me?” He asked, letting out a mocking laugh. 
  My eyes grew wide in terror. “What do you mean? I have been here for two days?” I asked, my voice laced with fear and disbelief. 
  I was stunned. 
  So I had passed out for two whole days? My family would be really worried. What if they weren’t looking for me because they felt I was just ghosting them on my own terms? 
  I shouldn’t have run away to Amanda’s house the first time. 
  I could only hope that they were actually trying to find me. 
  Maxim nodded. “Yes, I think my guys knocked you out pretty hard.” He still had his thick Russian accent. “I was starting to think you wouldn’t wake up anymore.” He added, sounding so casual like it was a normal thing to take someone hostage without their consent. 
  “Wow,” I muttered under my breath. “Why did you take me? What do you want from me?” I demanded, glaring at him. 
  If looks could kill, Maxim would have dropped dead at that instant. 
  “Nothing, I’m just waiting for your parents to find you first.” He replied, pulling out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. 
  Was he out of his mind? 
  Even as a child, I always knew that something was off about the man. But I had no idea how crazy he was. I mean, he didn’t show that part to Mama but I saw right through him. 
  “So you want to be caught?” I asked, staring at him in disbelief. 
  He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. “Not really. Maybe I just want to see your beautiful mother again.” 
  I couldn’t hide the irritation on my face even if I tried. “So let me guess. You finally came out of prison and you’ve lost everything you had. And now, you’re looking for something else to do that will bring you cash.” 
  His eyes darkened as he heard those words leave my mouth. 
  “Think before you speak, young lady.” He warned, his voice low but threatening. 
  For some reason, I wasn’t scared of him anymore. I had no idea why, but it was just like that. It was a good thing he wanted to be caught, at least, my parents would be able to find me. 
  I just hoped he wouldn’t try to hurt me or do anything stupid. I was still weak and wouldn’t be able to fight for myself. 
  “What do you want from my mother?” I demanded, looking up at him. I was curious to know why he chose to come to my mother instead. He had many other victims he could have easily gone to meet. 
  He was silent for a while. I assumed that he was trying to come up with an answer. “Your mother is the reason why I went to prison, I want her to pay!” His shrill voice echoed through the quiet room and I flinched. 
  “What? As far as I can remember, my mother didn’t have anything to do with your arrest. The police got you before she could even do anything to you.” My tone turned defensive as I responded. 
  “Well, that is what you think.” He replied, running his fingers through his hair. “I’m still confused about why your family hasn’t tried to find you yet. Don’t they care about you? Or are you the rebellious twin?” 
  Anger surged through my veins but I tried my best to stay calm. He was just trying to play mind games with him and I didn’t have to give him that power. 
  “Yes.” I nodded. “I’m the rebellious child,” I added with a soft chuckle. 
  Even if a part of me was scared, I didn’t want him to see any signs of weakness in my face. It would just make him oppress me more. 
  He laughed. “I always knew you would be trouble.” 
  I rolled my eyes. “You better let me go and stay away from my family.” I had no idea where I even had the energy to exchange words with him. I was extremely weak but I had forgotten about my predicament when I saw his face. 
  “No, your mother has to pay for her sins first.” 
  Without giving me a chance to respond, he turned around and walked outside of the room.