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61
Brinda

Every step Francesco took as he made his way down the stairs made my heart yearn for my mother. Deep inside me, I slowly called for my death because all I could see was the same Francesco — The fearful-looking one — I saw the night he killed my mother and also forced me to drink the Deadly Nightshade.

This won’t hold well for me.

When he was about five feets away from me, my chest swelled while my body shook as if I was being approached by a Lion. I wanted to run but my legs did not let me move as they were fixed on the ground.

When he reached where I stood, he flashed a devilish grin and I couldn’t wish anything good for myself but to pray that the ground would open up.

Francesco stretched out his arm slowly, almost as if he was possessed. He cupped my chin in his left hand. “I wanted you to be cruel but not against my mother. How do you want to pay for your mistake?”

My eyes narrowed to Elizabeth’s side. Her hands were still on her cheeks as she continued to play the victim. I swallowed the saliva in my throat before I went on my knees and begged Francesco, “Please, Don. It was a mistake.” I bowed my head momentarily. “I would accept any punishment.”

Why should I beg?

“Good girl,” Francesco’s voice turned low but very strong — His Italian accent, very visible. He patted my back as he went low. He raised my chin while he leveled his face with mine. “Let’s play an interesting game.” He chuckled. “Boys!” He shouted all of a sudden, then he pushed me to the floor.

Before I turned back to face him, his men were around me and they dragged me to my feet. A kick, hard enough to flip a Bull over hit me from behind. My spine nearly cracked while I fell face flat on the floor.  

I whimpered as pain racked through my whole being. I managed to look sideways and I saw Danger smiling hard or more like an evil smirk.

I couldn’t blame him much. He is on his Boss’ orders. 

“Now, let her pay the price for her actions! This is a warning to you all,” Francesco’s harsh tone sent chills down my spine. I watched him pull Elizabeth closer to his body. “None of you should ever dare disrespect my mother ever again! If you do, you will be faced with a punishment more severe than death. And if…”

Francesco had barely finished when the same group of men lifted me up their shoulders and made their way towards the door.

“Bullet, are you okay?” I heard Francesco ask her. I was forced to raise my head and right there… Bullet nodded her head. “And you, Mom?” He asked again while he wrapped his palms around Elizabeth's shoulders.

When the men reached outside, I was thrown — Not even dumped — to the left side of the entrance on the cold grass that rain had fallen on.

The coldness of the grass melted into my skin, sending waves of chills into my body. I managed to crawl towards the wall so I could rest my body and catch my breath. As I rested my body on the wall, I let out a loud groan.

The guards literally watched me endure the pain I felt. Who am I to question their actions?

None of them would ever dream of questioning Francesco.

My mind drifted back to what transpired inside. 

Bullet! 

She’s a fucking bitch. 

The bitch is the main reason why I am in this mess. If only I had run for my life the other day when they were in a bloodbath in front of my house. 

Fucking bastard!

And Elizabeth… Why did she do that? Is she in cohort with Bullet?

“That’s not true,” I debunked the suggestion, imagining I slapped myself from within. “Those bastards. Once I come out of my current situation, I will make sure they run for their lives.”

This is a perfect chance to escape but I lack the strength needed. Fuck!

And with that… I let nature take over.

\~~~~~

“Hey. Wake up, loser!!!” A cold and mechanical voice rang repeatedly in my ears while I tried to open my eyes but I couldn’t. 

“How dare you disrespect me?” The voice thundered and before I realised what was going on, a bucket of cold water was poured on my body. 

That jolted me back to reality and I sat upright. Quickly, I lowered my head, letting the water that slipped into my nose find its way outside.

“I have told you before that this bitch needs to be thrown out of this house. Why the hell are you still keeping her in this house and around you? I have told you several times that I hate her guts. She is a useless bitch.” Elizabeth expressed her thoughts.

I raised my head and I was greeted with their frown faces. Bullet was behind them without a remorseful look. They all had a sweater on as it had rained later at night. 

At that time, I simply pulled my body to shield myself from the cold but it was not enough. Cold nearly took my life.

Francesco looked back, beckoned to Bullet and when she stood beside him, he asked, “What punishment do you think will suit her?” 

She stared at him blankly.

Elizabeth hissed. “Why ask her? You have the power to do that. Just throw the fucking bitch out of our lives. Just her face makes me lose my mind.”

“I will handle that later. As for now, Bullet gets to decide. She has been punished for disrespecting you. It is Bullet’s turn to call the shots.” Francesco informed his mother.

“Fra… Francesco… Will you… Punish me without knowing my side of the story?” I struggled to get those words out of my mouth.

“Then, should I sit here all day and listen to your lies?” He replied.

“See…” Elizabeth pointed out. “The idiot is talking back at you. It’s time to choose. It’s either me…” She paused as she pressed her index finger to her chest. “Or her.” She turned to my side. She walked closer to where I sat breathing profusely.  

She stepped on my fingers with her heels. I let out a wail while I tried to push her off but I had little or no strength at all. When she was done, she stormed into the house after glaring at Francesco.

“Bullet, what do you say about what I asked earlier?” Francesco questioned Bullet while he ignored his mother. 

Bullet stepped forward. Her eyes were stagnant on mine. “Punish her… As you deem fit.” She smirked as she darted into the mansion.

“Francesco, don’t… Forget that we still have to look for your father’s killers. You can't do this.” I reminded him.

“Don’t talk back!” He warned, his tone stern and authoritative.

“Really? Francesco?” I cried in surprise.

He ignored my words by dragging me to my feet. “Okay, Damsel. Let’s get you punished.” Francesco said with a straight face.