Promised to the Dealer

Chapter 3

Antonella

I paid attention the whole way. The streets of the community were full of people talking and children playing. It's different from what I usually saw on the internet. We arrived at a huge house. From the outside, it looked simple, but it had gigantic walls. Lion helped me with the bags and we went inside. I hear voices coming from inside the house. I'm very nervous because I don't know what I'll find. I walk through the door and start observing the house. It's huge, very bright, and the furniture is luxurious. My eyes stop on a boy who is standing there, looking at me as well. It must be him. He's tall with a muscular body, arms adorned with tattoos. Even from a distance, I can see the gun imprinting on his shirt. He's fair-skinned with a smooth face, green eyes, and black hair with a fade. I take a deep breath and give a small smile, walking up to him to introduce myself. He locks his eyes on mine and, of course, introduces himself by his nickname. I've already realized that it won't be easy to keep a conversation with him for long; the way he speaks always sounds mocking, but I think he must be as uncomfortable with all this as I am. After all, living with someone you don't know can't be good.

Lion says, drawing my attention away from his eyes, "Show her the room, son." Hell says dryly, "Seriously? I was going." Lion insists, "Now," and he rolls his eyes and takes my bags. Hell says, "Let's go," and I just follow him. "You can enter," he says, opening the door. He takes my bags to the closet, and I start observing the room.

I ask, pointing to the dressing table, "Is it mine?"

Hell replies, "Yes, my dad bought it for you." I give a weak smile and walk to the balcony, observing the place.

Antonella says, "I've never known a place like this before."

Hell says, "Funny, you were promised to a trafficker and never knew what life on a slum is like, quite ironic."

Antonella says, "You wouldn't believe how many things in my life are ironic."

Hell asks, "Why did you accept this?"

Antonella replies, "It was me or my parents. I know I ruined my life, but I've always been aware of what my destiny was."

Hell asks, "Did you leave a lot behind?"

Antonella replies, "Actually, no. I never got attached to my friends, so it wasn't hard to say goodbye."

Hell asks, "And boyfriends? Have you had many?" he asks, turning his gaze back to me.

Antonella replies, "No, I've never dated." He looks at me for a few seconds and then looks away.

Hell says, "Actually, technically we've been dating forever." I laugh.

Antonella says, "So you're no good." He looks at me confused. "Always cheating on me." He laughs.

Hell says, "I've never dated anyone."

Antonella says, "You may not have dated, but you've hooked up with everyone here, as I see."

Hell asks, "Do I have a stalker?"

Antonella replies, "I just wanted to know what I was getting into, that's all."

Hell says, "I understand." I leave the balcony and walk to the bed.

Antonella asks, "Are we going to sleep together?"

Hell says, "If you don't want to, I can stay in the other room. I know nothing will happen between us. I don't agree with what our parents did, so you can rest easy." We hear knocks. "Come in."

Miranda says, "Kids, I know you have a lot to talk about, but could you come to the living room for a bit? We want to say something." We agree and leave the room, following her.

Lion says, "Sit here." We sit on the sofa. "Your mother and I are going to be away from the slum for a while."

Hell asks, "What do you mean?"

Miranda replies, "We're going to travel a bit. We've gone out very few times since we've been married, and now that the slum is no longer your father's responsibility, we can do it without rushing."

Hell says, "I just took over, and you're going to dump everything on me like this?"

Lion says, "You're not a kid anymore; you know what to do. Plus, you've got Antonella to help with whatever you need."

"Is she supposed to grab a rifle and start shooting in the middle of an invasion?" asked by Hell.

"Actually, I'm a pretty good shot," replied Antonella. He shoots me a disapproving look, like he's reprimanding me.

Lion says, "See, there's no need for all this panic."

"I can't believe this," Hell says, clearly irritated, gets up, and storms out, slamming the door.

"He's got a strong temper," Miranda says, trying to smooth things over.

Antonella says, "I noticed, seemed a bit too strong, with a hint of drama."

Miranda replies, "He gets that from his dad," I let out a small laugh.

"I'll head upstairs to sort out my stuff. If you need me, just call," Antonella says.

Miranda replies, "Alright, dear," Lion remains motionless, I think surprised by his son's reaction. I go upstairs to the room, organize all my things in the closet, trying to take up as little space as possible so as not to bother Hell. I also arrange the dressing table and decide to take a shower. I grab my things and enter the bathroom, wash my hair, and give it a quick conditioning. I get out of the shower, get dressed, return to the room, and grab my phone. It's already past 8 PM, and there's still no sign of Hell coming back home. I know I shouldn't worry about him, but being away from family isn't easy, and from what his mom said, it's going to be a long trip. I slip on some comfy sandals and head out. I don't know anything around here, but I'm going to look for him until I find him.

I wander through the streets; there are a lot of dark alleys around. I glance quickly, but he probably isn't here. I keep walking aimlessly, and from a distance, I spot a crowded bar; he might be there. I walk over, stop in front, and scan the place until I spot him at a table surrounded by women and a few guys. I head his way.