Dirty little games

Chapter 12: Bound to the devil

LOLA'S POV

“Twenty million”. The phrase rang in my ears like thunder. I could barely stand, could barely keep myself up together.

I glanced at the dagger on the stage, a silent storm raging inside of me as I painfully gripped the hem of the diamond-embedded gown that clung to me desperately, the same way I was clinging to hope and the devil standing right in front of me.

No matter the cost, I didn't want him to give up the dagger, because I wasn't ready to lose it. I wanted him to bid until the very end. To never give up on the one thing that reminds me of my father.

But in what position was I to tell him that? This was a man I barely knew. Someone I was supposed to hate.

“Twenty million going once….”

“Going twice…”

The auctioneer’s voice sounded like a death countdown in my foggy head.

Click! The gavel struck. My vision turned black, then white, to a shade of ash before my body gave out. Before I could hit the floor, a strong hand steadied me.

I slowly looked up to him, eyes shimmering with tears. Oblivious, his gaze was focused on my trembling body. A slightly annoyed yet concerned look settled between his brows.

“Breathe”. He murmured. Just enough to snap me back to reality.

That was when he looked up to me. Instead of meeting his gaze, I quickly turned to focus on the auction stage hiding the tears that blurred my vision.

Since the dagger was reclaimed, there was no point in staying here anymore.

I was having goosebumps all overall.

Not wanting to stay for even a minute more, Damien's hand stayed on my waist as he guided me outside.

The crowd parted, clearing the way. But not without side whispers, curious about the woman that came with the devil tycoon.

The suffocating feeling in my chest had not fully settled. My gown tangled up with my heels and I stumbled forward.

“Slow”. His grip on me tightened instantly, pulling me back to my side before I fell.

As we got to the empty space, I felt someone coming behind us.

Clap! clap! clap. “ I must say Congratulations to you”.

I turned to the sickly disgusting voice and saw Vincenzo staring at me wide eyed, smiling, as he continued. “The game was such a good one. It's been a while since I've had so much fun. Or what do you think, Miss Grey?”.

I swallowed hard, eyes glinting with sharp malice. But before I could speak, Damien's right-side bodyguard struck him with a hard kick on the chest. Sending Vincenzo flying before landing on the ground.

Blood splurged from his mouth but he maintained the creepy smile on his lips, not breaking eye contact with me.

The guard pulled out his gun, aiming for his head, ready to pull the trigger at any time.

I've heard of how Damien and his men were. Never blinking an eye before deciding someone's fate. But I wasn't in the mood for that. I just wanted to leave this place.

“Let's go”. I said, lowering the hand holding the gun. But I failed to notice the slight clench of Damien's jaw.

Damien calmly walked up to Vincenzo. His footsteps echoing like the ticking clock of hell. A dark killing intent emanating from him.

Far away from us, Damien’s shoe pressed down hard on Vincenzo’s chest, making his face turn purple.

He bent and whispered something to him.

I couldn't hear what they said but I saw Vincenzo visibly stiffened and his face turning white completely.

As Damien walked back to us, I couldn't help but imagine what more drama this man has under his sleeve.

*******************

The ride home was silent. I totally lacked the strength to speak. My mind drifted back to the auction. Occupied by all sorts of ways I could be asked to pay back my debt.

Twenty million.

Yes, the last piece of my family was saved but at what cost? A question I couldn't answer myself.

At this moment where everything about me has fallen apart, how could I afford to pay?

I felt like an invisible leash was put around my neck, fate forcefully binding me with Salvatore.

………….

In the parking garage, the car door slammed shut as we got off.

My legs felt so separate from my body as I walked inside.

Damien came in, expression still intact as always. I reluctantly moved my gaze from him, facing the marble floor.

“Thank you”. Forcefully swallowing the lump in my throat as I tried to stay composed.

He didn’t respond.

Just a slight tilt of his lips, something unreadable flashing briefly in his eyes before he turned away.

The sound of his footsteps echoing as he walked off, unhurried.

Anxiety clawed at my chest.

“Damien,” I called softly, before I could stop myself.

He paused mid-step.

I swallowed. “How… do you want to be repaid?”

He glanced over his shoulder, amusement flickering between his brows.

He walked up to me, close enough to make me take a few steps back.

“Didn't you hear me?”. My voice came out nervous and shaky. “I said…how do you want to be repaid?”.

He didn't stop in his steps, looking at me with those intimidating yet most alluring dark pool eyes I've ever seen.

By then, I was already cornered against the wall. My back pressed tightly against the cold wall paint.

“What?”. His voice came out low and dangerous.

“You’re that eager to pay me back?”.

My breath hitched. His hot breath tickling my neck, my face flushed red unconsciously.

“Uhm..I mean..I..I..”. God damnit. I couldn't even form a complete sentence.

“Don't worry kitten. Since you're so eager to repay me then let's see how you behave”. He darkly chuckled, but I could hear the seriousness in his voice.

He turned and left, disappearing completely from my sight. Leaving only the scent of cologne slightly in the air.

My heart leapt in my chest like it was about to jump out of my throat. Making the earlier feeling turn into hatred.

Why would a man I barely know have control over my emotions like he is in charge of it?

Why do I have to be a captive here?

And to make it all worse, I'm suddenly bound to him by debt.

As I retreated to my room, doubts and questions started to grow in my mind.

Will I ever become completely free from the psych one day?

Going into the room that was familiar with warmth felt cold all of a sudden against my skin.

I can't stay here forever. I really have to make my plans. To pay him back and find a way to disappear from his world completely.