Owned By The Twins

Iris POV The moment I step through the carved mahogany doors, I know something is wrong. The house doesn’t smell like home. Not lavender polish, not warm bread. Smoke, whiskey, and stale regret hit me first. “Dad?” My voice cracks down the hallway. “In here!” I freeze. His voice sounds slurred. Rough. I enter the study. The room I haven’t been in since Mom’s funeral. I grip my bag tighter as I step inside. He’s slumped over a poker table, shirt wrinkled, eyes glassy, whiskey sweating in his hand. His fingers tremble around the cards. Bruises darken his jaw and forearms, like he’s been beaten repeatedly. He looks… broken. And across from him sit two men. The Moretti Twins. Luca and Leon Moretti. Known to be one of the most ruthless Mafia bosses in the city. They were identical twins but I remember Luca, the oldest one had signature blonde hair and Leon kept his hair black. The one on the left, Luca, leans back, smirking. “You must be Iris,” he says. His dark eyes scan me. “Your father spoke… highly of you.” I swallow. “I didn’t know you had company, Dad.” “You didn’t?” He tilts his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Naughty boy. Lured your daughter here, did you?” “Lured? Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on?” I bark, frustration bubbling. The one with black hair sits straighter, calm but lethal. “I’m Leon,” he says quietly. “And this,” he gestures at my father, “is your father’s last chance at redemption.” I glare at him, “I know who you are.” “Good” Leon responds “Then you know we mean business. Your father owes us money and we are here to collect.” I glare at Dad. “Seriously? What is going on, Dad?” “Iris…” His voice trembles. “I have it under control. I’ll… I’ll win this round. I’m certain.” “Are you gambling again?” He flinches, swallowing hard, refusing to meet my eyes. “After everything gambling did to this family?” I continue, “Why would you do this again?” “I have a good hand, Peach. Don’t worry. I’m going to win.” His voice slurs, shaking. I spin to face the twins. “Please, he has nothing to bet. Look around you. Everything here is useless.” Luca chuckles. “Not everything.” “What do you mean?” My throat tightens. Leon’s voice is calm, measured. “If he wins, his debts are forgiven. If he loses…” “…you belong to us.” Luca finishes, eyes locking on mine. I blink. “Excuse me? Did you just say what I think you said?” Dad’s hands shake over his cards. “It’s not going to happen, Peach. I’m going to win.” “Did you use me as a bargaining chip? After Mom—” “Don’t talk about her!” His voice cracks. “I did everything I could! I was desperate. I thought… maybe it would save us.” I feel fury twist inside me. “So what excuse do you have this time? Was this… to save me too?” Leon flips the cards. My stomach drops. He lost. “No!” Dad groans, burying his face in his hands. “I… I thought I could win…” Leon rises, stretching his long frame, smirk sharp. “Looks like we’re taking her home.” “You can't do this,” I snap. “I’m not going anywhere.” Luca leans back in his chair, smiling like a cat toying with a cornered mouse. “Can’t we?” His gaze rakes over me, slow and deliberate. “A deal is a deal, sweetheart. Your father knew the stakes.” I stumble back as Luca rises, adjusting his suit with calm precision. “You can walk out with us quietly, or we can make it ugly. Your choice.” My chin lifts, defiance flaring. “And if I don’t go?” The sound of a gun c*****g freezes me. Luca has drawn a sleek black pistol, the barrel pressed lightly against my father’s temple. His voice is calm, almost gentle. “Then we paint the walls with him. And still take you.” My heart slams against my ribs. “You wouldn’t.” Leon’s grin sharpens. “Try us.” I look at my father. For a fleeting second, I consider letting them pull the trigger. Let him feel the consequences of his actions. But I can’t. Even now, I can’t. “Fine. I'll go” My voice cracks, but I force the word out. “But you have to leave him alone.” Luca chuckles, low and dangerous. “I’m nothing if not a man of my word.” Leon’s eyes soften slightly. “From tonight, Iris Vale… you belong to us.” And just like that, my fate is sealed.