owned by the billionaire

CHAPTER 3

Kyle

It’s one way to escape being a f*****g monster.

There are a million ways that could’ve gone and they’ll all end up still with this head on a plate. Someone has to take the fall.

She’s never heard of me. Probably being protected from all of it but she understood. She knew there had to be a scapegoat and the earlier she realized that, the easier it all became.

Killing isn’t the best part of the business. It just has to be done but if it can be avoided, why not?

It is Monday f*****g morning, no need to act the fiend.

She’s my prisoner now. She made the bargain. I merely responded in ways I saw fit.

I’m not even sure what she may be able to do for me, but we’ll find out.

“One last stop boss,” Lucas announces.

“Great.”

Her presence beside me is loud, but she isn’t even speaking. I can feel, see, and hear her every movement.

She’s scared out of her brains. I can see it even though she’s put up a front that shows otherwise.

I can hear her ragged breath, I can see the tiny twitches on her wrist as well as the Goosebumps that have predominated on her skin.

The weather isn’t chill surely, she has no reason for the quivering unless from fear.

It’s okay for her to feel such a way. Scared.

It’s exactly how I want it without exerting intimidation.

That’s probably how she’ll survive under my canopy— with her scared and her mouth shut unless asked a question.

Her head is glued to the window as though she’s trying to block me out. She doesn’t give me one second of her time.

She doesn’t want me to exist in her world, she’s trying to make all these entirely unreal.

Pretty soon, I’ll show her how real it can get. Not just a gun to the head, but a fresh bullet hole in between the eyes.

It could get worse than that if you’re ever taken in for questioning. So yeah, I did her great service.

Sean drives us over to our last stop. The roof has a mighty neon sign; something I can’t make out and don’t care to.

The streets are busier now, filled with people unlike earlier. We’ll need to make it a little less chaotic than earlier if the man decides to act stupid.

“We’ve arrived!”

“It’s time to collect and be done with it.” Unbuckling my seatbelt, I get out of the vehicle and Sean moves to join us, I stop him. “Remain in the car. Watch the girl.”

With a small nod, he eases back into the vehicle.

Lucas rounds the front to join me. “How do we do this boss?”

Hurling forward, I reply, “I’m sure we don’t have enough room to keep a flock of debtors. So we collect or we end it.”

He nods and continues following my lead.

The entire is street is surrounded by my men and I’m sure nothing can go amiss.

As soon as we reach the entrance, the door flies open, displaying our short friend. He hasn’t been one to pay up at the stipulated time, but obviously, he’s realized his time’s up.

Michael holds a big bag of money up to his face, gesturing he has it secured.

He wants me to get out of his hair as quickly as possible. Great! I want exactly that as well.

“I see you’ve met up with our terms.”

“Yes sir.” He hands me the bag, “it’s complete.”

“I’m sure,” I reply as Lucas grabs the bag, and instantly we make our way back to our lift.

As the door bangs shut, Sean starts the vehicle.

“I don’t see any other prisoner tagging along.” Brielle finally says for the first since she joined us.

I clear my throat, ignoring her arrogance as I know she’s just scared shitless. “Well, this one enjoys his life enough to work for the money he owes.”

She turns to me fully in defense; “you think my father hasn’t been working for your money?”

“I don’t give a crazy damn about whatever he’s done or not done to get my money. The rules remain the same. No questions asked, get the job done.”

“How did my father wind up with such debt?” She presses and it only frustrates me even more.

I throw my head to the back, and take a big gulp of air before answering; “now sweetheart, that’s a conversation you should’ve had with your father way before now. So how about you shut your pretty little mouth and allow us a peaceful drive.”

The vehicle instantly falls silent.

What’s the point of forgiving if you’ll only have to forgive all over again a lot more times than you can handle?

That’s one sermon I never understood at Sunday service.

Forgiving does nothing for you. Nothing at all.

As I sit in the back seat of the sleek black SUV, the leather upholstery cool against my skin, my thoughts swirl like a labyrinth. The passing scenery blurs into a haze.

Each thought feels like a heavy stone in the pit of my stomach.

I watch the city lights flicker past the window, their glow offering a brief distraction from the chaos within. The hum of the engine is a steady rhythm. I just can’t wait to reach home.

Memories of my father's stern face and his screams flood my senses. The pressure to succeed, to excel, to always be one step ahead—it's a burden I've carried for as long as I can remember.

In my world, that’s all you have to care about, being the top two and not number two.

If I had the luxury, I wouldn’t take a step out myself. However, I love collecting. But also, no one can play the game I play. That mental one that could send you packing out of one’s head.

The drive is a long one, speeding through traffic lights until we reach home. I’ve never wanted to reach home so quickly.

“Sir?” Lucas’ voice slices through the silence and I respond with a slight groan indicating for him to go ahead. “You have a business meeting soon with Brown&Brown.

“Skip it. Maybe until later in the day.”

“Alright.” Lucas, with his eyes still focused on the road responds.

“And if not. We’ll just reschedule the entire meeting.”

After what feels like forever, we reach the estate. I should blindfold her, stop her from seeing the grounds. However, I don’t.

I want to see her try to escape the grounds. I also want to see how far we can reach before she gives up or the hounds catch up to her. Hopefully not before I do.

My hounds are trained to kill on-site any strange face. I trained them myself. To be just as ruthless as me. But maybe more ruthless as animals.

The vehicles line up one after another before the tires screech to a stop and Sean sits the engine.

“Get out! Now.” I order her before getting myself out of the vehicle.

She does as she’s told, her hands hugging her small body.

“You didn’t let me pack up any clothes.” She comments as she reaches my side.

In shock I look at her; “shouldn’t that be the least of your worries after all.”

“I don’t care about what you or your guards have to say. I need a clean change of clothes.”

Surprised at her tone, I turn fully until we’re face to face.

“You want to know how people survived me. By keeping their f*****g mouth when it matters. Not acting like a teenager seeking attention.

“I’m not…”

I don’t let her finish before prancing into the living room and I hear her following.

“Madeline!”

“In here! She calls back from the kitchen before revealing herself.

“Great. I need you to set up a room. Close to mine if need be.”

“Is it for her? Have we found a wife though?” The spark in her eyes is evident but I make sure it’s far reached.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself Madeline. She’s just a prisoner. Nothing else.”

“Right.” She’s disappointed and doesn’t really care about the matter.

“Get it all set up. I’m in my room if you have any troubles.”

I start to leave, when she calls back, “Breakfast?”

I yell back, “I’ll eat with the prisoner.”

Not waiting for her to interrupt my departure any longer, I walk up the staircase.

Ms. Madeline has been my housekeeper since Dad’s house. She’s yet another commodity I took as mine.

Well, maybe not a commodity.

We have an understanding. She makes the house feel normal when it’s a little over a dungeon from the darkness. She’s done all right by me, taking care of me like a mother.