Sold as the Mafia’s pet

Chapter 2

Isabella stared up at the eyes which sent chills through her entire body as it glared back at her. She wanted to say a word but couldn't bring herself to say a thing. Her survival instincts clouded her mind and she wanted to stand and run but she knew no matter where she ran to, she was trapped by this darkness already.

“Isabella Theodore.” A low and cold voice which only made the chills in the air worse came from before her. “Where is your father?”

“W-what?” She mumbled before a hand grabbed her chin roughly.

“Answer me. Where is Lance Theodore?” He asked again, his fingers digging into her skin.

Pain shot through her entire body as his grip tightened, tears welling in her eyes. She knew it was all her father's fault again. He was so hellbent on making her life miserable but she was done with letting him do so.

“If you want him, you have the wrong person.” She brought herself to speak up through her trembling voice and pain. “I don't know where he is so just look for him yourself.”

The determination in her eyes was unwavering. She knew she had to fight back even if it was through words, even if she meant she would be hurt. The grip around her chin didn't reduce and only seemed to get stronger and stronger, making her wince in pain.

“I don't know anything.” She whimpered, staring back at the hazel eyes through her teary eyes.

The entire room suddenly lit up, making her shut her eyes tightly due to the sudden intrusion but the man grabbing her chin didn't let go of her. She opened her eyes, meeting the hazel eyes which were surrounded by the most handsome face she has ever seen.

His blonde hair was combed to the back, reaching the nape of his neck. His face chiseled with a sharp jawline. He was the definition of a beautiful creation but she knew she didn't have the luxury of admiring him.

It was the first time she was ever seeing Diego Santiago face to face and she never hoped to meet him but now he was in front of her because of that man. “You must think this is all a joke, don't you?” He said, his voice hard and chilly, sending shivers down her spine.

“I didn't do anything…”

“But Lance did. If he doesn't provide the documents he took, you will have to pay for the properties and I'm sure you know I don't deal easily.” He pushed aside her chin, pushing her off balance. “Now, speak.”

“I honestly don't know where he is. Instead of wasting your time on me, go look for my good for nothing father.” She hissed in anger, although she had a deep fear, she couldn't just let him accuse her of helping him when she knew nothing about his whereabouts. Other than him taking every single money she had on her and piling up more debts for her to pay up, she never knew what he was up to and to be honest, she never wanted to.

“Tch.” He tutted, walking away from her back to the seat at the far end of the room. A man was standing next to the seat which she hadn't noticed all this while. “Take her away and lock her up. Keep on searching for Lance.”

“Wait…” She said as the man approached her, grabbing Diego's attention. He sat in his chair, lighting a cigarette before removing it from his mouth.

“Are you ready to talk?” He raised a brow, leaning in his seat.

“How much does he owe you, I'll pay it back.” She said, her voice trembling slightly. “It's not his first time doing this, so I beg you to please let him go. I promise, I'll pay back the amount he owes you.”

Diego didn't say a word. The last thing he had expected was for her to say she was going to pay him back. He had expected her to rat him out for her own freedom since that was what everyone does when they were before him already. They valued their lives even if it meant betraying those close to them.

The entire room went silent for a few minutes before Diego stood from his seat, his footsteps silent as ever as he approached her. He slowly lowered himself before her, staring into her blue eyes and she stared back at him.

“Really?” He asked, releasing the smoke from his cigarette against her face but she didn't seem fazed as she stared back at him. “What if I told you he took documents of some of my properties worth millions? Would you still be willing to pay his debt in his place?”

“I will. I'll work twice as hard in order to gather the money as quickly as I can. Just… just let him go.” her voice trembled, staring back at him. He could tell she didn't know what was going to come from him but the fact that she was able to even negotiate her father's freedom with him made him amused.

His eyes fell on her body, trailing it from her feet up to her neck. Her skin was smooth and beautiful but he could tell just from looking that she was stressed and he could only guess it was from covering for her father. He had gotten everything he needed to get on her to have his men threaten her later to reveal Lance's identity but reports can't amuse one as much as the individual herself.

“And if I tell you your pennies won't change a thing?” He asked, caressing her chin gently and his sudden softness made her want to take a step back but she was on her butt, glued to the ground. The feel of his hand on her skin made her want to jump.

“T-then what do you want?” She asked, trying her best to remain eye contact with him. It was as though he didn't get tired of staring at her as the precision of his gaze was directly in her eyes which made her feel the creeps. And it only grew more as she saw his lips curl up into a soft smirk.

“I find you amusing, Isa.” He said his tone, taking a total one hundred and eighty degrees, turned from the harsh and cold tone to one filled with amusement and interest. And when did they get to the terms of calling nicknames?

His fingers reached out to fake a few strands of her hair in his fingers. He didn't say a word as the strands slid out of his fingers elegantly before he reached out to touch her face but it was reflexively smacked away by her. This made a frown settle on his lips.

“What do you want?” She asked, irritation overshadowing her fear. “Say it quickly if you don't find my method good enough.”

A playful smile once again curled up his lips as he lifted her chin to stare up at him. “How about this, Isa. You will be my pet for a year and I'll consider leaving your father be with what he took from me. Every single thing.”