The First Step into the Fire
982 Words
Chapter 2: The First Step into the Fire
Brenda’s POV
I knew what was going to happen as soon as we entered the house.
The sound of Daniel slamming the door behind us reverberated like a threat. I turned to him, my heart racing. His eyes were full of icy rage, and his jaw was tightened.
"Brendan, what the devil was that?" He moved closer and demanded.
I took a deep breath. "I took no action."
I hardly noticed it coming when his hand swung out. I felt a searing sting in my face as the slap struck my cheek firmly. My head snapped to the side as I gasped.
"You made me feel ashamed!" he yelled. "In my coworkers' presence! Having an affair with another man? Are you insane?
I fought back tears that burnt my eyes. It would only get worse if you cried.
I said in a whisper, "I wasn't flirting."
I had to turn to face Daniel when he gripped my chin. His hold hurt.
"I own you," he growled. "Are you aware of that? I'm responsible for everything you own, including this house and the clothes you wear.
I resisted the need to cry and held my breath.
He pressed his fingers further in. “Without me, you have nothing.”
As he had planned, the words pierced deeply. He turned away as though he was repulsed to see me, and shoved me free.
He loosened his tie and said quietly, "Go to bed." "And don't make any foolish moves."
With unsteady legs, I turned and headed for our bedroom. However, I noticed my image in the mirror before I closed the door.
I genuinely detested what I saw for the first time.
I appeared frail. Defeated. Captured.
And a part of me cried out that it was time to make that shift.
There was silence in the house. Daniel was likely drinking in his study downstairs.
I sat with my head whirling on the edge of the bed. I hardly noticed the ache in my cheek. Tony was all I could think of. His remarks. His eyes had regarded me as though I were more valuable than this wretched existence.
As I reached for my handbag, my fingers shook.
I don't recall inserting his business card. But there it was, wedged between my compact mirror and lipstick.
DeLuca, Tony.
I traced the embossed letters, my heart beating.
It would be reckless to call him. Risky.
However...
I grabbed my phone. I was typing the number with trembling hands.
I paused.
I couldn't go back once I did this.
I shut my eyes. I took a deep breath before hitting Call.
A deep, smooth voice answered the phone after it rang twice.
"Brenda."
It sent a chill through me. He recognized me.
Before I could reconsider, I said, "I—I need to see you."
Quiet.
Then his voice, sure and low. "Please enter the Velvet Room." An hour.
The call was cut off.
My heart was racing as I looked at the phone.
What had I just done?
The locations Daniel showed me were very different from the Velvet Room. It was closed off, mysterious, and full of individuals who were in charge and had authority.
A hostess escorted me past luxurious sitting sections and golden chandeliers to a private lounge at the rear as I entered, my heels clicking on the marble floor.
My palms were sweaty. My pulse was irregular.
And suddenly, I saw him.
Tony occupied a dark leather chair, his presence dominating, his clothes perfect. He owned the area around him; he didn't just belong here.
As I got closer, he raised his head and slowly scanned me. Consciously.
I paused before him, unexpectedly at a loss for words.
"Take a seat." His tone was forceful but pleasant.
After a moment of hesitation, I complied.
With his elbows resting on his knees, he leaned forward and watched me as if I were a riddle he was attempting to solve. "Explain your reason for being here."
I parted my lips, then shut them again. Since I was unaware.
All I knew was that I had decided for myself for the first time in years.
I looked him in the eye. "You inquired as to whether I was prepared to give up my fear."
His mouth twisted a little. "And?"
I took a deep breath. "I'm not sure how."
Something inconceivable entered his black look. "Then you're right where you should be."
My stomach twisted down with heat.
He had a seductive quality that was deadly. Something that left me feeling vulnerable and safe at the same time.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to stay forever or if I should run.
Tony looked at me for a long time, as though considering what he would say next. Then, leaning closer, he spoke almost in a whisper.
I can assist you, Brenda. Only if you want it, though.
I got a lump in my throat. "How can you help me?"
His eyes were unblinking. "Regain control over your life."
I wasn't prepared for how hard the words hit me.
Command.
It had never happened to me. Not with my dad. Not with Daniel.
And now I was being offered it by this man—this strong, deadly man.
"But there's a price," he whispered.
I tensed up. "How much does it cost?"
The sneer on his face was devoid of amusement. "You can't go back once you enter my world."
There was a thick quiet between us.
I was aware that he was discussing more than simply my marriage.
He was referring to him.
About us.
About a much more deadly item than I had ever encountered.
I ought to have declined.
I ought to have left.
However, I didn't.
For the first time in my life, since
I desired to enter the flames.
- Writer
