006

1305 Words
Mr. Cole’s face drained of color, his hands trembling visibly on the table. “Let her go!” The voice came from the far side of the table. Alina. She had risen from her chair, her back straight, her eyes locked with the devil. Liam turned his head slightly, his gaze narrowing on the girl who dared interrupt him. A faint smirk touched his lips. “And if I don’t, little one? What if I slit her throat right here and feed her body to my dogs?” Murmurs of horror filled the room, but Alina’s glare only sharpened. “Then you’re a fool.” It was as though the temperature dropped ten degrees in an instant. Her father’s heart nearly stopped. Did she just…. ? “Do you have a death wish?” Liam asked, his voice low and dangerous, every word laced with venom. Alina wanted to tell him the truth, that death was already knocking at her door, and she had nothing left to lose but instead, she only let out a short, mocking hiss. In a flash, he was in front of her. His hand shot out, gripping her throat with a firm, unyielding hold. His other hand grasped her jaw, forcing her to look up into his eyes. Their gazes locked. For a heartbeat, the world around them ceased to exist. His stare was endless and suffocating, like being pulled into the depths of a black ocean. Her pulse hammered against his palm, and yet, she didn’t look away. “I’ll ask again,” Liam said, voice a deadly whisper. “Do. You. Have. A death wish?” Before she could respond, he leaned in abruptly, his mouth brushing hers, not in a kiss, but in something painful. His teeth caught her lower lip, biting down hard enough to draw blood before pulling away. A thin crimson line welled on her lip. Liam’s tongue flicked across his own lips, tasting her blood. “Nice,” he murmured, his voice almost amused. “I love the taste.” Heat flushed Alina’s face, not from embarrassment, but from sheer fury. Never in her life had anyone treated her like this. Her parents rushed to her side, pulling her back before she could hurl her rage at him. They dropped to their knees before Liam. “Please,” Mr. Cole pleaded, voice breaking. “She’s our only daughter. Don’t hurt her. She didn’t mean it.... please, Sir.” Mrs. Cole was already crying, her hands clasped together desperately. Caleb, leaning against the wall, almost scoffed. They should be grateful she was still alive. Anyone else who’d dared speak to his master that way would already be lying cold on the floor. Liam regarded the couple coolly, then finally said, “It’s fine. I will not harm your precious daughter.” The relief on their faces was instant. “Thank you, Sir, thank you… ” “Don’t thank me,” Liam interrupted. “In fact… I’ll invest in your company.” The room stilled. Even Caleb’s brows rose slightly. “Really? You’ll… invest?” Mr. Cole asked, hardly believing it. “Yes,” Liam replied simply. Mr. Cole’s shoulders sagged with relief. “Thank you so much, we are beyond grateful… ” “But,” Liam’s voice cut through, “I want something in exchange.” Caleb’s lips twitched. Here it comes, he knows his master would definitely asked for something. “What do you want? Name it, I promise to give it to you,” Mr. Cole said desperately. Liam’s gaze slid to Alina. The faintest smirk tugged at his mouth. “All I want… is your daughter.” The room was so silent, it felt like the air had frozen. For more than ten minutes, no one spoke, until Alina suddenly burst into laughter. Her head tilted back, deep dimples appearing as she laughed so hard that tears welled in her eyes. Anyone watching might have thought she’d gone mad. Even the Devil himself, Liam, watched her with faint surprise. Did she not hear him? He had just said he wanted her… and she was laughing. Did she think it was a joke? “Please, ask for anything else,” Mr. Cole finally said, his voice cracking. “Alina is our only child.” “I don’t want anything else,” Liam replied smoothly. “Only her.” Mr. Cole opened his mouth to argue, but Alina spoke first. “You really want me?” “Yes,” Liam said without hesitation. “That’s the only way I’ll invest in your father’s company.” “Please,” Mrs. Cole pleaded, tears streaming down her face. “Not my daughter. Ask for something else.” “But you heard your husband,” Liam said coldly. “He promised me anything I asked for. And what I want… is her.” His gaze sharpened. “If you refuse, then I won’t invest. And don’t dare come to me again.” “You’re heartless,” Alina muttered, clearly annoyed. What did this man actually want from her? Liam’s smile turned lethal. “Say that again, and I’ll have my men take you in public, middle of the road. Dare me.” His voice was ice. “Please, request something else,” Mr. Cole begged. “It’s fine, Dad,” Alina said suddenly. “I’ll go with him.” Everyone stared at her in shock. Caleb, standing in the corner, felt a wave of pity for her. She had no idea the kind of hell she was walking into. “Keep quiet!” Mr. Cole snapped, glaring at his daughter. This wasn’t her. Normally, Alina was quiet and obedient. But today she had insulted the Devil… and now she was agreeing to follow him. Was she trying to die before her time? “Dad, if this is the only way out, then I’ll go,” Alina said firmly. In her mind, her life was already ticking away, just a few months left. If she was going to die anyway, why not spend it with the so-called Devil? Maybe it wasn’t such a bad decision after all. Liam studied her with curiosity. Where was this girl getting her courage? Most would be on their knees, begging for mercy. But she stood her ground. One thing was certain: he’d make her regret it. “Good,” he said finally. “Since she’s agreed, there’s no problem. I’ll give you whatever amount you need. Thank you for your daughter.” He turned toward the door, but halfway there, he stopped and glanced over his shoulder. “Aren’t you coming? Or should I have someone carry you?” “Why so impatient? Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” she asked. “No. You’re my property now, and I don’t like my property out of my sight. Now, come here.” Ignoring him, Alina knelt beside her mother, who was still sobbing. “Mom, please stop crying. I’ll be fine.” “Fine? With the Devil?” Mrs. Cole’s voice trembled. “He could hurt you…” “I’ll be fine,” Alina interrupted softly. “I’ll visit home when I can. Tell Grandma I love her.” She hugged her mother tightly before standing and turning to her father, whose eyes shone with unshed tears. Wrapping her arms around him, she whispered, “Don’t worry about me, Dad. I’ll be okay.” They held each other for a long moment before she finally pulled away. She gave them one last wave, then walked toward Liam. Outside, a sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom waited at the curb. Caleb opened the back door, and Liam slid in first. Alina followed without a word. The door closed with a heavy thud. Caleb got behind the wheel, started the engine, and the car pulled away.
Free reading for new users
Scan code to download app
Facebookexpand_more
  • author-avatar
    Writer
  • chap_listContents
  • likeADD