His Terms, My surrender

Chapter Three

I woke up to the sound of my father's gentle stirring. I sat up, rubbing my eyes, and looked at him. He was trying to sit up, but he winced in pain. “Papa, be careful,” I said, getting him up. “Sofia, I am sorry for everything.”

“Papa, I thought we’ve talked about this. You did not fail me. “I know, Sofia. But I feel I have. I have put you in this situation with Theo.” “Papa, that’s not your fault. You were desperate and he took advantage of you.” “But….” I interrupted. “There’s no but. Let’s not dwell on the past now. It is what it is.

I am going to make breakfast, papa. Do you want anything?” “Just some water, Sofia. I am not hungry.” “Okay, papa. I’ll bring you some water.” I got up and headed to the kitchen. I cracked open the cupboard and brought out some ingredients to make pancakes. As I was done, I slid the pancakes onto a plate and added some syrup. I took a bite, the savoring taste. For a moment, I forgot about our troubles.

But as I looked up at the clock on the wall, my heart sank. 11:30 am. Ah s**t, Theo is gonna send for me soon. I felt a knot in my stomach as I thought about what was to come. I tried to push the thought away and focus on the present moment, but it was no use. My mind was racing with the worst-case scenarios.

I finished my breakfast in silence, my eyes fixed on the clock. 11:50 am. 12:00 pm was just minutes away. I hastily cleared the dishes, my movements fueled by a sense of urgency. My mind was occupied with the impending arrival of Theo’s emissaries, and I knew I had to act swiftly.

I still needed to pack my belongings, but time was running out. As I rinsed the last dish and placed it on the drying rack, I glanced at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time. 11:55 am. Just as I was about to turn away, I heard the unmistakable sound of a car horn outside.

My heart sank, as I cautiously approached the window and peeked outside, my eyes scanning the street. A sleek black sedan was parked outside our modest home, its tinted windows reflecting the sunlight. I recognized the vehicle instantly - it was Theo's car.

My stomach twisted into a knot as I watched one of the henchmen from the other day step out of the passenger side door. He was a towering figure, his imposing physique and menacing scowl making him look like a formidable enforcer. The henchman glanced around casually before his eyes locked on our front door.

He strode purposefully towards it, his heavy footsteps echoing through the silence. I felt a sense of dread wash over me as I realized that our time was up. I had to act fast. I rushed to the door, trying to compose myself. The henchman's knock was loud and firm.

I opened the door, and he towered over me, his expression unyielding. "Sofia, we need to go. Now," he growled. "I need to pack my things," I pleaded, trying to stall. “No time for that,” he replied, his voice firm. “Theo doesn't like waiting.” “I am coming.”

I asked, trying to hide my desperation, "But who will help my father while I'm gone? He's not well." The henchman sneered. "Theo has already made arrangements. Your father will be taken care of." I felt a mix of relief and doubt. Could I trust Theo to take care of my father?

“Please,” I begged. “Just a few minutes. I need to say goodbye to my father.” The henchman sneered. “You should have thought of that before you crossed Theo. Now, let’s go.” "If you don't open up, I'll break down the door!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the hallway.

I knew I had no choice. I was only able to grab a few clothes in my arms- a shirt, a pair of jeans, and a jacket. As I opened the door, the henchman dragged me out, I glanced back at my father, who was lying on the couch, his face contorted in pain. He tried to sit up but winced and fell back down, unable to move.

I was dragged away from my father, unable to help him or even say goodbye. The henchman’s grip on my arm was vice.

As I was dragged away, I caught a glimpse of my old life disappearing into the distance. The henchman threw me into the car, and we sped away from the house, leaving my father and our home behind.

After what felt like an eternity, we finally arrived at our destination. The henchman turned into a long driveway, and a modern, sleek mansion came into view. It was a stark contrast to the grand, opulent mansion I had expected. This one was minimalist, with clean lines.

The henchman pulled me out of the car and dragged me towards the entrance. I stumbled, trying to keep up with his pace. We entered the mansion, and I was immediately struck by its cold, sterile atmosphere

"Welcome, Miss Sofia," he said, his voice dripping with false sincerity.

The henchman dragged me out of the car, and we stepped into the foyer.

As we entered the living room, I saw Theo standing by the window, his back to us. He was dressed in a sleek black suit, his brunette hair perfectly styled. He turned to face us, a cold smile spreading across his face.

“Ah, Sofia,” he said, his voice dripping with malice. “Welcome to my home.”

"I see you're confused, Sofia," Theo said, his smile growing wider. "This isn't the type of mansion you were expecting, is it? This one I don't often bring guests to."

The henchman released his grip on my arm, and I rubbed my sore spot, trying to compose myself.

Theo gestured to a sleek, black leather chair, I hesitated for a moment before sitting down. He walked over to an armchair across from me and sat down, taking a moment to adjust his suit jacket before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a cigarette. He lit the cigarette, taking a long drag before exhaling slowly. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity.

"I must say, I'm impressed. You're quite the resilient little thing, aren't you? I mean, most people would be trembling with fear by now, but not you. You're still trying to put on a brave face. How... quaint."

Theo's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with malice. He took another drag on his cigarette, his eyes never leaving mine.

"But let's cut the small talk, shall we? We both know why you're here. You're here because you owe me, Sofia. And now, it's time to pay up."

He leaned forward, his voice taking on a menacing tone. "So, tell me, Sofia... what do you have to offer me? What could you possibly have that would make me want to keep you around?"

I swallowed hard, trying to think of a response.

But before I could speak, Theo continued.

"Oh, don't bother trying to come up with something. I already know the answer. You have nothing to offer me, Sofia. Nothing but your... presence. And that's exactly what I want."

He leaned back in his chair, a cold smile spreading across his face. "You see, Sofia, I've been looking for someone like you. Someone who can... entertain me. Keep me company. And you, my dear, are the perfect candidate."

"So, here's the deal," Theo said, his voice dripping with malice. "You'll stay here with me, in this house, until I tire of you. And in return... well, let's just say you'll be well taken care of and your father will be free of his debt.”

"Ah, but there are rules, Sofia," Theo said, his smile growing wider. "Rules you must follow if you want to... survive."

He leaned forward, his eyes glinting with excitement. As He spoke, his eyes gleamed with a lustful intensity, his gaze burning with an inner fire that seemed to consume him whole. "First rule, anytime I want to see you, Sofia, you must dress pleasantly, more like the clothes provided here, and not the scraps you're holding onto from your old life." His voice dripped with malice, his words dripping with an unspoken promise of pleasure and pain.

A quiver coursed through my veins as his words hung in the air. I had no choice but to accept his twisted game.

Second rule, He spoke again. “You will not leave this house without my permission. You will not try to contact anyone outside these walls. Do I make myself clear?”

I nodded, appearing submissive. Theo’s eyes seemed to bore into my soul as if he were searching for a hint of rebellion.

He leaned back in his chair, taking another drag of his cigarette.

“Third rule,” he said. This time he spoke with commanding eyes. It was not to be questioned, and I knew that if I violated it, severe punishment would follow. What exactly it was, I did not know.”

“You will do as I say when I say it. No questions, no arguments. You will obey me, or face the consequences.”

I nodded again, appearing submissive, but inside I was seething with defiance. I knew I had to play along, at least for now, but I was determined to find a way to escape, to outsmart Theo and his twisted game.

Theo's smile grew wider as if he could see the fear and resignation in my eyes. "And finally, fourth rule, you will not try to leave me. Ever. You are mine now, Sofia. Mine to keep, mine to play with, mine to discard when I'm done with you."

He leaned forward, his face inches from mine, his breath cold and menacing. "Do you understand, Sofia? Do you understand the rules?"

I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yes, Theo. I understand."

He leaned back in his chair, a cold smile spreading across his face. "Good. Then let's begin our little game, shall we?"

As he spoke, he reached out and stroked my cheek.

As Theo's fingers brushed against my skin, I felt a chill run down my spine. "Undo your clothes," he whispered, his eyes gleaming with malice. I tried to protest, but my voice was caught in my throat. His hand reached for the buttons on my shirt. Suddenly, a loud noise echoed through the hall, and Theo's head jerked up, his eyes narrowing. "What was that?" he growled, his grip on my arm tightening.