JULIA

“I'll strike a deal with you for my freedom,” I repeated, even though my mouth was drier than the desert.

My voice, although wobbly with apprehension, cuts through the tense air of Alonzo's office. My hands tremble slightly as I summon the courage to propose a pact that could potentially untangle me from this colossal mess.

Alonzo, his piercing gaze never leaving mine, considers my words. The pressure of his grip on my face, which moments ago felt like a vice, finally relents. As he releases me, I can feel the lingering ache where his fingers left their mark. His response is a measured, "I'm listening," uttered in a tone that suggested he was willing to hear me out, but that he was nowhere near trusting me.

“I will get you the flash drive,” I started. “But as soon as I do that you let me me go. No strings, no conditions, nothing. I walk out that door and it will be like we never met. You leave me alone.”

“And what makes you think I'll agree to this?”

“You said you were desperate to find the flash drive, right?” I knew I was pushing my luck with this very dangerous man but I had to drive it home that he was to keep his side of the bargain. “If you don't agree you're not getting anything.”

"Fine," he says with a cold demeanor, "you get the flash drive, and then you're free to go. But here's something you should keep in mind before double crossing me, Julia. Don't expect any kindness from me. I won't forget that you faked those tears, and I don't take kindly to deception."

He straightens up from the table and adjusts his suit before heading to the door.

“Just so you know, we'll be monitoring your every move, Julia. Remember you set the terms of our deal. You can have your freedom that you so badly want since I don't want a whore as my woman anyway but only if you uphold your end of the bargain. If you try to escape or pull out any tricks, there will be severe consequences. Raymond, take her home now.”

With that, Alonzo opens the door and disappears behind it, leaving me with a sense of unease. Even though he was now gone the weight of his threats lingers in the air, a stark reminder of what I had gotten myself into.

As the heavy door swings shut, Raymond steps up beside me. His face just as dark and unforgiving as his boss'. Throughout Alonzo's threats to me he had stood behind me his figure stoic and silent. His demeanor, like the shadows that lurked in the corners, held a strong authority. With a subtle nod, he gestured for me to follow him.

“This way,” he said as he waved toward the door.

Not daring to oppose him I followed his instructions and we left the office. Stepping outside we navigated the dimly lit corridors of the main house.

Silence hangs between us as we approached the waiting car, its engine humming with an steady hum. The night air is cool, a stark contrast to the heated exchanges that took place inside. Raymond opens the car door for me, a gesture that seemed gentlemanly but instead told me that I was not in charge of anything as long as I was in this vicinity. As I settle into the leather seat, the cold reality of my entanglement with this ruthless group becomes even more clear.

The engine roars to life as Raymond takes his place behind the wheel. The car maneuvers through the well-worn paths and the closer we got to my apartment the worse I felt. I could not stop thinking of Alonzo's threats, the way he casually delivered them like he was slightly bored.

I started to shift uneasily in my seat so I stole a glance at Raymond to see if he noticed my restlessness. He didn't because his steely gaze remained fixed on the road ahead.

The inside of the car became filled with a sort of awkward tension.

I started to think of ways to diffuse until Raymond's voice sounded out. A voice that was just as chilling as Alonzo's.

"Don't take his words lightly, Julia," he warns, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "Alonzo means everything he said. He doesn't bluff and he will not hesitate to kill you if you try anything funny. Stay in line, and maybe you'll make it out of this in one piece."

I swallowed down the lump in my throat and nodded in acknowledgment. Hearing it from his right hand man just how ruthless he was did nothing to settle my stomach. The streets pass by in a blur as Raymond expertly navigates the vehicle through the night time scenery of the city. I was lost in my thoughts throughout the remainder of the trip.

As we approach my home, Raymond eased the car to a stop. He turned to me, his gaze as sharp as a hawks, a reminder that I am not free from their watchful gaze. "Remember, Julia, this is not a game. Alonzo's not forgiving. Play your part, and you just might live to see another day."

The car door opens, and I step out onto the quiet street. Raymond's gaze follows my every move as I close the door with a bang. 

As the car pulls away, disappearing into the night, I'm left standing alone, a pawn in a game where one wrong move could land me in an early grave.

Exhaustion weighed heavily on me, and with a tired sigh, I started the short journey down the street toward my apartment. Most of the city around me had gone to sleep, only a handful of people were still up.

Upon reaching my doorstep, Dio appeared almost from nowhere startling me a little. His inquisitive nature evident in the arch of his brow.

"Well, well, well, someone has been a busy girl? Who was that that just dropped you off?" Dio queried, his gaze sly with a mischievous grin.

“Jesus, Dio,” I grabbed my chest. “Don't scare me like that. How long have you been there?”

“Let's see. I finished dinner and celebrations with my family at around 6, ran some errands then headed here so I'd say about an hour or so.”

“An hour? I'm sure you have better things to do with your time than wait for me.”

“Hey, you're my best friend,” he punched my shoulder lightly. “That's not a long time at all. Now, stop deflecting and answer my question. Who was that just now?”

In response, I schooled my face into a stoic mask as I waved a dismissive hand. "Who? Oh, that was just my Uber driver. I went out and had too many drinks so I called one, it's no big deal," I replied, forcing a casual smile.

“Is that so?” Dio scrutinized me for a while, his perceptive eyes seeming to see beneath my lie.

“It is,” I repeated, internally begging him to let it go.

After a thoughtful pause, he seemed to hear my silent plea and shrugged, seemingly satisfied with my explanation.

“Fine, whatever you say,” he said resting his Nike-clad feet on the stoop of my door. “I actually came because I felt bad about how today went for you so I thought I'd come over and treat you to a meal.”

For the first time today my mouth curved into a smile at the thoughtfulness of his gesture. “Aw, thanks, Dio. That means a lot to me.”

“So, are you hungry?” he asked, stuffing hands into the pockets of his tan jeans.

As if on cue, my stomach rumbled reminding me that I hadn't had anything to eat in hours.

Even though I was beyond exhausted I still agreed. “Sure, food sounds amazing right about now.”