Page 17 of Stiletto's Savior

“You don’t know who you’re dealing with, boy.” Bull grunts, shifting in his seat.

“Enlighten me.” I retort, unfazed by his response.

Bull glances at Siren, who nods slightly. He sighs, “The Commander. Big time drug supplier up here who’s been coming in on our turf. We’ve had an issue with him the last few years.”

My heart skips a beat when I hear that name.

I don’t know why, but the name is familiar to me.

CHAPTER FOUR

Stiletto

I wake up to the bite of cold concrete digging into my cheek.

My head pounds like a jackhammer, blurring the edges of reality.

I blink, trying to focus.

Why am I still alive? I thought they would have killed me by now.

“Get the fuck up!” A voice rings in my ears, harsh and demanding.

But it’s not just the voice—it’s the memory of a blow that knocked me out.

The sharp sting pulses through my skull.

I push myself up on shaky arms, scanning my eyes around the dark room.

Shadows loom around me and I’m left to wonder if anyone is actually down here with me.

The air smells stale, laced with something metallic.

Panic flares in my chest.

“Hello?” My voice is hoarse, cracked like the dry earth underfoot. No answer.

Just silence, thick and suffocating.

I squint into the dimness.

The walls are rough, painted in a sickly gray.

My heart races.

“Shit,” I whisper, trying to swallow but my throat feels like sandpaper.

I rub my eyes, willing the fog to lift.

I truly don’t understand why they haven’t killed me. Sure, I’m leverage, but I’m a nobody—just a prospect.

Then I feel it, the weight of chains biting into my skin.

I shift, wincing at the pain.

My wrists throb, raw and burning.

I grit my teeth. No time for weakness.