Page 3 of Dangerous Contract: Part 2

Why had she even dated him? How could she let someone like this bring her self-esteem so low? If she could talk to the old her, she would make sure she understood her worth. She was worth so much more than this.

“Come on, son,” her dad said again. “Take a step back. Breathe. Let me talk to her. When you two argued in the past, I was always able to get her to see things the right way. Let me do that now.”

Something her father said must’ve broken through Trevor’s crazy. He took a step back, but his eyes never left hers. In his eyes, she saw something that frightened her to her core. She couldn’t name it. But it was different. He was different. He was worse.

“Monique,” her father started, pulling her gaze to him. “You’ve always been headstrong, just like your mother. It’s a shame you didn’t inherit more of her wisdom.”

“If having wisdom means allowing a man to treat you any kind of way simply because he’ssupposedto be the head of the household, then I don’t want to be wise,” Monique hissed.

“Watch your mouth, girl,” her father warned. “Watch your damn mouth.”

“What do you want from me? Why did you break into my house and bring me here? Why am I tied up in this hellhole? What is it? What do you want?” she yelled, wishing Raz would hurry up and get there. “And where are my friends? Dad, where’s Meka and Toya?”

Her father’s expression softened slightly, his eyes flickering with something resembling regret. “That’s what I’m trying to get at. Monique, this isn’t just about you. It’s about someone else, too.”

“Someone else?” Monique’s heart skipped a beat. Her mind raced through the possibilities, landing on the worst-case scenario. “Is it... Meka and Toya? Are they okay?”

Her dad started to speak, but Trevor spoke over him.

Trevor chuckled darkly. “Oh, you catch on quick, cupcake.”

“Don’t call me that! Just tell me if my friends are okay.”

“One of your dear friends is in quite a predicament,” Trevor told her, revealing her worst fear. “But don’t worry, we’re not heartless. We’re willing to help.”

Monique’s pulse quickened, her desperation growing. “Help? What are you talking about? Help how? Tell me what’s going on, Trevor.”

“You see, one of your friends needs a doctor. And we have the means to ensure she gets the medical attention she needs,” Trevor explained. “But you need to cooperate. Act right, and we’ll make sure her wound is treated. Act against us, and... well, let’s just say we won’t be so charitable.”

Monique’s mind raced, torn between her revulsion for these men and her concern for her friends’ safety. One of her friends needed medical attention. She’d heard a gunshot before she’d passed out back at her house. Had one of them been shot?

Her voice trembled when she spoke again. “Dad, you’ve known Meka and Toya for a long time. How could you do this?”

It was written all over her father’s face. He felt guilty. “You’re right. I’ve known them for a long time. They’ve come to my church. They’ve eaten at my house. They’re good girls...”

Trevor scoffed.

Her dad continued. “And I don’t want to see them hurt any more than they already are. So act right, sweetie. If you do, everything will be okay. Everyone will live.”

Will live? So, there was a chance of one of her friends dying? Tears dripped down her cheeks.

“I see you finally get the picture,” Trevor drawled. “Do what we tell you, and everything will be alright.”

Monique swallowed, trying to get a grip on her emotions. “What do you want me to do?”

Trevor grinned, leaning in closer, repulsing her. “It’s simple, really. Help us with a little task, something that only you can do. And in return, your friend lives.”

Monique’s fists clenched behind her back, her anger boiling over. She hated being manipulated like this, forced into a cornerwith no way out. But the image of Meka or Toya injured and suffering was too much to bear.

She swallowed her pride, her voice barely a whisper when she said, “Fine, I’ll do it. Just promise me they’ll be okay.”

“We promise,” Trevor vowed.

His promises were worthless. Yet, what choice did she have?

Monique nodded, her voice a bit calmer when she said, “Tell me what you need me to do.”

Trevor’s smile widened, a glint of triumph in his eyes. “Good girl. We knew you’d come around. Now, listen closely...”

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