Page 53 of Shadows of Obsession

"What did I say about your moments of creativity, Igor?" Damien's voice drops, low and threatening.

A spark of hope enters my soul at Damien's tone. Maybe it's not so bad.

"I asked you a question!"

This time Damien moves in front of Igor and, pulling out a knife, places it against his throat. Igor swallows, and the knife cuts superficially, causing a drop of blood to slide down his neck.

"He made me wait longer than necessary," is all he answers.

A scream catches in my throat as the memory of the first cuts invades my mind, and I can almost feel his blade on my skin again. The pain when he cut through flesh to satisfy the madness in his head.

The Polish mafia boss doesn't ignore my reaction. He comes to me, using his knife blade to lift my chin until our eyes meet.

I know tears fill my eyes as I try to convey all the torment I've endured. His eyes burn like flames. I see the moment understanding crosses his face, and with a single nod, he turns to Igor and slits his throat with two quick movements.

My gaze follows Igor as he falls to his knees, clutching his throat while blood seeps between his fingers. He tries to form words, but Damien cuts him off.

"I wouldn't bother if I were you. There's no room in this organization for two unstable men. My presence is enough."

I'm transfixed by the man dying before me and the feeling that washes over me. It's not fear. It's not terror. It's joy. Relief.

What the hell is happening to me? Since when do I rejoice at a man's throat being cut a foot away from me?

"Now, let's return to what matters. Aidan...where's my money?" Damien's voice turns light and relaxed.

Aidan stares at the man now lying with empty eyes in a pool of blood on the carpet. None of Damien's men move toward him. Not an inch. Even the guy on the couch merely glances between us and his boss.

"AIDAN!" Damien's shout echoes.

My ex swallows twice and straightens his spine before answering.

"I need a few days." Though he tries to control it, his voice trembles.

"Do I look like a bank, you moron?"

Aidan's eyes widen, and I can't suppress a small smirk at his expression. He's terrified of this man. For a second, I imagineDamien cutting Aidan's throat too. You're not that kind of person. God.

"I don't have fifty thousand dollars right now. Give me something to do for that money. Whatever you need, I'll do it." The desperation in his tone is impossible to miss.

"The problem with that, Aidan, is that you'll set a precedent. If I wanted that, I would have hired you, but I know what a rotten hyena you are, so no. But thanks for the offer.”

When his gaze falls on me, I know what he's going to ask before he speaks. The decision is instant. I don't know if what I'm about to say will cost me more than money, but this man is my only hope now.

"I can pay you his debt. With one condition." My voice is calm and neutral. I almost applaud myself for how confident I sound when even my soul trembles.

Damien starts smiling and looks at his men while laughing.

"A condition? Darling, which part of this situation gave you the impression you're here to negotiate?"

I realize he's mocking me, trying to humiliate me. I know I'm not here as a guest, but something in me believes this man is my lifeline now.

"The fact that you killed Igor for what he did to me."

I know the message is received. Maybe he saw my wound, but I also saw the pain in his eyes. For a fraction of a second, it was there. And it's the only thing I can cling to.

"OUT! EVERYONE!" he tells his men and Aidan, without taking his eyes off me. He turns to stare down Aidan, who seems shocked by everything happening, and adds, "Make sure he doesn't run."

"Sweetie..."

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