Page 15 of Ink Deep Devotion

“Where are they?” I growl.Don’t kill him.

“Alive,” he smirks.“Dead,” he shrugs.“Maybe they are screaming your name right now, begging and hoping you will come to save them. Who knows?” He snickers.

“What do you want?”

“For you to sit down and follow orders.”

A breath hits my back. My brothers have joined me. The second group of guys who have survived this long watch and wait with bated breath.

“We want a word with Commander Louis,” Leo growls. Louis is the one in charge around here. We’ve never really spoken to him; he’s always on the sidelines surrounded by his top four men, just watching and judging.

The guard snorts, his head tipping back slightly.“And I want a tall blonde with a hot body.” His eyes flicker to Leo.“Is your sister single?” He taunts.

Cillian acts fast, grabbing Leo in a bear-tight grip as Leo lets loose a string of threats in Russian.

The lights dim, a silent warning that has more guards rushing into the room. Death feels closer than ever now. One group acted out against the guards during our first weeks here.Looking to my left, I eye the floor where their bodies fell and blood poured out.

Suddenly, the room is filled with guns pointing at my family. The barrels feel like the fingers of a child poking me.

“Go ahead,” the guard provokes,“Hit me, boys,”

Our inhales are sharp, the air so thick with tension that it’s a struggle to swallow it down and force our lungs to accept it.“Dash.” Damian touches my shoulder, edging me back.

We move in reverse. The guard laughs as the guns track us.“Good dogs, now go sit until your next order.”

“Someday,” I begin to smile,“I’ll make it out of here alive.”

His grin drops a millimeter.

“Remember this moment when I see you,” I warn as I turn around and do as I’m told.

One day, I’m going to make them all suffer.

Chapter 6

Mila

“Thank you,” I tell the waiter as he pours my glass of Merlot. I sink into my seat and try to look relaxed. The show is over and my painting was sold, but not to my father. I made him and Dom promise me they would not buy it. I needed to know my work was valuable to someone who didn’t love me.

“What did you think of the show, Dad?” I cross my legs, tighten my abs, and brace myself for the conversation.

Greg Michelson, my father, is as charismatic and manipulative as any lawyer should be. He’s fit, wears designer suits, and his now graying hair is styled back, not a strand out of place. He sits tall, claiming any chair like his throne of power. Dad’s very good at listening; he has to be in order to make two enemies decide to work together. Dad can find the smallest of things you care about and control it. But I still love him, and he loves me. To protect me, he has always kept me at a distance and sent me to exclusive schools. He wants his enemies to believe that I am merely an accessory he doesn’t care about, but I know it’s all just an act.My father is scary, but there are men out there who can strike fear into even him.

Dad grabs his napkin and wipes the corner of his lip.“It was great, just like everything you do, sweetheart.” He grins, his eyes scanning our private room. His security team is just outside.

“I agree,” Dom adds. He stealthily slips his hand under the table and rests it on my bouncing thigh.

My father glances at him.“I’m happy you could join us, Dominic. I can always rely on you to look after Mila; you’ve always been like the son I never had.” Dad dips his chin, casting a dark shadow over his eyes.

Dad has made it a point never to show me his anger, but I know it exists. You can’t be the contract maker and enforcer to the underworld without being very good at making threats.

My lungs expand, remaining stretched from the tension.This zipper on my dress better hold!Who needs a corset when your own ribs are revolting against you!

Dom grabs his water.“Absolutely, sir.” He takes a sip and grins.

That’s a good idea, drink some water.I reach for my glass with trembling hands.There, that’s it, take a sip. Wait! Slow down. Don't choke. Good, now calm down.

“How are your classes going, Dominic? I’m sure you’re ready to finish them and come to work with your father and me. You have a bright future ahead of you.” Dad picks up his silverware with the elegance and grace a French Renaissance court would admire and praise.

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