Page 114 of Merciless Monster

The sound of footsteps approaching and muffled voices snaps me out of my funk.

Oh, Lord, Please don’t let them hurt me!

The sound of a key in the lock tells me I’m about to come face to face with my abductor. I’m sweating bullets. Not sure if it’s the drugs or my nerves failing me. The door handle turns. This is it. I refuse to look the part of a victim so I make myself taller than I am.

“Hello, Mia.”

It’s him!

“What the hell are you playing at?” I growl, radiating hatred.

“How are you feeling?”

“Just great, thanks. What woman doesn’t dream of being drugged and kidnapped by a psychopath?”

“I see the drugs haven’t beveled your sharp tongue any,” he grins.

“What is your name?”

“I don’t see what difference that makes to your current situation.”

I don’t comment.

“Franco.”

“Well, Franco. What the hell am I doing here? I did as you so politely asked. What more do you want from me?”

“You’re insurance.”

“Insurance?”

“Yes. Leverage.”

“For what?”

“Just in case your boyfriend thinks of doing anything foolish. You’re my insurance policy.”

“This is ridiculous! Let me go! I have a child to care for.”

“Your father can look after Angelo just fine. I know he’s still here.”

“So. You’ve been watching me?”

“Of course.”

Thank God he hasn’t discovered Dante and his men at the ranch. That’s one thing in my favor, at least.

“Stay away from them.”

“You’re in no position to order me around, Mia. Haven’t you figured it out yet? I own your pretty little ass, bitch. You will do as I say and that’s all there is to it.”

“He’s going to kill you, you know.”

“Who? De Luca? Please! He’s an idiot. He’s going to watch you and your son die before I carve his heart from his chest with a blunt knife.”

The look in this maniac’s eyes tells me that he isn’t fucking around. A chill comes over me as his cruel, cold eyes arrest mine. I can’t look away. It’s like watching a car approaching a baby's stroller—I want to avert my gaze, but I’m powerless to do so.

I refuse to show fear. I’m defiant. It’s the only weapon I have.

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