Page 1 of Wicked Nasty

Chapter one

Prologue

Halleujah

Agonyripsthroughmyarm as my mother drags me down the hallway with a vice-like grip. I scream and sob, tears streaming down my shaking cheeks. She yanks me into my bedroom, the bubblegum pink walls and designer furniture offering no solace from her wrath.

I plead desperately, "I want daddy!"

My mother whirls around, her icy gaze piercing like daggers as she hisses, "You're acting like a spoiled little brat, Rebecca. Your father is a powerful man and right now, it's my turn to have him."

Trembling with fear and longing, I cling to her, begging, "I want to go with you!"

She shoves me away with a disgusted sigh. "Rebecca, this behavior is intolerable. Pull yourself together, we do not act like this." Turning on her heel, she claps her hands sharply. "Katya! Come here at once!"

Our in-house nanny scurries in, her head held high as she stands next to my mother. "Yes, Mrs. Carney?"

My mother gestures towards me with disdain. "Get this child off of me. This is a silk suit and I cannot have it wrinkled." She smooths down the fabric with manicured fingers. "The car is waiting and I need to leave. We won't be back for at least a month." The door clicks shut behind them, leaving me alone in my gaudy prison of wealth and neglect.

I reach out to hug her, but my mother quickly pulls away, her expression a mix of disgust and disdain. My arms hang limply by my sides as Katya takes me into her embrace instead, her warmth and kindness offering some comfort amidst the chaos. As my mother's heels click sharply down the hallway, I struggle to break free from Katya's hold.

"I want to go with them, Katya! Why can't I go?!" My voice cracks with desperation and tears stream down my face as I fight against her grip.

But Katya holds me tight, whispering soothing words in my ear as she carries me to my bed. She sits with me, her gentle touch rubbing circles on my back, trying to calm the storm raging inside of me.

"It's not fair!" I cry out, feeling utterly helpless and alone at this moment.

"Oh my sweet little love," Katya murmurs. "I know how hard this is for you. But we will find a way to make it through together. We always have."

My sobs continue uncontrollably as Katya picks me up again and carries me to the kitchen. She places me on the counter as she starts gathering pots and pans, opening cabinets and the fridge to get ingredients for cooking. As she works around the kitchen, humming a comforting tune, I watch in numb silence.

"Katya," I finally speak up, my voice trembling with emotion. "Why does this have to happen?"

She looks at me with sadness in her eyes before taking my face in her hands and wiping away my tears. "Listen,moya malen'kaya babochka. My little butterfly. There are no more tears, understood? You are strong and brave."

But I push my lips out in a pout and shake my head stubbornly. "I don't feel strong or brave."

A small smile tugs at Katya's lips. "It's okay to rest your wings, my dear. But don't forget, you are a fighter."

I let out a shaky breath and nod, trying to believe her words.

"Now," Katya says, her tone firm but gentle, "wipe that pout off your face and let's make some cookies."

"I don't wanna," I mumble, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.

Her frown deepens as she crosses her arms and stands in front of me. "Rebecca. You cannot sit and sulk for an entire month."

"Yes I can," I retort, feeling resentment building up inside of me.

Katya shakes her head sadly. "My little love. We will be fine. Your father will come home soon enough. Would you like to call him?"

A small glimmer of hope sparks within me at the mention of my father. "Yes, please!"

She smiles tenderly and takes out her phone, dialing my father's number with practiced ease. It rings three times before he finally picks up.

"Katya! How are you? Is everything okay?"

"Yes, Mister Carney. Rebecca would just like to talk to you."

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