“Anybody else here forget who built this shit?” he asked, voice sharp. They went quiet. “You want my grandson to step down?” He grinned. “Then get ready to bury every deal you’ve ever made. ’Cause if he goes, everybody goes.”
That hit. They remembered real quick where the money flowed from and how easy it would be to dry it up.
I stood on the roof after the bullshit ass meeting, city lights below, phone buzzing with media bullshit. I didn’t care; all I cared about was finding my wife. Let ’em spin whatever narrative they wanted. I’d dropped bodies for less in the past. The world needed to remember I wasn’t just some polished CEO; I was the storm behind the throne. If they wanted old Crew. Then old Crew was back. But this time. I was chasing something worse than revenge. I was chasing my heart, and I would kill everything breathin’ to get it back.
Nova was still gone and every day I stayed behind this desk, pretending to play nice, was a day wasted. So, I let the demon loose inside. Fear was profitable, so I would let the city fear me again. They came for my family. Now they’d learn who I really was.
Nova
I yanked at the cuffs until the metal cut my skin, but I couldn’t care less. My heartbeat thundered in my ears and tears burned my eyes but didn’t fall. I refused to cry in front of him. I wouldn’t dare give Kyle the pleasure of knowing how much he scared me. He stalked closer, slowly, and deliberately until he was next to me. He stood in the dim light coming from the open door behind him, smiling like we were lovers meeting in secret.
“Nova.” He sang, voice sliding over my skin like snake oil.
I curled away from him as far as my restraints allowed.
“Welcome home.” He said coming even closer before kneeling down level with me.
He eyed me like he was savoring the fearful expression on my face.
“You’re shaking. That’s not good. Let me help.” He cooed, reaching out for me.
I recoiled from his touch, spitting in his face as I went. The sudden splash of saliva on his skin startled him and I watched it run down his cheek, waiting to see how he would retaliate but he did nothing. Instead of lashing out like I thought he merely wiped his face calmly, before flicking the saliva to the floor with a laugh.
“You know,” he said, his voice even. “I told you it would end like this. You’re mine. You always were. Now be a good bitch and behave before I make your punishment worse than it already will be,” he said smirking.
I knew he wanted a response, but I wouldn’t dare give him what he wanted. Instead, I stared at him like the lunatic he was.
“Timberly is fine, by the way. For now, but that depends on you.” He continued his one-sided conversation.
At those words the ice in my veins turned to fire.
“Don’t you fucking touch her…” I screamed, trying to claw at him.
His eyes hardened but his smile didn’t waver.
“Careful, Nova. She’s a beautiful little bargaining chip. Don’t make me use her.” He chided.
I fell silent, chest heaving as I thought of all the ways I want to make his ass suffer. I can’t believe I ever loved this man. As if he finally got the response he wanted, he patted my cheek, then stood.
“Get some rest. We’ll talk more soon. About our future.” He said before leaving, slamming the door as he went.
And in the dark, I finally let the tears come until I was too exhausted to do anything but pass out. But the sadistic smile on Kyle’s face haunted my dreams.
“Good morning, Darling. We’ve got so much to catch up on.” He said, looking at me like a predator ready to devour his prey.
This time I would try a different tactic instead of challenging him. I would try anything to keep my daughter safe.
“Please Kyle, let me go.” I pleaded, even though I knew he wouldn’t listen.
“Why the fuck would I let my future wife and mother of my child go? Nova. Hhm, why would I let you make a fool of me again? He hissed.
“I’m sorry Kyle.” I cried.
“Not yet, but you will be.” He cackled.
“Fuck you, Kyle.” I screamed, it was obvious that he wasn’t going to let me go and I had no desire to kiss his ass.
“Careful. You’re in no position to talk tough.” Kyle said, leaning closer. “It would be in your best interest to be nice and cooperate. The sooner you realize the only way out of this room is, as my wife, the sooner we can go and get our daughter and be on our way. You’ve had enough time to come to terms with your new life. But that’s enough about you and me. The most important person in this scenario is my daughter.” He smiled.
