Ruthless Redemption

CHAPTER 1

Atlanta, Georgia

~Ariella~

"If you move your head, you will die, so you better stand still, woman," Emily said, as Luis stood next to her without saying anything. I am not sure how a wife and lover can live together.

Examinations were quickly approaching, and I had not yet paid my outstanding examination fees. As a law student, things have been difficult, but holding onto the hope of one day making my father proud has kept me going. I know things would not have progressed this far if my mother, the only person who truly provided me with everything I needed, was still alive. A brave and supportive woman who had always fueled my desire to become a top lawyer left when I did not expect her to, and now I am stuck in a mess I do not know how to get out of.

I took on a serving job for the night because I knew the money I would make would be more than enough to pay for my exam and buy a gift for my father's birthday. I had never served before but was eager to do so because I did not have any other option, but when the worst happened, all hell broke loose. I was kidnapped and awoke to confront my worst nightmare in person. I was terrified and had already entered the lion's den; we all know what the Delucas are capable of, not to mention their heir Luis, the last man anyone in Atlanta would want to mess with. When I saw him for the first time at the party, I knew it was over. I was still wondering why he had not killed me yet.

I was in a dark room for about a week, and only delicious meals were brought to me; I had no idea how I was going to survive because death was the only fate that those who messed with them faced. I heard footsteps approaching, and I realized I had failed my parents. When the door opened, Luis Deluca walked in; I still did not dare to look up, so I remained looking down. "Sign these damn papers," he said, and I looked up in alarm.

I could tell which papers I was signing just by looking at the color. 'Marriage?' When a drop of blood landed on the paper, I said at the back of my head, unsure whether to sign.

"Look here, young lady, it is either you sign that paper and go get tortured out there, or you stay and let me send you back to your family, OK, in a body bag," Luis said, his voice commanding and fierce.

"No-I will sign, sir," I responded, signing the paperwork.

"Please keep that lame excuse to yourself; it must have been your plan all along to take my-"

"Emily, you, of all people, should know that we do not kill our assets," Luis responded to the woman.