His Terms, My Surrender

through the dimly lit alley, followed by

ith fury. "Stop!" I yelled at the henchmen as I tried to

ask of anguish. His left eye was already swelling shut, and a la

looming over us as I dabbed on the blood that

blow. "No. It's your father who is going to pay t

old dread seeped into my bones, as

a ruthless mafia lord, feared by all. His reputation for brutal

" I asked nervously, t

sand dollars and the interest is piling up, I'm guess

ind of money. My father's struggling business and part-

ed, trying to reason with the henchmen. "My fat

amusement. "Time?" one of them repeated, his voice dripping with

I said, my voice shaky from the decision I was about to make. "Tak

bout your payment plan?" one of them sneered. "You're j

ee him! Take me to him! Now!" I demanded,

one said, "Fine. It's your death wish." And with that, he g

ed at the narrow end, their windows tinted. The henchmen esco

o the ground, and one of them approa

ruthless mafia lord, sat with an unyielding expression as he narrowed h

te put my finger on it, but I knew I had seen him before. The sharp jawline, the piercing eyes, the m

his expression unreadable. "What's this?

ghter of Javier Sir. She says she wants to negotiate with

soul. "Negotiate?" he repeated, the corner of his lips ra

ped down from the car, his movement fluid and grace

sm. "He says you are smart, resourceful, and determined." Theo's eyes seemed to gleam with amusem

e to think you can negotiate with me." His eyes seemed to gleam with am

er. "I don't have time for this. Kill the both of them!"

ear me out! Let's negotiate a deal! Please!" I begged, as I struggled to fre

e muttered. "And feisty too," he added with a sinister smirk, as he watched m

ck towards Theo. I stumbled, my heart r

on," he said, his ey

calm myself. "Please, I beg you.

y mercy, then you better get going, be

ice unsteady. "Hold me until my father pays his debt.

ok a step closer to me, his voice low and husky. "You're willing to offer

e. "Yes, I'll do whatever it takes. J

rching for any hint of deception. But I meant eve

I've never met anyone willing to go to such lengths for fa

on a menacing tone. "I think it's a bit of both, actually. Brave to offer yoursel

my skin. "You see, I have a bit of a problem with confident

fferent. You're willing to sacrifice everything for your father.

t I'm not a man to be trifled with. I always get what I want, and right

playful curl appeared on his lip. "So, tell me.

f fear, but I tried to keep

u'll live with me, and do my bidding. For a year, you'll be mine

lications. A year of my life, trapped with this man who s

y voice. "And if I refuse?" I aske

lty. "If you refuse, I'll make sure your father's debt is paid in a

my eyes, trying to keep my voice s

e. "Excellent choice," he said, his voice dripping with triu

he reality of my situation. I was tr

by the door. "Take her back to where you found her," he comm

ir grip firm but not unkind, and

feel a sense of relief wash over me. I had done i

vements, I helped him stand and then

r me in the doormat. I opened it, and inside, I found a beautif