I Won’t Let Him Win

Meanwhile, in Fabio’s office…

His son stormed through the room, smashing everything in sight.

—“Aaaaahhhh!! How the hell did that bastard know?! How did he get to her first?! She was mine! I was supposed to take her before anyone else!”

—“Son, calm down. She’s just a girl. It’s not worth picking a fight with Bastien. He’s powerful… and merciless.”

—“Not more than I am.”

—“He paid us fifteen million to let the girl go. That’s over double what you gave her mother. And your plan… was far darker. I know you expected to profit from it, to turn her pain into entertainment… and money.”

—“She. Was. Mine!” —he roared, throwing a chair at the door—. “She was ready! This Saturday was the day. Do you know how hard it is to find a twenty-two-year-old virgin?!”

—“You’re certain… she’s no longer untouched?”

—“Yes. He showed me the proof. Images. The blood. Everything.”

—“Damn it…” —he growled—. “He’s always one step ahead. But this isn’t over. That girl will be mine. I’ll break her. I’ll own her.”

—“Please, think it through. We could lose everything over this girl. Is it really worth it?”

—“Bastien won’t beat me. I have something he doesn’t… charm.”

A twisted, hollow smile curled on his perfect face—a beauty masking pure darkness.

Back at the mansion…

Kate woke from yet another dream. Always the same. That man kissing her… whispering sweet, poisoned words into her soul.

She stepped onto her injured foot—it didn’t hurt anymore.

At the window, she saw Bastien in the pool. His body cut like stone, water gliding down sculpted muscles. A tattoo stretched across his back—an angel, perhaps. Powerful and dark.

Kate found herself biting her lip. Watching him. Wanting to hate him… and yet…

Bastien got out, sat on the edge, shirtless. He twisted a ring on his finger, staring at it with something that looked like sadness.

—What are you hiding, Bastien?

She changed into a light dress and sandals. Carefully, she made her way downstairs. The table was set with milk, fruit, cereal. Bastien appeared from the kitchen, holding a pan of eggs. His wet hair clung to his face, sleeves rolled up, his shirt half open.

He looked up and their eyes met.

—“You came down…” —he said softly—. “Sit. It’s ready.”

Kate sat, moving carefully due to her foot. Bastien returned with a first-aid kit, knelt in front of her, and gently took her foot.

—“You don’t need to. Let go.”

—“I need to check the wound.”

—“I said no!”

—“And I said yes. Obey.”

He removed her sandal, took off the bandage, and applied alcohol.

—“Ouch!”

—“Still hurts?”

—“No, I just scream for fun.”

He smirked at her sarcasm. Applied more alcohol. Blew softly on the wound.

—“Aaayyy…”

—“You need to keep it clean, or it’ll get infected. Did you take your antibiotics?”

—“Yes.”

—“Good. Now eat something. Or the medicine will upset your stomach.”

—“Did you cook?”

—“Yes.” —He applied a new bandage—. “I usually cook just for myself. But today I cooked for two.”

—“Why?”

—“Because trust is dangerous. Especially when it comes to food. Anyone could drug you. Poison you.”

—“But you’re surrounded by loyal men.”

—“Loyalty fades when money talks.”

—“Mr. Bastien,” —Lucca appeared in the doorway, holding a folder.

—“Can’t you see I’m busy?”

—“Sir, it’s urgent.”

Bastien’s amber gaze pierced Lucca like a blade. Lucca looked at Kate, silently pleading.

—“He’s done. Go to him,” —Kate said quietly.

Bastien looked at her for a long moment, then rose and took his seat at the head of the table. Lucca handed him the folder.

—“When?”

—“This morning.”

—“What did you do?”

—“The usual.”

—“Good. Clear it out and send the message.”

—“Yes, sir. Excuse me. Miss, good morning.”

Lucca left.

—“That’s the second time I’ve heard you say ‘clear it out.’ What does it mean?”

—“It means… something you don’t need to know. Eat.”

—“Ugh…” —Kate sighed and grabbed her food—. “You’re such a tyrant.”

—“That’s what keeps me alive. If I were soft, I’d be dead. And broke.”

His phone rang.

—“Yes. Two shipments. Verified and clean. If I don’t see that wire today, I’ll cancel the deal and sell them elsewhere. I don’t wait. I don’t do favors. Goodbye.”

A ping from the bank.

He called again.

—“Lucca. The payment’s in. Deliver.”

He returned to his plate.

—“You could say please and thank you, you know.”

—“I pay them. That’s all they need.”

—“Why are you like this? You’re young. You could be happy.”

He looked at her. His amber eyes darkened.

—“I was happy once. But I was weak. I had no power to stop them. Since that day, I swore I’d never lose anything—or anyone—ever again.”

—“So… there was someone.”

—“The only woman who was kind to me. They made me leave her behind.”

—“Why don’t you find her?”

—“Because she hates me.”

He lowered his gaze and kept eating.

—“Enough questions. Just eat.”

—“You’re unbearable.”

She continued eating in silence. Bastien watched her. His eyes softened. A lock of hair fell across her face. He reached out to brush it away, but she jerked her head.

—“Don’t touch me.”

His hand hovered in the air, then slowly lowered.

—“When you’re done, I need you to come with me.”

—“Where?”

—“You’ll see when we get there.”

When they finished eating, Kate stood.

—“Thank you,” —she said quietly.

Bastien stood too.