CHAPTER 7

Vince’s POV

 

Andre opens the door to the basement, and I stroll in, anger surging through me at the thought of this fucker raping her.

 

Though accidental, Ann is mine now.

 

In silence, we walk to the first door, and he pulls it open to reveal the chained jerk who has fear written all over his expression.

 

I take long strides towards him as he looks up to stare at me. “Why am I here? Who are you?”

 

Slyvester and Damon are standing behind him. I told them to get him and bring him here. Having him dealt with behind my back was one straightforward thing, but I wanted to do that myself.

 

“Do you know Annnete Vasquez?” I ask in a gentle tone, anticipating his denial.

 

Instead, the corner of his lips curves up in a smile, and he begins to laugh. “Ann paid you to do this?”

 

He continues to laugh while I try so hard to control my anger.

 

Ann doesn't know I am doing this. She doesn't even know yet what I do for a living, and I intend to keep that hidden for as long as I can.

 

But having him still out there as a threat to her was one thing I needed to take care of as soon as she became my wife.

 

She is now my responsibility.

 

“You don't have to waste time on that brat. I haven't had a taste of her yet, but I will eventually, and I will…” My fist hits his mouth, earning a shout from him. “What the hell was that for?”

 

After stepping back, I pull out my black gloves and put them on. Quietly, I extend a hand towards Andre, who drops the hammer in my palm.

 

When I walk closer, his eyes widen on me, fear and raw terror flickering in.

 

“What are you doing?” In an effort to free himself of the iron chains around his hands and legs, he bucks his hips up.

 

Without a word, Sylvester unchains both hands and places the right arm on the shiny tray just as realization dawns on him on what I am about to do.

 

I am a man of few words. 

 

When I want something, I get it. When I get betrayed, I destroy.

 

Henceforth, Ann becomes a part of me, and whatever hurts her has to come through me.

 

If I don't get rid of this fucker, he will come for her again, just as he promised. But I want to let him know he is just a piece of cake. I have dealt with more difficult people. More dangerous people.

 

Henceforth, nobody dares cross paths with her anymore. She will be untouchable.

 

Without warning, I slam the object into his right arm, and his scream penetrates the silence of the basement, echoing around until his screams reduce to whimpers of pain.

 

His face is filled with horror as he watches his hand smashed into the tray.

 

“Please,” he starts to beg, tears rolling down his eyes with mucus. “I'm sorry. Tell Ann that I am sorry. I won't…”

 

I slam the hammer right into his face, and he goes silent, blood dripping from his face.

 

I toss the hammer away and take off the gloves before strolling out.

 

When I am out, heading towards the mansion, my phone begins to ring, and I pull it out to see my mother’s name flashing across the screen.

 

I pick up quickly. “Mom?”

 

“Where are you?” She asks sharply, excitement filling her voice.

 

“Why do you ask?” I demand instead, suspecting she wants to pay me a surprise visit.

 

“Well, Isabel just arrived in the States, and I suggested we have dinner with you at the mansion, what do you say?” 

 

“I am busy,” I mutter and disconnect the call before she can say anything else.

 

I should have known this was it. My mother has a multitude of women available for me to choose from and settle down with. I told her I wasn't interested in marriage, but she insisted, pegging me on Isabel, Mario's granddaughter.

 

Isabel is her favorite now because she mentions her name each time we meet. She believes Isabel is the right candidate because I feel sort of indebted to Mario, or probably because she knows I hold Mario in high esteem.

 

She doesn't get to define my life. She doesn't get to choose for me.

 

This is why I need to keep Ann. 

 

I need to take a shower. I left Ann's room this morning without waiting for her reply, after telling her that I wanted us to stay married.

 

Nothing surprises me. But this thing between Ann and me shocked the hell out of me.

 

It is too much of a coincidence, and I want to take full advantage of it.

 

When I take the stairs up, nodding at the butler, I touch the doorknob to my room, my eyes fixed on Ann’s room.

 

I haven't seen her since this morning. I just killed her stepbrother, and she doesn't even know yet. She doesn't even know who I really am, and it makes me wonder how she would feel when she eventually knows.

 

Letting go of the doorknob, I stalk towards her door and knock.

 

As if expecting me to show up, the door opens.

 

“Hi,” she waves at me with a nervous smile tugged on her face. Her hair is packed, and she is wearing a big shirt and knickers.

 

It reminds me once more of my responsibility. I've got to get her clothes. And every other thing she would need.

 

“Can I come in?” I ask her calmly, and she nods before stepping aside.

 

I walk in.

 

She follows behind and stands in front of me, avoiding my gaze. I decide to speak up, and she instantly looks up, her nervousness dissipating in a moment, leaving me amazed.

 

One minute, she looks timid and shy, and the next minute, she is bold and fearless.

 

“Were you raped?” The sudden question rolling out of my mouth made her jaws drop in shock.

 

I wasn't supposed to put it that way, was I?

 

She lowers her head, the memory of the incident chasing the confidence away from her face.

She told me she was almost raped bur I have a feeling this isn’t the first thing this step brother of hers had harassed her.

 

“I’m sorry, I shouldn't ask…”

 

“No!” She cuts me short sharply. “It's fine; I wasn't raped. He almost did.”

 

I nod, watching fear creep behind her brown irises. Making me feel the urge to want to kill that bastard over again.

 

I wonder what kind of torture she must have endured. I don't regret getting rid of him, and I won't regret it, even when she finds out.

 

“Can we talk about earlier?” She inquires, flashing me a small smile that reaches her eyes. I nod and fold my arms around my chest. She signals to me to take a seat, and I stroll to the bed to sit.

 

She does the same besides me before asking. “About the accidental marriage between us. Don't you think it would be better if we had the marriage annulled? It shouldn't be a…”

 

“No!” I interrupt quickly. There will be no annulment. 

 

She opens her mouth to object, but pauses and closes it again. “Why?”

 

I shrug without a word.

 

“I believe there ought to be a reason why you want us to stay married, Vince.” Her tone is serious now. “I don't even know you. You don't know me. We are total strangers. I know I caused all of this, but I don't mind taking responsibility for it. We shouldn't do this.”

 

When she is done, I ask. “What do you want to know about me?”

 

I know we will get to this. 

 

"Not only that, Vince," she mentions, making me replay the sound of how my name rolls effortlessly out of her mouth and how sweet it sounds. “You don't know me, either. It will take a lot of time to get to know each other better. What if we are not compatible?”

 

“Just tell me what you want to know about me,” I say, turning to face her more squarely. "Anything, and I will answer you.”

 

“Ok?” It sounds more like a question as her eyes roll dramatically. “Your name is Vince, what about your age?”

 

“I am 30 years old,” I reply. “You?”

 

Amusement fills her expression. Perhaps she thinks I am older. 

 

“I am 25 years old.” I nod, urging her to continue with her questions. “Where are you from?”

 

“Half-Italian. Half-American.”

 

“Ok?” She seems to be lost for what else to ask him. For a brief moment, I assumed she would inquire about my profession. She must have overlooked that question, given her current state of confusion.

 

“Is that all?” I demand, rising up to leave before she pops the next question.

 

“Not really. I can't seem to think of more questions to ask you. I still think we should give this some thought.”

 

“There is nothing to think about. Let's just stay married. You are my responsibility henceforth, and I will keep you safe. As long as you are here, you don't need to worry about anyone hurting you, okay?”

 

She is peering at me with such intensity. When she nods, I mutter. “Good. See you at dinner.”

 

Without waiting for a response, just like I did earlier, I take the exit out of her room.