Chapter 5

Billie.

By morning, I had made up my mind. I was going back to the devils mansion. I came up with a story about being sick yesterday and hoped they would buy it.

The men were already gone when I arrived, so I slipped into my uniform and started with cleaning chores. First Law’s room, then Silas’s, and finally Leon’s.

“Once I make enough to clear the debts, I’m done for good,” I muttered, lifting a shoebox off the floor to return it to the closet. It felt heavier than it should.

“I'll leave town and forget—” I paused as the box slipped from my hand and crisp cash bundles, spilled out in perfect hundreds to the floor.

My pulse jumped, I've never seen that much money in my whole life.

The angel in me whispered, “return the money where you found it. We already have the card situation.”

The devil, “ this can pay all your debts, they are way too rich to notice. The card is Brian's fault. ”

I listened to the latter, went back to the dressing room and found two more boxes, one under the suit jackets and the other in a tie closet. All packed to the brim with cash bundles.

As my fingers brushed the bands of the money, adrenaline pumped in my veins. This is more than enough to help me.

I shoved the bundles into my bag. My hands trembled so much that I fumbled the zipper twice. I started the car and left the mansion.

I paid the rent in cash. The landlord took the envelope with a bored nod and a thank-you. The insurance was next, I cleared every single dime. Then threw the rest of the money into my personal bank account.

I rushed back home, I packed all our clothes into a suitcase hurriedly. I can’t leave Brian behind, he would end up dead for both the card and the boxes of money I “borrowed”. I couldn’t live with that.

I found him under the old Chevy in his garage.

“Get up Brian, we have to get going.” I said firmly.

He slid from underneath and sat up.

“After last night? Are you sure you want to go with your nightmare man child. ”He said with a fake laugh.

“I took a loan and cleared everything, and I’m not going to pay it back. You can stay if you plan to.”I added.

He wiped his hands on a rag, tossed it aside, and peeled off his overalls. Without another word, he followed me to the car.

~~~~

We arrived in Las Vegas after hours of me driving straight. By the time we checked into a cheap roadside motel, my back felt like it had aged ten years.

The next morning, we went house-hunting and lucked out with an affordable one-bedroom on the edge of town. It wasn’t much, but it was ours at least for now.

“I’m off to get a new number,” I said, grabbing my purse.

“Can I get a few bucks for food? I’m starving,” Brian asked. I handed him two hundred and left.

It felt strange walking around in a new town.

When I returned, Brian was peeking through the window blinds, his shoulders stiff.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

He turned, pale.

“We need to get out of here. Now!”He said panicking.

“Why?”I asked.

“We can’t stay here, Billie. Get your things. We’re leaving.” He grabbed the suitcases and started toward the door.

Before I could demand an explanation, the door burst open.

Three buff men in leather jackets stormed in. I screamed, confused, as Brian pulled me close, only for one of them to yank me out of his arms.

The blond one with a neck tattoo pinned my wrists behind my back, with a crushingly tight grip. A dark-haired man in a spiked jacket walked in slowly with a cigarette between his fingers.

“Pleasant surprise seeing you, Brian,” he said calmly. “I heard you were in town. Not even a hello? ” His gaze slid to me.

“Alex, please. I know I promised, but let me talk to her first.”Brian stammered.

I was so lost on what's happening.

Alex came closer, taking a strand of my hair and letting it run through his fingers.

“She looks different from how I remember… but perfect either way.” His eyes flicked to the ring on my finger. “She’s your wife now? Even better. Tell me, is she on birth control?”He asked, as his greedy eyes glared at me.

“Brian, what’s going on?”I asked, my eyes darting at the men then at Brian.

“Billie, I’m sorry. It’s not what it looks like. It’s just an old debt… six days before our wedding…”He paused, and gulped.

Alex smirked.

“He made a bet and lost. The prize was a night with you.”Alex said happily.

Hot tears spilled down my cheeks.

“Brian, tell me that’s not true.”I said looking at him.

He couldn’t even meet my eyes.

“I’m sorry, Billie. Please just take him as me. I’ll make it up to you.”He muttered.

“Brian how could you!” I screamed as the blond man dragged me away.

My heart broke and burned all at once. They took me to the vacant apartment downstairs.

“Guard the door. This might take a while.” Alex ordered his men, shrugging off his jacket.

“Stay away from me.”I hissed, pressing myself into a corner.

“Come on, don’t make it hard. I’ll be gentle and whatever nonsense Brian says before having sex. A girl like you is obedient and can't fight.”He drawled.

He reached for me, I kicked him hard on his right leg.

“Stupid slut!” he roared, grabbing my wrist and slamming me to the floor. I kicked again, hitting his ribs. He punched my left eye. Pain exploded all over my face. He leaned in for what looked like a kiss, I spat on his face.

“Argh! Damn bitch!” he barked, ripping open my jacket and pinning my hands above my head.

The door suddenly swang open. Three men in suits rushed in, grabbing Alex and slamming him against the wall.

A tall silhouette filled the doorway. As he stepped further into the room, his image became clearer. I ironed that shirt on my first day at the mansion.

My heart raced, mouth slowly parted as I recognized Leon. Black spots filled my eyes and the next thing I saw was total darkness.