Definition of Pet

The room was an elegant shade of off-white, and expensive, well-made furniture loitered it. This was the office of Chiara’s father, Lorenzo, its elegant appearance a contrast to the casual feel of the restaurant just outside it.

Lorenzo’s eyes scanned through the screen of his IMac, the beads of sweat that ran down his face a sign of his ill luck. What Lorenzo’s eyes were fixed on were the financial records of his restaurant and though it had been doing well, he was twenty thousand dollars lacking in the money they were meant to make.

“Twenty thousand.” Lorenzo muttered, his face contorting into a worried look.

He had thought they had made a surplus profit but he was far from wrong. The reason for his worry, he was in debt and was supposed to pay, but where would he get twenty thousand dollars? The assigned collector would be here any moment and there was no way he could make such a hefty amount on such short notice

.

The door creaked, signifying its opening and Lorenzo’s eyes darted towards it. He jolted, his leather chair squeaking as a result. The man who had entered chuckled at his reaction and took slow strides towards the chair across Lorenzo. He took a seat, staring intensely at Lorenzo whose eyes darted everywhere except the man in front of him.

“M-Mr. Sabatini… I wasn’t expecting you to come directly.” Lorenzo mumbled, letting out a dry chuckle.

“I decided I’d check up on things personally, it’s not a problem, right?”

Lorenzo shook his head, his eyes darting back to his screen. “Of course it’s not a problem. About the money—”

“It is ready, right?” Dante asked, his eyes flickering with something that was enough to cause Lorenzo to flinch.

“C-could I have an extension? I’m a bit short… only by twenty thousand dollars.”

Dante’s eyes darkened, his gaze flicking to the expensive watch on Lorenzo’s right hand. “You obviously shouldn’t have a problem paying, unless you spent the money… on something else?”

The insinuation in his tone was enough to cause Lorenzo to let out a low whimper. “I did—but it wasn’t on something unnecessary, my daughter was sick and she needed an expensive surgery. I—”

“So you’re saying her health was more important than your debt to me?” Dante asked, his tone now more mocking than angry.

“It’s not that—”

Lorenzo’s explanation was cut short when his door flung open and an angry Chiara walked in. Her gaze flicked to Dante who looked at her with amusement and she angrily made her way to him.

“You forgot to pay.” She said blankly and Dante chuckled, looking between Chiara and Lorenzo.

“Why would I need to pay darling? I didn’t like the drink.” He said, his eyes roaming Chiara’s now-red face.

“Chiara, you should leave—”

“No way, papa! He didn’t pay for his drink, there’s no way I’m leaving till he pays.”

Dante chuckled at Chiara’s heated response, his eyes darting back to Lorenzo. “I assume she’s the reason I don’t have my money.” Dante stated, his eyes roaming Chiara’s slender figure.

“A-about the extension—”

“Listen darling, if I don’t like the drink I’m not going to pay especially with such terrible reception,”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Chiara asked, her eyes fixed on the man with an intense glare.

“I’m saying, working here doesn’t suit you…” he paused, his eyes scanning her body once again, “but I can think of a few other things you would be very good at.”

His suggestive tone made Chiara’s skin crawl. Her hand trembled with rage as she raised it, slapping Dante with a loud crack. The sound echoed through the room and for a moment, time froze. Dante’s eyes widened, his smile faltering before he chuckled, the sound low and menacing.

Dante’s chuckle sent shivers down Chiara’s spine as his gaze roamed her face, lingering on her lips. “You’re feisty, I like that,” he said, his voice low and husky, “especially in… very specific areas.”

Chiara’s skin crawled as she edged close to her father, seeking comfort. “Papa, how can you let him talk to me like that?” She asked, her voice trembling with rage and fear. Her eyes flashed with her anger as she glared at Dante, her face twisted in a scowl.

“I know how to clear all your debts, Lorenzo.” Dante muttered with a smirk, his gaze never leaving Chiara’s face.

Chiara’s face scrunched up at Dante’s words and she looked at her father with a frown. “What debts? What’s he talking about.”

Lorenzo’s gaze flickered to Dante before looking at his looking at his confused daughter. “A few months after your mother’s passing, I took a loan from Mr. Sabatini and I pay him back every three months, unfortunately I had to use some of the money meant for him for your surgery—”

“How much did you borrow?” Chiara asked, her breath hitched as nervousness filled her veins.

“It doesn’t matter, darling…” Dante paused, his gaze shifting to Lorenzo. “Like I said, if you want to completely get rid of your debt I have a solution.” His gaze moved back to Chiara and she squirmed.

“Chiara, could you step out-?”

“There won’t be any need for that, Lorenzo,” He scanned Chiara’s face before continuing with what he was saying, “your daughter here is… fascinating. I want her.” He uttered bluntly and Chiara’s fist clenched.

“No, not happening. I’m not some object you just want and get.” Chiara said firmly, her tone dripping with unhidden distaste.

Lorenzo looked nervously between the both of them and his gaze landed on Dante. “Well, I’m sorry but Chiara has already spoken and you’ll just have to respect her decision.”

Dante’s eyes darkened at Lorenzo’s words, causing Lorenzo to flinch. “It seems you misunderstood my tone. I said I want her, and you’re going to hand her over unless of course… you want me to take her.”

Lorenzo flinched, his gaze flickered to Chiara and settled on Dante. “Can I talk with my daughter for a moment?” He asked, his voice steady and cautious.

“You’re excused.” He said, waving a dismissive hand.

Lorenzo breathed in relief and gestured for Chiara to follow him. The two quietly left the office and Lorenzo’s eyes darted cautiously around the restaurant. He looked at his daughter, his eyes holding multiple pleas.

“Papa, there’s no way I’m going to be with that man.” Chiara spat, her eyes glaring at the door of her father’s office like Dante could see her.

“I’m afraid we both don’t have a choice in the matter. Dante is… more dangerous than you could think.” Lorenzo muttered nervously, his eyes still darting around the restaurant.

Chiara raised a brow at her father’s statement, she moved her hands to her hips, her face holding confusion. “And in what way is he dangerous?”

Lorenzo simple shook his head, his gaze not meeting hers. “That’s not important… the thing is, you need to do this or you’ll be putting us—your family—in danger.”

Chiara’s lips pursed in a grim line; the image of Matteo, Aria and Lorenzo flashed through her mind. Memories of her mother came to mind and Chiara’s breath hitched, she already had a taste of loss and she wasn’t going to ever experience that pain again.

“I-I can’t.” She said, her voice lacking the conviction it needed.

“Please Chiara, you’ll be helping us a lot if you agree to his offer.”

Chiara scoffed, crossing her arms as she stared intently at her father. “How can you even ask that of me, your daughter?!” Chiara asked, her voice tinged with anger.

“Please, think about Aria, Matteo, and your mother. You know how much she loved the restaurant and our family, I promise it’s not going to be forever.”

Her family came to her mind again. Dante was rich and there was no doubting that, unfortunately that meant her father was telling the truth. The rich only saw those of lesser status as pawns whose lives were of little significance.

“F-fine,” She muttered forcefully, distaste still clear in her tone.

Lorenzo sighed in relief, his chest tightening as he saw Chiara's resigned face. “Just be good and I'm sure he won't do anything bad to you.” Lorenzo said, hesitant reassurance clear in his voice.

“I'm only doing this because of you guys.” She said tiredly, the words more for herself than her father.

“I understand, you have a good heart, just like your mother.”

Chiara flinched at Lorenzo's words and took in a deep breath. “We should get back to your office.”

Lorenzo nodded at Chiara's words and he quietly followed suit. Dante's smirk widened as Chiara returned, his gaze once again fixed on her figure.

“So what's your answer, Chiara?” He asked playfully, the threat in his words lingering heavily in the air.

Chiara sighed, looking between Dante and her father. “Yes... I'll be yours, but you aren't allowed to touch me.”

Dante chuckled softly, his gaze roaming Chiara's face. “Didn't your papa explain what a pet was? You're in no place to make such requests.”

Chiara remained silent, her eyes fixed on the marble floors of her father's office as she tried to ignore Dante's intense gaze.

“You’re mine darling, and that means you belong to me and I can do to you… anything I want.”

Chiara squirmed, her face contorting to a disgusted glare as the implication of his words became clear. “I'm not into older men.” She said sharply, not bothering to downplay her rejection.

Dante chuckled at her response, clearly enjoying her resistance. “This isn't about what you want or like, it's about me darling and I'm going to use you until I break you—and I intend to do so.”

A shiver ran through Chiara's spine at Dante's statement. She turned to her father, her eyes ones of disgust and pleas.

“Papa, you heard him, I-I can't do this. I'm sure Aria would gladly—”

“Was that you trying to back out just now?” He asked, his tone laced heavily with mockery, “you aren't going to back out especially now you just agreed. Backing out is a sign of weakness, and there's nothing I hate more than weakness.”

Chiara gulped, struggling not to collapse under the weight of his words. There was no doubt, this man was dangerous and her father had just thrown her into a game she wasn't ready for.

He stood up, taking gentle strides towards Chiara who remained rooted to the ground. “You're obviously a smart girl who loves her family more than anything. Be rest assured that you'll enjoy your stay in my home... as long as you're a good girl.”

Chiara froze, understanding the intent between Dante's words. What had her father gotten her into? And how was she going to escape? Dante—noticing Chiara's silence—chuckled. He moved a hand to Chiara's waist, causing her to flinch.

“Have a problem with the way I touch you?” He asked in a hushed tone, his grip on her waist tightening.

Chiara's eyes flicked to Lorenzo who only watched in silence. She wanted him to do something, but he remained useless.

“You're not going to say anything?” Dante asked mockingly, his hand slowly sliding to her hip.

“Please... stop.” She muttered quietly, her throat constricting. That was the last thing she wanted to do, she wasn't about to cry in front of this man.

“Your papa isn't going to help you no matter how much you beg, you're mine now.”

Chiara remained quiet. She squirmed which only made him tighten his grip.

“My name's Dante Sabatini but you can call me Sir or better yet... Master.”

He chuckled at Chiara's continued silence, looking at Lorenzo who could only watch. “I'll come for her tomorrow, so she better be ready.”

“Y-yes.” Lorenzo muttered nervously, his gaze not meeting Dante's

.

Dante smirked slightly and looked at Chiara. “Goodnight, darling.” He mumbled and planted a kiss on Chiara's forehead before finally moving away from her.

“I look forward to having you completely tomorrow...” His eyes roamed her body with a wide smirk. “There's still so much to do to you.” He said in a hushed voice, before finally leaving the room.