Chapter 2

Julian and Chloe dragged me out of the penthouse. One on each side. Like a piece of trash.

At the end of the hallway stood a dozen armed guards. The killing intent in the air was suffocating.

The lead man strode toward us.

I half-closed my eyes. I recognized him. Rocco.

Five years ago, he was a low-level thug. Not even qualified to open my car door.

I've been wandering outside all these years. Who knew he'd become my brother's most trusted right-hand man?

Julian and Chloe's arrogance vanished instantly.

Replaced by disgusting, fawning smiles.

"Rocco, sir. We brought the girl."

Rocco looked down at them.

His gaze was like a poisoned blade. It finally landed coldly on me.

"You know the Don's rules?"

"The women sent here must be completely clean."

Julian nodded like a madman. He bowed so low his back almost touched the floor.

"Yes, yes! Absolutely clean! Absolutely obedient!"

Rocco snorted coldly. He looked me up and down.

"Good. The Don is in a violently foul mood tonight. He needs a toy to blow off some steam."

"If this woman doesn't serve him well, you two will be wearing cement shoes."

Julian shivered in fear. He shoved me forward violently.

"Are you mute? Answer Mr. Rocco yourself!"

I steadied myself. A very light sigh escaped my throat.

"Don't waste your energy. You have no idea what you're doing."

Julian flew into a rage. He backhanded me across the face.

"Bitch! I told you to answer properly! Stop acting high and mighty!"

I stumbled from the slap. My knees hit the cold marble floor hard.

The already torn slip dress slid down my shoulder. I looked even more pathetic.

Julian growled through gritted teeth.

"Useless trash! You dare show attitude in front of Mr. Rocco?"

Rocco watched the drama coldly. Finally, he spoke again.

"The Don hates disobedient toys."

"The last woman who threw a tantrum in front of him? Her body was dumped in the East River a long time ago."

Julian and Chloe turned pale. Their breathing stopped for a second.

I kept my head down. But at an angle they couldn't see, my lips slowly curled up.

Since our parents died, my brother executed all traitors in the most brutal ways.

Since then, he treated all women who threw themselves at him with brutal scrutiny.

His methods haven't changed at all.

Thinking of this, a bloodthirsty excitement flickered in my eyes.

My unusual reaction didn't escape Rocco's eyes.

He squinted slightly. A hint of hidden amusement flashed in his eyes.

"You've got some nerve."

"Other women would have pissed their pants hearing about the river."

He looked me up and down. His tone carried a hint of satisfaction.

"The Don is furious tonight. He needs someone with a tough spine as a punching bag."

"With your fearless attitude, you might just be exactly his type."

"If you let him vent properly, maybe we underlings will get some perks too."

Julian's eyes lit up immediately.

He thought my half-dead look actually caught Rocco's eye. He found his nerve again.

He grabbed my hair, forcing my head up.

Tearing pain ripped through my scalp. I bit my lower lip hard. I stared at him. Like looking at a dead man.

"Look, Mr. Rocco! This face, this body! Guaranteed to please the Don!"

Julian rolled his eyes and lowered his voice, trying to fish for information.

"Mr. Rocco, if I may ask... why is the Don in such a bad mood tonight?"

"Also, word is he's been looking for a woman with a special butterfly birthmark. What kind of beauty is she?"

"Give us a hint. We can find exactly what the Don wants next time..."

The next second, Rocco pulled his gun. He pressed the barrel right against Julian's forehead.

"The Don's private matters. Are they for garbage like you to ask?"

Julian's face flushed red instantly.

"Yes, yes! I deserve to die! I spoke out of turn!"

To cover up his guilt and fear, he vented all his anger on me again.

He shoved me hard. I slammed into the cold wall of the hallway.

A dull pain shot through my shoulder. I frowned in agony.

"Bitch! Get in there and serve him well!"

"Once you're inside, even if you have to beg like a dog, you better make the Don happy!"

He pushed me hard. I fell forward.

Fighting the dull ache in my shoulder, I grabbed the cold doorframe. I straightened my spine. I stood tall.

Julian just asked why Cassian was in a bad mood?

I sneered silently. Probably because it's pouring rain on his parade.

Five years ago on this day, the anniversary of our parents' death, I pointed at his nose and called him a murderer.

On one side, his only blood relative, a rebellious sister. On the other, our brutally murdered parents. Who could be in a good mood?

Just to please him, his own sister is being delivered as a whore to his bed.

Cassian. I really want to see this.

When this door opens, how are you going to explain this to me?