I Don’t Belong To You

I watch as he leans forward. So close I can hear him inhale deeply. The experience, oddly enough, feels intimate and the most erotic thing I’ve ever experienced. But Cyprus doesn’t realize what he is doing. Just how much danger he’s putting me in for being so close.


Though, I’m pretty sure someone of his stature couldn't care less. But if Darin finds him talking to me, all I can see in my future is a cold, dark room for who knows how long. Last time was just for a phone call. Talking to his enemy? I’ll probably die in there.
And I need to see my father.


It’s the whole reason I’ve done this. Darin knew the moment he walked into the diner exactly what I needed. He knew I needed money, his money.
Since Dad had a stroke, he can’t take care of himself, and I can’t do it alone. Darin somehow knew that and punishes me for it every day.


“Let me be the one to see to your needs, Solara.” He says.


“Are you crazy?” I whisper yell.


“I know what should belong to me.” He replies,

staring at me.


“I don’t belong to you. Besides, Darin will never let me go.” I snap.


“Are you sure about that?” He says, leaning against the back of the stool and crossing his arms like he knows something I don’t.


I feel Darin sliding up against my back, and I immediately stiffen. His grip is bruising against my hip, and I know having a conversation with his adversary is one sure way of getting punished.


“Whatever you have to say to my woman, I’m sure you can say to me, Cyprus. I’ve been looking for you. We need to have a chat.” Darin sneers.


Cyprus ignores Darin’s comments and continues with his own. His dark eyes never leaving mine.


“I was just telling Solara here how being left alone isn’t such a good idea. You never know what might happen.”


“Well, she’s not alone anymore, now is she?” He snarls.


Cyprus chuckles. It's deep, and the sound vibrates down my spine. There’s something about this man that screams power. He finally breaks eye contact with me and looks at Darin.


“I know why you’re here, Darin, and it’s not going to work. You’re short. And without paying the f*e, the seat will be offered to someone else.” Says Cyprus.


“Just give me at least a few weeks. There’s a shipment coming in. I’ll have the money then. All of it.” Darin continues to bargain.


“We don’t hold chairs, Darin. You’re either in, or you’re left out in the cold, and you’re out of time.”


For the first time, Darin doesn’t know what to say. His hand is squeezing the hell out of me, and I can’t help but slightly wince. Cyprus snaps his eyes over at me like a panther watching his prey.


He looks down at Darin’s hand, and I can tell his jaw is tense. He looks straight into my eyes and for a moment, I swear a look of destruction runs across them.


“I can give you a seat at the table, Darin. I can give you everything you want tonight.” Cyprus offers.


“W-What?” Darin stutters.


It’s the first time I’ve ever heard Darin stutter, and now I’m interested in the conversation myself. Anyone who can make him lower his guard like that has my attention. Besides, I am sitting right in the middle of these two enemies, and the tension between them just got thicker.


“You heard me. I’ll give you the seat, and I’ll even give you the money you needed in exchange for your woman.” He says, cold and unemotional.


“What!? Fuck you!” Darin exclaims.


Cyprus starts to get up and fixes his suit jacket. He turns and looks at Darin.


“Six months. I’ll give you five million for six months with your girl. And you have your seat. Last chance.” He offers.


By now I’m freaking out and waiting for Darin to say something, anything. Tell this man to go to hell. Tell him that no amount of money is worth bargaining me for.


Because I’ve heard the rumors, and Darin might be a lot, but I'd rather be locked in a room than used as a sex slave to all his men. Just his eyes alone hold unspeakable secrets I want no part in. I turn to look at Darin, waiting on him to say…something.


But he’s just standing there. Quiet. Like he’s contemplating the offer. His face is hard as stone. Not giving away anything.


“Three months, and wire the money tonight.” He counter bargains.


“Done.”


This isn’t happening. I watch as Cyprus pulls his phone out and types a few things and slips it back into his pocket. He goes to grab my wrist and pull me towards him.


“Let’s go, beautiful,” Cyprus tells me.


“Wait! Until I get paid, the bitch is still mine.” Darin

says, grabbing my upper arm.


“Look at your phone. The money has been transferred to you. The seat at the table is yours. I just hope you can keep up with the big boys.” He smirks.


“At least let me tell her goodbye,” Darin says.


“No.”


One word is all Cyprus says, and it sends shivers down my back. Darin leans down anyway, and his nose runs up the side of my face. He whispers in my ear where only I can hear.


“Don’t you dare embarrass me. Remember the contract you signed and that I own you. If he wants those legs spread, you better ask how wide. Got it? I would hate for something to happen to your beloved father.”