CHAPTER 2: SEDUCE THE DEVIL

CAITLIN

Get out. The words replayed in my head. I stood there, wide eyed, unable to believe this was Colton.

“Colton you–”

“What are you still doing here? What part of ‘get out’ did you not get, Caitlin?” he stared at me, nostrils flared like I was some nuisance, a piece of shit.

I opened my mouth to speak. What came out was a shaky breath. Circling my arms around myself, I sought for the courage I knew I didn't have.

 “We’re over, Colton.” I choked out. I held my head high, I wasn't going to let his action break me.

“As if he ever wanted you fat, broke bitch like you.” The woman, Bella, said. 

My eyes flickered over to Colton. Despite the betrayal, I kind of expected him to say something in my defence. No, he laid there smiling, his eyes filled with something I couldn't explain. It sent a chill down my spine. I curled my fingers at my side, stopping myself from reacting.  

“So it was all a lie?” 

You never really cared, did you? I didn’t say those words aloud, I didn't have to. His eyes darkened, brows drawn tightly together– an expression I had never seen on his face before, especially not towards me.  

Colton got off the bed, picked up his pants, hastily putting them on. I tried to move but my knees felt like jelly. He closed the distance between us in a swift stride. His fingers dug into my arms as he dragged me out of the room, all the way downstairs and towards the main door. 

“Let go of me!” I screamed, trying to pull his hand away, "I can walk on my own.”

“I gave you time to leave on your own, did you?” 

He was right.

Right before he opened the door, I asked the one question burning in my chest, “Why?” my voice was soft–weak like i had lost all strength.

He paused, his eyes softened then a smirk appeared on his face. 

“Because you’re no longer useful.”

Useful? I don’t get it.

“What do you mean?”

“Isn’t it obvious, dear Caitlin?” Bella’s voice cut through the air. Her soft steps could be heard as she descended the stairs, clad in a red lingerie.

“You’re good at hustling, I'll give you that,” She stopped right, in front of me, “Thank you for helping him keep up.”

I stared straight into Colton’s eyes, memories of all the promises he had made while I gave everything I had to make sure he got to where he was. Now he had enough and he was tossing me out for the same woman who had walked away when he needed her.

To him, I was just a love sick moron that did everything to keep a man that never wanted me. What a way to find out.

“After everything I did for you, Colton.” I whispered, choking back a sob, “I hope you don’t regret this.”

“Regret what? Not having a swollen log in my bed?” he drawled.

 Those words stung like hell.

“Don’t worry, I just sealed off a good deal. I will pay back everything–”

“Start by taking care of your loans.” I shot back, my chest heaving with anger.

In one swift move, he pushed me out the door. I lost my balance and landed butt first on the hard ground.

“You can’t even afford rent and you want to insult me in my house?” 

Without waiting for a response, he slammed the door hard. I was left there on the ground, alone, heartbroken and hurting both physically and emotionally.

It was getting darker and I still hadn’t figured where to go from there. The chill of the night had tripled. I dragged my legs, walking without purpose– no idea on where I was going.

A black SUV drove past me, parking a few feet away. I thought nothing of it. Buried in my thoughts, I walked past it. The door opened abruptly, before I could turn around, a white cloth was pressed against my mouth and nose, knocking me out cold.

Could the day not get any worse?

Minutes later, I felt liquid being poured on my face. The water was cold, snapping me back to consciousness. I opened my eyes in a dark room, illuminated by a small light in the center. I heard retreating footsteps. My vision was a little blurry. I shut my eyes and opened them again, battling the drug induced sleep. Remembering what had happened earlier, the kidnap, I knew I was in danger. I tried to move but my hands were tied tightly to the arms of the chair I was sitting on.

“Where am i?” I wondered aloud, pulling hard until the ropes around my wrists stung. They were biting into my flesh.

“That’s an irrelevant question.” A deep voice echoed from the corner of the room. It sounded a little muffled in my head, yet familiar. “What you should be asking is why. Why are you here and how do you get out?”

“Why–why did you bring me here?” I stuttered.

“Well, I didn't exactly bring you here… I had people bring you here.”

What difference does that make?

I could hear his footsteps as he got closer. My heart began to pound loudly in my chest. His words “how do you get out” began to sound like a threat. He was dangerous, I could smell it but why me?

Suddenly, his face appeared right in front of me– half covered by a mask. My heart jumped to my throat. All I could do was scream.

“Shut up!” 

It was an order, one I had better obey. I pressed my lips tightly, holding back my screams. I still wanted to scream for help but how sure was I that I'd actually get that help?

“Forgive my manners.” he murmured softly. His gloved fingers traced the side of my face, tucking my hair behind my ear. A sick feeling settled deep in my stomach but I didn't dare move. His lips curled upward in a smile, “perfect.”

“What do you want?” I whispered, shutting my eyes in case my question had consequences.

He pulled back, “I have a job for you.”

“What–what job?” 

“Seduce someone for me.”

I stared at him long and hard. Unable to stop myself, I burst into laughter, forgetting about my safety. But really, seduce? I laughed even more, gasping for air as liquid dropped from the corners of my eyes.

“I’m sorry to ask but are your eyes faulty?”

He couldn’t possibly think I was the right person for that kind of job.

“I see clearly and that’s why I chose you.” His voice was hoarse and raspy. Then I recalled where I had heard that voice. “It’s you, isn’t it? The man at the hospital.” 

“Good memory, exactly what I need.” He cleared his throat and continued, “Trust me, you're just his type. He has a thing for thick blondes.” 

He smirked. Something about his eyes, the way said those words said he was either lying or wasn't telling the complete truth.

I said nothing. No refusal or agreement. He took my silence as interest. 

“All you have to do is seduce him. Get close enough to know enough and report back to me. You get two million as a reward.”

Two fucking million?

No, it sounded too good to be true. 

“Who is this ‘him’ you're talking about?” I asked, staring hard at his face, waiting to grasp every show and expression. 

“Don Diablo.” He smiled.

At the mention of that name, my body stiffened. I twisted my wrists, trying to pull free.

“If you want to kill me, I'd prefer you do it now, here and fast.”

He chuckled, placing his arms on each side of my chair.

“If you accept, you have a very high chance of succeeding, getting spoiled by a mafia Don and then getting the extra 2 million dollars from me asides the 200,000 dollar upfront. But...”

He slid a hand into his pocket, took out his gun and trailed the cold steel along the side of my face. I held my breath, too afraid to even breath, my heart pounded in my ears.

“If you refuse, Caitlin, the only outcome is death. Help me take down the Don or die. Your choice.”

I already knew what my choice was. He knew it too. His eyes brightened. Suddenly, my fear slowly slipped away. An enemy of the Diablo was a friend— technically. 

I smiled at him, nodding slightly. Guess the universe was on my side. I could destroy the Diablo or die trying.

“Good girl.”