Chapter 2

**Lilian’s POV**

Lillian’s breath froze as Alex’s hands proved my mother’s oxygen mask, his grey eyes twinkling with cruelty.

Her mother’s chest stuttered, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

“Stop!” Lillian screamed in agony.

She quickly ran to the bed but the bodyguard tightly gripped her by the arm, bruising her arm.

Tears rolling down her cheeks, “Please, don't do that. I promise I will pay you back. Take me! I will do anything for you. Just don't hurt her!,” Lillian pleaded.

Alex's lips curled into a slow, wicked smile, the cigarette in his hand glowing faintly as he exhaled a plume of smoke.

“You would do anything,” he repeated. He gently placed the oxygen mask on Lillian’s mother’s face.

Lillian exhaled gently feeling a little bit of relief as she watched her mother lying motionless and the oxygen mask strapped on her pale face.

“I love the sound of that,” Alex said. He stepped closer, his body casting a shadow over Lillian. “You are smart, Lillian,”

Lillian’s blue eyes, wide with fear, darted to the doorway where her brother’s voice echoed and mingled with Jessie’s shaky plea.

“Ple…please, let them go. You can take me. I will do whatever you want,” Lillian cried.

The air was very thick with cigarette smoke and dangerous as Alex stood in the shadows, his grey eyes cold as ice.

“I love the sound of that. You are giving yourself to me voluntarily. Lillian Grey,” Alex said, his voice deep.

He flickered his lighter and lit his cigarette. “It is your debt. You have to pay me now,” Alex snarled.

Lilian’s knees weakened, but she managed to stand tall. Her long blonde hair fell over her pale face. Alex moved close to Lillina and gently raised her chin up.

Lillian’s eyes met Alex’s cold eyes. He gently moved the scattered strands of hair from her face to the back of her ear. His stare and touch made her feel vulnerable.

She perceived his expensive cologne and the smell of his cigarette.

“You killed my father, didn't you? Why do you want me to pay his debt after murdering him?” Lillian spoke.

Immediately, the was silence in the room. Lillian didn't know how she gathered the courage to blurt out those words to Alex and that was when she realized that she had crossed the line and he may not spare her.

Alex’s eyes narrowed, chuckling lightly. “Bold accusation. But no, I didn't murder your father. That’s a debt I don't owe, little brat,” he exhaled a plume of smoke in her face causing Lillian to choke.

“I don't have the time to go back and forth with you. I will let your people go but I own you now.” Alex said.

Lillian felt a little bit of relief until Alex moved his index finger from her neck down to her chest causing her to fix her eyes on him.

Alex tilted his head, studying Lillian like a predator sizing up prey, “You are going to be my pawn,” he said.

Lillian's heart skipped. His words fell heavy. She had spend her life arranging roses in her father’s shop, not living in the underworld of a mafia kind.

“My empire needs sharp minds, loyal hands. Your father was useful once, tending my gardens, running errands. You’ll do more. You’ll handle deals, deliveries, whatever I need. In return, your mother gets her treatment, and your brother and that friend of yours walk free.”

Lillian swallowed hard, “I refuse to do anything illegal. Make me do something else for you.” she said, her nails digging into her palms.

Alex smirked, flicking ask to the floor, “Then your mother’s next breath might be her last And Jake? Jessie? They won’t see tomorrow.”

Suddenly, The room became cold. Lillian thought if her little brother Jake, her best friend Jessie and her mother fragile life. She had no choice. “Fine, I will do it. But you let them go,”

Alex’s smile was cold, “smart choice.” he said, snapping his fingers and the bodyguard released Lillian, stepping back.

“Take the boy and the girl out of my property. They’re free.” he turned to Lillian. “Yoh mother will be back at the hospital before nightfall. Your work starts now.”

Lilian’s chest tightened, but she held his gaze. “What do I do?”

“Tonight, you observe,” Alex instructed. “There’s a meeting with my lieutenants—arms dealers, smugglers, the best in the business. You’ll listen, learn, and keep your mouth shut. Prove you’re worth keeping alive.”

The bodyguard shoved Lilian toward the door, but she caught herself, throwing a glance back at her mother.

Alex crushed his cigarette under his heel. “But cross me, Lilian, and you’ll wish you hadn’t.”

*****

Hours later, Lillian stood in a dimly lit room. The room was filled with tension. Men in tailored suits sat around a table, their faces hard, and their voices low as they discussed.

Alex sat at the head. His presence commanded attention. His cold eyes scanning the room and his bit his lips from time to time.

Lillian stood in the corner of the room, her heart racing as she tried to understand the coded languages

One of the men with a huge scar on his face sneered at her. “What is she doing here, boss? She’s no soldier.”

Alex's eyes moved to Lillian, “She is my new asset. Isn't that right Lillian?”

Lillian throat tightened but she nodded softly. This was no flower shop. This was a world of blood and power and she is now a part of it.