Vanessa The soft glow of early morning filters into the room, revealing the silhouette of Danny perched in the corner, a faint sheen of dim light catching on the glass cradled in his hands. I'm pretty sure it's tequila. In this world, I guess mornings don't begin with the comforting aroma of coffee but with the biting edge of alcohol to numb all the violence and death going on. "Where's Diego?" Heavy with the weight of worry, the question slips from my lips, anchoring my tone. I didn't see him at all yesterday, he didn't even sleep in our bed. Despite his absence, Trixie showed up for another Brazilian wax, which seemed more painful than the first time. Last night, I immersed myself in reading, waiting for him until I passed out from exhaustion. Strangely, I felt...lonely. It's an unsettling feeling, considering I've spent the majority of my life content with only my sister. "There's an important event you need to attend today. Wear something casual, you will be prepped there,"

Vanessa I cautiously peer out from the room I've been confined to, observing two of Diego's men standing watch near the hallway exit. In the distance, from the other end of the corridor, the muffled sounds of people shuffling in the sanctuary reach my ears. Goddamn, how many guests did he invite? And for how long has he planned to coerce me into marriage? There's a profound sense of betrayal overwhelming me. I knew he was a monster, but I had no idea he was this coldhearted. I guess the six-month contract wasn't ridiculous enough. His temporary ownership didn't provide enough power for his massive fucking ego. He really is a sick, fucking psychopath that gets off on the misery of others. The moment we stepped into the building, Alicia and I were forcefully separated. As Leroy and Luis dragged her away, she unleashed a torrent of profanities, fighting desperately to get free. I can only imagine the challenge they faced in trying to calm her down, if that's even possible. In the

Vanessa "You're lying," I hiss, disbelief seeping in my voice as I struggle to contain the shock. No matter how much debt Dad was in, he wouldn't have done that to his own daughter. Not after losing my mom. And what about Alicia? Why wasn't she included? "I'm not. It turns out you weren't confined in that house for your protection, it was so he could keep his precious collateral untainted." He strokes his chin thoughtfully. "Although, Viktor doesn't seem to mind if I've fucked you or not. So, he'll most likely pass you amongst his men and let them rape you until you run out of use." I shake my head in disbelief. No, this can't be true, or that means my entire life has been a lie. He's probably saying anything just to get me to agree to fulfill his fucked-up fantasy. Although, I'm still confused as to why he's interested in marrying someone like me. "That's why we are getting married today," he concludes. "It's the only way to protect you now. After that, I won't force anythi

Vanessa "I think you're mistaken. Didn't Viktor already give you a taste of our strength? Or do you need another reminder?" There's that dark chuckle again that will forever play in my mind like a haunted music box. "By the way, how's that shoulder holding up? Seems like you lost a lot of blood." My eyes widen. He got hurt? Is that why I didn't see him at all yesterday? There's no way he's recovered that fast, that means he came to this battle vulnerable, with a huge crack in his indestructible armor. And it's all my fault. Both of us are going to die right here, and there's nothing I can do but watch. The realization rips my heart to shreds, causing more tears to streak down my cheeks. I wish I could apologize to him, and tell him that I now realize how grateful I should have been for his offer. For his protection. For his sacrifice. Maybe, through these tear-filled eyes, he can grasp the unspoken words. My hope dies when I notice the impassive mask on his face remains firm

Diego I swing open the door to the private room wide and bring Vanessa inside, carefully placing her on her feet so I can examine her body. I was pleasantly surprised when she didn't throw up after putting a bullet in that piece of shit's head, but it's evident that she has mentally withdrawn. I anticipated her attempt to escape, but once I saw that one of Viktor's men got their hands on her, I lost my shit. Originally, I hadn't intended for her to take a life, but observing the fight drain out of her, I recognized it as a necessary act. I refuse to let her surrender like that. The responsibility to break and rebuild her is mine alone. Those Russian fuckers would only dismantle her, both mentally and physically, until she becomes nothing more than a hollow shell. Today's events proved that we have a lot more work to do. We'll be getting married in just a short while. After that, we'll be spending two weeks on my private island. The idea of leaving my territory fills me with anx