Serendipity

Chapter 13

Raffaele

"So, the thing you dragged me out of bed for is in that dark, sketchy room? If you're going to murder me I sure hope you do it somewhere prettier," Elodie says even as she follows me inside said room. She knows I won't murder her now that I realized how well she could be used.

That is if she agrees to it. But that's why we're here.

Without acknowledging her remark, I head over to the big computer screen on top of the desk where the live video I want to show her is already playing. Elodie hesitates only for a moment, staring at me over the back of the screen before her curiosity gets the best of her.

My eyes stay on the video when she finally takes place next to me to see what I am. She sucks in a breath, her face probably turning red in anger but I don't check to see if I'm right, focusing ahead instead.

"What is wrong with you!" she finally snaps, probably noticing that I don't intend on justifying anything. My stomach twists slightly as I watch the two kids play inside their cell only two floors beneath us, looking as happy as ever and not noticing they're being used as leverage.

Oh, to be young and innocent.

"I'm getting tired of you playing hard to get," I tell the screen stoically.

"Playing-" she breaks off, huffs and I know she wants to yell at me. I have to bite back a smile. And fuck if that doesn't piss me off. I mean, out of all the shit I've had to deal with since taking over for my father, she must be the single most annoying thing and here I am, amused by it.

"Fuck- I can't even- I- You-" she stutters, each word getting louder as her agitation grows. "Let them go!" she finally yells.

"No."

"No?" she snaps.

"Agree to my terms," I retort lazily, not once sparing her a glance.

"I won't work for you!"

"Then your twins are looking ahead to a lifetime of no sunlight." As soon as my words left my lips, two hands push hard at my chest. I barely stumble but finally look at the woman glaring daggers at me.

"You're such a pathetic little boy, bringing innocent children into this! Is it because you got no love growing up? I remember my father telling me about your raging daddy issues. That's why you trusted him so blindly, isn't it? Desperate for someone to lean on," she lashes out, voice feral.

I take a deep breath, trying to stay collected. Funny hearing the girl that's here solely because of her dead dad talking about daddy issues but I don't mention it. Instead, I say, "You know, I really thought you'd thank me."

That takes her aback, making her look up at me as if trying to understand how I got the audacity. "Thank you?" she repeats freakishly slowly.

"At least the twins are no longer with their crackhead mother who you left them with. I'm surprised you even act like you care right now, seeing as how thoughtless that was," I seethe, unable to deny myself that little jab. But then I realize I still want something from her so I pull myself together.

"Look at them, Elodie. They're fine." I glance at the screen just in time to see the kids laugh, the pressure on my chest easing up at the sight. "As soon as you agree to my terms, they'll be moved to their aunt's place. Everything is already set up and ready. All I need is your word."

And for once, the girl is quiet, looking strangely young and unlike herself as she studies the screen. Interesting, I was expecting more of a fight though right now, she seems almost defeated.

You'd think I'd feel a little more accomplished at that.

"What about my stepmother? She wouldn't agree to give up her children. Where is she?" she asks halfheartedly without meeting my eyes.

"She's been admitted to a clinic about an hour ago. She knows she has a problem so when she was offered a deal to stay at one of the best resorts, free of charge, she was quick to agree. Didn't even question it," I reply truthfully, hoping Elodie doesn't pick up on the bitterness in my voice.

The woman agreed to the deal without asking about the catch or wondering what would happen to her children. How can you care so little about your own flesh and blood?

"Okay," Elodie's reply comes so quietly, that I barely pick up on it. But it's there, unmistakably and clear as day. I barely contain my satisfied smirk this time.

"You'll work for me?" I clarify, pushing my luck but unable to help myself. Elodie grits her teeth, meets my eyes and nods.

"But if I find out you're not holding up your side of the deal, that my family isn't treated the way they should or in any sort of danger then I promise I'll kill you for it," she seethes. I smile wider.

Good to see she'll keep fighting me every step of the way. I was scared things would get boring.

"Fantastic," I exclaim enthusiastically, clapping my hands together. "You want to take this conversation elsewhere so we can go over the fine print?

"Oh we will go over the details because this deal seems too good to be true- which means it probably is- but first I need a shower and a nap since my head is killing me. Tomorrow, I want to know why you're offering me so much," she says. A small pang of guilt surprises me as I realize she still has a concussion but I push that aside. This is work.

"This isn't a favor, little one. Trust me when I tell you I plan on making your work pay this off. You'll be useful but it's a huge risk. You'll realize soon enough that the deal's fair."

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Oh no... forced to work together... how horrible

Sorry, I don't know what else to say but thanks for reading and I hope u like it so far:)

Have a good dayy<3