Pain of Punishment

Chapter Eight

I lay in Davian's room, attempting to catch up on some rest, though my nap had been anything but peaceful. I found myself dreaming of Matteo and all the things he could do. He didn't come looking for me, as Davian had informed me, but I refused to believe it meant he didn't care, I was painfully aware of the fact that he must be planning something, and I knew from experience it wouldn't be good. My heart began to race as the reality of the situation sunk in, he would find me, and I felt fear creeping into my bones.

...

After regaining strength again, I slipped out, avoiding Davian. He didn't notice me. He was sitting by the balcony, deep in thought. I went quietly to my room to warn my sisters. I opened the door slowly and slipped inside. To my surprise, there was no one there. My sisters weren't in their beds. I panicked. It was already past midnight, they should be asleep. They should be safe. I heard a chuckle come from the bathroom, it wasn't either one of my sisters. It was menacing, and it was a man. Matteo emerged from the doorway, holding a gun, and pointed at me. My eyes darted around for protection, but I was stuck, and if he pulled that trigger, there was no escape. "W-What do you want with me...?" My voice shook with fear, but I didn't move, I stayed put, I stayed strong.

He chuckled devilishly. "You know too much, darling. You are dangerous to us now." His gray eyes looked dead, fixed on mine. "So what? Why not kill me already?" I wanted to sound brave, but the words came out like a squeak. His gaze stayed glued to me. His eyes lit up with a fire that can only be described as dangerously mad. "Because that would be too easy. Too quick. You know information that we have tried to hide. I could kill you, but why do that when I can use you?" I shivered at his words. "Where are my sisters...?" He shook his head, his eyes never moving from mine. "No need to worry, they're safe. But you, you need to choose wisely, princess. Or you might end up with a bullet in your head." He moved closer to me, step by step as he spoke. "What do you want?" I knew he would want something from me, otherwise, he would've killed me by now. I keep a close eye on the gun.

Matteo seems to think for a moment, his gaze still locked on me. "You will do whatever I need. Whether it's a task here, or a task out there."

I tilt my head to the side in confusion. "Out there?" I ask, backing away a little bit. He chuckles.

"Murder, sweetheart. I mean if I need someone taken care of, you will do it for me." His eyes seem to glow as he says this.

I shiver in fear. "I-I'm not going to kill anyone..."

He laughs devilishly. "We'll see about that, sweetheart."

I back away further. But no matter how far I am, his gaze seems to pierce through me. "In this business, it's hard to go very long without it being necessary to kill. It's part of our business. Protect the family, no matter the price."

"You're a monster," I say with hatred, glaring at him.

"No, I'm much worse," he answers with a smirk.

"I won't kill anyone," I spit.

"Darling, all you have to do is kill one person for me. After that, I won't have to ask you or make you. You will do it on your own."

My heart thunders at his words. No, I could never kill anyone. I wouldn't

"Where are my sisters?" I demand.

He stepped closer to me, his breath hot on my face. "Follow me." He opens the door, leading me out. I stay behind him, following him cautiously. He leads me down the stairs I had followed to my father. We take a sharp turn at the bottom and enter a small room. It's dark until Matteo flips on a light. My heart sinks.