Luke's pov
As consciousness slowly seeped into my awareness, I found myself in a disorienting state of darkness. My senses struggled to piece together the puzzle of my current state.
Blinking against the obscurity, my eyes strained to make out any discernible shapes in the gloom.
It was then that I realized my hands were bound, the cool touch of a rigid chair beneath me further grounded my uneasiness.
As my vision adjusted, revealed the looming figures of men standing over me. Their faces remained obscured, shadows dancing on their features.
One man, perhaps a leader judging by his demeanor, sat directly on a chair in front of me. His posture exuded a sense of authority, and the smirk on his face hinted at a derisive amusement. His words, laced with mockery, "Finally, sleepyhead, you're awake."
I arched an eyebrow, my sassy spirit undeterred by the unsettling circumstances. "Well, congratulations on playing the world's worst wake-up call. Do you always greet your guests like this?"
The guy's smirk widened, "Guests? You're not exactly here for tea and biscuits, my dear. You're here because you've become an interesting piece in our little chess game."
I rolled my eyes. "Oh, color me intrigued. But next time, maybe send an invitation. This surprise kidnapping thing is so last season."
He laughed, "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. But you're not in a position to make demands, sweetheart."
A defiant grin played on my lips. "Sweetheart? That's cute. I prefer 'captured against my will' chic. Very avant-garde."
He leaned in, his tone dripping with provocation. "You're not as clever as you think, kid. We're in control here."
I scoffed, "Control? You're confusing it with chaos. It's a common mistake for people who don't know what they're doing."
His eyes flashed with irritation, but the smirk lingered. "We'll see how sassy you are after a bit of... persuasion."
My eyes narrowed as he cruelly brandished his phone, lifting it to my face.
Peter!
The image that flashed before me was my little brother, peacefully asleep in what appeared to be a comfortable room. The warmth of his innocence clashed violently with the coldness of this room.
"Isn't this your brother?" he snickered, reveling in the power he thought he held over me.
Fury within me was like a tempest, and I began to wiggle in the chair, desperately attempting to free myself. "You spineless piece of—"
He cut me off, tightening the restraints and restraining my movements. "Careful now, wouldn't want anything bad to happen to that adorable brother of yours."
My jaw clenched, and I shot him a venomous glare. "You think threatening me by my kid brother makes you tough? Real men don't hide behind children. Let me go, and we'll see who's the stronger one here."
He chuckled, the sound dripping with disdain. "You're in no position to make demands, sweetheart."
I sneered at his attempt to use the same condescending term. "You really have a thing for that word, huh? Must be compensating for something."
His eyes flickered with irritation and backhanded me on my face. "You're playing a dangerous game, kid."
My cheek stinging as hell, I spat blood out and looked him in the eyes, with a sly smile, I said, "Kid? I'm not the one waving around a child's photo to feel big. You're pathetic!"
