Dollface

Part 56

After taking a deep breath, I enter the office where my father is sitting at his desk, arguing with a couple of men who were standing in the corner of the room.

Everything goes quiet as my presence is acknowledged. I sit across from him, my lack of desire to be here evident, though I'm careful not to let it come out through my body language.

His eyes meet mine, and I can't help but remember how he hurt Simon. I don't let that affect me, though, or I might make it clear how much I care about Simon, and I don't want my father to have another reason to be angry.

D: I've heard some of it from my men, darling. I don't appreciate you ever using foul language.

He's quiet and stern, two things that make me uncomfortable.

I: I don't mean to seem disrespectful, but I've used it a lot while you've been away.

His jaw clenched as he leaned forward on his desk.

D: Are you talking to me?
I: N-No.
D: Your need to keep Simon alive is truly fascinating, Isa. Care to explain yourself?

My mind goes fuzzy as a wave of nerves hits me, though I try not to show it.

I: I feel nothing but gratitude toward him. He protected me. He kept me alive. He went against Adam's orders and followed yours regardless.
D: He betrayed me! He made smart moves and I didn't expect them at all! He made me look like an idiot for trusting him. His intention wasn't to protect you, it was to kill you, well... why would he let you live, Isabell?

I don't answer him. I can't find the words and it sends my brain into a panic. My father snorts and clenches his fists against the surface of the polished wooden desk.

D: He's a scheming son of a bitch, you know what that tattoo on his neck means, don't you?

I swallow the growing lump in my throat, my eyes flickering to the floor as I slowly shake my head.

D: That's Adam's father's favorite animal that the psychotic bastard tattooed on the boy when he was six. Six fucking years old. Marked him as part of his property, and now that he's dead, his sick son wants you dead.

He sighs angrily and leans back as his speech falters.

D: Bring Simon here and I want you to listen to our discussion I think we're all going to hear some surprising news.

Minutes later Simon joins us. He steps through the door with a non-solemn look. I fear this conversation is taking an unexpected turn, Simon sits next to me, the steady gaze never leaving my father. I watch closely as my father leans forward again, elbows on the desk.

D: I won't hesitate to kill you, rip your limbs off one by one if you ever turn against me again.

My father tilts his head and stares Simon in the eyes with the deadliest look.

D: But... as Isa mentioned, you kept her alive anyway, I don't know why you would go against Adam's orders but you did what I asked you to do.

Relief washes over me and my rapid heartbeat begins to slow until Simon comments, still frozen like a statue.

S: I've always hated Adam, much more than I despise you.

As much as this scares me, my father lets out a bitter laugh.

D: Fair enough.
S: Have you forgotten how many times I took care of her when it was your job?

Simon asks spitefully, narrowing his eyes in hatred.

S: I refuse to kill her because she doesn't deserve it. You're not sure though.

My blood runs cold, Simon is absolutely insane. I watch my father and the way he looks at Simon at the end, I find it odd, his expression is angry though he's not tense or reacting in that way.

D: I didn't do anything but look past you, Simon.
S: So every time you kicked me in the stomach, broke my nose and hurt me, that was all you were trying to do to get me up?

Simon spits angrily, furrowing his brows in anger.

D: Believe it or not, yes. You have grown to show impeccable strength, you are a strong man, and because I have never been gentle with you. Adam's father gave you to me hoping you would bring me down, but he was wrong. You belong here.

A silence falls over us.

D: One day you will understand.

My father hangs his head as he plays with his rings.

D: But now I have other news.

He points to one of the men dressed in black. The man hands my father a piece of paper. My father scans it briefly before sliding it down the desk to Simon and me.

D: Here.

A man on the other corner puts his hand to his ear and speaks up immediately before I can even see what is written on the paper.

?: Sir, we have company.
D: Can you identify them?
?: He is one of us. He is here to report what he has found out.
D: Okay, send him up.

Seconds later, the door opens. I turn my head just as an unfamiliar voice playfully speaks up.

?: Simon, wow, I thought you were dead.
S: Shut up before I have to shoot you in the throat.

Simon replies, clearly not in the mood.

The raven-haired man storms in, rubbing his hand up and down his beard as he leans against the wall. He stares at me for a second, his electric blue eyes scanning the rest of the men in the room with mild interest.

D: What do you have to tell us, Price?
P: Okay, but first. Did you get the document?

The document sits lonely and untouched on the desk. Simon doesn't hesitate to grab it and leans back in his chair to scan the page.

S: That's the name of a bank and all of its information. A printed map on the bottom.

He states dryly, Price nods with a devious grin on his lips, his eyes so bright and shining.

P: Yes, the same bank that Adam trusts to keep his money safe. Now it's not just any bank, they buy their money under the table. Essentially from organizations like your father's, Isa.

He points out, gesturing at me. I could tell the way he spoke, he was confident.

S: What's your point?
P: Don't look so miserable, buddy.

Price scoffs with a grin, earning a threatening look from Simon, to which he raises his arms in defense.

P: Okay, relax, we're going to infiltrate the bank, we're going to take command of it.
D: And how do you think we're going to do that?

My father asks, already doubting Price's plan, though Price smiles even wider. He has a penchant for this kind of thing. For planning.

P: That's just it. How about we take this a little old school? Say... have fun with it.

Oh god.