Underworld Ties

Blood & Curses

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a deep orange glow over the neighborhood. Inside Bobby's house, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Mia sat on the couch, her phone buzzing in her hand—another message from Jason. Despite everything, she felt an undeniable pull toward him, a mix of rebellion and longing that clouded her judgment.

**Jason:** *Can we talk?*

Mia bit her lip, hesitating. She glanced around the living room, half-expecting her dad to walk through the door any moment. After a few minutes of indecision, she typed back.

**Mia:** *I don't know, Jason. Things got out of hand last time.*

**Jason:** *I'm sorry. I just want to explain.*

Mia felt a flicker of hope and, against her better judgment, agreed to meet him at the park down the street.

### The Confrontation

The park was dimly lit, the streetlamps flickering to life as evening settled in. Mia waited on a bench, her heart pounding. When Jason arrived, he looked different—his usual swagger replaced by a tense energy that made her uneasy.

"Hey," he said, his tone softer than she had expected.

"Hi," Mia replied cautiously.

"I didn't mean for things to get so crazy," Jason said, running a hand through his hair. "I just... I don't know. I lost it."

Mia felt a flicker of sympathy. "Maybe we can just talk about it?"

As they spoke, the conversation shifted. Jason's charm began to resurface, but it didn't take long for the mood to change. He grew defensive at the mention of Bobby.

"What's the deal with your dad?" Jason snapped, his voice rising. "He thinks he can just push me around?"

Mia tried to calm him. "He was just protecting me. You have to understand—"

"Protect you?" Jason interrupted, his voice filled with contempt. "You need to stand up for yourself! He's not going to control you!"

"Jason, please," Mia pleaded, but he was already spiraling out of control. The tension escalated, and in a moment of anger, he grabbed her arm, squeezing tightly.

"Stop it! You're hurting me!" Mia cried, trying to pull away.

But Jason only tightened his grip, pushing her against the park bench. "You think you can just walk away from me? I'm not done talking!"

### The Turning Point

Mia struggled against him, fear coursing through her veins. "Let go of me!"

But Jason didn't listen. His anger morphed into something darker, and in a moment of rage, he raised his hand. The slap echoed in the quiet park, and Mia felt a sharp sting on her cheek, both physical and emotional. She stumbled back, shock and humiliation flooding her.

"Why are you doing this?" she cried, tears streaming down her face.

"Because you don't listen!" he yelled, his face twisted in anger. "You think you're better than me? You're nothing without me!"

Mia turned to leave, but Jason shoved her back down, pinning her. Panic surged through her, and she felt a desperate rush of adrenaline as she tried to break free. "Get off me!" she screamed.

### The Aftermath

When Mia finally burst through the front door of her house, she was breathless and shaking. She could still feel Jason's grip on her arm and the sting of his slap. Bella was in the living room, but Mia didn't stop to explain; she rushed to the bathroom and locked the door.

"Mia?" Bella called, confusion lacing her voice.

Mia sank to the floor, her heart racing. She looked in the mirror and gasped at her reflection—her cheek was red and swollen. She reached for her phone, desperate to call her dad, but it went straight to voicemail.

"Dad, please come home. I need you."

Just then, there was a loud knock on the door. It was Jason, and dread washed over her.

"Let me in, Mia! I'm sorry!" he called, desperation mingling with anger.

"No! Go away!" she shouted back, panic rising in her chest.

The door rattled as he tried to force it open. "Open up! We need to talk!"

Mia grabbed her phone again, ready to call the police, but before she could dial, Jason kicked the door. It swung open, and he stormed inside, his eyes wild with rage and something darker.

### The Hospital

Hours later, Mia found herself in the hospital, the fluorescent lights buzzing above her. Her father burst through the emergency room door, his expression a mix of fear and fury.

"Mia!" he shouted, his voice slicing through the sterile air.

She looked up, her heart sinking. "Dad..."

"What the hell happened?" Bobby demanded, his eyes blazing with anger and concern.

"It's... it's Jason," she stammered, tears spilling down her cheeks. "He just lost it. I didn't mean for this to happen!"

Bobby's fists clenched at his sides. "You let him do this to you? You think I'm gonna stand for that?"

"I tried to get away! I swear!" she cried, her voice trembling.

Bobby's expression darkened further. "This isn't over, Mia. I'm gonna make sure he pays for this."

Mia felt a chill run down her spine. "Dad, please! I don't want any more violence. This isn't the answer!"

Bobby shook his head, his jaw set with determination. "Sometimes, you have to show people what happens when they mess with your family. I won't let him get away with this."

### The Plan for Revenge

As the night wore on, Mia lay in the hospital bed, feeling the weight of her father's anger. Bobby was livid, and she knew he was planning something.

"Just let it go, Dad," Mia pleaded, her voice shaky. "This isn't going to solve anything!"

"You don't get it," he said, his voice low and dangerous, filled with a calm intensity that made her stomach churn. "He crossed a line, and I'm not going to let that slide. You're my daughter, and I'll protect you at any cost."

Mia's heart raced. "But revenge isn't the answer! Violence only leads to more violence!"

Bobby leaned closer, his eyes dark and steely. "Sometimes, it's the only language they understand. I'm not just gonna stand by while some punk thinks he can hurt you."

As the hours passed, Mia watched her father, knowing he was capable of carrying out his threats. The thought both terrified and comforted her. The hospital room felt cold and sterile, but the fire in Bobby's eyes burned with a fierce resolve.

"Just promise me you'll be careful," she whispered, fear creeping into her voice.

Bobby nodded, but his expression remained unyielding. "You know me, Mia. I don't back down from a fight."

As she lay there, the reality of her situation sank in. Bobby's protective instincts were fierce, but she feared what that might mean for Jason. She knew she had to find a way to stop him before it was too late. The last thing she wanted was more violence, but she also understood the depth of her father's love—and his willingness to go to any lengths to protect her.