Submitting To The Devil - The Devil's Snare - Book 2

Chapter Forty Three

Bianca

The wait for Niko to return is driving me to the brink, my skin crawling with anxiety as hives break out across my body. Every nerve endings buzz with an unsettling itch I can't scratch enough, and I can't seem to find a moment's peace. I pace back and forth like a caged animal, my footsteps echoing in the tense silence while Alexandra writhes against her bindings, her frustration evident in the sharpness of her breaths as she struggles to free herself.

Her movements have indeed loosened the restraints a bit, and I find myself unable to tear my gaze away from her. Each subtle movement she makes sends a rush of anxiety through me as I worry she might devise a way to slip free and make her way toward me. The air feels tense, and I'm acutely aware of every flicker of her expression as she darts her attention around the room before circling back to myself, as she might manifest into freedom at any moment.

I imagine her dropping the restraints and moving towards me in an attempt to kill me; her looks of disdain only encourage my daydreaming.

She's like a rabid dog, foaming at the mouth as she's contained against her will.

I've never witnessed her behave in such a way, and she's never been this distressed at any of the events we've attended together, where she would usually parade around with laughter and joy.

As the heavy door swings open, a gust of air sweeps through the room, and the sound of metal scraping against the floor catches my attention, signalling Niko's return. Moments later, he steps into the space, his familiar presence instantly grounding me amid the swirling chaos of emotions.

In that instant, I forgot all about Alexandra and the unease that clung in the air like a dark cloud. I hurriedly rush to Niko's side, my heart swelling with relief as I embrace him, surrendering to the warmth and comfort of his touch, feeling as if all my worries dissolve into nothingness.

"Has she behaved?" he whispers softly against the shell of my ear, his eyes searching mine for reassurance. I give a slight nod, a gesture that mixes discomfort and uncertainty about lying.

"Actually," I whisper urgently, leaning closer to him, my voice barely containing the gravity of the revelation. "She'sunveiled so much. She's Benji's sister. A Densel bastard. Mitchel left her when he found out, but I guess he couldn't kill her. Now, she's here, on a mission to retrieve me, hoping that she can prove her loyalty and commitment to her father's name by doing so. I'm her payment, so to speak," I feign indifference, allowing my shoulders to relax in a careless shrug, but deep down, a sense of unease gnaws at me. This situation truly unsettles me, even though I'm putting on a brave face.

"I see," Niko moves back to hold onto either of my shoulders. She squeezes them in reassurance, I believe, and then moves away from me.

I watch him walk to Alexandra; he sits before her on the sofa, spreading his legs as he settles back in comfort.

"So, you're somebody after all," he speaks directly to her.

She's still calmer than she's been since they left, but the laugh that exits her is disconcerting.

"Somebody?" she nearly growls, her voice a low, throaty rumble. "I've always been a somebody, Niko. I was a Debois." Her words hang heavy in the air, a mix of pride and defiance. "Mitchel chose me, a mere bartender scraping by, serving him drinks in a dimly lit bar. He saw me for who I truly am." She hesitates, her breath hitching, and her hands tremble slightly as she instinctively tests her restraints once more, desperately wishing they might have miraculously vanished.

"Then speak your truth," Niko urged, his voice steady yet inviting. "Perhaps, if your words resonate, I might be able to show you some leniency."

"I don't need your misplaced sympathy, Niko. Patience is my greatest ally now. Eventually, they'll track her down, and when they do, you'll find yourself empty-handed, living in the depths of despair that her absence creates. Meanwhile, I'll revel in the satisfaction of fulfilling my mission, seamlessly reintegrating myself into my father's domain. Once there, I will restore my rightful place and shed my bastard title. No longer will I be the hidden child, shrouded in obscurity. And when that day comes, I'll ensure that Mitchel receives everything he deserves, as it is only fitting considering he's abandoned me and ignored the oath he took on our wedding day. And let this be a warning to you all: anyone who opposes me will discover the wrath a woman like me can carry."