Vicious

An Old Problem

Stephen took a big gulp of his drink. I noticed him constantly looking at my wrists, and eventually he walked away to his cupboard. He brought a tube of cream out, I think it was some sort of pain reliever. Shockingly he squatted down in front of me.

"Give me your hand" he ordered. 

I didn't know what to say, I was in a mix of emotions. I was scared for Jacob, and I was terrified of Stephen. When I didn't say anything he simply took my hands and started to rub the cream on them. It hurt a little but I was too confused by his sudden behavior to notice.

"Your brother is a good man, he is very loyal to me" Adela said snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Then why did you hurt him?" I asked feeling my eyes well up again at the thought of my brother. 

"I didn't-"

"Please don't give me that crap. I know that you didn't directly hurt him, but you could have made those men stop hurting him" I said. 

He looked at me for a moment and said "It's best if you learn the whole story before you start making assumptions". 

I didn't reply, because I know the more I fight with him to meet Jacob he won't let me. Not until I listen to what he has to say. 

"I met your brother six years ago. He was only twenty then, and very naive. Yet even with the mind of a child he was strong. One day I was in a pub in wait of meeting my business rival, to create a peace treaty. But instead of having a mindset of putting everything aside he attacked me, and as an idiot I was I came alone. I actually believed that we could have a normal business partnership.  Your brother was among one of the many men who tried to kill me". 

"So Jake tried to kill you?" I asked.

He chuckled and said "No in fact he saved me. He was a part of the other side, but he killed five of his own men that night in order to save me. I didn't understand at first, but as soon as my business rival fled and all his men were killed he told me. He said that he didn't agree with what his boss was doing, and he wanted to join sides with me" Adela said. 

"And you believed him? I mean I get that he saved your life and all, but you believed him?" I asked.

"Yes Hazel I did. Because turning on a man like his boss was not easy, it could've- in fact it has led to the fact that his life is in great danger at all times. I am grateful for his loyalty towards me, but he has to understand that he can't do everything alone" said Stephen.

"Wait. I don't understand one thing. You said my brother killed, so what do you guys do that you have to murder people?" I asked with fear in voice. 

"We- we have a complicated business. But your brother is under my protection, and as long as he is with me nothing will happen to him" Adela said. 

Somehow his statement assured me that my brother will be safe. I don't know why, but it just consoled me for a matter of time. 

"Who is this man that my brother used to work for. He obviously has some importance to make everyone fear him so much" I said with a hint of annoyance in my voice. 

"Russo. Jason Russo. He one of the world's most dangerous underworld leaders, and be aware Ms.Prior I wouldn't take him for granted" said Stephen with caution in his tone. 

"So what has this got to do with me? Why did you bring me here?" I asked.

"Because he want's you" Adela stated.

"Wh-what? Why does he want me. I swear Stephen I don't know the man, I don't even know what he does. I-"

"I know you don't, but listen to me Hazel this is important. I need you to come with me to him" said Stephen.

His words dazed me for a second. Why does he want me to go to him?  This is completely insane. 

"Why? Just a second ago you told me not to take him for granted, now you are telling me to simply go to him. And that to be with you" I said with shock in my voice. 

"Yes that is exactly what I am asking you to do. I need to know why he wants you, and-"

"No" I said cutting him off. 

"Excuse me?" said Adela. 

"No I won't come with you. I don't want to die you moron, you just told me how dangerous this guy is and that he wants me. So wouldn't it be better not to go to him rather then completely put ourselves out there. And aren't you some big business man, just send your little minions to find out what he wants" I argued. 

"I'm afraid it isn't that simple, no one really knows where he is. And the only way we can contact him is through his men. And to answer your other question, yes it would be more logical to not go to him but we don't have any other option. Listen Ms. Prior I am not asking you to come with me, I am telling you to come with me. It's final" said Adela. 

I couldn't believe this guy. Who was he to order me around like that, when I told him that I didn't want to come. 

"You can go now. I will let you meet your brother tomorrow, but unfortunately he won't be able to come meet you" said Adela. 

I stared into his eyes, as he did mine. I was upset that I was being forced into this matter, and I was upset that I being held here without my will. I was terrified of the last sentence he said to me, and it made me scared to think about what he did to Jacob. But most of all I was tired, and exhausted of everything that was happening around me. 

I broke off eye contact with Adela as my eyes were beginning to dampen, I didn't want him to see me like this. It was humiliating. But as I stood up the floor around me started to sway, I don't know why but everything was beginning to blur around me. Was I drugged? No, not this time. I suddenly fell backwards and closed my eyes, I felt strong arms hold me up to themselves. And without hesitation I dug my head into their chest, relieved by their shallow breathing. 

Well what do you think? I realized that I should probably give you some schedule as to when I will be posting my chapters. For the start of this book and the following week I would say every two days or so. I have my final exams coming up for this semester and I am going to be done with them by this Thursday. So in short if you don't get any updates from me for the past four days, I apologize as I will spend my time studying. Also I will update as much as possible on the weekends, like I did this weekend (a total of four chapters). Please LIKE AND COMMENT as I haven't really received a response yet from anyone. 

Thanks 

-Littlesong20