Mr. Grey-Book I

42

Emilia

I woke up panting, drenched in sweat from nightmares of my baby being ripped away. Instinctively, I held my stomach protectively, letting out a sigh of relief. Thirsty, I sat up and drained the water bottle in one long gulp.

Heavy footsteps approached, followed by the jingle of keys. The door opened, and two men entered – one bald, one blond.

"You're coming with us," the bald one growled, grabbing my arm roughly.

"Where are you taking me?" I cried as they dragged me down the hallway.

"Shut up," the blond one snapped, pressing his gun against my back.

Each step was terrifying as my mind raced with horrible scenarios. We stopped at a black door. The bald captor shoved me inside so hard that I fell to my hands and knees, crying out in pain.

"Is that how you treat a pregnant lady?" a smooth voice asked. I looked up to see a man in all black, holding a glass of scotch. "Hello," he said, raising his glass in mock greeting.

Danish Rob, I realized with a chill.

I hadn't moved from the floor, frozen in fear. He approached, helping me up with surprising gentleness. "I apologize for my men. They can be a bit rough at times," he said, stepping back to study me. I stood still, afraid to even blink under his piercing gaze.

Despite his obvious malevolence, he was handsome, but in a dangerous way. "Have a seat, Emilia," he said, motioning to a sofa.

I settled onto it silently, my heart pounding. He pulled up a chair opposite me, studying me for a moment before leaning back. "I've been very anxious to meet you. I wasn't even aware you existed until Kim mentioned you."

"I wish I could say the same," I murmured under my breath.

He chuckled. "I assume you've heard about me. So, what crooked story have they made up this time?" When I remained silent, he pressed, "Come on, don't be shy. Tell me what you've heard."

Taking a deep breath, I looked him in the eye. "Only that you have a stupid vendetta against the Grey."

He was silent for a moment, looking amused. "Wait, that's it?" My stomach dropped as I nodded. "Well, I wouldn't call it stupid."

"Yeah, childish is a better word."

He took a sip of his glass of wine. "You're right, though," he added with a smug smile.

"Why am I here?"

He silenced me with a gesture.

"There will be time for questions, little one. Although I'm quite sure I know what they are. Listen first." He paused before continuing, "As you probably know, I spent most of my childhood in foster care, thanks to my mother." He rolled his eyes in disgust. "By the time I was nine, I'd been kicked out of twelve homes. Then I was adopted by Don Rob, an Italian capo. He raised me as his own. That's when I learned who my biological father was and how he, his wife Samantha, and my step-siblings were murdered in cold blood by the very people he slaved for – the Greys themselves."

He paused, letting the information sink in. "With Don's help, I vowed to destroy every single one of them and take back what's rightfully mine." He took another sip of wine. "You see, contrary to what you've heard, I'm not the bad guy here, Emilia."

"Sounds like your problem is with your mother," I said, surprising myself with my boldness. "What does Damien have to do with it?"

"Impatient, aren't we?" he smirked. "But you're right. My issue was only with my mother, he's not without blame." His voice filled with sadness before his eyes turned cold. "He took away someone very dear to me."

I swallowed hard. "What do you mean?"

He set down his glass with a smug look. "That's all you need to know, little one." He stood and leaned close to me.

"Please, let me go," I choked out.

He shook his head. "I can't do that, love. But I'll give you a choice. If you're a good girl, I promise to let you go unharmed."

"What choice?" I sobbed.

"You'll help me shoot Damien," he said, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "I was overjoyed when I found out he's been protecting you. It means you're important to him." He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "Don't get me wrong, I could do it myself. But think about it – what better way for him to die than at the hands of the woman he trusts? He dies, I get back my birth rights, you get your freedom and everyone is happy."

My world stopped. My throat went dry, and my heart nearly ceased beating. I could never betray Damien like that. He must have seen the answer in my face because he smiled.

"I expected you to refuse, but let me give you an alternative before you make your final decision." His eyes flickered to my bump. "If you refuse, I'll make sure that the little Grey growing inside you never sees the light of day." He smiled devilishly, raising his glass. "But if you help me, I could try to look past the fact you're carrying my enemy's child. Your life and your baby's will be comfortable and forever under my protection."

"I'd rather you kill me instead," I whimpered.

"Shh," he soothed, running his fingers through my hair. "Let's not make rash decisions or say something we might regret. I understand this is a lot to take in, especially in your delicate condition." His tone softened. "I'll let you eat and rest, but I expect my answer by tomorrow."

He made a quick phone call, and moments later, Kim walked in. "Take her away," he ordered.

Unable to fight the tears anymore, I began to sob. I wished I could end it all right there. I couldn't do it – any of it. How could I possibly choose between Damien and my baby?

Kim led me back to my room, her arm around me. "Emilia, I understand you hate me, but we're truly trying to look out for you and your child."

I glared at her, unable to hide my hatred. "Would you like to know the choice he gave me? He wants me to kill Damien or watch my baby die. That's the kind of monster you're protecting."

Her eyes widened in apparent shock. "I didn't know that, I swear, Emilia. I didn't know he wanted Damien dead."

I stepped closer until I was inches from her face. "Do you love him?" I asked, my voice trembling with emotion.

She nodded, stepping back. "Then help stop him," I pleaded. "Help me save Damien from him once and for all."

She was silent for a moment, tears welling in her eyes. "I can't..."

I rolled my eyes. "Right, I forgot you're just as evil as he is. You can't say you love someone when—"

She cut me off. "You don't understand, Emilia."

I put up my hands. "Just save it, I—"

"He has Damien, Emilia. How do you think he was able to get in the safe house?" The words hit me like a punch to the gut, leaving me speechless and terrified of what might come next.

Much love
Dera