His Vengeance

Chapter 11

Nicole

As fragments of my haunting past flooded my mind, imprisoning me in the darkness of that cell, memories of Sienna looming over me and the searing pain caused by her pressing that ominous red button tormented my thoughts.

The intensity of the anguish became unbearable, abruptly jolting me awake. I gasped for breath, my respiration ragged and hurried.

Sofia, bearing a couple of plastic bags, entered the room with concern etched on her face. Hastily, she made her way to my side, questioning, "Whoa, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. It was probably just a nightmare," I responded, my voice tinged with a growing despair that seemed to intensify each time I closed my eyes.

Sofia sat beside me on the bed, her eyes filled with genuine worry as she studied my face. 

"Are you hungry? I picked up some food for us. You need to eat. You've lost a significant amount of weight in the past few days," she remarked, reaching below to retrieve the bags she had brought.

"And that's another thing to worry about—my weight. My once hourglass figure has vanished, leaving me with this emaciated frame," I lamented, rolling my eyes, as she let out a soft giggle.

"But you still have some curves," she countered, her voice laced with sincerity, while her eyes fixed upon the Styrofoam containers she began unpacking from the bags.

"Here. Chinese takeout for you," she offered, handing over a container and placing two chopsticks in my other hand.

"Thanks," I mumbled, immediately opening the container. The tantalizing aroma of chicken stir-fry wafted through the air, enticing my senses. I began to eat, savoring each bite, a moan escaping my lips as the flavors danced on my tongue.

"Whoa, slow down there, tiger," Sofia playfully chided, a small laugh escaping her.

"I haven't had a proper meal in days, so forgive my enthusiasm," I retorted, as she too indulged in her meal.

"Is it true what that guy said? That he runs the most powerful mafia in America?" I suddenly inquired, my gaze fixed on Sofia.

"Yeah, it's true, but not as overwhelmingly powerful. The Royal Mafia holds that title. My brother happens to lead the faction that influences the government, the police, and even the military," she explained, causing me to choke on my food.

"Your brother?!" I exclaimed, taken aback, while she nodded nonchalantly, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"Shane is my brother," she revealed in a bored tone, leaving me dumbfounded.

"So, let me get this straight. The mafia boss who had me kidnapped, subjected me to torment, and is in control here...is your brother?" I asked, shocked once again.

"The one and only," she confirmed with feigned excitement.

"Well, consider yourself lucky that I don't hate you right now. After all, you're still my source of food," I quipped, a chuckle escaping my lips.

"True. Because I'm the only one who cares enough to feed you and the only one foolish enough to make friends with my brother's enemy's daughter," she laughed.

"Right. Because I'm the only one who's dumb enough to label myself as such. I would consider myself fortunate and proud to have your company in this predicament," I teased, a smirk playing on my face.

"Don't call me dumb. Instead, recognize that you're lucky to have someone like me and be stuck with me for a while," she countered, shaking her head while smiling warmly.

"You're quite something, aren't you?" I shrugged.

"Not something, but someone special, darling. I'm not a mere object, you know," I playfully retorted, earning an eye-roll from Sofia.

"Whatever. So, um, Shane wants me to keep an eye on you for now. In his words, it means locking you up again, withholding food until you waste away until you finally reveal where your father is," I rolled my eyes.

"Of course, that's what he intends, but I have a feeling you have a different interpretation of those words," she pointed her chopstick at me.

"Indeed, I do. For me, it simply means befriending you and helping you see the brighter side of all this," I remarked, my gaze fixed on her.

"Why are you the only one who doesn't care about what your brother says about me? Why are you the only one brave enough to aid me through this?" I inquired, observing as the small, joyful smile faded from her face. She shrugged nonchalantly.

"I may not know you well, but I do recognize that you're a good person. Whatever Shane believes about you does not align with the Nicole I know. He may think you're like your father, but he's mistaken. Besides, I couldn't care less about what he says because, for once, I have a friend of my own," she confessed.

I frowned. "What makes you think we're going to be friends?"

Sofia gasped dramatically, bringing her hands to her chest. 

"How dare you? Isn't providing you with food enough to become your friend? You've shattered my heart, Nicole Parish! My innocent, kind heart! You heartless bitch," she exclaimed, feigning offense.

I burst into laughter at her theatrics. 

"Okay, okay, my bad. I apologize for taking your kindness for granted," I managed to say through my laughter, as she playfully narrowed her eyes at me.

"And admit that I'll be your only friend here, while you're at it," she added.

"Now you're pushing it," I retorted, narrowing my eyes at her this time. She raised her hands in mock surrender.

"It's worth a shot. Now do it," she insisted, her tone playful.

"Alright, fine. You'll be the only friend I have since I'm stuck here anyway. I might as well have someone to talk to, even if it means being coerced into befriending someone as sweet and kind as you," I acquiesced, sighing.

She nodded happily. "The 'sweet and kind' part lacks a bit of excitement, though," she commented, prompting me to groan loudly.

"Oh, shut it! At least I meant it," I conceded sincerely. 

And I truly did. 

Sofia was unlike anyone I had encountered thus far, and I was grateful for that. Though I didn't know her well, I appreciated the risks she was taking to defy her brother and talk to me.

It seemed that Sofia and I were destined to become great friends in this unexpected circumstance.

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~ Lucy