His Vengeance

Chapter 15

Nicole

I woke up the next morning with a slight headache. The conversation with Shane from yesterday replayed in my mind, causing a whirlwind of thoughts that threatened to overwhelm me.

Before going to bed, I had made a firm decision.

I'm going to give this new life a chance. I won't let these people get to me simply because I'm the daughter of their enemy. Nothing will stand in my way if I set my mind to it.

My life has undergone significant changes, and it's futile to dwell on them. I've taught myself to adapt to these new circumstances.

While sitting on the edge of the bed, I gazed at the sunlight streaming through the curtains. Suddenly, the door swung open, jolting me and interrupting my thoughts. I looked up, annoyed and shocked at the person who barged in, ruining my morning mood.

"Rise and shine, Parish!" Shane stood at the doorway, wearing sweatpants and a plain black T-shirt. He looked quite different from the cold and suit-clad jerk I had seen in the past few days.

"Ever heard of knocking?" I glared at him, getting out of bed.

"No need to knock, darling. This is my house," he retorted, smirking and folding his arms across his chest. The thin T-shirt showcased his flexing muscles.

"What do you want?" I asked, glancing at him, only to find his gaze fixed on my bare legs. I was wearing shorts and a crop tank top, both provided by Sofia.

"Did you barge into my room just to check me out, Ryder, or do you have something to say?" I raised an eyebrow, noticing his eyes snap back to mine as he cleared his throat.

"To answer your first question, I wouldn't do that in a thousand years. I mean, what's there to check out anyway? As for your second question, yes, I do have something to say. Get dressed and be downstairs in 10 minutes. Since you work for me now, there are some very important people I want to introduce you to."

With that, he closed the door behind him, leaving me standing there in a state of confusion and irritation.

I don't know why, but Shane Ryder always manages to make me tongue-tied. My sarcastic comebacks usually flow effortlessly, but with him around, it takes me an eternity to respond. It's a new experience for me, and I can't fathom why he has this effect on me. 

Damn, you, Shane Ryder! What's his deal, anyway?

*******

The living room was filled with people who looked like they stepped out of a gangster movie. Men were adorned with tattoos covering their arms and women with piercings in various places. Not only did they appear intimidating and dangerous, but the tension in the room was palpable.

Shane stood by my side in the center of the room, facing the gathered group of people.

"Listen up, everybody. I have an important announcement to make. This is Nicole Parish. Some of you know her, some of you don't. The point is, she's going to work for me as one of my baiters, and I expect all of you to treat her with the respect she deserves as a woman. Provide her with any assistance she may require to settle in."

Shane's voice carried a firm, dangerous tone. I noticed some people exchanging glances before returning their attention to us, or rather, me.

"Even though she's Drake Parish's daughter and he's still out there somewhere, you need not worry because he's no longer a threat. Why?" Shane made eye contact with me and smiled.

"Because his price is here with us. If he tries anything funny, he dies. If she tries anything funny, she dies. No more games. That's all, everyone. Toby, Sofia, Jeremy, and Peter, stay behind for a moment. The rest of you, you're dismissed," he ordered, and the rest of the crowd filed out of the room.

Three guys remained with Sofia, who quickly stood by my side and greeted me with a smile.

"Nicole, meet Toby. He's my head of security and personal bodyguard. He oversees my men and their missions, as well as monitors the locations of our targets during operations." Toby, the familiar face from when I was still imprisoned, with his military haircut, stepped forward and extended his hand for a handshake, a friendly smile on his face.

"Pleasure to officially meet you, Nicole," he said, shaking my hand.

"Likewise, Toby," I replied, grateful for his welcoming demeanor. Toby stepped back, standing beside Shane once again.

"Jeremy handles all our transportation. He's in charge of our vehicles and decides which ones we'll be using for our missions." I nodded, smiling at the red-headed man who greeted me next.

"And this is Peter. A former accountant who knows his way around banks and ATMs. A talented thief and pickpocket genius." A small, skinny guy with a snake tattoo on his neck approached me, and I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at him.

"Well, hello there, foxy," he greeted with a smile, and I stifled a chuckle. Although he appeared intimidating, a small guy like him didn't easily intimidate me. He reminded me of Dwayne Johnson's talkative sidekick from the movie Jumanji.

"Leave," Shane commanded, and the three men promptly exited the room.

"Sofia, you'll teach Nicole everything she needs to know about our line of work and any other important details. She needs to be prepared for our next mission." Sofia rolled her eyes.

"A little 'please' would be appreciated," she muttered, but Shane ignored her and turned his gaze to me.

"Training starts early tomorrow morning at 6. Be in the gym on time, no delays," he said, then walked out of the room.

"Is he always that bossy?" Sofia chuckled.

"You'll get used to it. Anyway, let's get started, shall we?" I glanced at her, puzzled.

"Get started on what?" She grinned at me.

"Learning to be a baiter." I furrowed my brow.

"A what?" Sofia sighed dramatically and pulled me down to sit on the couch beside her.

"A baiter is a title and a role around here, reserved for women. Our job is to lure and distract the targets, ensuring their undivided attention is on us. The guys take it from there. Understand? That's why we're called 'baiters.'"

I sat there, stunned, as her words sank in. I stared at her as if she were speaking a different language.

"You mean I'll be a prostitute?" I exclaimed, my tone rising abruptly. Sofia flinched slightly at my outburst.

"No, Nicole, not a prostitute. A baiter. You won't be sleeping with any of them; that's against the rules. Your role is to flirt, entice, and lead them into our traps. It's as simple as that," she explained.

I ran my fingers through my hair, exhaling loudly.

"Is there anything else I could be?" I asked, hoping for an alternative. Sofia shook her head.

"No, this is what Shane wants you to be, and his decisions are final. Don't worry, though. I'm also a baiter, and I'll help you through it all."

That was a relief.

At least Sofia would be there to guide me through this dark, twisted path I had chosen to embrace in my life. This was just the beginning, and I believed I could handle the challenges that lay ahead on my own.

If only things weren't so complicated.