Chapter Eight

The door to the cellar creaked open, the dim light spilling into the room like an unwelcome guest. Sarah's breath caught in her throat as the figure at the door stepped inside, his shadow stretching ominously across the floor. Antonio tensed beside her, his fingers instinctively tightening around her arm. There was no mistaking who had found them—Adrian DeLuca.

"So," Adrian drawled, his voice a velvet whisper laced with menace, "hiding in the shadows, Sarah? That's unlike you."

Sarah felt her pulse quicken, her heart hammering in her chest. She had prepared for a confrontation, but not like this. Her father was out there, somewhere, and now here she was, cornered by the one man who could either destroy her or... something far worse. Antonio stood protectively by her side, but Sarah could sense his hesitation.

Adrian's icy blue eyes flicked between Sarah and Antonio, his lips curling into a faint, amused smile. He looked almost bored, as if this whole situation was a game to him. But Sarah knew better—Adrian DeLuca was never bored. Every move he made was calculated, every glance a warning.

"I think we both know how this ends," Adrian continued, stepping forward into the room, his polished shoes clicking against the stone floor. "You in chains—or worse. But maybe, just maybe, we can strike a different bargain."

Sarah swallowed hard, struggling to keep her composure. "You don't own me, Adrian."

His smile deepened, eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and darkness. "That's where you're wrong, sweetheart. I already do."

Antonio shifted, his voice low but firm. "We can still make this right, DeLuca. No one else has to get hurt."

Adrian's expression flickered, the amusement fading just slightly. "Antonio, ever the loyal friend. But this isn't your fight." His gaze flicked back to Sarah, and he took another slow, deliberate step toward her. "The question is, Sarah, how far are you willing to go to protect what little you have left?"

The air felt thick, suffocating. Sarah's mind raced as she tried to find a way out. But Adrian's presence loomed larger than life, like a predator closing in on its prey. Her options were dwindling by the second.

"What do you want from me?" Sarah's voice trembled, but she forced herself to stand her ground. She had to be strong. For her father. For herself.

Adrian tilted his head slightly, considering her. "Simple," he said smoothly, his voice cold but enticing. "I want your loyalty. Your unwavering allegiance to me. I'll make sure your father stays alive, and in return... you'll do exactly as I say."

Antonio opened his mouth to protest, but Sarah silenced him with a glance. She couldn't let him get dragged into this any further.

"Don't do this, Sarah," Antonio muttered, his voice barely audible. "This isn't the way."

But what other choice did she have? Her father was already tangled in this dangerous web, and now she was too. Adrian had trapped them both, and there was no easy escape.

"Fine," Sarah said, her voice steadier now, though every word tasted like poison. "I'll do it. But you let my father go. No harm comes to him, or this deal is off."

Adrian's smile returned, slow and dangerous. "Done. But remember, Sarah," he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear, "cross me, and I will make you regret it."

The sound of footsteps echoed behind Adrian as two of his men entered the room, their faces as unreadable as stone. Without a word, they grabbed Antonio by the arms, pulling him back toward the door.

"What are you doing?" Sarah demanded, panic rising in her chest. "You said—"

"I said your father remains untouched," Adrian interrupted smoothly. "But Antonio? He's another story. You see, loyalty demands sacrifices, Sarah. It's time to prove yours."

Antonio struggled against the guards' grip, his eyes flashing with defiance. "Sarah, don't let him do this!"

But before Sarah could respond, Adrian motioned to his men, and they dragged Antonio from the room. The door slammed shut, leaving Sarah alone with Adrian and the suffocating weight of the choice she had just made.

Her legs trembled, the gravity of the situation settling in like a cold, dark fog. She had signed her fate, tied herself to the devil in the name of survival. And now, there was no turning back.

Adrian took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "Now," he said, his voice a low, dangerous murmur, "let's talk about how you're going to serve me."