THE DEBT COLLECTOR

Chapter 5: The Debt Collector

Antonio stood in the opulent foyer, his eyes scanning the lavish decorations. He had been here before, but never under these circumstances.

"Mr. Jenkins," Antonio said, his voice firm and commanding. "I see you're still living well beyond your means."

John Jenkins, a middle-aged man with a nervous expression, fidgeted with his tie. "Antonio, please... I'll pay you back, I swear."

Antonio raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "You've been saying that for months, Jenkins. And yet, the debt remains unpaid."

Jenkins' eyes darted nervously around the room, before landing on a figure standing in the doorway. "Kristen, darling... please, come here."

Kristen, a beautiful young woman with long, curly brown hair and piercing green eyes, walked into the room. Her eyes sparkled with fire, and her full lips curled into a defiant smile.

"What's going on, Daddy?" she asked, her voice husky and confident.

Jenkins hesitated, before speaking. "Antonio here has come to collect on our debt."

Kristen's eyes narrowed, her gaze locking onto Antonio. "And what exactly do you plan on taking in payment?" she asked, her voice dripping with venom.

Antonio's eyes locked onto Kristen, a spark of interest igniting within him. She was feisty, he'd give her that.

"I'm afraid the terms of the loan were very clear," Antonio said, his voice firm and merciless. "If the debt is not paid, the collateral will be seized."

Kristen's eyes widened, her face paling. "You can't be serious," she whispered.

Antonio's expression didn't change. "I'm afraid I am," he said. "And the collateral... is you."

Kristen's eyes flashed with anger, and she took a step forward, her fists clenched. "You'll never take me," she spat. "I'll never let you."

Antonio raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. "We'll see about that," he said.

Kristen's eyes blazed with defiance as she stood her ground, her fists clenched at her sides. Antonio's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"I think you'll find that you have no choice," Antonio said, his voice dripping with condescension. "Your father's debt is substantial, and I always collect what's owed to me."

Kristen's face paled, her eyes darting to her father. Jenkins looked away, his eyes filled with shame and regret.

"You can't do this," Kristen said, her voice shaking with anger. "I won't let you."

Antonio chuckled, his eyes never leaving Kristen's face. "You're in no position to make demands," he said. "You're coming with me, Kristen. Now."

Kristen's eyes flashed with fury, and she took a step forward, her fists flying. Antonio caught her wrists easily, his grip like a vice.

"Don't struggle," he said, his voice low and menacing. "It won't do you any good."

Kristen's eyes blazed with defiance, but she knew she was beaten. She allowed Antonio to lead her out of the house, her heart heavy with despair.

As they walked to the car, Kristen's mind racing with thoughts of escape and rebellion. She would not go down without a fight.

But for now, she was at Antonio's mercy. And she knew that she was in grave danger.

The car door slammed shut behind her, and Kristen was trapped. She was at Antonio's mercy, and she knew that she had to think fast if she was going to survive.

As the car pulled away from the curb, Kristen's eyes met Antonio's in the rearview mirror. She saw a glimmer of something there, something that looked almost like curiosity.

But it was quickly replaced by a cold, hard mask. Antonio's eyes were like ice, and Kristen knew that she was in for the fight of her life.

To be continued...