C6- Watch your tone

Vynessa's POV

Straying into the unknown has always been an adventurous activity to me. Running into uncompleted buildings, sneaking into abandoned factories or closed schools, it's always been exhilarating. The thought of anything being possible at that moment always gets my heart racing in a good way. It was a way of letting go of my bad thoughts.

But this… This is nothing like my childhood days. This is worse. I can feel and hear the terrified pounding of my heart. A hard knot of fear tightens in my stomach as I stare at him.

The harsh drumming in my chest, makes it hard to breathe.

He's so big, so imposing. His presence seems to fill the room, making me feel small and insignificant. I listen and watch as he takes another stride forward.

How did I get here?

I remember the ambulance…the kidnap…Yes, this man walking towards me now was there too.

I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't be here!

Just like before, he stands tall, his strong figure radiating an aura of power and authority. His dressing is quite different from the norm.

He wears a black leather jacket, adorned with intricate silver threading that swiftly catches the light with every turn, giving off a subtle shimmer. The jacket, well fitted, accentuates his broad shoulders and beautiful physique. An off-white shirt peeks out from beneath his jacket, its collar sitting in perfect alignment with the sharp lines of his jaw.

His dark rich gray pants look perfectly creased and beautifully show off his muscular legs. And the low heels of his black leather boots, add to his already impressive height.

But even with all that, it's his face that truly gets my attention. His sharp grey eyes pierce sharply into my sight, his thin lips remain pressed together in a firm line. His nose is almost unbelievably straight. Cheekbones high and sharp that it gives his face a chiseled, angular appearance.

The confidence in each of his step proves one thing – among all the men gathered in this large living room, he is definitely the boss.

His hand rakes through his short, perfectly messy hair, allowing a few stray strands to fall across his face.

"What did you do to me?” My voice trembles, my eyes flashing with a hint of fear.

His gaze meets mine, his expression stoic, but a hint of annoyance dances in the depths of those greys. "I should be asking you that question." He responds darkly. “But I already know the answer to that."

Not understanding a thing he just said, my face twists in frustration, my discomfort growing by each second. "I want to leave." I demand, or at least attempt to.

My fingers, unyielding to control, begin to fidget restlessly, betraying my swelling unease. The man's eyes flicker down to my hands, his gaze lingering on my trembling fingers.

For a moment, I watch his expression remain unreadable, but then a hint of awareness sparks in his eyes, and he looks back up at me, his gaze consuming.

He's picked on my fear, there's no doubt about that. My heart sinks. I try to still my fingers, to hide my fear, to ignore the shiver that runs down my spine.

There's a surge of desperation in my tone as I try to reason with him. "I want to leave." I say, but he just chuckles, a cold, mirthless sound.

"No, you don't," He states calmly, his eyes once again flicking down to my trembling fingers as his jaw ticks. "The moment you step out that gate, the Gladrags will make sure it'll be the last step you take." He adds annoyed.

I feel a cold slide down my back as I process his words.

"I don't care! I need to see my mom!" I shout, but then I caution myself, remembering that I've been kidnapped and need to play my cards well. It's a miracle I'm not chained down and I'm given a chance to speak.

I don't want to ruin my chances.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I need to think clearly, to come up with a plan. I glance around the icy room, taking in my surrounding.

About ten built men in burgundy suits stand at attention keeping an eye on her. There's got to be a way out, a way of escape.

God, ma must be so worried sick.

"She's dead," The man says, his words cutting through me like a knife.

I'm already confused and disoriented, but this...no.

"W...wh...what?" I stutter, my mind reeling with shock and denial.

His expression turns annoyed, like he's tired of having to repeat himself. "The accident?" He says, his tone dripping with impatience. "You don't remember?"

Suddenly feeling furious I scream, "What the hell are you saying?!" My eyes well up with tears as I shake my head, trying to clear the confusion.

"There was no fucking accident!" I yell, my voice hoarse with panic. "My mom is not dead! Get me the fuck out of here!" I command, hating how his eyes appear to sparkle in amusement.

I would run right now. I'd risk it but there are too many men, too many obstacles.

I take a step back, my heart racing with fear.

“Watch your tone Vynessa! You might be a cute one but I won't hesitate to put a bullet through your skull if you disrespect me one more time.” He says calmly yet his eyes are so intense I'm forced to believe he means every word he says. But I don't care.

“What did you do to her?!” I shout but freeze the moment guns are instantly cocked at me from every corner.

His eyes harden with annoyance. “She’s been dead for years. I thought Agent Black told you that already. What is she spending her last days doing?”

Like a fleeting word, his expression changes back to stoic mode and he takes a step closer to me. "I want you to stay with me." He suddenly says, his voice low and commanding.

My eyes widen in surprise. "What? No, I can't. Please just let me go. I can't be here. There's no one to take care of Ma. Please! She's all I've got. Don't make me lose her.”

But suddenly his jaw clenches, and he takes another step closer as he says, "I'm not asking you, Vynessa. I'm telling you. You're going to stay with me, in my home, where I can keep you safe."

Then in one quick stride he turns around, unexpected words, falling off his lips as he walks off. “Heat up a warm bath for her and cover her up.”