Lillian stared at me with shocked eyes but nodded and turned to go back down the hall without any complaint. My staff was loyal to me. I didn’t have to worry about any of them going against my word.
Once we were out of the basement, I dug into my pocket for my keys. Once locating the correct one, I locked the door and turned to leave. A little solitude never hurt anyone.
When I was back in my office, I grabbed Azaria’s phone, powering it on. Notifications flooded the screen from her dad, best friend, and a few others I wasn’t familiar with. She had some from Elite too. I instantly deleted those. There was no need for them. Her father wouldn’t report she was missing because he was the cause of this. He also knew the police couldn’t touch me. Even if he suspected and tried to get me, he would lose and his consequences would be dire.
I did, however, have some words for him. Clicking the call button, I waited for it to connect.
“Azeira!” he rushed out as soon as he answered.
I chuckled darkly. “I’m afraid not.”
His voice shook. “Kairus. Where’s my daughter?”
“She’s where I want her to be.”
“Don’t hurt her!”
A grim smile formed on my lips. “You’re not in any position to be making demands.”
“Please,” he begged. “Her mother has been asking for her. She has nothing to do with this.”
“You made her a part of this the moment you borrowed money from me. Now I hope this answers your question about an extension. Next week I expect my money in full or you’ll lose more than just your life.”
I hung the phone up and powered it off. Part of me hoped he didn’t have my money when the time came because the consolation prize was gonna beso muchsweeter.
My heart pounded vigorously inside me as my back pressed against the oak door. My hand curled around the door knob and my eyes squeezed shut. I had heard stories of Kairus but never thought I would run into him, let alone be kidnapped by him.
Kairus looked like the villain I’d heard him to be—light brown complexion, tall and stocky, yet athletically built. His mustache was perfectly groomed and lined up over his medium-sized lips, surrounded by a five o clock shadow. His hair was cut low.
What stood out the most besides the emptiness in his dark, whiskey-colored, deep set eyes was his scarred face. Across the left side, straight through his left eye, was a gash that had healed but still clearly visible. Not to mention the healed damaged skin that covered his lower cheek. I could tell from the uninjured side he was once a handsome man, but now he matched his soul.
It was no coincidence that I overheard him and my dad on the phone then the next day I ended up dragged into a room against my will. Swallowing hard, I pushed off the door and walked to the sink. I studied myself and furrowed my brows.Lifting a shaky hand, I ran it through my hair. The markings from the night before were visible, reminding me how in just twenty-four hours everything had changed.
Turning the sink on, I splashed water over my face, trying to calm my racing nerves. I didn’t know what he had in store for me. From what I heard, he was known for violence and making anyone he felt crossed him pay. He didn’t show mercy either.
My hand balled and I pushed out a heavy breath. My eyes landed on the bright red handprint on my wrist. I rubbed the area and sighed.
“Fuck.” I didn’t know what my dad was wrapped up in, but I needed to figure out how to get out of here before it was too late.
After mentally gathering myself, I finally left the bathroom. I looked around the room that was now my prison. Nothing but a bed resided in it. No windows to see out of. I didn’t even know where I was right now.
Making my way to the door, I yanked on it, hoping it would open, but it was locked.
“Hello!” I shouted, pounding. “I know you’re out there, asshole! Open the damn door!” My fists began to hurt and my voice grew hoarse the longer I pounded on the door.
“Ugh!” I gritted. Balling my fists and pushing them into my forehead, I tilted my chin up to the ceiling.
My stomach growled. I thought about Kairus mentioning not allowing me food.
Closing my eyes, I inhaled a deep breath then pushed it out heavily.
I realized there was nothing I could do until Kairus made an appearance again.
I didn’t know how long I had been locked in this room, but I knew my stomach felt like it was about to eat itself. I desperately needed a shower and toothbrush. While I had a bathroom, there was no toothbrush, body wash, or toothpaste available to me. My tongue dragged across my teeth and I grimaced at the grime built up.
I was sure by now my parents, along with Jatavia, had to be worried. I was due to see my mom the day I was taken and I never went more than twenty-four hours without at least talking to her. Not to mention I wasn’t sure if I had a job anymore because I had no call, no showed at Sunny Side, then there was Elite. I was missing out on money my family desperately needed. Thankfully I was able to pick and choose jobs I wanted to take so if I didn’t accept any I wouldn’t be dropped.
No one had been down to see me since Kairus left. I was sure to go stir crazy being alone with nothing to do day in and out. I missed the kiss of the sun on my skin and fresh air.
