Chapter 4
Zachariah
I never once thought he’d ever go to this far to repay a debt that he could have easily avoided. Gemini never liked to repay his money on time. And this time was no different.
I had known that he would try to pull something on me, as I refused the last time he gave me a gift. I never once touched those women downstairs in a sexual manner, and I never would. I could never see myself that low for any circumstance.
The only reason I had a brothel was because those girls were way better off being here in a shelter than living on the street. I knew how rough men could get. Most of those girls dropped their pants for men if it was offered for a certain amount of money.
True, it wasn’t the best place to live, but it worked. It brought in money, brought in more men, and protected women that didn’t have a way out. Here, these women got a roof over their head and food to keep them alive.
Sometimes, when a debt was to be paid to me, or even by me, the girls were used. Some went to handlers as a toy to play with, others were used a pretty arm candy for social gatherings. Nothing that they would not have done on their own terms in time.
Most often than not, the women were able to get back on their feet with working under my care, which wasn’t known outside of these walls. I had my ways here, and even my trusted men didn’t know that I secretly helped the women who did want to better themselves.
I wasn’t a complete monster. I did care for others, no matter the color or race. Growing up the way I did, I knew the good and bad about life. It worked in my favor. I didn’t care if it wasn’t right. The girls wouldn’t have to worry about where they were sleeping, so I saw it as helping.
Not everyone agreed. If I ever found anyone abusing the women they would pay,
Gem never seemed to care. He didn’t care if his payments were never on time. I had to take action one way or another. I’d had enough. Being the grandson to the Don of the family, I knew I had to handle this on my own. This was my job, and I would prove myself. Family name only went to so far . . .
So, when Gemini entered my office, my guards placed around the room as though they were merely pieces of furniture, I hadn’t expected the man’s priceless gift he dragged along. At first, I wasn’t able to get the best look, but when I did, I was able to keep my furious expression hidden. She was just a child. And not who I had expected.
Avidya Mariah Ray.
Oh, I knew all about her. How could I not? I had one of my men keeping tabs on her and her parents for a number of years now. Her parents – mostly her father – was not who he claimed to be. His true colors were beginning to show, and it was a matter of time before he dipped a foot into where he shouldn’t belong.
But this. This I could work for my benefit.
Avidya was a sight to behold. Dressed a nice black dress, much nicer than the women downstairs would ever wear. It fit her perfectly, so much so that I knew it was specifically for her. Her hair was still wet, but I knew it would be nearly white when dried and in the sunlight.
What got to me was that she was drugged. And marked. Gifts were never meant to be marked unless the handler knew for a fact that the woman would never be returned to where she came from.
I couldn’t help but let anger drip into my voice as I stared Gem down, somehow knowing he was the one to do that. He knew, he fucking knew, that if a girl was gifted and marked with my brand, I could do nothing but keep her unless I killed her.
She was not to be killed. She didn’t deserve any of this. I could guess that she had no idea who she really was, or who her parents were. Nor who they worked for. It was normal in this day and age for girls of powerful families, or ties to said families, not to know what was going on.
I didn’t have to think about killing the man, tired of his lies and disrespect. He didn’t see it coming. What I hadn’t counted on was Miss Ray passing out against my legs as I used the gun I always had nearby. She’d make a wonderful way in for me, more than anyone else could now that I had her.
From what I knew, her parents were strict. Her father was looking for potential husbands, and I made sure to gain his attention. But this, oh this would bump me up to the top. I wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer on this.
I had my guards clean the mess up, and took my prize to the apartment upstairs that I hardly ever used. It was there for a number of reasons, but not of much use to me. Everyone here knew who I was.
Not only would I be the head of the family later, much, much later, but I also would find out the truth of who exactly Avidya Ray was.
Avidya was so light as I held her in my arms, and fit perfectly against my chest with her head against my shoulder. Being a guy, my dick had other ideas as I laid her down on the bed, tucking the blanket around her. I thought of changing her into something else but shook that idea from my head. I didn’t need her panicking when she woke up. She’d be confused enough anyway.
Instead, I took a seat in the chair and sent out a few texts to the men that needed to know what was up if I didn’t answer. I refused to leave Avidya on her own, at least until I knew she was okay. For some reason, this girl would be important, even for more than my own plan for her. She was more than just a pawn, and I’d be sure to show her that.
This apartment wasn’t anything compared to where I actually lived when I did go home, but it worked for its purpose. One bedroom, one bathroom space with one of the smallest kitchens ever known. I had the essentials here, mostly on my mother’s wishes only.
There were other apartments in this building that were often put to use by my men that worked for me, along with a few of the women from downstairs. For instance, if a woman was pregnant, I’d allow them to have a safe place to stay and use until they gave birth. After the baby was born, who was often gave up for adoption to an agency that I personally knew, the woman was put to work with other duties until they could be of service to me.
Being able to read people gave me an easy up on knowing who wanted more out of life. Many women, unfortunately, did not want more, therefore they ended up with handlers and passed around from place to place without ever having a way out.
Avidya’s clothing choices alone showed how simple she was, but also her actions. She’d adjust to what I wanted for her in time. She’d fight at first of course. I couldn’t wait for her to try.
I didn’t want it to, but just seeing her so small in the bed made my heart ping with sadness.
She was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen when she woke up. I could see that she had some fight in her. She’d fight me tooth and nail. In time. Not right now, but she would. The thoughts swirled in her mind as she let me help her from the bathroom.
I hated seeing her so weak, though. I knew Gemini was not the only one involved in how she got to be here where she was now, and I would make sure everyone that had a hand in her disappearance would suffer.
Such a stubborn girl. I’d thoroughly enjoy showing her what she could become. She’d become someone her father never wanted for her.
She had no idea what she was capable of, and I planned to show her just that. I would show her that every thought she had was okay to act on. Well most of them anyway. She . . . . she would steal my heart too, in the end.