Chapter 7: ★THREE★

    ~Chapter 7~

    ROMEO

    Sitting in my home study on the top floor, surrounded by the trappings of my success. I leaned back into my leather chair, slowly taking a long drag on my cigarette, while scanning the contract proposal in front of me.@@@@

    The smoke curled lazily upwards, carrying the tension in my shoulders away with it.

    Running a multimillion-dollar company was no joke, and every decision I made had far-reaching consequences that could make or break empires. It was a burden I''d grown accustomed to carrying.

    "Mr. Salvatore," The man before me said with caution and respect, his voice trembling slightly.

    Since the moment he sat down, he''d been shaking uncomfortably, his eyes darting around the room like a trapped animal.

    I didn''t look threatening, dressed in my tailored suit; my half-covered face was a mask of calm interest.

    Yet, it seemed my popular reputation had preceded me. The man must have forgotten we were discussing a business proposal, not exchanging gunfire, which would have been my favorite.

    I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his nervousness "Si?" I dropped the paper I''d been studying and looked over to him.

    My voice was low and even, a reminder that I was in control here. The man swallowed hard, his eyes moving onto mine before darting away, he didn''t dare look me straight in the eyes. No one dares.

    "What seems to be the problem, Mr. James?" I asked, steepling my fingers together on the table.

    He didn''t want to articulate whatever was on his mind after bringing my attention to him.

    "I...I was saying that if this isn''t up to your taste, we could make a new one," Mr. James stuttered out in a rush.

    "We really need this contract, sir and I promise to make it right. We''ll do whatever it takes to ensure your satisfaction, Mr. Salvatore." His voice trailed off, and he looked down at his feet, awaiting my response, the same process every damned time, everyone wants to please me.

    I studied him, intrigued by his fear. "Why do you shake, too much?" I asked with amusement.

    I took another slow drag from my cigarette, savoring the moment. I had all the time in the world to play with his mind, to toy with his fears and anxieties.

    They went about their task of cleaning up the lifeless body with an emotionless face. I didn''t bother to watch as I needed to clear my head and for me, that meant descending into the depths of my torture room.

    It was a place where I could let my true nature shine. A place where the mask of civility could slip and the beast beneath could roam free.

    The torture room was my sanctuary, my confessional, and my playground.

    I stepped into the elevator and lit a new cigarette as I waited for the elevator to reach the basement.

    The elevator doors slid open, revealing the dimly lit corridor that led to my inner sanctum. I stepped out, ready to unleash my demons and let the darkness consume me whole.

    I walked further into the hallway before turning a corner, my eyes adjusting to the dimness, and that''s when I saw her - a skinny frame, barely visible in the faint light.

    The pale little girl collided with me with a soft thud, but I stood tall and unmoved, watching as her dirty body crumpled to the ground.

    Her skin was deathly pale, and her pure but dirty white hair seemed to swallow the faint light around her.

    She reminded me of a fragile, broken doll, that was discarded and forgotten.

    I had seen her before, just yesterday. She was the daughter of that insolent bastard I had killed. I recalled giving Dante instructions to take her, but I had totally forgotten about her existence until now.

    My gaze roamed over her fragile form, and my eyes narrowed. What the hell was she wearing? A dirty bra and underwear were all that covered her emaciated body.

    A wave of disgust washed over me, looking at the dirty little being before a voice interrupted my thoughts. "Boss?" Dante''s voice and I turned to see him running towards me. He bowed his head slightly before storming towards the girl.

    He picked her up harshly, "Stupid bitch," He threw a slap to her face, and I watched as she winced, her eyes welling up with tears while she struggled.

    Her teary golden eyes locked onto mine, filled with -what-I chuckled; it was filled with a desperate plea for help.

    I tilted my head to the side, a cold grin spreading across my face, who the fuck did she think I was -her savior-.

    But then, her eyes hardened before she spoke, barely above a whisper. "I''d rather die than be raped."

    Something within me snapped and I didn''t know when my gun got out of my holster, but suddenly it was in my hand.

    My finger tightened around the trigger, and I shot three times.