Chapter 190: Within The Monster’s Jaws [1]

[Music: Madness By Ruelle]

"Is that supposed to scare me, little one?" Julius asked, amused, staring at my gun like a toy. "You do know I could have confiscated that gun and made you more vulnerable."

"But you didn’t. A big mistake." I undid the safety and curled my finger on the trigger.

All traces of amusement were gone the moment he realized how fucking serious I was. The one thing I had in mind right now was putting a bullet through his skull, and I was stunned by the fact that I was more than willing to do it.

Months ago I couldn’t even entertain the thought of killing someone, but with everything I have been through... it was fucking justified. I was more buried in blood and violence than I have ever been in the last two years.

The change was needed.

"That wouldn’t be wise, Anastasia. My men are in every inch of this building. The moment I’m dead, they will come storming, and then I won’t be able to guarantee your safety."

How dare he still talk about my safety in this situation? He was the one who put me in this tight spot in the first place. This man was ridiculous to no end.

"I’ll take my chances, especially when I know this is all a trap to begin with."

His eyelid twitched.

"You went out of your way to make me attend this ball. You wanted me here... and all you have done so far was to isolate me, so you brought up the CCTV cameras from my car accident, knowing I would be desperate to come and see it."

"I underestimate you, Anastasia. I should have been more cautious when you took down... what was her name?"

"Cynthia," I replied bitterly.

"She’s called Stinger here in the undercity. Quite known for her profession, but the icing on the cake was she worked for the Salvero household under the name Cynthia. And I’m guessing from your expression, she was close to you."

"Why?" I seethed. "Why did you do all this? Why did you try to manipulate me?"

"Because I want you, Anastasia. I have always wanted you since the moment I laid eyes on you."

What in the highest of fuck?!

My grip on the gun staggered, but I gripped firmly as another type of feeling swamped me.

Father once told me our so-called uncle was there when I was born. Was he fucking talking about that?

A huge wave of disgust crawled up my spine, and my face twisted into disbelief.

When he took a step closer, I pulled the trigger without hesitation, but the hollow click echoing through the air made my stomach drop.

No, no no! I’m out of bullets!

"Remember when I told you your father came to me when he was buried in debts? And how I turned him away because he had the nerve to come to me after our fallout?"

"S-Stay away..." I still held up my gun.

Even though there wasn’t any bullet right now, it still gave me some—!

I rasped when the muzzle pressed into his chest.

"I offered a deal for you, father... it was simple: let me have you as my wife and I can make all his debts disappear."

My breath shuddered heavily.

Julius smiled. "But he would rather let that Serpent have you than me. I guess he has always known that I had eyes for you, hence our fallout."

I gasped when he grabbed my gun at that moment, and tossed it away. The sharp clatter matched the same rhythm as my pounding heartbeat.

"Odd isn’t it? In some way, he did act like a father, despite being a sorry excuse for one. I must give him points for that. You may say he weighed which monster to give you to."

My nostrils flared as I darted angry eyes at him

"He didn’t let me have you. I was so angry... for at that time there wasn’t much I could do, so I had to wait, and in the end of it all, here you are, my pretty little Anastasia."

"Y-You’re a m-monster," I forced out as rage curled inside me like a furnace. Of all the possibilities, I never thought of this.

"But you have a thing for monsters, don’t you? You married one. The same one who took your sister from you and who bought you as mere property. What’s wrong with having another monster in your life? One who would treat you as a human being."

I turned my head away when he tried to cup my cheeks.

"I’m more human right where I am," I replied venomously.

"Maybe... but I can give you more than he could ever. I know how materialistic you are. I can give you gold, diamonds, name it. Your career would reach greater heights. I can give you everything... all you have to do... is be mine."

"I will never be yours."

"Oh, little one, I went through so much trouble to make sure you’re here. Made sure your father was out of the way, had you drive away from your husband, and made sure you came to me for the answers you seek. I’m certain I have won."

I shook my head slowly. "You haven’t won, Julius."

"Are you certain?" He raised a finger, then circled me like a predator, my eyes tracking his every move. "Because your husband doesn’t know where you are. He’ll wait for you and never see you again."

I’m not so sure about that.

I meant to say that out loud, but I didn’t. Julius had no idea Zade was here already.

So I said nothing, letting the dread swallow me whole. Though I did it to act as if all hope had been lost, but... I’m still fucking terrified. Far more terrified than when Cynthia tried to kill me.

"But don’t be scared, I meant what I said... I had no intention of harming you. Even though I led you to the window where Stinger could get a clear shot, I was still counting on your husband coming to your rescue."