“What is this?” he barks, startling me and causing me to jump back. He grabs my arm before I can fall backwards. My mom grabs my other arm. Both of their reflexes are faster than mine will ever be.
“My daughter.”
“You don’t have a daughter.” My mom releases my arm, but it takes Aidon a moment to do the same. His touch is gentle for a man who yields such power.
“I do. You know better than anyone that you keep the things you value the most secret when you live in a world such as ours.”
I pull my eyes away from the man to meet my mother’s gaze. It’s no surprise he doesn't know about me or believe I’m her daughter. My mother reminds me of Xena the warrior princess while I’m Ariel from the Little Mermaid that can’t find my voice.
“You’re offering your daughter as collateral?” His eyes trail down me and then all the way back up. I can feel them on me like a touch. The girls tried to doll me up before we left, but there wasn't enough time. Plus, my mother told them no. I’m in a long, flowy dress that goes all the way to my feet, hiding my sneakers.
“She is special to me. I’m sure you see it.” I turn my head again to look at my mother. I know she loves me, but it’s nice to hear. “Not one hair on her head is to be touched. She is a good faith offer so you know I will be back with what you have requested.” She gives Aidon a look, and I know she is delivering some message without words.
“Wait outside.” He motions for me to leave. I don’t move; instead, I look to my mother. She starts to speak, but Aidon barks at me again. Still I stand there staring at my mother, waiting for her direction.
“Wait outside.” She gives me a nod, and I turn, fleeing from the room and the sound of the dripping blood. I step outside of the office door to see three giant men standing there.
“You’re scaring her.” I glance over my shoulder to see Aidon standing in the door that I exited out of moments ago. “Back the hell up and don’t let her go anywhere.” I spin around.
“What if I have to go to the bathroom?” I blurt out the ridiculous question.
“You’ll sit.” He points to a chair. “I said sit.” I shake my head no. His nostrils flair. I’m pissing him off. I will myself to tilt my chin up in defiance.
“You can’t give me orders unless you’re agreeing to the deal.” I expect him to shout another order at me, but he doesn't. Instead he smirks.
“Deal.”
Chapter 3
Aidon
Karin Vieth is a wily one. She couldn’t have built a better honey pot to trap me if she tried. Beautiful, vulnerable, with a dash of sass was the perfect combination to lower my guard. She will seduce me, pleasure me, and when I’m dizzy with lust, she’ll take the knife and stab me in the back.
I don’t believe this girl is Vieth’s daughter. There’s never been a whisper on the street of Vieth having any family. The beautiful girl out in the hall pretending to be a shy virgin, but failing miserably, is one of the Vieth orphans. She finds these girls who don’t have families and promises them riches and safety in exchange for their blood devotion. It works for her, but I wouldn’t be where I am today if I fell for tricks like these.
“She’s your parlay?” I ask Vieth, whose eyes keep darting toward the door. Is she worried that her lure is being eaten up by the hungry men outside? I suppose she has to be used to the worst of men’s appetites. She trades in them, so she knows how depraved we can be, but how easily led by the cock as well. Or how easily led we could be if we allow it. I’m not a monk by trade, but in practice I am. Too many men have been felled by dipping their dick in the poisoned pot, and so I have abstained all these years.
Vieth’s eyes snap back to meet mine. Clear brown eyes very similar to the girl’s meet my gaze without a flinch. “She is. I bring my only child to the priest knowing that you will not touch her. She’s safe here. Seven days and I will bring you the proof that the body lying on your desk does not deserve the honor you are giving it. Seven days and I’ll be demanding reparations from you. Touch her and I will demand payment regardless, and it will be a price that you will not be able to pay with coin.”
Vieth rises as if she can get the last word here in my office. I let her reach the door before replying.