Finding Beauty in the Darkness

Then it hits me. I need to speak up, try to save myself. If it doesn’t work, I’ll be in a world of hurt, but what if it does work? Before I can say something, the man speaks. His eyes leaving mine.

“I heard you were holding an investment meeting tonight, so I figured I would drop by and check on my money. Your time is almost up.”

“Weston, I think it would be best if we go.” The man who just had his nasty hands on me is now trying to run.

“I think you all should stay. I would imagine what I have to say will interest you. Mr. Nelson, is it?” Mystery man smiles sardonically at the guy who pushed me to the ground, causing him to shut up and frown, and it sends chills straight up my spine. “I could be wrong, but I believe you have invested with Mr. Hightower. Am I right?”

“Well, yes you are. I did.”

“Giovanni, there’s no need to involve these men. Let’s speak in private.” Weston’s voice is shaky. He’s freaking the fuck out, and it kind of makes me smile a little on the inside.

The man Weston just called Giovanni quirks one brow up and tilts his head just slightly to the left, silently shutting Weston up. If I weren’t scared of the repercussions, and without any clothes on, I would stand and cheer him on.

“Are you aware that Mr. Hightower owes me a significant amount of money?”

“Weston, is this true?” One of the other men speaks up.

“Gentleman, I can explain.”

“You absolutely can explain, Mr. Hightower, right after you show me the progress you’ve made on getting me my money. I hope you aren’t planning to wait until the last second to obtain that amount of money.” Giovanni never raises his voice. The way he speaks you’d think he was placing a to-go order at a restaurant, yet his voice is strong and assertive. Every emotion is made known without even needing to yell. This man means business.

“I can pay you back some more of it. I don’t have it all. Come with me into my office.”

“Rome, Caesar.” Giovanni says two names and instantly two big burly men enter the room. They are similar to Giovanni in appearances, both in suits which fit them perfectly—great physique and good looking—but they don’t hold the room like Giovanni does. They aren’t calm like he is. They must be his backup, his enforcers. They look angry and seem to lack the patience Giovanni has.

The two men grab Weston by his arms to escort him to his office, making me realize I need to speak up now before it’s too late.

“I need your help, please.” My voice comes out hoarse from recently gagging, so I clear my throat and say it clearer. “I need your help, please.”

“Shut the fuck up, Aria.” Weston tries to get out of the men’s hold, but they just tighten their grip on him. It gives me the confidence to stand. This might be my only chance to be set free.

“H-He…Weston…He’s holding me captive. Please, can you call the police?” I stand, and then remembering I’m naked, I wrap one arm around my chest to cover my breasts, and with my other hand, I try to cover my sex the best I can.

Giovanni assesses me for a few moments. “Who are you?”

“She’s nobody! Don’t worry about her!” Weston’s outburst has Giovanni smirking. Weston just showed his cards.

Moving closer to Weston, Giovanni lets out a soft humorless chuckle. “I think I will worry about her because you seem extremely worried about her. Now shut your mouth.” He walks over to me until we’re only a few inches apart. “Who are you?”

“I-I’m Aria. My mom died…well, I’m not sure how long ago. But he’s been holding me captive in the—”

“Shut the fuck up, Aria!” Weston bellows, effectively cutting me off, and for the first time Giovanni shows a hint of anger. He stalks over to Weston and punches him right in the face. His head jerks to the side and blood instantly pours from his mouth. “I told you to shut up.”

“Can you please call the police?” I beg.

Giovanni walks slowly back toward me. Instinctively, I tighten my arms around myself. He studies me for a moment before he raises his hand to my face. I flinch out of habit, fearful he’s going to strike me, but instead he wipes a falling tear from my cheek, his face completely devoid of all emotion. “Please,” I repeat.

“No, I’m sorry but I can’t do that.” His hand leaves my cheek, taking its warmth with it.

“No.” The word is meant to be a question, but I heard him correctly. It hits me that this man isn’t going to save me. More tears well up in my eyes, and my chin trembles. My hands are shaking, and I’m about to lose it. A sob escapes and tears of hopelessness gush down my cheeks.