The Devil's Plaything

He tips his head to the side at my words, curiosity dancing in his golden eyes, and I wonder just how they look in direct sunlight. Will they twinkle? What the hell, Sofía? He’s a criminal, evil. He’s stolen you as payment and you’re wondering about how pretty his eyes would be.

“Call me Victor.” He turns and pulls the door closed behind him, leaving me with those three words. I hear the click of the lock, and I know there’s no escape now. I’m in the hunter’s lair, and the only way out is if I kill him myself.

11

Victor

All I want is to hear her say my name. After hearing her take on her story, I’m intrigued. When I chose to take her three days ago, I thought she’d arrive, I’d fuck her, then torture her until she’s close to death, then slowly kill both her and her precious papá, but now… Everything’s different.

All I want is to delve into her mind, to learn how a girl so young can be so jaded. Yes, living in this city hasn’t been kind to many people, but in her short life, she’s far too negative about her future.

I hope she finds the medication in the drawer. I wanted to tell her I know, but that would be far too personal and too soon. I’ve left her pills in the vanity to ensure she takes the medication. When her father explained her situation, I knew I had to do something.

There’s no explanation as to why I feel the need to do this, but now that I’ve finally laid my eyes on her, I can’t have her dying until I get paid in full.

It’s not in my nature to want to keep someone alive. I don’t care for people. I’m the asshole who steals your life, not the guy who gives it back to you. But for some apparent reason, I feel the need to keep her around, to continue this game we’re playing. I can’t explain it, but perhaps if she’s here for a little while longer, I can figure out what the hell she’s doing to me.

“Victor,” Javi’s voice comes from behind me, startling me. I’ve been lost in my own thoughts, and when I turn to him, I notice the serious expression on his face. “They’re looking for her, just like her father said. Hector was right.”

“Fuck.”

“We’ll need to figure out how to get this shit dealt with, Victor. These men are coming down to Colombia in two weeks. That means—”

“I know what it fucking means.” Stalking past Javier, I head to my office, shoving the door open and making my way to the desk. I pull open my drawer and find the folder I had one of my men compile on Hector and his associates. I can’t believe the asshole would endanger his own daughter for a fucking stack of cash.

“Do you think Hector is playing both sides?” Javier’s question causes my gaze to snap to his. I burn him with my glare, until the laugh fades away, and I’m met with his worried stare.

“No, something tells me that he thought he could and now realizes that these assholes are worse than I am,” I bite out in frustration, chucking the folder at Javier who picks it up and flips through it.

I watch him nod, his gaze scanning the information. “Her father’s stupidity could’ve shortened her life even more than it is.” He doesn’t see my body vibrate with rage at his words. I’m not angry at him; my irritation is for her father and his actions.

“Let’s get the men on this, keep track of those mercenaries.” I settle in my chair. Pulling out a cigar, I run it under my nose, inhaling the scent before continuing my orders. “I want to know where they go and who they meet with; we also need to find out who’s leading them.”

“We’ll find out everything.”

“I have no doubt. If we need to pull Díago into this again, do it. He’s good, and I don’t mind spending the extra cash.” Javier arches his brow at me, but I offer nothing more. I don’t explain my decisions to my second-in-command because he doesn’t need to know the girl is locked upstairs in one of the guest rooms already. I should’ve made her wait to sleep in a soft, warm bed, but I need her for the meeting with my contact.

I know I should’ve hired a whore for the event, but I wouldn’t want to lower my standards when meeting with these assholes. Javier’s my right-hand man, and he knows that tonight will make sure everything about the new coke deal is solidified. I’ll have Rodrigo and his territory under my rule soon enough. And if he doesn’t take the bait, I’ll kill him.

“I want you two on the ground, don’t let his men out of your sight. Once you’ve spoken to Martinez, bring the information back here, and we can intercept Rodrigo’s shipment,” I tell him, and Javi nods. His respect for me goes down to the root of who he is. It’s been like that all our lives and that’s why he’s the only man who can take over while I’m busy.