Anguish

by Elizabeth Knox

  It’s just past eight in the morning, and my father asked me to meet him at the office, which is a little odd considering he hasn’t even wanted to look my way since I’ve been home, and he’s barely spoken a word to me. I know something is up. I just don’t know what at this point, but I have a feeling that when I walk into the office I will.

  I stop at the coffee shop just two blocks away and order a caramel macchiato to enjoy on my walk. It’s broad daylight in L.A., and I feel safe. I’m betting the glock in my Michael Kors bag is helping me feel a tad bit more safe. Marcel insisted that I start carrying one, and I’m glad that he did. He’s right, and it does make me feel more safe. Plus, whoever the asshole is who tries to fuck with me has another thing coming. Vengeance on my Mind by G-Eazy blasts through my headphones. I can’t help but resonate with the lyrics.

  I continue my walk until I’m right outside of my father’s building. Quickly, I make my way inside, walk past security and go up the elevator to the fiftieth floor. As soon as I exit the elevator, my red flags are darting up. He’s in the conference room with a group of men sitting at the table. I know there are at least three lawyers, seeing their laptops and notepads next to them. It’s always been a dead give away. Slowly, I make my trek towards the conference room, my gut telling me that’s where I need to be. My father sits at the head of the table, and there is a man to his right, a lawyer sitting by his side. Another lawyer is next to my father, and there is a third at the opposite end of the table with no one sitting next to him, showing me that I’m not the only one who’s late to this charade.

  “Father,” I greet, approaching him, I take the seat that is free. Next to me is the man with a lawyer on his other side. He seems oddly familiar, almost like I know him. It’s a bit damming sitting next to him, he’s all sorts of dark and handsome. Dark chocolate hair runs to the back of his neck in that business sense style with matching facial hair. His stubble runs along to his chin and accents a thick mustache. Not something I’m usually into, but on him, it works. You can tell that he’s the type of man who displays power, especially when you take in the length of him and his matching Armani suit.

  “Lovely bag,” he murmurs, shooting me a smile.

  I offer a small smirk back, “Thank you,” before turning my attention to my father. “Want to tell me what all this is about?”

  “I will cut to the chase, Aria. We shouldn’t waste any more time on this matter.” He stands up from his seat, turning his attention to everyone in the room. “I appreciate everyone on their patience with us over the last few weeks. You all know why we are here today, to secure a marriage for my eldest daughter, Aria,”

  My mouth gapes open...shocked that I know nothing of this. He always told me that when a marriage prospect came through he would notify me of who my suitor was. Never did I think that he’d ambush me in the way that he just did.

  He continues as a chill runs over my entire body. Something just isn’t right here, “Lucius, will you please pass Aria the proposal you have so kindly prepared.” The man next to me is passed a paper who then hands it to me. Lucius must be the name of his council.

  My eyes rake over the document, seeing that this is indeed a marriage proposal. My thoughts scatter, and the shock sets in. I knew that finding a husband was of importance to my father...but because of his behavior to me over the last few weeks I didn’t think that it was a priority to him. In fact, I thought it was the exact opposite. I’ve overheard him a few times talking to my brothers, hearing things that no one would want to. I know that I’m considered this damaged thing, a filthy thing...that is what he said to Marcel...that I am filthy.

  My father coughs, “Well?”

  I harshly respond, “Give me a moment. Will you?” Looking back at the contract in front of me, I now know why the man who sits next to me is so familiar. He’s Salvatore Moretti - of the Moretti crime family. They own the Arcane, which is the largest hit for hire company in the world. Yep, you heard me right. They’re assassins. The proposal is very standard. My father had always showed them to me previously, wanting me to see the inner workings of a good deal versus a bad one. There were many good deals that we had passed up, so...why now? Is it because of...oh my god.

  It’s because of my abduction. I must be deemed useless in his eyes. I whip my eyes up to him and inform him firmly, “I will not be marrying anyone, father.”

  He laughs at me, “That is where you’re wrong dear. You will be marrying one of the two prospects I have for you today. It will either be Salvatore, or…”

  “Or?” I press him, raising my eyebrows.

  Why would he have two proposals for me when only one man is in the room? Why keep the other prospect away?

  He shakes his head, glaring at me. “I urge you to sign on the dotted line and run off with Mr. Moretti.” I simply stare at him, wondering where he gets off in acting the way he is right now. Before I may have accepted this, that this is what my life would always be, nothing but a business deal to him. “Fetch him,” he orders one of his men, and I don’t bother to look in the direction of the door, continuing to lock my eyes on my father. Rage burning through me, trying to understand.

  How can he organize this marriage proposal, but yet not look at me, nor speak to me outside of this room? It’s not okay. I miss my father.

  I hear a chuckling laugh, and my heart sinks into my stomach. The person who holds that laugh is unmistakable, the man who gave me so much pain and misery for so long. The one man whose blood I want to see splattered on the floor, turning the carpet crimson red.

  It’s Cheng.

  Chapter Ten

  Salvatore

  The audacity that her father has is making my blood boil. I, of course knew that there were going to be other prospective candidates, but who I didn’t expect to walk through that fucking door was Cheng - the man who abducted her. What sort of twisted fuck is Baptiste?!

  My eyes want to stay trained on Cheng, daring him to fuck with her. I just want the fucking excuse to blow his brains out...but they don’t. Instead, I direct my eyes to the only person who matters in this entire scenario, Aria.

  She’s breathing heavily in and out through her nose, nostrils flaring, looking like she’s scared to death. It hits me hard, wanting to protect her but knowing that I have to let her make this decision on her own. There is nothing more that I’d love to do than take her hand and drag her out of this place with me back to Seattle.

  When I had previously put in my request to marry Aria it is because I wanted to propel my name in our world - the world where only the mafia and dark dealings of the unknown come into play. Marrying her would have given me power, fame, and so much more. But now things are different. I haven’t put in this request for my own selfish reasons, but because Marcel asked me to protect his sister. Now that has meaning behind it, and I will never let down a friend. All Aria has to do is sign on the dotted line, and in six weeks time, she will become everything that matters in this world to me, my wife. She will never have to worry or fear another thing in her life. I will always be here for her, and in the event that I were to die, she would be well protected until the end of her days. If she chooses to sign her name, for once in her life, she will be feared whenever she walks into a room.

  I witness her hands shaking from under the table and reach out my own to cover hers. She startles, jumping up slightly before she looks at me like I’ve lost my damn mind. “Don’t be afraid,” I quietly tell her, keeping my eyes locked on hers.

  “I’ve got a bone to pick with you, Missy,” Cheng pipes up. I want him to die, but I won’t make it easy for him. No, I want him to suffer. The funny thing is that most don’t know about the areas you can shoot in the body, the ones that will keep the victim alive but just by a thread. They won’t be able to move an inch and will slowly fade away bit by bit.

  Baptiste speaks, “If you would have just signed on the dotted line I could have avoided doing this.” I roll my eyes, angered by the actions he’s just taken.
/>   Aria’s face shifts into something I don’t know. I’m unable to tell if she’s afraid, pissed, or hurt. It could be a combination of all three. I pick up the pen in front of me and hand it to her, keeping my eyes trained on hers. I need her to know this. “There’s no denying it. I’m a monster, plain and simple. The only difference here is that I’m not against you, Aria. The question is, what do you want? You can have it one of two ways. You can say no, you can deny this marriage and return to the clutches of men that revelled in your pain and suffering for months. Or, you can choose to have a monster on your side. I may be a monster, but I’m your beast. Let me slay your demons. I can promise you that no others will offer you something such as this. No one will ever fight for you as much as I vow to.” I speak from the heart, and I think that she can tell that I am. Aria grabs the pen from my hand and looks over the contract once more, signing on the dotted line.

  Chapter Eleven

  Arua

  For the first time in my life I’ve just been spoken to like I matter, with sincerity laced through his voice. I’ve heard the rumors about Salvatore, about his callousness and how he is cutthroat. I also know that my brother, Marcel speaks highly of him, and to this day I still find it interesting that he associates with someone like Salvatore. It didn’t take me but a second to overlook the contract once more and sign. No way in hell would I allow myself to go back to Cheng. I’d be more likely to yank the glock out of my purse and shoot myself in the head. He doesn’t get to ruin me after I’ve just gotten over everything that happened.

  A tear slides over my cheek after I toss the contract to my father, cornering me into making a decision that he knows I wasn’t ready to make. “Happy now?” I seethe out at him.

  I rise from my chair and grab my purse, open it, and pull out my glock. I point it at Cheng and shoot, my actions happen so quickly that I can hardly keep track. Almost like it is an out of body experience. Blood covers his shirt and oozes from his stomach. I don’t give a fuck, instead, sliding my glock back into my purse and head to the entrance of the room, walking out and heading towards the elevator. My heart beats heavy in my chest, the severity of what just happened rolling through me in waves. He betrayed me in the absolute worst way possible, knowing that Cheng brought me nothing but harm. How could he even allow him to submit a proposal, or even to live for that matter?

  I enter the elevator as soon as I hear the ding and walk straight towards the back of it, placing my hand on the metal bar, attempting to slow my breathing down. All of my memories come at me full speed, as if I’m reliving every gory detail.

  I feel something on my arm and shoot to the floor, bursting into a bout of tears. I can’t handle anything else today. I’m at my limit.

  A soothing voice speaks to me, “Relax. It’s just me.”

  I move my hands to cover my face, not sure what else to do. Is there anything else that I can do at this point?

  “You can call me Sal,” he pauses, “Or demon. Whatever works best for you.” I hear him smile through his tone and turn to look at him. Salvatore has a half smile drawn across his face. “Dark lord would work as well?”

  I take a deep breath before asking what I know I need to. “How is this going to work?”

  “However we want it to. You read the contract, saw the nitty gritty. It’s just you and me from this point on, buttercup.”

  That’s when it hits me. I won’t be seeing my brothers every day, or my little sister. I’m no longer going to be living in Los Angeles...instead I’ll be living in Seattle where Salvatore is from. Every aspect of my life is changing, just when I thought I was putting the pieces back together.

  “We’re going to figure this out. That I can promise you,” Salvatore says to me, and for some reason I believe everything that is coming out of his mouth. I don’t think he’s lying to me, but then again, everyone has always lied to me. How am I to tell what is the truth and what is fabricated?

  When I woke up this morning...this was the last way I expected my day to start. I try hard, but my tears continue to spill over my cheeks, running down my neck until they’re coating my shirt. Salvatore looks at me with sorrow in his eyes and wraps his arms around me, allowing me to cry my heart out. He shushes me, “Hush, mio dolce. Hush.” I don’t know what it is that he’s saying, but it sounds oh so sweet.

  Chapter Twelve

  Aria

  “Open this door you hermit!” I hear a voice yelling past my front door and immediately recognize the crazy to be my best friend, Isabella.

  I slide my hands under my butt to lift myself off of my chaise and walk towards the door, opening it and letting her in. “I’m not a hermit. A lot has happened, and I need time to process,” I tell her, watching as Isa rolls her eyes and throws her hands in the air.

  “You can’t just live your life in fear. Plus, your soon to be husband literally kills people for a living. I’d say you’re safe,” she says it a little too loud for my comfort and my eyes nearly bug out of my head.

  “Sssh!”

  “You can’t tell me that your neighbors can hear through these incredibly thick walls. That’s asinine.” Geeze. I don’t ever remember her being such a smartass. “So, where is the handsome fella anyway? Marcie showed me a picture, boy he’s smoking!”

  I furrow my brows, “Marcie?”

  “Marci-ell-us,” she giggles, walking alongside me down the hallway. When we get in the living room, she takes a seat in the chair next to my chaise.

  “Giving my brother a nickname?”

  “Oh, a little bit. He likes it when I tease him anyway.”

  “You know what they say about teasing?”

  “What’s that?”

  “People only do it when they have a crush on the other,”

  “No, that’s crazy,” she states, meanwhile I think it’s bullshit. Isa has always been obsessed with Marcel, from the time we we’re just thirteen she’d stare at him with googly eyes. “So, your wedding! Let’s chat about that. Shall we? Obviously I’ll be in it.”

  Isa goes on and on about what makes a good wedding, how the food and the small things really do matter and we’d better not cheap out. Considering Salvatore is paying, I don’t think cheaping out is an option. I take in a deep breath, listening as intently as I can without becoming overwhelmed. Just a few days ago I was a woman, now I am engaged to one of the most notorious hitmen in the world - if not the greatest. Isa is right about one thing. I am safe. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I’ll ever have to worry about being unsafe ever again. Honestly, he makes me feel safe.

  It’s funny. I haven’t known the man that long, and he makes me feel safer than I’ve felt in a very long time. He promised me everything I needed, and I believed him. This will end one of two ways. I’ll either be a princess living in a fairytale world, or the most disappointed woman on the planet.

  “Do you have your wedding planned?” I ask Isa, purely from curiosity. We talk about a lot of things but we’ve never been the type to talk about our fairytale weddings.

  She nods her face quickly, “Oh, yes! I will wear a beaded gown in a champagne color. It’ll be amazing. Calla lilies will coat the centerpieces and bouquets.” She stops in the middle of her ramble and looks at me with sadness, “I don’t even know why I have this planned. It’s not like my father has anyone picked for me. I thought I’d be married by now.”

  “Salvatore has a brother, I think…” I blurt out, breaking the tension and hoping it’ll make her laugh. When she cracks up, I know that I’ve done my job.

  “I do,” he confirms, his voice popping out of nowhere and causing both of us to jump.

  Isa turns towards him before looking back to me. “You better take care of her, guard her with your damn life. You hear me? She’s too precious to lose, and we’ve come too close already.” While her voice is stern in that ‘don’t hurt my best friend’ tone, she starts to falter and voice begins to choke up. Yep, this is my best friend.

  Isa’s phone goes off, and she digs in her
pocket, making a displeased face and hops up. “I’ve gotta get going. Walk me to the door?” she asks, looking at me. I rise from the chaise and walk her down the hallway to the door. That’s when she looks at me with a stern filled expression.

  “Aria, I know you’re probably freaking out because so much has changed over the last few days. Hell, you’ve had an awful few months. I don’t blame you for being afraid or freaked out or whatever it is that’s going on in this head of yours, but give him a chance. He’s a good one. I can tell,”

  “I’m trying to,” I reply, and I am.

  “I know you probably feel damaged from everything that’s happened, but you aren’t. Don’t let your past dictate your future. Don’t let those animals take anything else away from you. That man,” she points down the hallway, “is what every mafia woman hopes for. He is the golden ticket of safety and protection, plus he’s sexy and we’re all envious of you now, but you get my point.”

  “Yes, I do.” I laugh, wrapping my arms around her in a quick hug.

  She smiles as she pulls away, “Okay. I have to get going, but I’ll come back soon to check on your impending doom.”

  “You’re ridiculous,”