clipped voice said as

missive tone. My gaze swept over the grand and imp

Blac

he seemed more interested in the amber liquid whirling in his glass than in me. Although his

rp edges and cold calculation. His posture was commanding and uncompromising, and his suit fit like armor. My breath

you or your family can afford to was

oat, I swallow

n. He was tall-too tall, it seemed, the room couldn't contain him. Each step

had a specific time." I repli

an a smile. "When I call for someone, I expect them to arrive

ther, seated a few seats away, was not looking at me when I turned to look at

eak steadily, "was sprung on me less than an hour ag

sement. "You're bold." He said, cocking his hea

e, my heart began to race. His eyes were cold

ou're here?" His voice was low

racing. "My father is

se you're a means to an end. Your father's failures are irrele

"I didn't agree to any of this." I tried to

hly, his eyes narrowing slightly. "This

relentless stare made me feel like an

h its gloomy, humorless sound. "You won't," he stated p

awing Roman's attention for the briefest m

at him. "You've already proven your incompetence.

her that way? But, my father merely lowered his head, mute an

You don't get to talk to him like

licker of amusement for the first time. "Are you

ng about me." I yelled

cologne and something darker, almost addictive, and his presence was overwhelming. "You're in a despe

e, but no words came. He

ack, finally giving me room to breathe. "This meet

urted, perpl

tructions tomorrow," He said, wit

swelling in my c

cold confidence sent a shiver down my spine as his eyes met m

e, leaving the room i

age, I turned to face my father. "How could y

mi,

mi'

eyes, I yelled. "Don't you

st, my mother, seated calmly at the far end of the table, spok

raised my voice and deman

er said sharply,

t!" I yelled, my frus

her word, he simply stood, his actions rig

ressing down on me. Roman's words kept repeating in my mind, ea

I looked up to see my mothe

xture of sorrow and remorse in her

"I don't have to understand anything. You and Da

n't bring myself to comfort her. N

bluntly. I brushed past h

airs. I took it out with trembling hands and noti

ing, I answer

the other end said, in a sil

cold. "

t authoritative tone. "From now o

question was hardly a

enacing, "that your life is no longer your own. Slee

ripped the phone as

I gotten m