Page 84 of Hawk's Sapphire

SADIE

I’m kneeling in the middle of the cold concrete floor, my head bowed, unable to move thanks to the metal chain around my neck.It’s secured to the handcuffs, and also chained around my waist, limiting all movement.

My head throbs and there’s a sharp pain at the base of my neck.The pounding in my temples is in rhythm with the pulsing in my ears, making everything sound like I’m underwater.My mouth feels dry and the side of my face hurts.I vaguely remember one of Matteo’s men—the soldier who rode with us after the gala—backhanding me before putting me into a vehicle.I thought it was a dream, but when I stretch my jaw, the limited movement tells of some swelling, and the tight pull and stinging of my mouth lets me know I’ve got a busted lip.

Motherfucker.

“I want my money!”I recognize Asha’s voice in the room.There’s no mistaking her shrill voice when she’s upset.Pissing her off to irritate Sergio was one of my favorite games to play during sparring sessions.He always complains about how annoying her voice is and how it was lucky for her she was good at her job, or he’d be rid of her just for his sanity’s sake.So, of course, I pushed that button every chance I had.

“You’ll get your money.But there’s a small matter of damage we need to discuss.”A man says, slow, deliberate, with a thick Italian accent.

I know that voice.

But from this distance and with my head in such a fog, I can’t make it out.

“What damage?You said a million and a half if I brought her to you alive and without the Parisi’s knowledge,” Asha argues.

“Actually, I said bring her to me alive and unscathed,” the man rebuts.“My men said she has a busted lip and a swollen face.I’m going to have to push off delivery for a few days to let her heal, which means a delay in payment for me.Which also means a reduction of payment for you, I’m afraid.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?When Vincenzo finds out she’s gone and we’re the ones who took her, he’s going to have his men hunting for us.We need that money to get us out of his reach.Now.”This time, it’s the soldier who speaks up.The loud crack of a gunshot echoes off the walls.The sound makes my teeth clench and my head rattle.I fight back the vomit rising in the back of my throat.As the feeling subsides, I chance a look toward the small crown again and notice Matteo’s soldier, whatever his name fucking was, is now dead on the ground.

“I believe five hundred thousand will be more than enough to get you out of town and settle your debt to me for all the inconveniences you’ve caused me and my client.And before you answer, perhaps you should consider Vincenzo Parisi isn’t the only one with a far reach.”

“Yes, Mr.Cusenza.Five hundred is plenty.Thank-you for your generosity,” Asha says gently sobbing, or at least she appears to be.

“Why was she hit in the first place?Did she put up a fight?”Cusenza asks.

Asha pauses momentarily, then says, “No, sir.She’s not much of a fighter.Aldo just didn’t like it when she refused to obey someone who wasn’t her Master.She only listens to Matteo, and Aldo likes control.He wanted her submission and she refused him.”

Why would she lie?Why help me?

“Ah.He was driven by ego.Fool.”Cusenza then shouts his orders.“Emilio.Pay the woman her money and get her off my docks.”

Asha glances my way with a subtle head nod and a smirk.

Giving me a fighting chance and still walking away with her money, I bet she thinks she won’t pay for what she’s done.She forgets who I am.What I can do.

The club may allow for a quick death in light of a favor, but Vincenzo won’t accept a debt paid by a traitor in his ranks for anything less than death.One he will certainly make an example out of.Me?I’ll fuck with her from afarbeforeinsuring her death.

Run bitch!But you won’t get far!

I smile internally.

Cusenza approaches me, his shiny black leather shoes coming up to tap my knees.I don’t respond, keeping my head down, waiting, assessing.I don’t have the leverage I need to win a fight in this position, but I have the training.

Play the part of the remorseful submissive, Sadie.This is the long game.Give Matteo time to find you.

I remind myself of the plans we’ve made over the last few months.The strategies, the fail-safes, the end goal.

Get on the island.Find Shea.Kill them all and go home.

Home.I guess I’ll have to figure out where that is when this is all over.

Not now.Head in the game, girl.You have work to do.

Cusenza squats down in front of me, his hand cupping my chin and forcing my head up, causing the chains to dig into my neck slightly.I don’t meet his eyes, keeping mine focused on his neck.

“Submissives don’t make eye contact unless told to do so.”Matteo’s voice echoes in my memory.“Keep your voice soft, your responses respectful.Earn your rewards.This will keep you alive.”

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