Page 4 of Sadistic

Dalla bursts into the VIP section like an avenging angel. "We're leaving."

She grabs my arm, and Doran's entire demeanor shifts.

The lazy predator vanishes, replaced by something colder. "Careful with her." His voice drops to something lethal.

"She's my sister."

"And she's my future wife." He doesn't raise his voice, doesn't need to. "I protect what's mine."

The temperature in the room plummets.

Dalla's grip loosens, and I step between them before this escalates. "If you think I'm going to just roll over?—"

"I think you're going to negotiate." He pulls out his phone, turning it to show me the screen. "Just like the lawyer you want to be."

My blood freezes.

Photos fill the screen—our apartment building, our parents at the clubhouse.

All recent.

All taken by someone who knew exactly where to watch.

"The resurgence of the Culebra cartel has been busy," he says casually. "They've been watching for weeks. How many guards do you think you have? How many does your sister have?"

"This is blackmail."

"This is your reality." He pockets his phone. "Monday, we make it official. Tonight? Enjoy your freedom."

He steps into my space, and I smell his cologne—something expensive and dark that makes my stomach flip traitorously. "But Revna? The next man who puts his hands on you won't walk away with just a warning."

"You don't own me yet."

"Yet." His smile is sharp as a blade. "Key word."

He tucks something into my jacket pocket—a business card, heavy stock with just a number. "In case you want to discuss terms before Monday. I'm staying at the Ritz. Penthouse."

Then he's gone, leaving Dalla and me standing in an empty VIP section that still smells like danger and expensive cologne.

Dalla demands an answer once we're outside. "What the fuck was that?"

"That was Doran coming to collect on the arrangement Dad made." I pull out the card, staring at the embossed numbers. "He let us see him tonight. He wanted us to know."

"Know what?"

"That running was never really an option."

Dalla sighs. "Yeah, and for us to know he’s chosen you."

Neither of us say a word after that.

We make it back to my apartment, both of us too shaken to do anything but crash.

Dalla goes to her room and we triple-check every lock, close every blind.

The paranoia is justified when my phone buzzes at 2:47 AM.

Unknown Number:

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