Page 156 of Downfall

And now I’m here, stood, with his awful arm around my waist, dressed like I’m going to the Oscars, and surrounded by his men. I grit my teeth, keeping my gaze on the view out the windows because I can feel it, the looks I’m getting. I feel like a piece of meat on display, and to everyone here, that’s no doubt exactly what they think of me.

Darius is talking away to a man I know by sight but have never interacted with. I barely pay attention to what they say. It’s all about his campaign. About ensuring he looks above board for the voters.

For a moment I wonder how I was ever stupid enough to think this man might be a decent human being. That all the rumours about him were just that, rumours.

I let out a low huff. Christ I really was an idiot. A stupid, naive idiot. No wonder my family were able to manipulate me so easily. I swallowed every lie, every trick, without hesitation.

“Something amiss?” Darius asks me.

I tense, looking between him and the man he’s talking to. “No. Just a little hot.” I give my best fake smile.

And, as Darius scans my face to try to see the lie, I registerhimfrom my peripheries.

My head turns, my eyes catch his, and he’s got that same smug expression he had back in his study when he kicked me out.

“Why is he here?” I hear myself saying the words before I can stop them.

“Ignatio is big donor to my campaign. It would be rude not to invite him. Besides he’s your father Rose, aren’t you happy to see him?” Darius says as my stomach twists.

As it really registers thatthatconversation has come true.

That they won.

They beat us.

Roman is gone. Roman is dead.

As I shut my eyes, as I take a slow breath trying to keep calm, I tell myself that it’s not over yet. That I can still beat them, I just don’t know how.

Dinner is called. Everyone starts making their way into the formal dining room but Darius doesn’t move, meaning I’m not going anywhere either. When the room empties my father steps up and smirks all the more.

“You move fast.” He says.

Darius nods. “Roman is dead, so as agreed, your daughter belongs to me now.”

Despite myself I jerk, trying to get out of his hold.

“You’ll want to keep a tight leash on her. She’s very good at sneaking around.” My father replies.

Darius laughs, his fingers digging into my flesh more. “Oh don’t worry about that. I’ll make sure she’s so busy entertaining me that she doesn’t have the time to even think about escaping.”

They both laugh. The bastards.

I curl my fists up. “Fuck you.” I hiss.

Darius grips my face, his amusement turning instantly to anger. “Keep up those little outbursts and I will be, on that table in the next room, for every one of my men to watch.”

I shut my eyes, all but giving in. I can’t fight him, not now, not in this moment, and besides, I wouldn’t put it past him to do what he’s threatening, to strip me, to humiliate me further.

“Let’s eat.” My father says.

Darius grunts leading me like a dog into the room as all eyes snap to us. Darius sits at the head, I’m placed to his left and as I sink into my chair I rub my arm where he keeps holding me like I’m some sort of trophy and where a very obvious bruise is starting to show.

I don’t look up, I just stare at the place setting in front of me, picking at the food when it arrives and when a toast is made I don’t even reach for my glass. I just let their cheers and amusement wash over me like it means nothing.

But when the plates are cleared, when a load of fresh bottles are brought out I do look up.

And my jaw drops in horror as I see what’s been right in front of me the whole time.

---