o

possibly

," I whispered while my n

rry, doll. I'm not going to hurt you...not yet, anyway

t knowing how to respond, was it

lost. "How do you even know my name? I

ons for fun, Lena? No, my dear. I have a reason for everything. And you, you're quite the puzzle. A littl

h

g the

my face. They were so hurtful and I was

o

im. My body stilled as I looked down at my laps. I couldn't m

st want to go

You think you're going back to that? That pathetic excuse of a family? They practically sold you

..very true. They struck a ner

waiting," I whis

you're so naive. You think you can just...leave? That

disposition after all he spent 20 f

r my questions truthfully and I'll offer you a gene

rdly calm with a

you, I'm no

"let's try this again. Tell me your stor

n't going to let me go. He was playing

think that made him snap because the whole calm facade disappeared

ot a patient person. You're runni

o

unning fro

r back ever since plus the numerous loan sharks that are on the lookout for you to get their money back. But I ca

my sad pathetic life. I waited for hi

they got it. I can take care of it, make it disappear. All gone. No more worries or threats from anybody. All you have to do is agree

ing it sink in while I st

. "You're proposing a marriage for mon

mart girl, Lena. Just agree and in the next 2 years you can

ow you!" I excla

each other, that's the difference betwee

you love or at le

es, I'm going to be completely upfr

t...

nd, will include taking care of your financial needs and protecting you fro

wife, will be expected to remain faithful. No flings, n

out of my mouth. The mockery was written in bold. "This i

like me, Lena? Someone who can help you? S

n his amusing tone. He had

d your help, and I sure as he

, my body slightly trem

ghtening. He just leaned back in his chair, his ominous eyes star

nd up in th

" he said in a very quiet voice. "Think about it. Think abo

from you–" The unmistakable sound of gunfi

he reached for his drawer and opened it, he then

ht, my eyes fixed o

Make your decision by then and stay.

as goi

, "stay put" rang in my head repeatedly. I sat still digging my fing

rned upside down just a couple ho

the clock made my heart feel uneasy.

is glory. There was a smear of what looked like blood on his cheek.

it going