Athena's POV:
Yannick stood up, blowing a cloud of smoke from his lips before taking slow, intimidating steps toward me. I stood my ground. There was no point in trying to run from him, and more than anything, I hated feeling scared.
"Get close to him and his family," he explained casually, as if he were simply asking me to go buy him a pack of cigarettes. "Once he fully trusts you, I'll tell you what to do next."
Had he lost his mind? He wanted me to spy on the Royal family just for his benefit.
"I don't want to do that," I said, speaking my mind even though I knew it was probably useless. I didn't care; I wasn't going to do it. Stephanie was a good person, and her parents were far too kind for me to betray them just because their rival told me to.
"AHHH!" I let out a sharp cry as Yannick suddenly grabbed my hair. My scalp stung with pain as he yanked me forward, forcing my body to collide with his.
He smacked his lips, and for a split second, a flash of regret crossed his monstrous eyes. "You know I don't like hurting you, baby, but you always push me to this."
I bit my bottom lip hard. I refused to let a single tear fall like some weak girl. Five years ago, when he first showed up and bought me, I cried. Two years after that, I was still crying and begging for someone to save me. But eventually, I realized no one was coming. I had to stop being weak and start fighting for myself.
"Fuck off," I snapped.
His grip on my hair tightened, making my eyes sting. Then, he shoved me away. I tried to keep my balance but fell hard onto the couch, my hair falling over my face as my palms hit the cold ivory floor tiles.
"Stop making me angry," he said, brushing back his hair. He paced the room for a moment before picking up his suit jacket and phone. "Call your sisters. I'm having someone pick them up."
My eyes went wide, and I stared at him in horror. "What? Why?"
"They're going to stay somewhere else until you finish this job. At least now I know you'll make sure the work gets done properly."
He was doing it again—using my siblings to threaten me. I wondered when he would ever outgrow this behavior. When would this nightmare finally end? The thought of my sisters being taken to some isolated place made tears finally spill down my cheeks. I knew his men would have no problem hurting them.
"And you better not let that man touch you," he added, his voice low and dangerous. "If he even brings his lips close to yours, I'll kill you, Athena."
Just great. He was acting like a possessive freak again, even though I wasn't his. I didn't say a word. I only completely broke down once I heard the door lock behind him.
I always promise myself I won't cry, but I always end up doing it anyway. Why did Damon have to look at me? Why did he have to ask for that private dance? I couldn't understand how Yannick had found out about it so quickly.
I had left the party immediately because I didn't want Yannick thinking I was hooking up with some guy, yet here he was, forcing me to get close to that very person. Close to a man who saw me as a slut and thought he could buy my time with a stack of cash.
Moving slowly, I reached for a pack of cigarettes and pulled one out. I placed it between my lips and lit it. Even if it takes me ten years, Yannick is going to get exactly what he deserves. But a small part of me wondered: what if Damon is even worse? I might just be making my life even more complicated by doing what Yannick asked.
--
Ring. Ring.
My phone wouldn't stop buzzing. I reached out a hand, searching for it on my bedside table, but my fingers touched the freezing floor instead. I slowly opened my eyes and looked around. I couldn't believe I had spent the entire night sleeping on the living room floor. My body ached.
I sighed and grabbed the phone. It was a call from Steph. As I answered, Yannick's threats flooded back into my mind.
"Hey?" I said into the phone, putting it on speaker as I stood up and headed toward my bedroom.
"Hey! I'm picking you up in ten minutes. Get ready!"
My brows furrowed. I slipped out of my red gown and waited for her to explain why she was coming so early.
"Isn't it a bit early for this?" I grumbled, looking at my reflection in the mirror. I looked terrible—total panda eyes.
"It's 11:00 AM, girl! I want you to have breakfast with me and my parents in the garden. They hired a photographer to take some family photos, so we can hang out right after they're done."
That was the problem with rich girls; they thought everyone was free to hang out whenever they wanted. But I only worked at night and spent my mornings resting, and she knew that.This was supposed to be my resting period.
"Uhm... I'm actually really tired right now. How about you send me the address and I'll meet you there after the pictures are finished?"
I really didn't want to sit there and watch a happy family take photos. It would only remind me of how messy my own life was. I wondered what Yannick was planning for this family. A part of me wanted to stay far away from this, but I didn't have a choice.
After Steph sent the address, I cleaned up. I spent a long time on my skincare because my looks were what put food on the table—even if Yannick liked to claim he was the one providing for me.
By the time I was ready, it was 1:00 PM. I ate a quick sandwich before heading to my car. I was dressed in white pants and a backless top, with my sunglasses on. As I started to drive, a group call from my sisters came in. I connected it immediately.
"Athena, what's going on?" Marsela's voice was shaky. I could tell she was terrified. She was only eighteen and shouldn't have to deal with Yannick's threats.
"Did you make Yan mad? Is he punishing you again?" Ortella asked, her voice thick with sobs. I bit my lip, preparing to do what I always do: lie to keep them calm.
"Calm down, girls. He won't do anything to you. Just do what his men say, okay?"
Marsela sighed heavily. "We aren't worried about what he'll do to us. We're worried about you. Did he hurt you? Is he threatening you?"
"Or did you go to the cops and he found out?" Ortella added nervously. I let out a small, sad laugh.
Go to the police? That would be a suicide mission. The Orions basically rule this country. The only family that could actually stand up to them was the Royals, but even Damon seemed like a jerk.
"Listen, I'm fine. I'm actually on my way to meet a friend right now. Everything is okay. Yannick didn't hurt me, and he won't hurt you. I promise."
The line went silent. I knew they didn't believe me, and honestly, I didn't believe myself either. I blinked back tears; I couldn't ruin my makeup now.
"His driver just got here," Marsela said. "I think we might be flying out of the country to some hidden place. Take care, Athena." She hung up.
I forced a smile. Everything would be fine. I just had to do what he asked.
"Athena," Ortella called out. She was only fifteen, and I could tell she was exhausted by all of this. "I love you."
I smiled. "I love you too, baby. Enjoy your vacation." Who knew where Yannick would take them this time?
I finally arrived at Chariot Garden, a private park owned by the Royals. A valet walked over, and I handed him my keys. There was a small restaurant attached to the side that was open to the public, but there were heavy security guards at the main gate leading to the garden. I knew they wouldn't just let me in without an invitation or Stephanie.