Page 5 of Coercion

My tears are streaming.

My fear takes over everything.

I know what’s coming.

I know what he’s going to do and my helplessness is making this even worse because I know I can’t stop it.

I’m locked in this room, trapped with this monster and there’s no way out.

He lets out a laugh that tells me everything. He’s not going to stop. He knows exactly what he’s doing and if anything, my fear is making this even better for him.

Preston

Five Years Later

The air is tense. Fraught. There are enough egos in this room that it will only take one flippant remark and it will all erupt into carnage.

The long table is laid with whiskey and enough glasses for everyone to drink. I’ve deliberately steered clear of it because in my experience, alcohol and politics don’t mix. At least, not with this sort of company.

Blaine is stood behind us, flicking a lighter on, burning the tips of his fingers like he finds nothing more pleasurable, whilethe men opposite are watching like they desperately want to look away but can’t.

“You certain about this?” Nico says quietly, checking in with me one last time.

I nod. It’s not like I’d say no, we need this alliance, we need to expand operations and besides, why would we turn down a chance to use the Holtz trade routes when they’re offered so readily?

“This is your life…” He murmurs.

I shrug. “If you weren’t married to Eleri you’d do it yourself, wouldn’t you?”

He tilts his head, clearly considering my question before he answers, “Yes.”

And that says it all; that this needs to be done. It’s a business deal. Nothing more. No need to overthink it. No need to be dramatic.

“Nico Morelli.” Levi Holtz says as he finally saunters in. My eyes dart behind him expecting to see another figure, only he’s alone and that makes me pause.

We’ve all been sat here, waiting for his arrival like he’s some sort of king. He’s greyer, fatter around the gills than last time I saw him but he still looks like he could gut you.

“Levi.” Nico says, extending his hand and the two shake like they’re trying to break the others’ bones.

Levi casts his eyes about the room and smirks. “I see the whole gang is here.” He murmurs.

“You were the one who asked for this.” Nico states, not giving an inch.

Levi sinks into the chair and Gunnar, his righthand man, sits down beside him. Up until today we’ve been dealing with him, with Gunnar, and to say we’ve had more than enough of him is an understatement. I can see why someone cut him up the way they did, why they mutilated his face. The smug piece of shit nodoubt deserved it and I’m only sorry I wasn’t there to witness the act.

“Call me old fashioned but I like to do the final sign off in person.” Levi says as if he’s the one making all the decisions.

I can see Nico bristle at that, I can see the way he’s itching to put him in his place after the way he’s treated him, but we need this alliance. We need it just as much as Levi apparently does.

Good thing all the paperwork is drawn up. All the negotiations are done. The alliance between us is as good as sealed.

Levi looks across at me, folding his arms smugly. “I hope you’ll treat my niece well.” He says.

I give him a cold hard stare in reply. In less than a week she will no longer be his niece and though I’ve never met the girl, I don’t doubt she’ll be happier in my house than she ever has been in his considering how he managed to acquire her.

“She’s very pretty.” Levi continues. “That’s the only good thing she inherited from her mother.” He pulls out his phone, swiping through it and places it down for us to see the picture.

Gunnar snickers like there’s some hidden meaning to his words and once more my eyes flicker to him while my hand itches to pull my gun and put a bullet between those black eyes.