Page 21 of Sadistic Retribution (Rise of Phoenyxx #2)

I have a bad feeling this has to do with a pending engagement, but to who, I have no clue. My father lit up like a fucking Christmas tree when he saw the emotion in my eyes.

Before I know it, we’re slowing down, pulling into the large, circular driveway for my home. It's a mansion—but all of our homes are. Only the best for the mob heirs, right?

Claude steps out again, opening my door. “Welcome home, Sir.”

I bite back a sarcastic laugh. This place has not ever—or will ever be—my home. I enter into the huge foyer, looking up at the crystal chandeliers and winding staircase.

I know my father will greet me right here, so I just stand and wait.

My father enters the foyer from the living area, walking towards me.“Son, you made it!” His voice booms, and he claps me on the back. I look at him like he’s crazy. What's with the show of affection?

He pulls me to him, leaning down to whisper in my ear. “Be on your best behavior. We have dinner guests, and if you fail to impress them, the price will come from your girl. Got it?”

I glare at him, my upper lip turning up into a snarl before I can stop it.

He grabs the back of my neck, sneering in my ear again. “I expect complete cooperation. Otherwise, I can simply call some of my special friends over to visit...”

Oh, this piece of shit! His rapey fucking friends, he means. That was one of his favorite punishments for me when I was young if I didn’t react emotionally the way he wanted me to.

I laugh under my breath. “Good luck with that. I dare you to try that now.”

“Look, you little shit. Do you know how easily I could order my enforcers to hold you down? Do not test me.”

Oh fuck. Fuck shit fuck....

I shrug off his hand, letting him usher me into the dining room. Already seated at the table is a well-dressed man with graying hair, and a young woman wearing the best in designer fashion.

“Damien,” my father says, “this is Maxmillian Rosavich, and his lovely daughter, Zara.”

The man stands, extending his hand to shake.

I give him a firm one. “Pleasure to meet you, Sir.”

The girl rises gracefully, pulling herself up tight with perfect posture. “Hello, Damien,” she says, with a thick Russian accent.

She is beautiful, no doubt. Golden brown hair flowing down her back in waves, light blue eyes, porcelain skin. Her voice is a bit husky, which others may find sexy—but I only have eyes for Killer.

“Charmed,” I lift her hand to kiss it, and we all sit down.

“Now, then—to the business at hand. Damien, you are set up to wed the lovely Zara within the year. We wish to combine our families, and she is perfect for you.”

I raise a brow, not surprised it’s a business arrangement. “And what do you do, Mr. Rosavich?” I politely ask, but I'm really just fishing for information about this so-called “merger”.

“I work with your father at Aslanov Enterprises,” is all he says.

Right... sure.

My father has several “legit” businesses, and Aslanov Enterprises is the biggest one. They produce technology, mostly. The other not-so-legal ones are the real moneymakers, though.

I decide to just get through this meal from hell so I can get back to the guys. Conversation flits around the table, but I just pay rapt attention to my food.

Something brushes my leg, and I look up. Zara is smiling, her shoeless foot running up and down my leg. Fuck's sake.

I discreetly move around to knock her foot off me. She just comes back again. The more I shift, the more frown lines embed themselves in her forehead.

I know if my father notices, I’m toast. I only allow it so I can get the fuck out of here.

Thank fuck, everyone finally finishes up. I get up again to shake Mr. Rosavich's hand and kiss Zara’s, just like a proper gentleman.

He shakes firmly. “We will see you soon, Damien.”

As they leave, I look back to my father. “Do I go back now?” I ask, choosing not to complain about the arrangement to protect Killer.

“In a moment. Understand I chose the beautiful Zara for you when you had no emotions. She is solely interested in maintaining her lifestyle, producing heirs, and fucking on occasion. She has no interest in an emotional connection. However, now that you have shown me you finally can feel, it makes this that much sweeter.” The psycho pulls me into a hug.

“I am proud of you, son. Don't blow it, understand me?”

“I understand, Father,” I mutter, restless to get back to the guys. “Can I leave, then?”

“Yes, go ahead. I'll be in touch soon.”

I leave, getting back in the town car. I finally let my breath out. The guys are going to shit themselves when they hear this.

Phoenyxx

“Nyx! Come on!” Valley’s voice filters to where I’m standing. I'm in the medical building, for some reason.

“Val! Where are you?”

She laughs gleefully. “Come on, bestie! Time to go!”

I start running through the building, looking for her. “Val! Where the hell are you?”

“Here, Nyx!” Her girlish giggle sounds like it’s coming from the gym area.

I rush to the gym, barreling inside. “Val? Valley? The fuck?”

The gym is empty—she’s nowhere to be seen. I walk around in a circle, confusion etching my brow.

Suddenly, male laughter comes from behind me. It's The Six.

“Where did you guys come from?” I demand. “Where's Valley?”

They all grin, stepping aside. My focus narrows to the weight bench in front of me, my bestie placed over it like a sacrificial lamb.

“No! No! Val! Valley!”

I scream, moaning Valley’s name. I can’t seem to wake up—I must be in Hell.

Frantic shaking finally rouses me, and I crack open my eyes. 3 is rousing me, a scared look in his eyes. He rubs his hand over my head.

Understanding what he’s asking, I answer him. “It was a nightmare. My best friend...” I choke on tears, and he makes a sound in his throat. “My... ex-boyfriends... killed her. It's why I’m here.”

He starts violently shaking his head, gathering me into his arms. He kisses my hair and rocks me. It's unbelievably sweet, but I’m too emotional to fully appreciate it.

He pulls back, his eyes hard. He makes a slicing motion across his neck with his hand.

“Yeah, she’s dead, 3.” I confirm.

He works his mouth like he wants to speak, but he can't. Instead, he gently lays me back down and holds me. I close my eyes, enjoying the comfort.

Then a vile voice breaks our silence.

“Wakey-wakey kids! Aren't you both adorable?” Skull stands over us, hands on his hips.

3 growls low in his throat.

Skull chuckles, shaking his head. “Get up, 11. You have a date with the viewing room.”

3’s eyes widen, and he holds me tighter.

“It’s okay, don’t worry about me. I'll be back soon.” I climb out of bed, but Skull grabs my upper arm.

“No, you won’t. Say goodbye to the cell block, little bird.”

3 screams—actually screams. The distorted sound chills my bones.

He struggles to speak, but I shush him. “I won’t forget you, 3. Tell 6 I said goodbye, okay?”

Tears run helplessly down my face. I let Skull drag me out, to the familiar room with the chair, headphones, and big screen on the wall.

“What the fuck is happening now?”

He doesn’t respond, just puts the headphones on my head and walks to the back of the room. The lights go out. That's new. I attempt to ready myself for whatever the fuck this is.

The screen comes on, the boys standing in their apartment.

“She’s perfect,” Ghost says.

“Bro... She's my dream girl.” Trikk.

Ghost replies, “She’s beautiful, funny, smart...”

Trikk says, “Those eyes...”

I steel my spine. It just continues.

“I love her black curls.” Ghost.

“Her glasses are adorable.” Trikk.

“Her mini-Goth is also precious.” Ghost again.

I get a sour taste in my mouth. What the fuck? It sounds like they’re describing...

Synn comes on screen, with Razor.

“Valley... she’s the one.” Synn.

“She is ours. I will have her.” Razor.

“How do we get to her, though?” Synn.

Razor grins. “Her new bestie, of course!”

Synn frowns. “That Phoenyxx girl?” He shudders. “Gross, man. But it may work.”

The screen goes dark. I’m shaking, head spinning. What the hell is this? There's no way it’s what it sounds like!

The screen comes back on. Purge and... Hunter.

“You really care for her?” Hunter asks Purge. Purge nods his head.

“I’m in love with her. Valley is it for me.” Hunter nods.

“Though I shouldn’t, I feel for her, also. I want her. Need her.”

Darkness again. I feel myself starting to mentally retreat. There's no way, no way this is...

The screen shows Valley again. She's laughing and smiling, batting her eyes at someone. Instead of Bryan, she’s looking at Trikk!

“I think I love you,” he breathes out, on a rush. She giggles.

“Are you going to kiss me now?”

The screen changes again. The sounds of moans and groans fill my ears. There’s a fuzzy image on the screen. It's people in bed, clearly having sex.

“Valley...” Ghost.

“Ghost...”

No! This is bullshit! Before I can even take another breath, I feel presences around me. The whispers start from the masks.

“They never loved you.”

“They used you.”

“It was Valley they wanted the whole time.”

I start sobbing, unable to deal with my soul being ripped the fuck out again.

“I know it hurts, little bird.”

“Just let go.”

“Shut it off.”

“You have nothing to lose anymore.”

The screen comes to life again. Oh my God. It's the scene in the gym I walked in on. Except, this is before I got there.

“Come on, Valley, just give in!” Synn.

“Don’t fight it, we’ll have you no matter what.” Razor.

“Let us have you,” Ghost.

“Now, Valley!” Frost.

She shakes her head, starting to back up.

The scene cuts, then all I see is the heaving chests of the guys, and blood all over them.

“She is ours forever now.” Synn.

“We need to get rid of Phoenyxx now.” Purge.

“Forever!” Trikk.

The scene cuts again, and the camera widens, showing Valley in the arms of Ghost.

She's covered in blood now. He gently lays her on the bench, on her back, letting her head loll off the side.

“Call Harris. He'll want a piece while she’s still warm.” Razor.

A grunt comes from Ghost. I watch as he shoves his hard cock into her mouth. Then, mercifully, the screen goes black again.

The whispering around me starts back up.

“See? You're all alone.”

“You have no one, 11.”

“Give in, let it go.”

“Let go of your emotions.”

“It’s for the best.”

Maybe they’re right. I'll never see 3 or 6 again, and I have no one. Instead of retreating backwards into my mind, I unleash a roar I didn’t know I was capable of.

I jump out of the chair, throwing the headphones across the room.

I feel an iron wall slam down in front of my mind, blocking everything out.

I let the rage build, and everything else fades away.

I scream a battle cry but then fall silent.

I stop fighting.

I'm breathing heavy when the lights come back on. All four masks kneel in front of me.

Demon smiles. “Now you’re ready.”

Horns adds, “Good job, 11. I'm impressed.” “Let the games begin!” Jester cackles.