Chapter 4 The Raven of Red Eyes

I was thrown onto the back seat of the car, hitting my head against the closed door. My legs were bound with the same zip tie that restrained my wrists, leaving me completely at that man's mercy. I couldn't breathe; it felt like I was drowning. I pulled my wrist against my chest, feeling the tick-tock of the watch resonating against my skin.

The elegant upholstery reeked of smoke and strong perfume. Even though the vehicle seemed clean, there was a strange, metallic smell on the carpet that churned my still-aching stomach.

I couldn't move properly due to the restraints and the pain in my abdomen, so I preferred to stay still to avoid any internal damage Liam might have caused me. I had to be careful with my body, but I doubted those men would take me to a hospital if I asked.

The man in the passenger seat grabbed his phone. "We have her. Yes, we'll be at Shadow soon." Then he hung up.

"Send a group to the house," the driver said, addressing the man beside him. "Even though they paid the debt, they need to learn not to touch anything that belongs to the Boss."

My blood ran cold.

Were they talking about the fact that Liam and Diane had assaulted me? Well, they had sold me and were delivering the "merchandise" with damage. Even a small-time mobster wouldn't tolerate that; for someone more powerful, it was an insult.

My heart leapt in my chest as I thought about what might be done to those two and what would happen to me.

The fact that we were heading to a place I knew gave me a bit of relief and even some confidence that I might escape, but it also raised the question of why we were going there.

Given the time, the club should have been closed. Not even the manager would be there. So how could the Raven of Red Eyes have access to the place?

I was exhausted, my entire body ached, and I didn't have my phone-there was no way to ask for help or escape in the condition I was in. I glanced at the door handle beside me. A silent invitation to freedom. I slowly extended my hand, trying not to be noticed.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," the driver said, looking through the rearview mirror. "Even if you smash yourself up, as long as you're breathing, we'll take you to the Boss. So it's better to stop thinking stupid thoughts and just sit there quietly."

I bit my lip, tears burning in my eyes.

"Why am I being taken? I've never had any business with your boss."

"You'll find out when we get there. Until then, shut your mouth and don't do anything dumb."

I felt helpless and weak. There was nothing I could do to defend myself in that situation. I sat in the back seat, my head lowered, trying to come up with a plan to free myself from this ordeal.

I didn't know what that sale was about, how much had been paid to Diane, or the details of that deal, but I would find out, pay the debt, and be free. I could use the incident to disappear forever.

Suddenly, a faint thread of hope emerged. A dim light that might guide me to my long-dreamed-of freedom. I would have to give up many things, including my cherished nursing school dream, but I would be free from Diane and Liam's abuse forever.

We arrived in Soho, but we didn't head to the main entrance of the club. The car turned into a small side street that led to the staff entrance. The driver pressed a small remote, opening the large loading gate. Only the general manager had access to that remote.

The car stopped, and the men got out. I remained still, my body trembling terribly. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to control my breathing and calm myself.

The door beside me flew open with force, and the restraints on my ankles were cut.

"Get out," the man said with his cold, authoritative voice. I tried to stretch my torso and exit the car, but I wasn't fast enough. My arm was grabbed, and I was yanked out, thrown forward, where the man from the passenger seat caught me. "Take her to the Boss. I need to handle other matters before dawn."

"You got it, Lieutenant."

I didn't dare lift my eyes, but I could feel the man's presence and the danger he represented. His large shadow covered me, and a shiver ran down my spine.

"Don't forget your orders. The Boss is already irritated enough, so it's best not to make things worse."

I felt that final warning was directed at me.

I swallowed hard, hearing the car drive away again. Without any warning, the man holding me began pulling me inside, down a corridor I knew well.

We entered the main hall, where only the lights from the gaming tables were on, making the empty space feel eerie. We headed to a more secluded area I had never entered before-the area reserved for meetings and where the club owner stayed when he visited, which was very rare.

A large burgundy velvet curtain separated this space from the common area. The light flooring turned into a glossy black floor. The lighting was even dimmer there, making it nearly impossible to walk without guidance.

My chest rose and fell faster and faster. With each step we took, I felt my life slipping through my fingers. I thought about everything I was leaving behind.

My friends.

My boyfriend.

None of them had any idea what was happening, what Diane and Liam were capable of doing to me just for money. Tears streamed down my face, my shoulders trembling as a solitary sob escaped me. I covered my face with my hands, despair finally overtaking me, the realization that I was being led to my end and there was no way to escape that fate.

I was pushed into a dark room. I could barely see ahead, but I could hear his low, deep laughter, which made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

Then, something seemed to change. I felt his perfume, the air around me shifting. It was a strange mix of something fresh, like a dangerous breeze, and a warmth that made me shudder.

My stomach churned; part of me wanted to retreat, while another part was inexplicably drawn in, as if that scent carried a dark promise. My heart raced, and for a moment, I forgot my fear, lost in that aroma that screamed power.

"I told you we'd see each other again, little squirrel."

"What?" I lifted my eyes, and stepping out of the shadows, with black hair swept back and deep gray eyes, was the customer who had defended me earlier that night. "You..." my voice faltered as I tried to piece together what was happening.

The man smiled, raising his right hand to his hair, revealing the intricate tattoo on his forearm and hand. A raven with red eyes.

My entire body went limp, and I fell back onto the floor. Casually, he crouched in front of me, still smiling.

"My name is Cassian Moore, Miss Reed. And it seems we have business to discuss."