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Chapter Three

I held in the tears, well, the majority of them that is.

Quickly wiping away the few that had escaped, I struggled to calm myself down. My heart was going much too fast for my liking and I felt light headed and nauseous.

Why did Sebastian King want me?

I squeezed my eyes shut tightly, trying to block out everything.

"You look insane."

My eyes flew open and I looked up into the eyes of the vilest person I had ever met in my entire life.

Courage coursed through my veins and I found myself standing up, my expression hardening and my hands forming fists.

"So what does this mean?" My voice was eerily calm, a sign that I was on the verge of having a breakdown.

He eyes trailed over me before he finally spoke. "This means, that you will now be a part of the Kings."

I felt the air leave my lungs and my vision falter.

"W-Why? Why would you want me?" My voice rose as I began to become hysterical. "I'd be no help to your gang! I-I don't understand why-"

"Why I want you?" He cut in, taking a step closer. I found myself stuck between him and the desk again.

"Maybe, little Evelyn, I don't want your help," he whispered, "Maybe I just want you."

I completely lost it.

"You can't possibly be serious, can you?" My voice was high and shrill as I struggled to fight past him. "You're sick! Y-You're mad, Sebastian, you are!"

I shook violently as he easily captured me within his arms, pinning my arms to my sides. I thrashed about, screaming and begging for help.

The door burst open, revealing a very concerned Danny, surrounded by the rest of the guys who had been in our living room.

Shockingly, even Mason and Callum had a sliver of worry on their faces, their eyes darting from mine to Sebastian's.

"What did you do to her?" Danny said, taking a step towards us.

Sebastian scowled and released me, allowing me to rush into the open arms of my brother.

"I did nothing," Sebastian stated, "It's not my fault that she's gone mental."

I clutched onto Danny, desperately trying to calm down as I buried my head into his chest. He held me comfortingly, something he hasn't done since I was a little girl.

"Please don't do this to me," I gasped out. "Don't let him take me."

I jumped at the sound of Sebastian scoff from behind me.

"You know, for someone who has such a high ranking position and well known reputation, you're pretty weak."

Fucking hell.

I tore myself away from Danny's arms so quickly that he nearly fell over. My breathing had increased, but not out of fear. No, this time it was purely due to the amount of rage I was feeling. Pretty bi-polar, right? Ever since I was younger, I was known to go from one emotion to the next.

"Don't you dare," my voice shook and I narrowed my eyes dangerously at his amused figure. "You're a fucking asshole, you know that, right?"

Instead of getting angry by my words, Sebastian only raised his brow and remained silent. I took this as a sign to continue, so that's exactly what I did.

"You break into our home, walking around all high and mighty like you own the place, and then tell me to be respectful?" I found myself moving closer to Sebastian, growing even more furious by the second. "You actually have the audacity to think you deserve respect in my home!"

I could tell that hit a nerve, when his face hardened and his expression turned from amused to annoyed. Just as he was about to speak, I found myself butting in.

"You're truly unbelievable, you really are." My words were drenched in sarcasm as I continued my rant. "You're such a wonderful person, offering my brother and our gang protection! Honestly! I mean it's like you're not even asking for anything completely absurd in return- Oh wait!" I looked around the room, laughing manically. "You are!"

"That's enough." His voice was firm and demanding.

My chest rose and fell dramatically as I tried to catch my breath. "Listen to me Sebastian King, and listen well. Don't you ever call me weak again." The silence that followed should have been enough for me, but of course I decided to push my boundaries.

"I'm not the one who has to blackmail others to get what I want."

One second I'm smirking spitefully at Sebastian, and the next, I'm choking for air as I'm being held by my throat against the wall. Mason and Callum didn't skip a beat, moving to protect Sebastian while leaving Danny, Will, and Nate with no other option than to watch helplessly.

"I hardly find blackmailing to be a tactic for the weak, my sweet Evie."

My body was convulsing between the wall and Sebastian's body, and my throat felt like someone ran over it. My eyes were watering uncontrollably and black spots began to invade my vision.

"Sebastian, don't do this." Callum said, glancing back at us.

"I'm having trouble thinking of a reason to even keep her alive anymore." Sebastian snapped in response, his eyes boring deeply into my unfocused ones.

"Mate, you're going to kill her." Mason's warning tone seemed to snap Sebastian out of his murderous state, and he roughly released me.

Before my body could hit the ground, he managed to catch me and support my limp form. I found myself still not being able to breathe, the pain in my throat still increasing. My heart sped up and my eyes widened as a sickening question crossed my mind.

Am I dying?

In my blinded attempt to be saved, I grasped onto Sebastian's shoulders, digging my fingernails into his skin. His dark eyes scanned my face and for a second there, I thought I saw a hint of concern flicker across his face.

"Shit," Danny spoke, pushing past Mason and Callum. "Evie? Evie what's wrong? Breathe, you're okay. You're okay."

Seeing my brother try to calm me down, I felt my body start to ice over. I wasn't some pathetic little girl who needed her big brother to save her. My breathing became somewhat normal, and I quickly removed my hands from Sebastian's shoulders.

"See? You're okay-"

"Just stop." Despite my croaky voice, my deadly tone took effect. Danny stared at me speechless lay, until a knowing expression settled on his face and he moved away from me.

Nothing made me angrier than when people tried to help me. If they thought I needed help, that would mean I was helpless. I was Evelyn Summers. I am not helpless. I am the girl who has never failed at any task my brother has given me because of my determination and ruthlessness. I didn't need now to be the time where someone rushes to my aid.

I don't need anyone.

"Danny, me and Evie are going to finish our talk now. You all can leave." A bewildered expression crossed Danny's face, and he looked at me. I gave him a weak nod, trying my hardest to pretend that I was okay with being left with someone who almost just killed me.

"I'm not leaving Ev-"

"Go before I kill you." Sebastian wasn't in the mood to be messed with at the moment, and he made that very clear.

While everyone shuffled out of the room, Callum stayed behind, whispering something privately to Sebastian. I watched as Sebastian gave him a short nod, and then clapped him on the back before he walked away.

The burning sensation in my throat was still present when Sebastian approached me.

"You're really something," he muttered, his eyes searching mine as if he was looking for something.

Maintaining eye contact, I refused to back down at this point, seeing as how weak Sebastian already saw me.

"And what do you mean by that?" I rasped out, wincing at the sharp bolts of pain that exploded in my throat.

"Just a minute ago, you were practically begging for help, and now you're standing here like nothing ever happened." He shook his head, his eyes focusing on my now most likely bruised neck, before meeting mine once more. "I just don't understand you, Evelyn Summers."

I stared at him blankly; a little shocked by his sudden change in behavior.

"You never will, Sebastian King." My voice was firm and cold, matching the expression I now wore on my face.

We stood there, silent. Seconds went by and soon nearly two minutes passed with us simply refusing to break eye contact. By now my breathing was much more regular, and other than the stiffness in my throat, I felt completely numb- a feeling that I enjoyed more than anything.

Sebastian then chose to break the silence, with laughter. I felt my brows furrow in confusion while his eyes gleamed with amusement, and if he had been any other person, I would have let myself relax.

Don't lower your guard Evie, I warned myself. That's what he is waiting for.

Fed up, I decided to speak. "Why in the world are you laughing?" My hand instinctively grazed against my neck when I felt a harsh stinging erupt. Wincing, I gently tried to dull the pain by lightly massaging it, but that only proved to increase my discomfort.

I flinched back when a large hand engulfed my own, pulling it away from my troublesome injury. My frantic expression made Sebastian roll his eyes, as he leaned down to inspect the damage. Standing stock-still, I allowed Sebastian to look over the bruise, sharply inhaling whenever he would touch it.

When he pulled away, I focused my eyes toward the ground, not wanting to look at him anymore.

"I got you good, huh?"

I didn't respond, and just continued to stare at the floor, my eyes tracing over the intricate designs of the carpet.

Sebastian carried on, "I was simply laughing before, mainly because I find it so funny how hard you try to act like you're some emotionless, uncaring, bitch." I felt myself stiffen, and my eyes shot up to meet his. "You're like an overly dramatic teenager who is trying to rebel against her parents."

Gritting my teeth, I spat out a reply. "First of all, I am a fucking teenager you twat. Secondly, I have no one to rebel against seeing as how my parents are dead. Thirdly-" I stopped him from cutting me off, giving him a pointed glare. "Who said it's an act? Sure, I can be dramatic, but if that's what I want to be then you will just have to fucking get over it, yeah?"

He stared at me in shock, before he was able to compose himself and his expression hardened. "How old are you?"

I let out a noise of exasperation before throwing my hands up in the air. "Is that all you got out of that?"

"Other than your blatant disrespect for me, yes, that's all I got." He was challenging me almost. It's like he wanted me to retaliate and fight back, only to end up getting hurt by him. He loved the power he held over me, so I refused to give him what he wanted.

"Seventeen." This time, he wasn't able to control his shocked expression. His eyes were wide as he looked me over in a state of disbelief.

"You're so young," he muttered, as if he was speaking to himself. I frowned when I saw his wicked smirk appear, and his eyes met mine. "So innocent."

It was my turn to laugh now. "Innocent?" I questioned, leaning up towards him. "Far from it, in fact."

Sebastian's eyes darkened and he pulled my body towards his. "So if I do this..." he began, lowering his head into the crook of my neck. My eyes bulged and I felt the color drain from my face when a pair of lips attached themselves to my injured neck. "You won't mind?" His lips brushed against my neck, making shivers run down my spine.

Snapping back into reality, I shoved him off of me, a deep blush tainting my usually pale face. Sebastian gave me a devilish smirk, cocking a brow as he had just proved himself right.

"Of course I mind it when- when it's someone as- as-" I spluttered, waving my arms around.

"Sexy? Tempting? Irresistible? Powerful?" He rattled off from the top of his head.

Glaring at him with as much hatred that I could muster, I cut him off. "Depraved. When it's someone as depraved as you, then yes, I fucking do mind."

"You know," Sebastian said, moving back to stand in front of me. "We're going to have to do something about that mouth of yours. I really don't appreciate you constantly trying to curse me out."

"Oh yeah? Well fu-" I wasn't able to finish my retort, for Sebastian acted quickly and slapped his hand over my mouth, effectively shutting me up. With his free arm, he spun me around and yanked me into his rock hard body, my back against his chest.

"Don't you dare challenge me, Evie. I won't hesitate to put you in your place." His hand moved from my mouth and cupped my neck gently. The action made my breathing falter and my blood to run cold. I could practically see him smirking at my reaction, and eagerly broke away from him when I felt his arms slacken around me.

"What do you want from me?" I asked as I backed away, my eyes locked on his.

"Getting down to business, I like that." Sebastian said, a serious expression forming on his face. "For the protection of your gang, you are going to work for me."

"And if I don't want to?" I snapped, crossing my arms defiantly.

He let out a grim laugh and narrowed his eyes at me. "Then I will personally kill every single one of you. I will have my men take out your lower ranks, and kill even their families. I will make it my mission to wipe out your entire gang."

I stared at him with a blank expression, refusing to let him see how truly scared I was. I knew that I didn't have a choice in the matter. Even though my brother had basically sacrificed me for the gang, I would have done it anyways. When I became a member of this gang I took a pledge- these people were my family. Despite my pleas to Danny for this to not happen, it was inevitable. I was going to work for the Kings.

"I thought Kings was the number one gang in London..." I said slowly, waiting for his reaction.

"Of course we are," Sebastian snapped. "We rule over London, and right now, we've never been stronger."

That was exactly the response I was looking for.

"So why do you need me?" My voice was light, and I held a victorious smirk on my face. I watched as Sebastian faltered, then glare at me in pure annoyance.

"I've heard that you're an incredible baiter. You have never failed a job, and when things become chaotic, you always manage to gain control of it all." He spoke truthfully, as he leaned back against my brother's desk. "Kings is made up of the best of the best. You're the best in London when it comes to baiting, so naturally, I will do whatever I have to, to get you to join my gang. Willingly or not."

"I believe you." My voice came off as a distant whisper, and I felt my shoulders slump forward in exhaustion. It must have been four a.m. by now, and I could feel my body begginning to give out.

Sebastian stared at me, silent for a sew seconds. "You're brother's gang-"

My old gang, I thought bitterly.

"Will be re-locating as of tomorrow. Although they will be under my protection, they aren't safe if they stay here any longer. After I'm able to take out these bothersome, little gangs, you're brother will be able to return."

My eyes lit up and I felt a bit of hope spark within me. "Then I will be able to go back to my gang, right? Because-"

"No." He crushed that bit of hope like a bug. Looking away, I hoped he wouldn't notice my crestfallen expression. I heard footsteps approaching me, and a large hand rested on my shoulder.

"Hey," his voice was soft. "It won't be all that bad, being a part of the Kings." I looked up at him, inwardly cringing when I saw his eyes flicker to my neck. I had still yet to see the damage, and wasn't looking forward to it anytime soon.

"I didn't know Sebastian King comforted people," I muttered, eyeing him warily.

He simply shrugged, and dropped his hand from my shoulder. "I don't." He admitted.

"Wait," I blurted out suddenly. "If my brother and the rest of London's Eyes are re-locating tomorrow, then- then what about me?"

"You, my sweet Evie, will be coming with me to your new home tomorrow."

A mixture of emotions washed over me, and I felt my fists clench in the midst of my rage. "Are we done here?" I snapped, my cold tone surprising Sebastian.

"Yes, although we could-"

"Good." I cut him off. Spinning around, I violently pushed open the doors, and nearly power walked into the living room. Everyone stood up upon my entrance, but my eyes only focused on one other. I found myself walking straight up to my brother, and without hesitating; I threw my fist straight into his face.

He stumbled back in surprised, holding onto his cheek in a mix of shock and pain. Shaking out my hand, I gave him the deadliest glare I could produce.

"I would have done this anyways," I spoke, my voice clear and firm. "You should have known that, and not gone behind my back. You dick."

Turning away from him, I made sure to glare at everyone else in the room, ignoring Mason and Callum's amused expressions. I stormed upstairs, very dramatically if I may add, and slammed my door with immense force. Once inside my room, I slowly walked into my bathroom, and stood in front of my large mirror.

I couldn't help but flinch at my appearance. My makeup was smeared and my hair resembled a rat's nest. There was a dark bruise on my neck, and if you looked close enough, you could make out a handprint. Needless to say, I was a complete mess. Fatigue took over me as I yanked off my clothes, pulling on a large t-shirt. Not caring that my makeup would soon smother my pillow and bed sheets, I climbed into my bed, and curled into a fetal position.

In less than twenty-four hours, my whole life got turned upside down. I was no longer part of the gang that I had grown up in, but instead, I was a part of the most dreaded gang known to anyone in England. I had already almost gotten myself killed, so my chances for survival were slim to none. Everything I've ever known has been changed, and never in my life have I felt so lost.

And who is to blame? None other than Sebastian King.

I remembered what I heard a man once say about Sebastian. His eyes were wide and full of fear when he warned me that Sebastian was a cold-hearted monster who could break and destroy any person he wanted, without a second thought. After meeting him for the first time, I didn't doubt that at all.

Closing my eyes shut, I let out a large breath of air. It was at that moment that I made my mind up about something. I made myself a promise, one that I would keep until the day I die.

Sebastian King will not break me. He will not destroy me. I won't give him the satisfaction of doing so.

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