Bought By The Don

Vadim

In my world, you kill or be killed. That’s why I’m feared. I kill. Torture. I’m not a good man. Just a Devil in an expensive suit. A monster.

My second-in-command bursts into my office dragging a dark-haired teenager. “Found the girl, boss. What do you want me to do with her?”

“Take her to Regina and have her clean the girl up.” I replied.

The girl raised her head, piercing me with her frightened blue eyes. Her lips quivered as tears rolled down her cheeks. She was scared and had a right to be. Just as Alexei was about to take her away, I said. “Wait.”

I stood up and walked around the desk, holding up my hand to Alexei. “Leave us for a moment.”

Alexei nods and steps out of the room, leaving just the girl and I.

“What is your name, girl?” I demanded.

“Please, Sir. Please, don’t hurt me.” She whispered.

I put two fingers under her chin, forcing her to look me directly in the eyes. “Tell me your name.”

“Jewel, Sir.”

I already knew who she was.

Just needed to hear it from her.

“Jewel,” I drawled out. “Nobody is going to hurt you. I’m going to get you cleaned up and give you a hot meal. You will stay with me until I find you a proper family. I’m not going to have any problems out of you, no?”

“N-no, Sir,” She stuttered, her cheeks flushing pink.

“Good girl,” I murmured, “I want you to go with Alexei and get cleaned up. When you’re finished, he’ll bring you to my room to eat.”

I took her gently by the wrist and led her to the door. She was scared. Trembling with fear. Before I opened it, I leaned down and whispered to her. “Trust me, nobody is going to hurt you with me around. I promise.”

I open the door and narrowed my eyes at Alexei. “Make sure she gets cleaned up. Bring her straight to my room after.”

He furrowed his brows in confusion. “Boss?”

“You heard me,” I tell him.

Alexei sighed but did as I asked. I watched them leave the room and ran a hand over my face.

What am I doing?

Jewel had been found down at the club hiding in the office. After digging, I found out she was my best friend’s kid sister. Last night, Luciano, her brother had been gunned down. Before he died, he made me promise to take care of his sister. He wanted her to live a normal life. Little did I know, I already had her in my possession. She tried to run. Hence, why Alexei busted in my office.

I made a few calls to find Jewel a good family. With that being done, I headed towards my bedroom and quickly changed out of my suit. Just a pair of sweats and white t-shirt would do.

Knock. Knock.

“Enter,” I say, my voice harsh.

One of my maids rolled a cart into the room and bowed her head.

“Thank you, you’re dismissed.”

About twenty minutes later, Alexei deposits Jewel to me. I had to look twice. This wasn’t a girl in the dirty white dress I met over an hour ago. Her pale skin was washed and her matted brunette hair was braided to one side. She looked like an Angel.

“Come, Jewel,” I extended my arm for her to take my hand. “I’ve got dinner ready. Roast with fresh vegetables sautéed in garlic butter.”

I expect her to cower, but she doesn’t. Jewel takes my hand without hesitation. I tense when she launched herself at me. She hugged me tight and whispered. “Thank you for saving me, Sir.”

If only you knew, Angel.

I didn’t save her out of the kindness of my heart.

“Sit down and eat. I’ll go over the rules.”

I led her to the bed by the small of her back and forced her to sit. I pushed the cart closer and glanced at Alexei.

“Rule number one: Always do as I say.”

“What’s rule number two?” Jewel asked, her mouth full of food.

“There is only one rule. Be a good girl, Jewel. If you obey me, we won’t have a problem. Any other questions?”

“No… I mean, yes, Sir.”

I raised my brow in question.

Jewel leaned forward and whispered. “What if I’m not a good girl, Sir?”

Fuck me.

“If you’re a bad girl, I suppose you would get punished.”

Excitement lights up in her eyes when punished rolled off my tongue.

“Be good and eat your dinner. I’ll be right back.”

I followed Alexei out of the room and sighed. Alexei folded his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes. “I don’t like this. Do you have any idea who that is?”

“Yes,” I hissed, “And that’s why I have to send her away. She will be protected under a new identity. Nobody will ever know she existed. I promised Luciano to keep her safe.”

“Boss…”

“My mind is made up. I have to get rid of her.”

Alexei shook his head and nodded behind me.

“Y-you’re g-gonna kill me?” I hear Jewel croak out.

I glared at Alexei before turning on my heels. I met her tear-stricken eyes and softened my gaze. For some reason, it hurt to see her cry. Her blue eyes pierced me in my chest. An ache I’d never felt.

“I’m not going to kill you,” I assured her.

“You’re going to send me away?”

“It’s for the best, little one. I’m going to find you a good family to give you a normal life.”

“Will I ever see you again, Sir?”

“Vadim,” I say, “My name is Vadim Kaslov. And to answer your question, perhaps we’ll meet again.”

For her sake, I hope we don’t see each other again. Because if I see her baby blues again, I’ll know I failed her. I owed it to her and Luciano.