With as much ease as a black panther snapping a bird’s neck, he grabs my arm and twists it behind my back. “I have the means to get what I want. Come with me willingly and maybe I’ll even make some calls to get him an agent and a publisher. Tell him that you met your brother and that you want to leave. Don’t even think about telling him a word about my threat or I’ll turn it into reality.”
Shudders ripple down my spine. “You fucking piece of shit!”
“Such crude words from such a pretty face,” he says, flicking his cigarette to the ground. “I’m gonna have to teach you some manners. T’en a clairement besoin.”
Fuck, I don’t speak French. What the hell did he even say?
“How can you claim to be my brother when this is the shit you do?! You bastard!” I grunt, struggling against his iron grip.
A dark mocking chuckle escapes his lips. “I couldn’t care less about your resentment. You’re my blood and you belong to my side as the second Lacroix brother.”
“I’ll never forgive you.”
It’s not a threat but a promise. I’ll never forgive him for ripping me from the joy I fought beak and claw to earn.
“Then so be it. Now get in the car, I’m giving you a ride. You have a week to tell him about our departure. My men will take care of your belongings.” He lets go of my arm and I stumble forward, massaging the soreness.
“Fuck no.”
He doesn’t give me the chance to run as the two men in black suits clasp their claws around my arms and drag me to the onyx car. I struggle against them, fighting off their beastly grip.
I scream and cuss, yet my voice gets trapped between the walls of the now locked vehicle. I have to alert someone–anyone–that I’m being kidnapped by my psycho–potentially fake–biological brother. If I don’t get back to the party, Olivia and the others will start asking questions. If they end up contacting Aoi it’ll complicate everything.
“You’re bringing me home, right?” I ask warily.
He starts driving off into the night as two cars follow close behind us. I can’t be sure if we mean the same home and by home, I mean Aoi’s apartment not whatever demon lair he lives in.
The man glances at me sitting in the passenger seat as he drives through the restless night. “You mean your current habitation.”
“Stop playing the asshole and answer my fucking question,” I spit, cheeks flushing with anger.
“Watch your mouth, kid. I’m not your little friend.”
Maybe I should jump out of the moving car and attempt to run? Yeah, right. Who am I? Fucking James Bond?
I mean if and reallyifI jump, would it kill me or just break a few bones?
Because if it’s survivable then I consider it plan B.
Now that I think of it, I don’t even know his name. It’s uncomfortable having to address him as 'asshole' or 'you', not that he isn’t a total dick.
“What’s your name?”
His hands tighten around the steering wheel. “Bellami.”
“What does it mean?” I ask as Aoi would.
Bellami glances at me as if he doesn’t understand the question. He scoffs and hits the accelerator before replying boredly, “Do you always ask so many questions?”
“Fuck you. I was taught to always question everything.”
“Oh really? Did Aoi teach you that?”
Poisonous mock drips from his words and all I want right now is to punch that smug smile off his lips.
“Don’t utter his name. You’re not worthy of him.”
“Keep your mouth shut or I’ll do it for you.”
