Chapter 73
MAIN VILLA
2:30 p.m.
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“I’m sorry, miss, you can’t enter the villa. Your father was very clear he ordered us to deny you entry.”
Three guards are stationed in front of the main door. Alexander smiles at them while cracking his knuckles. He wouldn’t hesitate to destroy them.
I walk up to the guards and give them a small, sad smile.
“You all know what happened last night, don’t you?”
They nod, visibly uncomfortable.
“The whole villa must know by now, I assume. I was humiliated and beaten by my father – it wasn’t the first time, as you also know. But this time was different, because he almost finished me off.”
I lift my top to show them my bruised stomach. They look at me, shocked.
“You know I’ve never wanted to cause you trouble, and I’m not here to fight, especially not with you. But I need to get inside to take what rightfully belongs to me.”
“You’re wasting your time – those are your father’s dogs. Let me handle it and it’ll be over fast.”
“They’re not his dogs. Not them.”
They seem to struggle internally, then finally step aside from the villa door.
I thank them with a smile. Alexander looks annoyed that he didn’t get to punch anything.
“You, miss, are the one who truly deserves the title of boss.”
As I open the door, I spot Khalid and Hakim sitting in the main living room. They look pitiful. I’d almost feel sorry for them–if 1 didn’t hate them so much.
Hakim has a bandage on his thigh, stitches on his scalp, and multiple bandages on his face. Khalid is covered in bandages across his body. He has a bandage over his right eye and a bruised cheek showing a large mark.
The moment they see me, they rise from the couch to face us.
“How dare you set foot in here again? You’re banished forever!”
I raise an eyebrow at my father.
“And you even brought your bodyguard! So brave, Inara!”
“I came to get my things. After that, you won’t hear from me again.”
“Everything in this villa belongs to me! You have nothing, and you are nothing!”
“I bought all my stuff – it’s mine,”
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Chapter 73
“I’m disappointed you’re not dead. Looks like I’m losing my touch… or maybe I just need to beat the shit out of trash like you a little harder,” Alexander says in a provoking tone.
Khalid is about to move toward Alexander, but Hakim holds him back and turns to me.
“How dare you come mock us after your betrayal?”
My head is about to explode.
“I betrayed you? I gave my life and energy to this shitty gang! I did horrible things because of you that I’ll never be able to undo! You should’ve killed me at birth – then I wouldn’t have become the monstrous woman I am!”
It hurts so much to stand here in front of the two men who caused me so much pain, who turned me into a bloodthirsty woman.
“You could’ve killed yourself plenty of times, you filthy little whore, but you didn’t! You’re the only one responsible for your actions! The corpses in your closet are yours!”
This is no longer a four–way conversation – it’s a showdown between Khalid and me.
“How can you even be my father? You know why I never killed myself? Because I knew you’d see it as weakness! I suffered for years because of your training and cruelty, but I was always weak in your eyes!!
I move closer without breaking eye contact.
“You always wanted me to act like a man, to be someone without emotion or heart, like you. For years, I asked myself what was wrong with me, why I didn’t have a dick instead of a vagina!”
My chest tightens.
“When I was a kid, you forced me to dress like a boy! All I needed was a little attention – for you to act like a father – but you were never capable of that!”
Breathe.
“I thought I was crazy, that I didn’t deserve love since even my father hated me! I always believed you were hard on me because you wanted the best for me. But the truth is, the only person you’d ever lift a finger for is yourself! You wanted to turn me into a poor copy of a man because you were afraid a woman could be just as strong – weren’t you? You’re afraid of a woman pissing on you! Let me tell you straight in the eye, Khalid – I’d gladly piss on you, but you don’t even deserve a single drop of it, got that?”
He’s about to slap me, but I grab his wrist and stop him without flinching. He glares at me. I don’t back down.
“I forbid you to ever lay a hand on me again, unless you want me to break it. You won’t touch me anymore—it’s over,”
I let go of his hand, and he let out a small nervous laugh, clapping.
“You feel powerful now, buh? You think you’re invincible? I’ll destroy you, Inara. I’ll take everything you care about and erase you from this world! Without me, you’re nothing!”
“I’m not afraid of you anymore, Khalid”
“I spent years breaking you down, and you think you can shake that off just like that? You belong to me and only me hear me? You’re my puppet, and trust me, you’ll stay that way!”
Our eyes clash with equal hatred.
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“Inara, go get your stuff!” Alexander orders me.
Khalid turns his gaze to Alexander and smirks.
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“Inara, you trust this man, don’t you? What do you think? That he hit me and defended you just for your pretty eyes, or because he cares about you? You know absolutely nothing about him! He’s manipulating you and using your weakness to trap you in his web!”
I glance at Alexander, who says nothing. He doesn’t defend himself, just stares at Khalid without looking away. I feel like he’s analyzing the situation.
“Still, I taught you to be wary of everyone and to trust only your instincts. Your instincts know very well that Alexander will only bring you major trouble. I don’t even know why I’m telling you this – Alexander will break you long before I do, which works out for
me.”
Alexander remains silent and expressionless. Khalid won’t stop talking.
“You think he’d be this interested in you if you weren’t my daughter? You think he forgot you tried to set him up in prison? You think he’s stupid enough to fall for a woman who tried to screw him over? Men like him never forget.”
I end the conversation by heading upstairs. It’s time to retrieve my belongings.
I enter my room – Maria is sitting on my bed, surrounded by my suitcases.
She’s waiting for me. As soon as she sees me, she exhales in relief and pulls me into her arms.
1 smell the vanilla scent from her hair. It feels so good having her near–in her arms, I’m safe.
She pulls back, smiling as she studies my face.
“He didn’t touch your beautiful face, my princess.”
“It’s a very long story.”
“I know everything.”
I give her a surprised look.
“How?”
“Last night, Alexander and some of his men came to my place to watch over me.”
I’m stunned. But why? I don’t understand what he gains from all this. I can’t figure him out it disturbs me.
Truth be told, I never could figure him out.
“What? How did they get your address?”
Alexander is a man with many resources. He came late at night and told me about the altercation with Hakim and your father. He said my life might be in danger, and it would be best if I let him protect me to make sure Khalid wouldn’t take revenge on me to get to you,”
It all feels so surreal. Alexander is full of surprises.
“I’m surprised Khalid didn’t try anything.”
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“He’s not angry at me.
Strange.
he wants you dead, Inara.”
“I’m just glad you’re okay- that’s all that matters.”
“I was so scared for you.”
She smiles and points at the suitcases on my bed.
“Alexander said you’d need all this.”
“That’s perfect. Thank you, Maria.”
“I want to make sure you don’t lack anything.”
“Where are your suitcases?”
She looks uncomfortable at the question and starts fidgeting with her hands – a sign of anxiety.
“I’ll repeat: where are your suitcases?”
“I don’t have a suitcase.”
I widen my eyes.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not coming with you.”
It’s like the sky just collapsed and my skull cracked open. That sentence hits me like a hammer.
“I have things to handle here. Your father plans to make you suffer – I need to stay here and spy on him.”
I clench my fists and frown.
“I don’t give a damn what he’s planning! I want you to come with me! I’m not leaving you in this madhouse, do you hear me?”
“It’s my choice. Let me do this.”
“I don’t want him to hurt you! I’ll deal with the consequences of my actions alone!”
She gently places her hand on my cheek, caressing it tenderly while looking me in the eyes.
“Don’t do anything stupid to try and save me – I don’t need saving. Khalid is so blinded by hatred that he’ll forget I even exist. You have to trust me. I know your father, and) know his weaknesses. By staying here, I’ll give you all the info you need. I can also warn you about what he’s planning against you.”
It’s so hard to leave someone you love behind, even if it seems like the smartest option.
“If anything happens, call me – I swear I’ll burn this villa to the ground.”
She nods.
“I want you to promise me something, even if you won’t like it.”
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Chapter 73
I study her carefully.
“Don’t leave the country or the city–it’s too dangerous for now.”
Texpected worse.
“That’s all? Fine.”
“That’s not what I want you to promise. I want you to stay at Alexander’s for at least a week, until things settle down.”
I fall apart.
“What? But why? I can go to a hotel!”
“I don’t trust him at all, and his intentions toward you seem suspicious. But I know that with him, nothing will happen to you. He’ll protect you with his life. Promise me you’ll stay with him- it’s the only way I’ll sleep at night.”
I don’t have a better option. I nod.
I grab my suitcases with Maria’s help and walk out of the room.
I hear shouting from the living room. I get closer to listen. Khalid and Alexander are arguing heatedly.
“You think you’ve managed to put the puzzle together? You’re too young and reckless, Alexander! I should’ve known what you were up to the moment I heard you’d been in prison!”
“I fucked all of you, one by one. I have all the puzzle pieces.”
“You think you’re stronger than me, is that it? You’re going to lose yourself in all this shit.”
“I’ve been chasing this for years, and you think you’re gonna confuse me? Go fuck yourself!”
“I don’t know what you’re up to with Inara, but you just landed yourself in way deeper shit than you think by playing her savior.”
“I know exactly what I’m doing.”
“If you did, you never would’ve laid eyes on her. You’ll learn soon enough what’s coming to you for messing with that little slut.”
That’s when I decided to enter.
Alexander walks over to Maria and takes all the suitcases from her, giving her a small nod.
I shoot one last look at Khalid, and I leave that villa.
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