Chapter 17
A few hours later
7:05 p.m.
“You all know why you’re here, right?”
I had just finished my shift at the prison when my father summoned me and the rest of the gang for a major announcement.
If I could’ve avoided it, I would have. But with Khalid, there’s never a choice.
We’re all standing in this massive room that looks like an auditorium.
The only one seated is my father, up on the stage with Hakim by his side.
I thought I’d be able to blend in, but then he called me out:
“Inara, come up here.”
I roll my eyes-it’s the first time he’s ever included me in a meeting like this.
Usually, I’m just a faceless body in the crowd.
Especially after our fight yesterday and all my recent failures, this truly surprises me.
I walk toward the stage, feeling the heavy stares of the other men.
Indifference is my best shield.
I position myself to my father’s left.
“I wanted to announce Hakim’s promotion. From now on, he’ll be my right-hand man. I’ve never had one before, but he has my full trust.
When you speak to him, do it with respect. He is now your second-in-command.”
That’s the big news? I’d rather be sleeping.
This doesn’t change anything about Hakim’s position-but now it’s official.
Everyone applauds except me-I couldn’t care less.
Hakim beams proudly, probably reveling in his moment of glory.
Khalid rises from his chair and comes over to me.
He stands behind me and places his hands on my shoulders.
I turn to look at him, confused-physical contact between us is rare unless it’s violent.
“Isn’t she stunning? My daughter is simply magnificent: the body of a supermodel and the mind of a soldier.”
He says it loud enough for the entire room to hear.
I stare at him, stunned.
He never gives compliments-especially not publicly.
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This is suspicious. He’s definitely up to something.
“You’ve all-watched her grow up-she was only four when she joined the gang. By then, she could shoot like a pro with
weapons
heavier than she was.
She also trained in combat to be worthy of my blood.”
I look at him, still trying to figure out what he’s leading up to, as everyone listens intently.
He runs a hand through my hair.
He smiles-that chilling smile I know too well.
“Hair as black as a raven’s feathers, perfectly straight. Brown eyes that radiate coldness and mystery-no one’s ever cracked
her.
And her olive skin only amplifies her beauty.”
I widen my eyes in shock.
I’m shaken as he smiles with pride.
“What kind of game are you playing? Tell me what’s going on here.”
He presses a finger to my lips while smiling.
I’m left speechless.
“Many of you have tried to sleep with my daughter.
But she’s always rejected your advances-often violently.”
Why the hell is he saying this?
What is he playing at?
He removes his finger from my lips, and I give him a look full of disbelief.
“My daughter will not marry any of you-understand that.
Tonight, I’m offering one night with her to my right-hand man, Hakim, whom I consider my son.”
My mouth drops open.
There’s no way Khalid just said that.
I feel detached from reality even though I hear the cheering and applause from the rest of the gang as they congratulate
Hakim.
Whether it’s one night or twenty minutes-it’s out of the question.
I won’t sleep with that man just because my father says so.
If he thinks I’ll accept this horror, then he doesn’t know me at all.
I haven’t moved an inch. My whole body is in a state of
stupefaction.
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Chapter
All the men have left the room and only Hakim, Khalid, and I remain.
And me.
“I won’t sleep with him.”
My tone is assertive to show him that no matter what he does, I’ll stand my ground.
My father looks at me, then raises his eyebrows. He then turns his eyes on Hakim and nods. Hakim moves closer to me, smiling.
“Nobody’s asking for your opinion,” my father says.
I start to back away, but Hakim manages to catch me. He pulls me close despite my protests.
“If you touch me, I’ll burn you, you hear!”
“You’re not going to do anything. Do you know why? Because I order you to sleep with Hakim and you’d better not try anything.”
“I’m not going to sleep with him, whether you like it or not!”
I glare at my father before facing Hakim. “I’d advise you to let me go right now if you don’t want any problems.”
“I prefer to hold you firmly.”
“Nobody’s giving you a choice. You’re going to do it and keep your mouth shut!” says Khalid.
“You’ve got no right to do this to me!”
“I’m your boss, you do what I tell you to without question.”
“Damn it, can’t you hear yourself?”
“Of course, I hear myself talking.”
“Do you realize that I’m of your blood and you want to force me to sleep with a guy!”
“Of course, I realize that.”
This man is a monster without pity or scruples. The only thing he cares about is himself and himself alone.
“You know what we call that? Rape!”
Hakim moves closer to my neck and smells me. I try to push him away, all the while shooting him murderous glances filled with the hatred he inspires in me. I’ve always seen him as my father’s pawn, without any personality and obeying orders without thinking, like a dog.
“Get your hands off me this instant!”
“I’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to wake up next to a body like yours.”
“Fuck you!”
“Inara, be nicer. Otherwise, I’m liable to offer more nights in your company and other men in the gang to encourage them to work harder or reward them,” says my father with a sadistic smile.
But he thinks I’m a sex object? I’m a reward for his men, right?
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Chapter 17
I’ve built my reputation in the gang and I’ve always been a wall for all the men in his organization. He’s just spitting on it with this public humiliation.
I want to smash his face in and rip the smirk off his face. I land a well-placed elbow to Hakim, who finally lets go of his hold.
Then I take the opportunity to get away from these two bastards.
“You hurt me, you bitch!” moans Hakim.
“This is nothing compared to what I can do to you.”
I spit at him.
“Why are you always so aggressive?”
“Don’t forget that survival instinct is everything.”
“You’re starting to get on my nerves with your teenage rebel act. You’re too old for that.”
“You think so?”
He glares at me, then waves to Hakim, ordering him to leave. Hakim looks me up and down before biting his lip.
“I can’t wait for tonight,” he whispers.
Son of a bitch.
He leaves the room and I’m left alone with my adorable father, who throws lightning bolts from his eyes.
Tension is palpable, confrontation inevitable. Generally, discussion never solves our problems. He knows how to be much more persuasive.
“Why are you acting like such a bitch?”
“Are you asking me that?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Do you think I’m going to sleep with Hakim because you told me to?”
I let out words filled with bitterness, so disgusted am I that he would even consider giving me away like a common animal.
“It’s an order, don’t argue.”
“The orders you give me are within the framework of the gang or my missions. They don’t touch my private life! What’s’in it for you?”
“It’ll boost the dedication of my men in the field if they get a night with you. If I have to drug you to get you to sleep with him, believe me, I won’t hesitate for a second.”
He makes me want to puke.
“Try to touch me or Hakim, and I’ll…”
“Your threats or promises don’t work with me. You do as you’re told or I’ll be forced to go back to my old ways.”
My body tenses, and I swallow my saliva with difficulty. I feel palpitations in my heart as memories flood my brain.
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