Chapter 86
I deeply regret my actions. I feel terrible. In truth, Larbi is as much a victim as I am in all this.
He touches his nose, wincing in pain. If I offer to help, he’ll probably tell me to go to hell–and he’d be right. Best to stay quiet.
“I’m truly sorry for what I put you through, Larbi. I never meant for it to go this way.”
start heading to the door but stop and turn to face him.
I have one favor to ask–even though I don’t deserve anything from you. Don’t tell Hakim I know he started the fire. Please.”
He gives me a look of disappointment that paralyzes me.
“How could you think I wanted to hurt you when I’ve always defended you, always respected you–not once did I see you as weak compared to the others in the gang? I believe you when you say you’re sorry, because you rarely apologize. But you didn’t even give me a chance to explain. You should’ve trusted me.”
I’m ashamed.
“You’re so used to people treating you like garbage that the moment someone shows even a bit of care, you become unstable and assume they’re out to get you.”
He’s right.
“You and I–we’ve known each other for years now. I thought you trusted me, even a little, given how many times we’ve trusted each other with our lives. I never doubted you, you hear me? Not once did I think you could hurt me.”
My throat tightens as I look up at the ceiling. I stay with my back to him, clenching my fists. My eyes sting. His words remind me just how lonely I am–how I’d rather be hated than loved.
Tears slip down my cheeks, exposing my despair.
I bite my lip hard to keep from sobbing like a child.
I hear him get up. But before he can come closer, I quickly walk away and rush down the stairs.
I start my car without looking back.
I drive for about thirty minutes through the empty, dark streets of the city, aimlessly. My eyes are wet with tears.
I stop in a parking lot next to a children’s park.
Before falling asleep, one image flashes through my mind-
One that makes me smile, despite the pain:
Alexander’s smirk.
The Next Day
10:34 AM
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Chapter 86
I’m awakened by the sound of my phone ringing. I answer, trying to collect myself.
Sleeping in a car is definitely not the best way to start a day.
“Hello? Who is it?”
“It’s Maria.”
I smile.
“How are you? Why are you calling so early?”
“Listen, Inara, I need you to come to your father’s villa. Right now.”
“I’m not looking for more trouble. If you want, we can meet at a café, or a few blocks from the villa.”
“You have to come. Please. It’s urgent.”
The call cuts off suddenly. I try calling back several times but go straight to voicemail.
Maria didn’t sound like herself. She was scared. She wouldn’t have asked me to come if she wasn’t in real danger–especially knowing Khalid wants me dead.
KHALID’S VILLA
11:24 AM
Once again, I’m face–to–face with the two guards at the entrance.
“Hello, gentlemen. How are you?”
They nod and smile. I don’t even need to negotiate–they step aside and let me pass.
I raise my eyebrows at their unexpected behavior. It feels like I’m being expected.
Just as I’m about to enter the villa, one of them says:
“Be careful. They’re waiting for you.”
Ifrown as I spot Khalid, grinning, standing next to that bastard Hakim–who’s holding Maria tightly with a gun to her head.
I see a familiar silhouette in front of them. My heart skips a beat. I shouldn’t feel like this, but it’s been a long time.
Alexander is here.
“What’s going on? Am I interrupting something?”
My legs feel like they’re about to give out, but I try to stay composed.
“Can someone explain what garne we’re playing here?”
I stand next to Alexander, facing Khalid and Hakim. Hakim’s still gripping Maria’s arm with a gun pressed to her forehead.
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Chapter 86
Alexander speaks up.
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“Your father invited me. When I arrived, he already had his little performance set up–with his lapdog.”
I try to look reassuring and give Maria a small smile.
“Everything’s fine, Maria. Don’t worry. You’re leaving this place with me.”
“It’s been a while, Inara,” Khalid says.
I shoot him a deadly look. I notice his injuries have healed–he stands tall, proud to be in control.
“If you wanted me here, you could’ve just called. You know I’d have come.”
He smiles.
“Maybe, but this way was more fun.”
“What do you want from me? Why invite Alexander if you wanted to talk to me?”
“So many questions.”
“Tell Hakim to let go of Maria. Now.”
My voice is cold and threatening. He raises an eyebrow.
“Are you trying to give me orders?”
I’m about to pull out my gun and aim it at his face-
But I remember I left it at Larbi’s. I groan in frustration while Khalid’s wicked smile widens.
“You came unarmed? I expected better from you.”
“Just tell us what you want so we can get this over with,” Alexander says, irritated.
“I need you, Inara,” Khalid says.
Alexander clenches his jaw.
“Then why the hell am I here if you need her? You think I’ve got time to waste on your bullshit?”
“I’m surprised you’re not trying to stop her from working for me. I thought you were more possessive, Alexander.”
Khalid smirks, then Hakim violently kicks Maria in the back. She collapses, groaning in pain.
My eyes widen in shock. My heart aches. I’m about to lunge at Hakim and shove his balls down his throat–with or without a
weapon-
But someone grabs me and holds me bac
“Let go of me! I’m going to kill that bastard!”
“Can’t you see that’s what they want? If you snap, they’ll kill her for sure!”
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Chapter 86
I try to calm myself, breathing in his scent and looking at the hands holding me. He gently lets go.
Khalid watches us carefully, analyzing every expression, every possible lie.
“I want to know if you two have slept together.”
I’m stunned.
He asks this question with such casualness, as if he had the right to demand answers from me.
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But it’s not just a question to satisfy his curiosity. I’m certain he’s planning something that will hurt me. He never would’ve staged all this if he wasn’t hiding something.
“You made me come all the way here just to ask if I fucked your daughter? This has to be a joke, right?”
Alexander shoots him a deadly look.
“I’m very serious. You better answer immediately if you don’t want to end up stained with poor Maria’s blood.”
“I hate being threatened, and you should know that better than anyone.”
I step between the two men as Alexander dangerously closes in on Khalid.
Now is not the time for a power play. If he wants to fight, he can do it later–when Maria’s life no longer depends on this cooperation.
I turn toward Khalid. I stare him down without blinking.
“Since when do you want to play the protective father interested in his daughter’s sex life? You’re several years too late to play that role, don’t you think?”
I said it with all the venom ! could muster.
“Inara, you’re clearly testing my patience. I advise you to answer this question with a yes or no unless you want Maria to pay the price for your arrogance.”
Alexander suddenly grabs me by the waist, pulling me toward him. He holds me tightly against his chest, placing his hand around my hips with that crooked smile that always throws me off.
I look at him, surprised and shocked by the unexpected gesture. He caresses my hips, then stares at me like I’m the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. His gaze falls to my lips. Instinctively, my eyes go to his.
Alexander lets go of me and winks at Khalid, whose expression falls apart.
What is he playing at? This is not the time to pull the provocation card.
“I actually wanted to fuck inara in every possible and imaginable position, several times. I tried to get her into my bed. I even imagined her screaming my name for hours and hours while I made her come, if you really want to know.
I straight up wanted her body to keep marks of my passage. And if that had happened, I would’ve gladly shown them to you.”
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Chapter 87
Chapter 87
