Chained To The Devil novel Chapter 20

The warden is just as corrupt as Anis.

They were planning to rape me to get rid of me, but I was already planning to leave the prison soon since my mission is coming to an end in a few days.

Before I go, I have things to settle.

Sure, I’m a criminal—but I still have a sense of honor. I won’t let these monsters continue with their schemes and abuse of power.

I now have what I came for. I slip out of the office quietly. I start walking through the corridors when my phone rings. I sigh as I see my father’s number and answer.

“What do you want?”

“Watch your tone when you speak to me. Don’t forget you owe me respect. I’m your boss and your father.”

“My father? Are you sure about that?”

“Stop acting like a child, Inara. Misunderstandings can be resolved without hostility.”

“You wanted me to spread my legs for Hakim—that’s not a misunderstanding. You need me so badly you’re willing to overlook that crap?”

“You managed to avoid him last night, but you won’t be able to do that forever. Tonight, I want you to take care of our Russian friend.”

“I work in the prison. It’s hard to balance both jobs.”

“He likes you a lot.”

“Send another woman from the gang.”

“They’re whores. He wants a woman who can hold a conversation and has class.”

I hate it when he calls the other women “whores,” especially when most of them had no choice but to sell their bodies to survive in the gang. He has no idea what they go through. They deserve far more respect.

“You’re putting my cover at risk.”

“It’ll be over soon, since you’ll have the information I asked for, right?”

“Of course.”

“Be ready tonight. You’ll leave with Hakim.”

“If he tries anything, I’ll cut off his anatomy.”

I hang up and slip the phone back into my pocket.

“I thought I’d have to make you follow through with those threats.”

I recognize Alexander’s voice. I turn with a sigh. He’s looking me up and down.

“You’ve got a lot of freedom for a prisoner.”

“Walls don’t stop me.”

“Then why are you locked up if you’re so unstoppable?”

“Do you take me for an idiot? You think I’d tell you, so you can go running to your daddy like a good little girl?”

“You’re annoying. I don’t know how people put up with you.”

“Don’t forget, your life depends on me. One word, and you’re dead.”

“What are you going to do? Blackmail me? I’d rather die than serve you.”

“That hurts my feelings. Don’t worry—women aren’t in my service.”

“Your sexism is off the charts.”

“The women who work for me do… other things. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to join.”

“Dream on! I have no time to waste with you.”

He smiles, and just as I’m about to leave, he grabs my arm firmly. I shoot him a dark look.

Physical proximity exceeded ninety percent.

“Don’t look at me like that—you’re going to fall in love.”

“Fall in love with someone like you?”

I let out a mocking laugh.

“I’d never fall in love with a criminal like you who sells weapons and drugs for a living. Arrogant, full of yourself. A selfish man and a sexist who thinks women aren’t as capable as men when it comes to defending themselves.”

“Don’t talk about me like I’m not here. Anis, stay out of this!”

“Or what? You’ll hit me again and I’ll have to send you back to solitary?”

Alexander steps toward Anis menacingly. I step between them to prevent things from escalating.

“Cut the crap! This isn’t a pissing contest!”

I’d bet on Alexander.

“Now I understand how you earned the inmates’ respect! You spread your legs for their boss so you wouldn’t get in trouble, didn’t you?”

I shoot Anis a deadly glare. I’m about to punch him in the face when Alexander catches my fist in mid-air.

“How sweet! Neither of you wants the other to get into trouble.”

Alexander releases my fist. I look at him strangely, then refocus on Anis.

“Once I have proof that you two are screwing, you’re going to pay for it!”

With that, Anis walks off without looking back, while I hold myself back with all my might from jumping at his throat.

“Can I ask why you stopped me?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

I raise an eyebrow.

I start to walk away but then remember something. I turn back to him.

“Last night, I was followed. Tell the rookie you sent to spy on me to get lost unless he wants to feel a cold blade on his face.”

“My men have better things to do than spy on you now that I know who you are.”

I leave the corridor without another word or glance in his direction.

If it’s not him, then who’s spying on me?

I need to figure that out—before I end up with even more problems I really don’t want added to my endless list.