Chained To The Devil novel Chapter 21

ANATOLI RESIDENCE

8:48 p.m.

“You’re simply divine.”

“Thank you, Mark.”

Mark is a wealthy Russian businessman who works in arms import-export and has been dealing with us for years.

He’s tall, in his forties, with graying hair, blue eyes, and an imposing build. Despite his age, he exudes presence and captivating charisma. For the occasion, he wore a dark blue suit that brought out the color of his eyes, making him even more attractive.

“Let’s settle on the living room couch to talk business.”

Hakim and I follow him to the living room where he sits on the main couch. We sit on the other one facing him.

“I clearly stated I wanted us to be alone.”

“Don’t worry, Hakim knows how to be discreet. He’s only here for my protection.”

“Your father should know you’re perfectly capable of defending yourself.”

“True, but you know how he is.”

Mark lingers onmy bare legse. I’m wearing a short, tight dress that shows off my curves. You have to stack the odds in your favor to succeed.

Since I was sixteen, he’s never hidden his interest in me or his desire to have me, despite my repeated rejections. Still, Mark knows how to stay professional:

“What’s the update on the weapons?”

“Same as usual. Money first, then the guns.”

“When will you bring them?”

“They’re in a safe place. I’ll bring them to you in a week or two.”

“Very well. I know you keep your word.”

“You could’ve just spoken with one of my father’s men if it was only about that.”

“It’s been a while since I last saw you—I seized the opportunity.”

I smile at him, then glance sideways at Hakim, who looks uncomfortable being in the same room with us. Mark doesn’t pay him any attention.

“I’ve spent years trying to have just one night with you, Inara, and you’ve always refused. Can I hope this time will be different?”

Hakim clenches his fists but says nothing—pathetic, that one.

A real man would have stepped in without hesitation if someone spoke like that to the woman he claimed to love. No matter the consequences.

Hakim is, and always will be, my father’s guard dog.

I stand up from the couch. I lock eyes with Mark, who is fantasizing about me—his pants leave little to the imagination.

I grab the suitcase full of money from the table and hold it firmly against my waist, still staring at Mark.

“I don’t mix business with pleasure, Mark. You should know that by now.”

I gesture to Hakim to get up. We head for the exit under Mark’s stunned gaze, and I give him a mischievous smirk with a wink.

“Don’t lose hope. Maybe one night you’ll get your chance. But to find out, you’ll have to keep being a very loyal client.”

One week later

PRISON

4:45 p.m.

I’ve been searching over and over for a way to finish this mission and stay alive, but I can’t find any. Alexander is watching me. One wrong move and he’ll take me out.

Time is running out and the noose is tightening. He’s getting out tomorrow. His release will be my death sentence. There’s no way I’ll find a solution in twenty-four hours.

I’m so done with this shitty job, with being around asshole guards—except for Mathieu, who quickly became a friend.

I haven’t forgotten that the warden gave Anis the green light to come after me. I’m even more on edge. I’m cornered from all sides.

“Hi, Fatih. How are you?”

Fatih is sitting alone on a bench since the start of the break, head down; no sign of Alexander by his side.

Where the hell did that guy go this time?

Fatih lifts his head when he sees me and gives me a bright smile. He shifts over on the bench and pats the spot next to him.

I return his smile and sit down.

“Hello, are you doing well, miss?”

“Call me Inara. You don’t need to be so formal. It makes me uncomfortable—I’m not used to it.”

“Alright then.”

“Alexander’s busy, if you’re looking for him.”

I immediately turn to him, slightly embarrassed.

“I’m not looking for Alexander.”

“I’ve seen the way you look at him. When he isolates himself, you’re never far behind—and vice versa.”

“That man doesn’t interest me. He’s way too arrogant for me.”

“Eyes don’t lie.”

“My eyes glare at him every time.”

“You know, Alexander is a good guy despite appearances. He just made some bad choices. He’s a man of values and principles who, despite his actions, is still a good person.”

“He’s dangerous.”

“He’s a good guy, but… he’s constantly fighting to defend his own and not get taken down by the envious.”

“You seem to like him a lot even though you’ve only known him since he arrived.”

“I’ve been here for years. Alexander is the one who’s left the biggest impression on me. He would do anything for his people.”

“Alexander’s an asshole who thinks he’s better than everyone else.”

I’ve known plenty of misery, but there were also moments of happiness—even if they were short and rare.

“Then you must know my father well too, right?”

His face darkens.

What have you done now, Khalid?

“I knew your father was power-hungry. I never thought he’d go so far as to send his only daughter to a place like this for a few pieces of information.”

“My father has no limits. If you worked with him in the past, you know exactly what I mean.”

“I remember his temper and violence all too well.”

I immediately look away. I feel buried memories starting to surface.

“How did you two meet?”

“I’d rather not get into that with you.”

I don’t press further—he looks too uncomfortable.

“You went through hell with him, didn’t you?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“I completely understand. Can I give you some advice?”

I nod, and he places a hand on my shoulder.

“As soon as you can, get away from your father. I think you’ve suffered enough. He’s dangerous—more than you know.”

He thinks I’ve never dreamed of running away?

How many times have I packed a small backpack with just the essentials to flee?

But it’s impossible. In the gang, you either love it—or you die.

I chose to pretend to love it.

To survive.

“I’d rather not talk about the gang with you, Fatih.”

“As you wish.”

A silence falls between us and I keep scanning the yard. Still no sign of Franck or Anis. They were supposed to relieve Mathieu and me.

“Prisoners and guards come and go as they please around here.”

“You should go find Alexander.”

“I don’t want to see that guy.”

“You two could get along. You’re not that different.”