There was a massive mansion, and I mean massive. A castle fit for a King or an A-List celebrity at least, and we were heading towards it. We were greeted with a high iron gate surrounded by four guards armed with assault rifles. As soon as they recognised Sebastian, the gates were swiftly opened, “This is the Luxe Mansion. Take a picture it will last longer.” He announced as he drove up the hill that led us closer to the beautiful residence.

We pulled up directly in front of the door, among other expensive cars that were parked. “Come on,” He instructed. I nodded and followed him out of the vehicle. I can’t believe I’m at the Luxe Mansion. If I mess up, these guys will kill me in a heartbeat. I obediently trailed after Sebastian towards the house and walked past more guards who nodded at us. Sebastian was part of the family and no one was going to question what he was doing, even if it was bringing a stranger into the house.

“So, the reason I brought you here is to remind you that I’m not playing games with you. We run a serious business here. Plus, there’s something I want to show you.” Sebastian explained, walking down the stairs to the left. I hoped that I would be able to walk around the royal-like interior of the mansion. I guess the other family members were home and would question why there was a random guy is in their house. However, the basement didn’t disappoint. It was filled with weapons, armor, and explosives. There was a military-style armory under their house. I was speechless. My feet moved on their own and I wondered the racks of guns of every type imaginable. I only had a basic handgun, these assault rifles, shotguns, machine guns, and sniper rifles were out of my league.

“How can you afford to have this under your house?” I muttered to myself.

“Impressed?” Sebastian asked, making me jump, “You’re more than free to have one if you want, just don’t take the explosives. We’re not meant to have them, and my Father gets funny about anyone using them.”

“R-Really? What work will I be doing?” Was he going to make me do all the dirty work? Killing guys, who haven’t paid their debts, charging into gang wars, or even assassinating gang leaders? They all sound exciting but terrifying. Enough to send shivers up my back.

“Anything I ask you. I need someone to do things for me that will not be traced back to the family.” My predictions might be coming true.

“Haven’t you got workers for that?” I pointed out. Sebastian chuckled. He can tell I was nervous. He knew I had no choice. I was entirely at his mercy.

“Yeah, but I wouldn’t want my best men to get arrested by the feds.”

“So basically, I’m being used until I get arrested, and then you’ll abandon me.” Sebastian shrugged.

“If you want to put it that way, then yes,” I sighed in defeat, glancing at the guns. Well, if I’m going to be risking my life, I might as well go down with a perfect weapon. I turned back to Sebastian who was leaning against the wall, staring at me. My body shuddered.

“Can I really take a gun then?”

“That is what I said.”

“What about one of your cars?” It was worth an ask. Sebastian raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. That’s not how you climb up this ladder. Just be useful, then I might consider upgrading you.”

“What about pay?” Sebastian rolled his eyes and walked back to the door.

“Are you taking a gun or what?” I hesitated. If I take a gun, that will symbolise the start of working for this family. If something happened to me, Yasmina would be left with Mom. However, if they had the money, they’ll be able to move away from Granton and have a better life without me. I contemplated for a minute, but I had to hurry. Sebastian was getting impatient. I slowly picked up a small machine gun. It had a lot of fire, but I was an amateur with guns. So, this was perfect, “You can find the bullets yourself. I’m not going to let you shoot up my car from excitement.”

As we drove back to the city, I couldn’t suppress the growing dread within me about the situation I have put myself into. What will happen to me? Sebastian was clearly aware of my concerns, but he wasn’t giving me a choice to reconsider. I screwed up his deal, but he let Jay and I live. I was in debt to him. I would rather be jailed for life than being murdered by this asshole.

“So, you say you have a little sister?” Sebastian suddenly asked.

“Yeah…”

“What’s her name?”

“Yasmina.” I eventually answered.

“Is she the only sibling?”

“Yes…” Why is he so intrigued about my family? I’m just a commodity to him.

“What does she think about you getting involved in crime?”

“She doesn’t know about what I do. She thinks I work a normal job,” I answered truthfully. I never wanted to worry Yasmina about what I was doing. I want her to focus on school and not notice our Mom’s addiction. The fact that I’m involved in this messed up world could wind her up in adoption, and that was something I wasn’t going to allow. I want her to grow up with her family. I wish we can be normal for her, but right now, it wasn’t in the cards.

“Fair enough.” Sebastian eventually answered.

“By the way, can I ask one more thing?” Sebastian didn’t stop me, “How am I getting paid for this?” He didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled on the sidewalk and looked at me.

“Let me tell you something, Nathaniel. In this world, it’s unprofessional to ask about pay and money. To get even a dime from an organised group, you need to gain their trust and respect. Once you do, you will reap all the rewards. That’s how it works, has no one ever taught you that?” He smirked, “No, that’s right, you’re nothing but an amateur. You should be grateful for this opportunity. I don’t do this for anyone, you know.” I could feel his hand creep up my leg. My body started to warm up slightly. I shoved his hand away. Sebastian shrugged and pulled his hand back, “Whatever, get out. I wasted enough of my gas on you.”

“W-What?”

“You heard me. Get out, walk home.”

“I don’t know where we…”

“Figure it out. You’ve lived here all your life. If someone like me knows my way around, you should too.”

“But…” I was about to protest but thinking about it, he was pissing me off. I glared at him, picked up the new gun, and stepped out of the car.

“I’ll call you when I need you. Don’t lose that gun. If you even breathe my name when the police find you…you’re dead. Got that?” I didn’t answer, but I eventually gave a short nod to avoid provoking him, “Good boy.” I turned on my heel and stormed off. How dare he talk down to me like that?

It’s only going to get worse because from now on, I’m his slave.