I stare at the words I've written down on the notepad, before glancing around the coffee shop in search of fresh inspiration. I've been sitting here for two hours straight, trying to put a chapter together for my new book. Starting a new book is hard and I mostly leave out some days after finishing the last to catch up and frame a suitable plot for the next one but so far this book is the hardest to write. The prologue isn't even up to the big picture I have in mind. Ripping the pages off, I squeezed them into a ball, tossing it into the trash can close to my table.

I sigh, placing the notepad and pen on the table. I pick up my cappuccino and sip a bit, thinking hard on how difficult it is writing romance. I've seldomly watched rom-coms because there was just too much drama and forces always trying to pull the two main characters apart. It becomes cliche after a while.

I stand up, knowing that I'll not be able to do it today. Maybe tomorrow I'll find the will to write more than a page. The holiday spirit is still up in the air. I can do nothing until the festivity dies down.

I sift out the door and get home in ten minutes. Back in my small dingy kitchen, I pick up my cell where I left it on the island. As usual, my inbox is filled with messages from some random guy I'm suspecting to be the client who delivered the prints to me the other day. What does he take me for? A fag? I only do business with men who mingled with my brother and the boss. My love life is pretty non-existent too and even if it was much active, I'm sure I wouldn't date a man. They're way too bossy and clingy, always reading meanings into little situations. I can't handle that.

I clear out the messages, switch the damn thing off and saunter down the corridor into my room. I lay on the bed, thinking how wrong it was to deliver the plans. Casey gave me an opt-out option but I refused. I needed to get away from his creepy boss who's taken control of my life. He's hot all right but weird too. Ew.

But it's not like I expected that man to spark something inside me. I've always avoided falling for guys because they ended up being petty hence that's why I acted cold towards him. I wanted to feel nothing for him, to assure myself that whatever happens my heart wouldn't get broken again. So far, I've only succeeded in deceiving myself.

I'm sick of making deliveries for Casey and he knows it, yet he makes it so difficult for me to refuse him. It's like he resorts to blackmail to get me to obey him. He reminds me of all he's done bringing me up. How he suffered, working for the Mafia government to ensure I live and feed properly. He tells me over and over that the only way I can repay these is by working for his boss, Mark. Casey is his right-hand man and as far as I understand this, he's the one who organizes every dealings.

I can't disobey because Casey has left me no choice. Running away would be fruitless as Mark has informants all over the country who'd fish me out of my hiding spot on a whim. Casey likes having control over me and I'm not immune to the danger that lurks in the Mafia government.

Our parents died while we were toddlers and from that moment everything about Casey changed. We got raised by an Uncle who introduced Casey to the Mafia at aged twelve. I watched my elder brother harden, become ruthless and strong-willed before my eyes. We lived in the worst places and I could tell he hated me for making him go through most of the things he did. It was for my sake he stole, lost his voice and freedom to the Mafia and nothing could change that. At least he still behaved nicely to me when his boss comes around because Mark hates seeing me sad or flinching which happens mostly when I'm alone with Casey.

I stare at the wall clock and consider if I'll make it in time to the orphanage. Miss Brent and the kids would be expecting me and I'd promised them some gifts. They're the only family with who I'm safe being surrounded. Casey is more or less a stranger these past few days. He barely even checks up on me, except if there's a little delivery I need to see to. I stand, strip off my sweaty clothes and into the bathroom when my door rattles open with a force I never knew existed. I press a palm to my chest, breathing heavily.

“I've been calling you for the past one hour,” Casey steps inside. “What's the need for a phone if you can't make use of the damn thing?”

I blink at Mark who smiles at me as he falls into place behind my brother. He looks so proper in his dark suit that seems polished. I've still not figured out why Casey works for him. He's not handicapped and he can get as many secretaries as he pleases. Why have my brother as an assistant?

“I switched it off a few moments ago. I needed to write,” I pick up my shorts and slip them on quickly. “I'm going over to the orphanage. Not sure I'll be back till ten. Why are you both here?”

“What's your business with those unfortunate kids? What do they even give to you?” Casey spat furiously, his eyes scathing.

“Joy. Peace. Hope and life,” I say honestly, not afraid of him at all. I've loved the orphanage since I was a little kid and even if I can't remember correctly, I'm sure Mom took me there a few times where I played with the children and we sang songs, told each other stories...they were so adorable. I can't understand how people hate kids. It's not their fault they don't have families.

“All I asked you to do was something simple. A little delivery,” Casey slowly struts around me. “And you wrecked it. Why do I feel that we're not related? What's the point of having you around, calling you a brother?”

My chest aches at his words. This isn't the first time I've heard them but it fucking hurts.

“Calm down Mark, it's not that serious,” Mark chimes into my defence. “The kid opened up a whole lot of opportunities for us. As a reward I suggest he gets fucked,” he smiles, eyes scanning my bare body like I'm his whore or something.

Casey remains mute and I can tell he wouldn't at all mind if Mark strips and fucks me right in front of his eyes. He never dares rebuke Mark when the latter says something sexual to me. In the real sense, he feels Mark owns me.

“He's so thin for my taste but his eyes... oh my fuck, his face...” Desire clouds his eyes and my stomach tightens in repulsion. I'm smart enough to move away quickly before his fingertips brush the side of my face. I furrow my brows at Casey who's still silent. He's told me never to say a word whenever Mark gets this way with me and I should accept it because I'm damn lucky to have a top-ranking Mafia boss swooning over my skinny body.

“You met Smith Devons a few days ago, is that correct?”

I nod, not sure of what he expects me to say. I've been on a lot of errands to men as hot as Smith but I still can't fathom what makes him so special? He's rich like the rest and has a hypnotic gaze but that's probably my mistake. I should have stayed away and allowed Casey to do the delivery.

“That was a job I specifically reserved for Casey!” he snaps, making me flinch backwards. This is not good. Maybe Smith has told them how I've been avoiding his texts and calls. How can he be so mean to snitch on me like this? We barely know each other.

This isn't even a big deal — I was only picking up blueprints. That's a job not too dirty compared to the ones Casey makes me do most weekends. Mark never comes around here just for fun. I'm about to pay for my stubbornness.

“Mark, I'm so — ” Casey starts to protest but Mark swivels on his heels quickly, silencing him. “Devons Corp is a big opportunity for our company. I've worked sweats to get them to do business and I won't lose this,” his eyes harden at me, a lukewarm chill shooting up my spine. He won't stop until he's got this deal. “Is that clear Trent?”

“Sir, I still don't understand. I collected the prints from him as you instructed. I still don't know what must have angered him,”

“Anger isn't the right term for this mess,” Mark straightens his tie. “He insists on doing business only with you,”

“That can be arranged,” I say, using my index finger to rub the sweat off my temples. “I can do that,”

Why is Mark so annoyed? It's not like the guy is dangerous or anything. If I can survive, working for a brute like him for fourteen years now, I'm sure I can handle Smith Devons.

“Ah, he's hopeless,” Mark drags a palm down his face. 

“He'll satisfy Smith alright. The kiddo's wise,” Casey eyes me quietly. I can't believe he's willing to sell me off to some bastard and that too for Mark. 

Whatever happened to blood is thicker than water.

“You'll do everything he tells you and make him a happy man. Am I understood, Trent?” he gives me an icy smile. One that makes me shudder.

It's all clear, Smith wants to sleep with me. How disgusting! Although I can't help getting a little turned on as his face flashes through my mind. Mark is right, I'm hopelessly falling for a man who's gonna make my life hell. I can't fight him off if he gets violent because he owns me now.

If there's anything I'm aware of, it's that Casey and Mark are demons. This is only to of the iceberg they're asking me to do. But on the bright side, this might be my escape out of here. Maybe giving my body up to Smith is fated. I'll get nowhere if I choose to stay here.

“All settled, so let's go,” Mark storms to the door. “And Trent, don't get any ideas about running out on us. I'm sure you'll mind seeing the orphanage burnt to ashes, huh?” he grins wickedly at my horrified expression as the door closes behind them, his words echoing in my ears.