Keeping The Royal Treaty CHAPTER 4

“Mhh hmm, your nothing but trouble. Look at you, you’re scared, you’re pathetic.”

It would only take half an hour to reach the city, but it feels like its one of the longest rides I’ve ever taken. The atmosphere was uncomfortable; especially that he’s sitting a few feet away. 

I don’t see the pleasure of intimidating anyone, but Vince seems to enjoy frightening people. I know very well that it’s his way of showing people he’s the boss. A good-looking man on the outside, but a sadistic vicious man on the inside. 

I tried to distract myself and admire the view throughout the window. Vince owns a couple acres of land outside the city, and I admire the calm and beautiful view of the neighborhood, but I’d rather live in a rowdy city instead of the deafening silence of the vicinity.

We finally reach the city and my uneasiness starts to deflate. The car maneuvered to a huge building which I assume owned by Vince’s family. There were men with black clothes as we approach the parking lot, I never thought that a gang can be casual too.

Before I can undo my safety belt, Vince caught my attention, “Francis.”

I couldn’t look him in the eye, so I lower my gaze to avoid any eye contact, “Hmmm?”

“Stay here, you don’t need to come.” 

“I’ll go with you.”

“No, this place is full of criminals. Clearly, this is no place for a kid” he exclaimed.

With confidence, I met his amber eyes, “I am aware of it. Don’t worry, I can take care of myself.”

“Sure you do,” he snorted his disapproval “You heard me, this is no place for a kid. I won’t be long.”

As soon as he gets out of the car, two men approach him. The chauffeur left the car as well, but he made sure to roll down the windows.

I check on my wrist watch and it’s only nine-thirty. 

Seconds.

Minutes.

Hours.

I’m getting more frustrated every time I look at my watch. It’s been exactly two hours since he left. I tried opening the door but I couldn’t. Once again, I am reminded that Vince doesn’t care about my existence at all.

A throbbing pain fills my lower limbs. I need to stand or elevate my legs to relieve the pain and pressure. My hand began to moist against my knees. Has he forgotten me?! Is he ever coming back?! Is he doing it on purpose?! I feel deserted and I can’t take it anymore.

“Excuse me!” my scream drew the gaze of several barbarians.

“Can you please help me? Can you call Vince? I’ve been here for two hours and I have to take a leak.” I sound exasperated and I can’t hide how annoyed I am.

It didn’t take long and one of them approaches me. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“My legs are starting to cramp and I really need to take a leak.” I try not to sound irritated, trying to suppress the anger within me. 

He pulls the keys out of his pockets. “Follow me, I”ll take you to the washroom.” 

I smiled, thankful to leave the car,” Thanks. Do you know where Vince is?”

He looks at me intently. He didn’t say “no,” but he didn’t say “yes” either. We continued walking in silence and I’m starting to feel edgy as we approach the hallway and walk into an elevator.

 It’s quiet and it doesn’t seem alarming at all. I mean, I was expecting it to be disorganized with obnoxious people. Surely, Mafias are quite dangerous, ruthless and kill people. But today, they’ve altered through time, everything seems to be organized. 

I may not know everything about Vince’s or his family’s business but I know that they like to keep things “organized and clean.” 

The baronial room is large and impressive, everything is well appointed and decorated very well. Clean white walls and velvet drapes framed the windows. Fascinating paintings dangles on the wall. 

“You know, Vince won’t be happy is he sees you roaming around.”

As I turn around, I looked into a  familiar face,” Dominic?”

His mouth turned up in a big grin,”I’m glad you still remember me.” 

“Of course I do!”  

It was at the wedding the last time I saw him. He was one of Vince’s closest friend or more like a brother they said. I tried to approach him before, but women are swarming over him. 

Dominic has a suave persona. He had the kind of face that stops you in your tracks.  He’s got the Adonis look going on.His eyes were green and had tousled dark brown hair. He’s slim and muscular; his bone structure was fine and perfectly symmetrical. His chiseled jaw lifted with a winning smile. 

“It’s been a while. How are you?” he said.

“Not too bad. What about you – what have you been up to?” 

“The same ole same ole, work’s been busy, but otherwise, everything is great,” he said “Last time I saw you, you were doing some karate moves. That moment when the spider’s on you, and you suddenly turn into a black belt karate master,” his face wrinkled and can’t help but roar with laughter.

“Well, some days I amaze myself.”

“Anyways, what brings you here?”

“I need to use the loo and -um- I really want to talk to Vince.” I smile, hoping that he would let me.

It took him awhile to answer, debating himself if it’s worth the risk. “Well, he’ll be pissed off but hey, this is going to be interesting.” Dominic looks at the brute who escorted me, and the man seems to get the message.

“Come on, let’s go see your beloved husband.” A small smile played on his lips, eyebrows were slightly raised. I couldn’t tell if he is planning something mischievous or maybe expecting to see some entertainment.

We walk into the elevator to the top floor of the building. I must say, I’m impressed by the incredible design and how a simple vase adds elegance to the room. Everything is fascinating, the whole room is like a magazine cover. A huge room is occupying the corner of the whole floor and I assume that was Vince’s office.

Dominic places his hands on my shoulder,”I suggest you not to talk to anyone,” he said.

 “What do you mean?”

“It’s for your safety.” He motioned me to follow. As soon as he opens the door, I walked into Vince’s office, I froze. I only felt my breath go out of me.   

A man was on his knee bruised, badly beaten with two men taller and twice his mass, blood covered his entire face. His eyes were swollen and bloody spit drooled over his slack jaw. “Please, take it. Please, please.”

Vince was on his desk, calm yet his voice has a husky drawl, “I don’t want your filthy money. I told you to stay out of my way.” 

 I felt my body tense, and Dominic seems to notice my distress, “Hey, are you okay?”    

“Excuse me for a minute … I’m feeling a bit sick.” I feel the urge to run. It was a mistake to Ieave the car, I should have stayed. 

I need to leave, but as soon as I twist the handle, a familiar voice boomed across the room. 

“Where do you think you’re going?” Suddenly all I see is Vince, his dark eyes looked into mine, frightening me. “I told you to wait in the car.”

“I-i was-I was waiting and I need to- go,”I couldn’t finish my sentence, my brain had shut down. In an instant, I am the center of attention. Everyone was staring, while I stood there, horrified. I felt the adrenaline flew over my vein and I wanted to leave but I’m too scared to talk.

“Please, please help me!” The man was calling for me, staring at me with hope, asking for help to free him from his torture. With no hesitation, a slap came across his face, the blow was strong enough to knock him on the ground.

I stood there for what felt like an eternity, my heart races at a tremendous speed. He was in so much pain his complexion ashen,”Stop! He’s gonna die! Stop it! What are you doing?! I don- I don’t know what he did but you don’t have to beat him to death.”

There was a burst of laughter, Vince finds this predicament amusing, he really is a monster.

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I know it took me so long to update, and I’ll be honest, I did struggle with writing this chapter. I’ve been having hard times these past few weeks, but I’m trying to stay positive. Anyways, I’m really thankful for your votes and comments. I hope you guys enjoy reading, as much as I did writing this story.