SO COLD (18+) currently editing

Chapter 55.9

SO COLD 

THE STUDY DOOR CRACKED open, voices escaped, too tangled and clustered to understand, something about the drug trade and idiocy (the latter was mostly from Cole's father in his mother's tongue), and then abrupt goodbyes were said and a handful of men and Svetlana left the room and headed outside. Cigarettes were put in angry mouths and lit with clenched hands. Engines grumbled and wheels rolled as vehicles pulled out of the driveway.

Cebrián straightened his shoulders as he strolled out with all the arrogance in the world, he was vainglorious and he didn't attempt to conceal his boastful manner. I was surprised at how he managed to carry himself with such an inflated, large ego. He seemed to be the only one who was pleased with how the exclusive get-together was concluded. I had overheard his muffled shouts and curses and the half-an-hour discussion appeared to have only hosted his voice.

His staff tapped on the floor ahead of him as he walked, and he caught my eye and gestured for me to follow after him. I unfolded my legs from where I had been perched on the second to last step on the stairs, and hastened after him. He ordered me to pick up his suitcase and once set on the coffee table, he unzipped and split it open, revealing tidy insides: folded clothes, a second set of shoes and toiletries. He took out a pile of undervests, there was a small black case sitting snugly in between the clothes and he unclipped the locks on the case, displaying the black gun in black foam. "As I promised before we were interrupted... It's a Springfield XD, similar to a Glock, it's not double action, they're both striker fire pistols. Strap it to your thigh or use a shirt or ankle holster. Choose somewhere where you can reach quickly and with ease. Keep it loaded at all times. When you fire, shoot twice if you miss the heart or the skull. He's a big man, he'll be hard to keep down and be wary; he'll likely fire back regardless of his affection for you."

"Thanks," I clipped the case shut.

He interrupted, eye on the twitching hand of the clock. "You have a month to murder the man. Take any longer than that and I will force feed you his genitals. Human meat works as a wonderful punishment for the weak-minded and the gutless. Worry not, I don't wish to have dinner with you, I want you to be successful."

"I doubt that," I furrowed my angry brow, "you are just like Cole. You're unbelievable."

"Speaking of," he zipped up his suitcase and smiled pleasantly, "he'll be arriving home tomorrow night. I expect you to be there for him when he arrives. He'll need to rest and you should prepare dinner for him for when he wakes up."

"Excuse me?" I barely managed to be polite, voicing in astonishment and disbelief. "I'm not his mother. If anyone has to wipe his mouth and change his diaper, it should be you. You are his father."

Cebrián laughed sardonically, charcoal-black gaze glittering, white teeth flashing. He leaned forward, fixing me with a cruel stare. "You cannot possibly expect me to sleep with my own son."

"What are you talking about?" I demanded, feeling my feet sink into despair like it was quick sand.

"Unlike his mother, I try to give my son whatever he wishes for. He wants you, he's in love with you. I have not offered to help you out of compassion for your unfortunate situation or because I've taken a liking to you, to believe so would be senseless. I am not a man who acts without expecting growth or gain. You will get back together with Teyo and I will ensure all your needs are met. Whatever you ask for, I'll hand it to you on a platter. All you have to do is feed him, clothe him, and sleep with him. Make him happy and I'll gift you with a crown. You'll be a King's companion. It is a great honour."

Not for the first time, I wondered what the hell was wrong with men. Were they all dropped on their heads as babies for shits and giggles? Their sense of entitlement and arrogance rubbed me the wrong way. In a quick flash, I was inflamed and flushed with rage. "You should buy a whore and a nanny for him and tie a bib around his throat and then go fuck yourself. I don't want your gun. I don't want your help. I'll deal with this by myself."

"Lo siento, I didn't mean to insult you," Cebrián remained calm and level-headed while his tone was condescending, supercilious. He spoke to me like one would to a slow-thinking child. "Keep the gun, it's a gift. Think of it as an incentive. I could give you so much more – whatever you ask for. I don't want you to feel pressured into doing anything you are not comfortable with. You don't need to rush into a relationship with him. All I'm asking for now is to spend time with him. Rekindle emotions. I'm sure soon enough you'll realise leaving him was the worst mistake you could've ever made."

"You're threatening me," I growled. "I don't react well to threats."

He didn't listen to me, continuing as if I'd never spoken. "I'll arrange a place for the two of you to stay at and I'll order champagne for your first night. It'll be like a honeymoon period. Isn't that what all girls wish for?"

"Why stop there? I might as well get married to him. Have his kid and retire to be a gangbanger's bitch."

"I'll arrange it if that's what you wish for."

I sighed deeply.

"What is it?" Cebrián asked, clueless.

I straightened up. "I'm leaving to go to church to ask god to take pity on me and kill me already. Goodbye. See you in hell." 

**

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