(TYLER)
Dread jolts through me when I realize they are actually following me. I up my pace, trying to get as far away from them as I can, knowing all too well that it's impossible because I'm walking and they have a car. It's a futile endeavor, really. I couldn't have crossed paths with them anywhere, which taunts me because I don't understand why they are following me.
If the Triple Triads have zeroed in on me for any reason, I'm sure there won't be a single soul at the homeless shelter who'll stand up and against them and defend me. They wouldn't even if they wanted to. Still, I have strong survival instincts. I don't wait for them to catch me. I'll take my chances at running away then deliberately surrendering myself to these men, so I do what I do best, run.
I hear the SUV engines revving and cut into the alley right in front of me, blocking my path. I freeze and stop in my tracks. My pulse has gone haywire and my chest burns so that I can barely draw a breath in my lungs.
When the driver steps out, I notice it is the burly suit guy from the diner. He goes and opens the passenger backdoor without looking at me. I catch sight of polished fancy shoes as an expensive-looking alpha steps out of the car.
Never once have I met the leader of the Triple Triad Syndicate. He's built quite a reputation for himself, and not once have I heard stories of his ruthlessness and how he rules by a fist. I have seen his pictures though, so I know what he looks like.
The alpha exiting the car looks much like the leader, and even though he is much younger, they have strikingly similar features. They have a defined jawline, a hawkish nose, and full lips.
Even though I am beyond terrified, I have to admit this is the most gorgeous man I've ever seen in my entire life. He looks stunning even in the dim light. His tawny skin, his long hair. His hazel eyes. It's the look in his eyes that makes my heart almost stop. They are sharp, and piercing, and seem to be looking right through me.
Why would we want to talk to me? I have no idea. Whatever it is, I'm sure it can't be for a good reason. Nothing good ever comes from associating yourself with the mafia. I'm still terrified, so when I notice him come towards me, I lunge back and start going around the car.
"Don't make this any harder than it has to be." He says, and his voice sends a chill through me. "Stop."
I immediately obey. I know running will do me no good. Even if I run, the driver will come after me and he will catch me. I don't want to add myself problems by making them angry, so I stop.
The alpha walks up to me, and much as I'm trying to stay calm, I can't downplay my terror. I'm shaking like a leaf. His eyes scan me from top to bottom and back, like I'm some used car he's planning to ditch. My chest feels heavy, and the only thing I can hear is my heart beating wildly in my ears. I want to move, but my feet feel stuck to the ground. A dreadful feeling settles over me.
His gaze sticks to my stomach for a bit then he looks up at me.
"You're pregnant." He says, and my hands cover my stomach on instinct but I remain quiet. I'm not sure I can even form a response now, considering how tight my throat feels. I'm even having trouble swallowing.
He moves closer to me, and the scent of his expensive cologne wafts up my nostrils. In truth, this man smells like money. His shirt is black and he's got its first three buttons undone. What still baffles me is what this man wants with a nobody like me. Why is he even wasting his time talking to me?
Now that he is much closer, I get a good look at those hawkish hazel eyes, and I see a dark ring around them.
"He's good-looking, Miles." He says to the burly one over his shoulder. "That I'll give you."
"What did I tell you?" the other man teased.
They can't be talking about me. Why would a man of his caliber say I'm good-looking, what does he even think looks good in me, my belly? My mind is racing with questions, ones that I can't bring myself to ask. Even then, I'm too terrified to feel flattered.
The alpha gawks at me, and one more time, his eyes drop to my belly. "You look desperate. I assume you'd grab a lifeline if I offered you one."
I squint disbelievably. Nothing that this man says sounds true. After all, I've learned enough to know nothing good comes with these favors. "What?"
He snickers, his face not hiding how bored he looks very well. He repeats the same words to me, slowly this time as though I'm an idiot. "I. Assume. You'd. Grab. A. Lifeline. If. I. Offered. You. One."
Heat rushes to my face. "I heard you the first time, sir. I'm just not sure if I know what you mean."
He crosses his arms over his chest and takes a step back and continues to scan me. "You don't look like someone I'd go for, usually. I often go for someone…" he hesitated for a bit. "My class. And you're clearly not that."
I'm racking my confused brain, still trying to make sense of what he means. I blink repeatedly, utterly bewildered by his words. "What? I…I don't understand, what do you want with me?"
Like he didn't hear my question, he continued to scan me. This now looks more creepy than terrifying, but what choice do I have now?
"You just need a good cleanup and a change of clothes. Then you'll play the part."
I am now completely lost. "What part?"
His lips curve into a sinister grin. "My husband."