{ Mia }
I sprinted toward the man with the knife, my heart hammering against my ribs. I quietly stood between him and Mrs. Parker. His eyebrows lifted in amusement " what's wrong Mia ? " His tone was light, but his eyes held something darker.
I stared at him in shock." Y-you can't just kill her ."
For a brief moment, his gaze softened, but just as quickly, the cold mask returned." Well, that's where you're wrong,Mia "he smiled sinisterly his facial features darkening." Now, get out of my way I have business to attend to ."
" P-please." I begged " Don't hurt her "
"Tsk... You're weak Mia ." He stated firmly." In fact ... I think it's time you learn to become stronger." He grabbed my wrist twirling me so that my back was against his chest ."
His grip was firm unyielding as he pried open my clenched fingers, one by one. The cold weight of the knife settled into my palm, and I shuddered. It felt too heavy, too real. My breath hitched, but I couldn't pull away. Not with his arm still locked around me like a vice.. I froze. My breath came in short gasps, my heartbeat a frantic drum in my ears. My hands trembled, slick with sweat." I-I can't." I stuttered .
"Don't fight it, Mia," he whispered, his breath ghosting over my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.
I looked at Mrs. Parker my heart aching, seeing her bruised face blood soaked clothes and messy hair. " H-hey how about we compromise?" I asked stuttering.
"A compromise?" His lips curled at the edges, his voice a mix of curiosity and mockery. He tilted his head, watching me like a predator deciding whether its prey was worth playing with a little longer.
I quickly nodded my head.
His smirk widened, but his grip on my wrist didn't loosen. Instead, he pressed me closer to the knife, the tip hovering just inches from Mrs. Parker's skin. " Go on, then," he murmured. "Make it worth my while."
" H-how about y-you let her go and I'll give you something in return?" I asked hopefully.
" Like what, cupcake?"
"Tech-related stuff," I blurted out, desperation tightening my throat. "Blueprints, codes, anything you need." I forced a smile, hoping he wouldn't notice the way my voice cracked at the edges.
He raised an eyebrow. "And how do I know you won't just run the moment I let her go?"
I swallowed hard. 'Because if you let her go… I'll prove it. Name your price, and I'll deliver.'
For a moment, he was silent. Then, he let out a low chuckle, his breath warm against my ear. "You've got guts, cupcake. I'll give you that."
" But unfortunately I'll have to refuse ." He said feigning sadness.
"O-okay! What else do you want?" My voice cracked. "Anything I'll give you anything!" The words tumbled out, frantic, desperate.
"You're willing to risk everything for a woman who slapped you? Humiliated you in front of everyone?" His voice dripped with mockery. "You're even weaker than I thought."
"Holding grudges only drags you down." I crossed my arms, trying to sound confident despite the fear curling in my chest.
His eyebrows lifted in amusement. "Not when they're dead." He smirked, his words chilling me to the bone. My breath caught, my knees nearly giving out beneath me.
"Y-You're actually going to kill her?" My voice wavered, my stomach twisting into knots.
He smiled widely" How about you get out and wait till I finish. Then, I'll teach you how to stand up for yourself."
"P-please!" My voice cracked. "I'll do anything! Just... just don't kill her!"
" Why?" He asked confused.
" I-I just don't want any blood on my hand. Okay ?"
" Don't worry, " he said sarcastically. " The blood would be on my hands."
"Natalie, escort our guest outside." His tone was casual, dismissive, as if I were nothing more than a mild inconvenience. Then, the nurse robot came inside and dragged me out of the room.
I thrashed, kicked, screamed anything to break free. But the bot didn't falter. My struggles were useless.
Once outside I waited a little until I heard an ear piercing scream. Ahhhhhh!!!
My heart pounded, my knees buckling beneath me. Then... silence.
Suddenly the man came outside and patted my head. " Cupcake," He said softly." I just want you to know, I'm doing this for you."
Tears stung my eyes, blurring my vision. My hands balled into fists against his chest. "I never asked you to!" I screamed, my voice raw with frustration and grief.
"You'll understand soon enough, cupcake," he whispered, voice almost gentle. "You're not ready yet."
He left, footsteps fading, leaving me standing there, lost.
I stood there staring at his retreating figure confusion written all over my face.
" Ready for what ?" I whispered under my breath.
'What did he mean? What had he just done?' And why did it feel like he wasn't finished with me yet?