Bang. Bang.
Bianca jolted awake at the sound of a loud bang, her heart racing. A man she didn't recognize stood in her room, aiming a gun at her.
"Get up," he ordered.
She stared, frozen in fear. "Who are you? What's going on?"
"Move," he barked, cutting off her questions.
She scrambled out of bed, clutching a sheet to cover herself. The cold air bit at her skin as she grabbed her robe and slipped it on. The man motioned her toward the door.
In the hallway, she froze at the sound of grunts and blows. "Binks," she whispered, dread sinking in.
"Keep walking," the man growled, pressing the gun to her back.
When she reached the living room, she saw her brother on the floor, beaten and bloodied. Two other men stood over him, one with brass knuckles.
"Leave her out of this," Binks rasped. "She's got nothing to do with it."
One of the men kicked him hard. "Shut up," he snarled.
Bianca stifled a sob, helpless to stop the violence. Before she could act, a bag was shoved over her head, and rough hands dragged her away.
---
In a dimly lit warehouse, Jesse walked in, his presence commanding. His men stood at attention as he approached Binks, who lay slumped on the floor.
"Binks Gale," Jesse said coolly. "You've been a thorn in my side for too long."
"Please," Binks begged, his voice trembling. "I'll pay you back. Just give me time."
Jesse smirked. "Time? You had plenty, and you wasted it."
Before Binks could reply, Jesse's gaze shifted to Bianca, dragged into the room by his men. Her disheveled appearance and wide eyes caught his attention.
"Who's this?" Jesse asked sharply.
"She's his sister," one of the men answered.
Jesse studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Take her to the safe house," he ordered. "And don't touch her. Not a single hair."
Bianca opened her mouth to protest, but the cold look in Jesse's eyes silenced her. She was whisked away, leaving her brother behind.
---
Bianca sat on the bed, tense and nervous. The door opened, and Jesse walked in. His suit was perfect, and his eyes locked on her. He stopped and smiled when he saw her in the black lace outfit.
"Beautiful," he said, his deep voice making her shiver.
He stepped closer, and she backed away. Jesse paused, watching her.
"We haven't met properly," he said. "I'm Jesse Irons. And you're Bianca."
"What do you want?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Your brother owes me money," Jesse said. "He tried to steal from me. I don't let people get away with that."
Bianca's stomach tightened. "I didn't steal anything. This has nothing to do with me."
Jesse smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "It has everything to do with you. You begged for his life, and now I have a plan for you."
She frowned. "What kind of plan?"
"You'll work for me," Jesse said. "I own clubs, and you'll dance in them. Not just strip—perform. Make people watch you."
She blinked, confused. "That's it? Just dancing?"
Jesse stepped closer, his hand brushing her strap. She flinched, and he pulled back. His eyes stayed on her.
"No," he said. "You'll also be mine. My woman. You'll live with me, follow my rules, and stay by my side. Do this, and your brother lives."
Bianca's heart raced. "And if I say no?"
Jesse's smile faded. "Then your brother dies. Maybe you too."
She stared at him, feeling trapped. He didn't look angry, but there was no kindness in his face. She didn't have a choice.
"Fine," she whispered. "I'll do it."
Jesse smirked. "Good girl. You made the right choice."…
Bianca stood frozen, staring at Jesse as her brother disappeared into the taxi. Her relief quickly turned to dread when she noticed the white bandage on Binks's hand.
"What did you do to him?" she asked, her voice low and trembling.
Jesse didn't respond immediately. He smirked, looking out over the balcony as though her anger amused him.
"Hmm?" he said finally, turning to her.
"You did something to him!" she snapped, her voice rising. "What did you do?"
"Oh, relax," Jesse said casually, waving a hand. "I only took off a finger or two. I can't remember. It's just his left hand. He'll manage."
Bianca's eyes filled with tears. "You promised to let him go unharmed! You lied to me!"
Jesse chuckled, shaking his head. "I kept my promise, darling. He's alive, isn't he? I never said anything about him leaving unscathed. That's on you for assuming."
Her frustration boiled over. "You bastard!" she yelled, raising her hand to slap him.
Before her hand could connect, Jesse grabbed her wrist in a tight grip. His expression darkened, and in an instant, he had her pinned against the wall.
"You don't get to do that," he said calmly, though his tone carried an edge that made her shiver. He tightened his grip slightly, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"Let me go," she gasped, struggling.
Jesse's hold didn't loosen. Instead, he leaned in closer, his voice low and cold. "I don't appreciate being disrespected. I've been patient with you, Bianca. Don't push me."
Her breath came in short, shaky gasps as fear overwhelmed her.
After a tense moment, he released her. She stumbled slightly, pressing a hand to her neck and gulping in air.
Jesse stepped back, straightening his suit. He tilted her chin up with two fingers, forcing her to look at him again. "You'll learn, eventually. But for now, consider this a warning."
He let her go and turned to leave, his movements calm and deliberate. The door slammed shut behind him, leaving Bianca trembling and alone.
She sank onto the floor, clutching her knees to her chest as
tears streamed down her face. **What have you done, Bianca?** she thought miserably. **What have you agreed to?**