Bob was surprised as he saw they had guests and guests he hasn't seen before.
The unfamiliar faces, sharp and predatory, snapped him fully awake. He gripped Linda's arm, his knuckles white. "Who… who are these people?"
Linda's voice was a panicked whisper. "They say you owe them money."
A cold dread washed over Bob. "Oh, shit."
Roshan, a figure of unsettling calm, watched the couple as they whispered back and forth to each other and he was getting pissed by the second. "Hey, Bob. Come here."He gestured with his fingers, his voice, smooth as oiled steel, held an undeniable command. Bob found his legs moving, an involuntary response. He was like a puppet dancing to Roshan's tune.
He stood before Roshan, the man's presence radiating an almost tangible menace. Bob felt his knees grow weak as he stood in front of Roshan and suddenly, his knees buckled, sending him crashing to the floor. Everyone in the room was shocked by this everyone except Damon and Alex.
Roshan lit a cigarette, the flame a tiny, malevolent star in the dim room. He exhaled, the smoke curling around Bob's face like a ghostly tendril.
A faint creaking echoed from the stairs, and then Camille emerged, all dazzled up in her red dress ready for her date night with Marc. Oblivious to the whirring helicopter minutes ago and totally unaware of the the night's chaos, her priorities clearly centered on looking radiant until she saw her dad kneeling down on the floor to some extremely handsome, fiery dude that she's never seen before in her life.
"Wait, what the hell's going on?". She asked Reina but got shushed by her mom.
Bob stammered, "S-sir, I don't remember owing you money. I know I owe Mr. Lorenzo at the casino. But he hasn't come for the money yet so I..."
Roshan suddenly flicked the lighter, the small flame casting dancing shadows across Bob's terrified face. A chilling silence descended, thick and heavy, punctuated by Reina's soft gasp and the rustle of her arms as she sought warmth against the sudden chill.
"Stare into the flame, Bobby," Roshan murmured, holding the lighter inches from Bob's eyes.
Bob's gaze was drawn to the flickering light, his mind slipping into a strange, disoriented state.
"Now," Roshan said, his voice laced with dark amusement, "look at that man over there." He tilted the lighter, directing Bob's gaze towards Damon. "Isn't that Lorenzo over there?".
Bob's eyes, clouded and confused, locked onto Damon and he began to see the face of Mr. Lorenzo. "Yes, you're right. Its mr. Lorenzo." His eyes grew wide in fear.
"You're a good boy, Bobby." Roshan's smile was a thin, cruel line.
With a fluid motion, he slid the lighter back into his suit pocket."And do you know who Lorenzo is to me?"
Bob shook his head, the fear in his eyes very evident.
"He's my manager. Which means," Roshan said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "that ten million dollars you owe him? Is actually mine."
Linda's eyes widened as she heard the amount of money her husband was owing. Her face drained of color and she suddenly fainted.
"Mom!". Camille, ever quick, darted forward, catching her mother before her head could hit the hardwood.
Reina dashed into the kitchen to get some water while Camille brought out a hand fan and began fanning Linda, the air barely stirring.
Camille returned, a glass of water sloshing in her hand. She sprinkled the water on Linda's face, the cold droplets jolting her awake.
Linda gasped, her eyes snapping open. For a moment, she seemed disoriented, then her gaze landed on Bob, and a raw fury ignited within her.
"Ten million dollars?!" She shrieked, her voice cracking. "Bob, we've been eating ramen noodles three nights a week! How in God's name… you son of a bitch!".
She snatched the fan from Camille's hand, her movements fueled by a sudden surge of adrenaline. With a vicious flick of her wrist, she hurled the fan at Bob's head. The impact made a sharp thwack, and Bob winced, a red mark blooming on his bald head.
Roshan rose from his chair, his movements calculated and menacing. He adjusted his tie, a subtle display of power. "So, Bob, what are we going to do about the money you owe me? Because...if I don't get my money right this moment, I'll be forced to…" He paused, his smile a dark, predatory curve.
He gently removed his glasses, and Bob's breath hitched. Roshan's eyes, turned blood-red crimson again but this time, it was filled with rage and a deadly threat.
Roshan's eyes bored into him, radiating an ancient, primal power. Bob's scream tore through the room in terror. He scrambled backwards, his hands scrabbling against the floor. "P-please, spare me!" he begged, his voice choked with tears. "I'll do anything! I'll give you anything! Please, don't kill me!".
Reina, her stomach churning, watched her uncle's pathetic display. She'd always known him to be ruthless and very abusive but this… this groveling, this abject fear, was something she's never seen him show before and she don't hate it at all.
Roshan replaced his glasses, his red eyes now hidden, but the menace still evident. He settled back into his chair, his legs crossed. "But you don't have my money, Bob," he said, his voice laced with mocking amusement. "So, what else can you possibly give me?".
Bob's eyes darted around the room, frantic, desperate. They landed on Reina. "Here. You can take her".With a sudden, violent lunge, he grabbed her arm, his grip like a vise.
"Ouch. What are you doing uncle?".Reina winced a sharp, piercing sound of pain and shock."Let go of me!".
At that precise moment, a low, guttural rumble echoed through the room a sound that seemed to emanate from the very depths of the earth. It was as if a storm was brewing.
Roshan's eyes narrowed behind his glasses with a chilling intensity as he watched Bob's grip on Reina. A flicker of raw fury flashed across his face, and outside, a jagged bolt of lightning ripped through the sky, illuminating the room in a stark, blinding flash.
Bob suddenly pushed Reina towards Roshan saying, "Consider her payment for the ten million dollars".
As he pushed her toward Roshan, he caught her by the waist and gently cupped her wrist as he stared down at her.
A warm smile played on his lips. ''Come with me Reina,'' he murmured. ''Not because of any ten million dollar debt...but because you are my destiny and I am yours''.
Reina was surprised by the way he was sounding. Is this the same man who was so cold and dominating .
The way he spoke to her was as gentle as a summer breeze, soothing her senses and mesmerizing her with its calm, tranquil tone.
"But...I don't even know you,'' she whispered, her brow furrowed slightly in confusion.
''Then, please...grant me the privilege to show you.''
He gently steadied her, and a soft 'thank you' escaped her lips, a delicate blush painting her cheeks.
''Will you grant me that privilege, Reina?''.
Roshan saw the storm of doubt and uncertainty swirling in Reina's eyes. He knew her trust wouldn't be easily won, yet he was prepared to wait an eternity for it. ''I understand your hesitation, Reina,'' he said, his voice a low, steady promise. "But I swear, I'll never let anyone hurt you ever again".
"What are you waiting for Reina? Accept it and free us from this debt!". Bob yelled furiously.
"Yes Reina, make yourself useful for once in your life". Linda added.
"You two make me sick". Camille said to her parents in utter disgust of their behavior.
Reina has always clung to the fragile hope of a knight in shinning armor, a rescuer who will pluck her from the icy grip of her wicked uncle and his venomous wife. For years, she had endured their relentless torment, their cruelties etching scars both seen and unseen.
This stranger, this sudden offer—it was a lifeline, a daring escape. Though uncertainty gnawed at her, a flicker of something akin to safety ignited within her, a warmth she hadn't felt in a lifetime. His presence, his voice, held a promise she desperately craved, a sanctuary from the trainwreck that had been her life.
"I'll go with you". She finally spoke.
Roshan felt relief wash over him. He would have gone crazy if she had said no. "Thank you". He muttered. "Is there anything important you'll like to take with you cause we'll be leaving right away".
"I'll need to pack up my stuffs". She replied.
"That won't be necessary". Roshan said.
"Why?".
"I'll get you new ones. Leave all your old stuffs here. You won't be needing them anymore".
Reina was about to decline but she don't think with the serious look on his face, he would even budge so she let him win. "But I would like to take just one stuff with me".
Roshan smiled down at her, "Sure. I'll be waiting".
Roshan and Reina exchanged surprised glances. Never in their ancient lives have they seen their dark Lord act gently with anyone. He was a totally different person when he's with Reina.
Reina left to her room and Camille followed. The moment the door closed behind them, Camille flipped, "Reina, what are you doing?. You don't even know him". She grabbed Reina by her shoulders and stared deep into her eyes in a spooky way,"what if he's a serial killer or worse, a vampire!".
Reina chuckled and cupped her face. Camille and Reina have been best friends ever since the day they met. Camille was the only one that treated her nicely and would always defend her whenever her parents try to mistreat her.
"Camille snap out of it. Vampires aren't even real and besides you know if I was to choose between a Vampire and your parents..." Reina paused and gave her a knowing look.
"Yeah run away with the Vampire. You have my blessing".
They both laughed at that and hugged tightly.
"Make sure you come see me everyday Camille".
"You know I don't even need an invite". Camille replied. She pulled away and walked over to the table, retrieving Reina's journal. With a sly grin, she handed it over, saying, "I know this is what you came to get."
Reina's eyes sparkled as she took the journal, and she laughed, "You know me too well, it's a little unsettling." The two friends exchanged a playful glance, and then headed back to the living room, still chuckling.
As Reina descended the stairs, Roshan extended his hand. A flicker of hesitation crossed her face, then a small smile bloomed, and she accepted his offer, allowing him to guide her down.
As they got ready to leave, Roshan paused, turning back to Bob with a predatory grin. ''Aren't you going to accompany us outside, Bobby?'' he purred.
"Yes, sir!''. Bob stumbled to his feet, still reeling from the effects of the liquor. He followed them to the door, and the moment he stepped into the night, a blinding bolt of lightning struck him down. He crashed to the ground, his body convulsing.
''Oh my God, Bob!''. Linda shrieked, rushing into the yard, Camille close behind.
Bob lay twitching, arcs of electricity dancing across his skin.
Roshan slowly approached, crouching beside him. He removed his glasses, revealing eyes that burned a crimson red, and fangs that had lengthened into sharp points. He resembled a creature of nightmare. ''Next time you feel the need to grab someone, Bobby,'' he growled, his voice a low, menacing rumble, ''just make sure it isn't Reina".He replaced his glasses, the human mask returning, and stood. ''Don't worry,'' he said, his tone casual, almost dismissive. ''I only blew him a kiss. I'm sure he'll live".
He turned and walked away with Reina, leaving Linda to frantically call for paramedics.