The Million Dollar Man
46

A gasp left my lips as I was roughly turned, my back now meeting the hard stone.

In front of me was a man I did not recognize, though before me stood Patrick Riley, looming over me with an air of intimidation.

<< You didn't actually think that I wouldn't know who you were, Miss Evelyn Summers. Now did you? » His condescending tone caused my fists to ball up tightly by my sides, but as I registered his words, I felt worry take over. << What do you mean? >> I asked innocently, though something told me that would not work out.

Patrick's expression morphed into pure anger and annoyance, and a powerful slap to my face sent me flying to the floor- well, it should have.

I only stumbled back into the wall, my head turned to the side. After taking a few breaths, I turned to stare into his dark, emotionless eyes. << That didn't even hurt. >>

I caught him off guard, and got a few good punches and kicks in before he collapsed onto the ground.

<< You claim you know me, »> I scoffed, << so what possessed you to try to beat me? To try to beat me at my own game? >>

My tone was lethal, as was my expression.

A hiss left my lips when his foot met the back of my knee, making me fall onto the ground rather roughly.

I grunted as he rolled on top of me, the blood trickling from his nose onto my face and neck.

<< You're Sebastian King's new girl, » he spat out, << your just another one of his little whores. >>

<< You're fucking wrong, » I snarled out. His hands gripped my wrists shoving them into the ground as he tried to pin my thrashing form down.

<< You're just going to end up hurt. >>

His words stilled me.

I stared up at him, watching as he loosened his grip on me, sitting against the wall now. My defeated body stayed on the ground while he began to speak again.

<< I sealed my fate when I got involved in the drug ring, » Patrick spoke, confirming the information I had already known after reading his file.

<< Why did you do it ? » My voice was hoarse, yet the confusion was made evident.

He let out a humorless chuckle, and gentle dabbed at the blood leaking from his nose.

<< Cancer is awful, you know? » Patrick spoke, << It kills you before you're already dead. >>

I stared at him in silence, unable to think of a response.

<< I lived my entire life, being this kind, perfect guy. When I found out I was going to die, » he shook his head, << I lost all morals. I became a low life scumbag because no matter what, I was always reminded that I had nothing left to lose. >> << Never did I imagine that I would become the victim of Sebastian King. >>

My stomach churned and I sat up immediately.

<< I don't understand why you did this to yourself. >> I said, << You didn't have to throw away your life-<<

<< I don't have a life anymore! » He cried out his eyes wide, almost pleading me to listen to him, to understand him.

<< Not everyone decides to live their life to the fullest after being told their going to die. »> His tone was empty, emotionless. << Some people are forced to drown in depression, waiting for the cancer to finally shut down their body. >> << You're waiting for death? >> I asked quietly, watching as he gave a slight nod with his head.

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<< I can help with that. >>

I turned my attention over to where Sebastian now stood with Callum and Mason, their eyes flickering from me to Patrick, then back to me.

<< Get away from him, Evie, » Sebastian said, jerking his gun to the side, motioning for me to step away.

<< No, » my voice was strong, yet I felt weak. << Sebastian you need to reconsider this. >>

Sebastian's eyes widened, as did Mason's and Callum's. I gulped as Sebastian's eyes flew to Patrick, and a sickening, dark look took over his expression.

<< What did you say to her ? >> Sebastian seethed, moving closer towards us.

I was taken back with surprise when a sardonic, twisted grin crossed Patrick's face, and a chilling laugh left his lips. His laugh grew louder and louder until he was wiping the tears from his eyes.

<< It was much too easy,» he finally spoke, << to turn her against you. >>

I was now standing upright, backing away from Patrick.

He shook his head and chuckled, his eyes now on me. << You're way too vulnerable. I replace something that is haunting you, and then I bring it up. I use your worst fear against you. >>

I stared at him, my throat closing up.

<< You're scared to get hurt. >>

The sound of the bullet made me flinch back, and a silent scream left my open mouth. Patrick's back slammed against the wall as the bullet entered his chest. Crimson blood stained his shirt, pooling around his nearly lifeless body. << He was right, »> Patrick choked out through labored breaths.

I stiffened at his words. << What are you talking about? >>

Patrick was deathly pale as he spoke, << Haven't you realized ? » His gaze turned to Sebastian, << You didn't think that attack on your club was just some overly conceded gang trying to take over, did you? >>

A murderous look crossed Sebastian's face and he lunged forwards, his hand wrapping around Patrick's throat. With an animalistic growl, he dragged Patrick up the wall, so that they were at eye level.

<< Who do you work for ? » Sebastian screamed. His raspy voice held an unbelievable amount of anger, and fury, and made me cower back in fear.

Patrick merely only smirked, the life draining from him. With his last breath, he uttered his last words.

<< There's a new king in town. >>

+++++

You know the phrase, 'Silence is deafening'?

Well it's true.

The overwhelming silence that settled in between us made my stomach twist in nerves and caused my hands to grow clammy.

Sebastian was pacing back and forth in his office while Mason, Callum, and I could do nothing else but watch.

He was furious.

<< Listen-<< Mason began.