The Million Dollar Man
70

<< This is your first warning. >> With a twist of his hands and a sickening snap, the man fell limply onto the floor, the life having completely drained from him before he could even cry out for help. There were a few gasps, and even a whimper as the onlookers witnessed the murder helplessly.

<< Next time, >> Sebastian said, «< It will be you. >>

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An unusual pounding struck through my head as a bright light began to shine through my lids as I started to awaken.

A sudden sense of alertness shot through me, making my eyelids fly open and my lips to part in surprise as I took in my barren surroundings. The painful headache continued as I slowly tried to pull my weak body into a sitting position. I came to the realization that I was completely alone in what seemed to be the basement of a warehouse, which happened to be the setting of nearly every horror movie I've ever seen.

A flood of memories from the events that took place in the last twenty-four hours washed over me, and I was once my feet in an instant.

I was dressed in a large white shirt paired with loose black joggers. My feet were bare, nearly freezing against the cold concrete floor.

I lifted my shirt instantly, staring at the white patch on my skin. Without giving it a second thought, I tore the patch from my skin, hissing as the bandage pulled painfully against my sensitive skin.

<< What the... >> I breathed out in disbelief, staring down at the small bit of stitched skin, surrounded by a large, swollen black and blue bruise. It looked tender at the sight, but that didn't prevent me from gently pressing against the area. A whimper escaped my lips as I retracted my hand instantly, dropping the shirt quickly.

<< Well look who's finally awake. >>

My heart took off as a shocked gasp left my lips, and I turned around much to quickly to face the man who had just entered the room.

Due to my weak state, I stumbled backwards and collapsed onto the ground. The man chuckled before walking over to me, only to stop as I started to back away frantically, my eyes wide with caution and fear.

I now recognized the guy as the one who had taken me from the cab and carried me into the black van. My eyes darted to his wrist, where the black tattoo peeked from underneath his long sleeved shirt.

I took this moment to trail my eyes over him and observe what I was up against. While there was no doubt that this man had back up, I still wanted to make sure I would be able to handle myself if he tried something.

The man was tall yet built. His dark brown hair and features looked familiar, yet I couldn't seem to be able to place where I would have recognized him.

I think that's what made it all worse.

<< Let's not waste time, okay? » His tone was hard, the amusement shining only in his eyes this time.

A shriek left my lips as he lunged forwards and caught my ankle with his large hand and began to pull my flailing body towards his own. Once I had come within a close range, his hand moved to my wrist and he swiftly pulled me up into a standing position.

The sudden movements made my head spin, and I involuntarily fell into him, too feeble to hold myself upright.

Repulsion rushed through my being as his arms wrapped around me, and despite my state, I began to struggle against him, hoping to be rid of his presence as soon as possible.

« You're just going to tire yourself out, »> he whispered into my ear, making me shiver in disgust. It was obvious that he let me go from the way he smirked when I broke free of his grip.

I managed to remain standing, my adrenaline now serving as fuel, keeping me wide-awake and very much alert.

<< What the hell do you want from me? >> I snarled, my hands balling into fists by my sides.

The man cracked an evil smile at my tone, his hands running through his hair as he looked at me.

« You're Evelyn Summers, >> he stated, << what do guys go to you for most ?>>

A murderous expression crossed my face, and my body tensed with the desire to attack the man before me.

<< Can't take a banter, I see, » he observed, his eyes glinting mischievously. << Unless you're an idiot, by now you would have realized that me and my boys have decided to take you in for a bit. >> << Kidnap. >> I shot out quickly, << You and your boys kidnapped me. >>

The man looked a bit surprised by my tone before he chuckled to himself. << As you wish. I suppose you could say we kidnapped you, »> he admitted, making me scoff loudly, << but let's just look past that. >>

<< Excuse me? >> I nearly shrieked, stepping towards him angrily. His hand shot out from his side and covered my mouth immediately.

<< I said, >> he seethed, his eyes now dark, << let's just look past that. >>

I clenched my jaw in annoyance, feeling generous enough to allow him to continue to talk.

In all honesty, in would benefit me much more to hear what he had to say. Not that I've been ever known to sweet talk myself out of a situation, and I was at the point of desperation where I was willing to try it out. << As I was saying, » he continued, << your Evelyn Summers. Judging from your reaction right now, it seems that everything I've ever heard about you is true. >>

He paused, as though he was waiting for me to snap at him and question what exactly he meant by that, yet I managed to control myself enough to jerk my head in a frustrated motion, signaling for him to continue.

I allowed myself to smirk slightly as his annoyance towards my silence showed through the way he frowned and narrowed his eyes. << You're an important piece to have, in this game of life-<< I scoffed loudly, interrupting him.

The man stepped closer; one hand on my shoulder while the other tightly gripped my waist. His cologne was overwhelming, and I nearly gagged at the smell.

<< You have something to say? »

I shied away from his hold, only for him to adjust his arms so that I was trapped against him. I tried not to flinch away from him and keep the revulsion out of my expression.

<< As I was saying, » he continued, << you're important. But you already know that right? >>

I glared angrily at him, refusing to answer.

<< Oh no, I haven't angered you, have I ? >> I rolled my eyes in response and he took that as a sign to continue. << You see, with your help, The Kings numbers have risen significantly. >>

I shrugged nonchalantly; ignoring the small amount of pride I felt warm my insides.

<< Finally, you know what you are to Sebastian King, I presume. You know what you mean to him, and what that does. >>

Angry and annoyed, I cut him off quickly. << Yes, >> I sighed loudly, making him smirk in contempt. << I know. I get it. I'm the weak link. I'm Sebastian's goddamn weakness. I fucking know already. I've heard this all before, don't think you're the first one to try to tell me this. >>

The man's eyebrows had risen, displaying a small amount of surprise on his features. << It must piss you off, being used as nothing but a tool in the destruction of the great Sebastian King and his gang. >>

I squirmed in his grip when he said destruction, morbid images flooding through my mind. << I refuse to let you use me as leverage in whatever sick game you're trying to play,>> I snarled out, giving him a murderous glare.