Chapter 2 Taking Her

• Melissa's POV
• Two weeks had passed since my mother's death. I'd lost the will to live, only trying to be strong for my dad's sake. And he was not coping well either.
• He had been drinking and gambling, claiming gambling was the only way to raise the money we owed Mr. Brown. It was a ridiculous amount but I knew he was just avoiding reality. He had grown thinner and less active, quitting his job, and I feared we might end up on the streets soon.
• I had been searching for a new job, but luck seemed against us. Everything was difficult and cruel. What had we done to deserve this? A tear fell on my arm and onto the book I was reading, and I realized I was crying. I didn't bother wiping it away. I just stared blankly at the book.
• But my sorrow was short-lived, as two black Jeeps screeched into our compound, shattering the silence. The tires squealed, making me jump.
• My heart raced as I knew who it was and why they had come. I quickly got up and rushed towards the house, as I had been sitting outside, hoping to go unnoticed.
• But after just a few steps, a deep, domineering voice sent shivers down my spine, causing me to freeze on the spot. "Hey! Young lady!"
• I turned to see a tall, intimidating, brown haired man who I assumed to be Mr. Brown's guard advancing towards me. Without hesitation, I took off in a sprint, racing towards the entrance. I was a fast runner, but the guard was gaining on me.
• I burst into the living room, slammed the door shut, and frantically tried to lock it. Just as I almost succeeded, the guard forced the door open with a powerful push, and I fell backward, landing hard on the floor.
• Wincing in pain, I tried to get up, but the guard pulled me up forcefully instead and began dragging me outside. My heart pounded, and I struggled against him, but his grip was too strong. I felt a surge of fear as I realized I was at his mercy.
• "Let go of me!" I cried, panic filling my voice, but the guard ignored me and kept walking.
• When we reached the outside, he released my hand and pushed me forward, making me stumble. "Keep moving," he ordered. I hesitantly obeyed, my body shaking.
• I wondered what Mr. Brown had planned for me. I hoped someone would save me, but no one came. Life wasn't like the movies. With each that took me closer to the icy looking man, Mr Brown, my heart drummed louder against my ears.
• When we reached Mr. Brown, the guard pushed me down, and I fell to my knees. I felt my skin tear and start to bleed, but I couldn't focus on the pain. "Where's your father, young woman?" Mr. Brown asked, his voice low and icy.
• When I didn't answer, he grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him. "When I ask a question, you look at me and answer quickly! Understood?" His voice was menacing.
• I nodded, raising my head to meet his gaze, tried to look directly into his eyes, but failed woefully. He released my chin, and a handkerchief was handed to him. He cleaned his hands, then put them in his pockets. I wondered why he had done that.
• My gaze returned to his face, and I couldn't help but notice his chiseled features and piercing eyes. He was a man of power and intimidation.
• His gaze left me breathless. His chiseled face and striking features were captivating, and his deep blue eyes seemed to pierce through my soul.
• He wore a black suit, his shirt folded and two buttons undone, revealing his chest. But his intimidating aura and cold demeanor made him seem cruel, despite his beauty.
• "I asked where your father is!" he screamed, making me cower in fear.
• "I... I don't know where he is," I stammered, my voice shaking. He grabbed me again, pulling me closer, his gaze intense. This time, I tried to keep still, my eyes fixed on his.
• He studied me, his expression unreadable. "I find it hard to believe you don't know where your father is," he said finally. "If you're lying, there will be consequences." His voice was cold and menacing.
• I'd never seen anyone like him before. He made me want to scream and run, but I was frozen in fear. I couldn't move even a limb.
• He finally released my chin and turned to his men. I wondered why he was still looking for my dad. Hadn't he come for me? The thought that he wanted to hurt my dad gnawed at my chest, making me more afraid and ready to go any length to protect him. This was the first time I'd been this close to Mr. Brown, and all I felt was hatred and anger.
• "Search the house!" he ordered one of his guards, who rushed towards our entrance. The truth was my dad had been out since morning, probably doing his new usual . And I prayed he wouldn't return yet, fearing Mr. Brown's intentions. What if he wanted to hurt or even kill him? The thought sent shivers down my spine.
• I had heard a lot of wicked things about the man in the past and judging from them, killing my dad wasn't above him.
• The guard ransacked our house, and I didn't miss the sound of shattering glasses and plates. I felt a wave of fresh grief, letting my tears fall as the thought of my mom filled my mind. If only she were here, none of this would be happening. If she only life hadn't been cruel and allowed her good health, we wouldn't be indebted to this evil man.
• The guard soon emerged, looking disappointed. "No one's inside, sir," he reported, his malevolent voice bringing me out of my painful, miserable thoughts.
• "Take her to the car." Mr. Brown ordered, before brushing past me.