The Start of an Era

Chapter 15

The car stopped and I jumped out hoping the fresh air would help me, but it did not. I fell to my knees and let everything go. Tears streamed down my face like a river and my heart ached. My whole life was filled with hurt and pain and all that the future held seemed to be more hurt and pain. I just want to be free, I want to live my life for once. I need to let go of all this emotion because it was bringing me down. I felt a pair of arms wrap around me and being pulled into a hard chest. It felt warm and comforting. I just cried into the chest, not bothering to look who it belonged to. I let everything I ever held out. From my parents, whoever they were, abandoning me and my life at the orphanage and the bullying, to being found by the fight club to my only family I ever knew being killed right in front of me, to me getting involved in the mafia and then finally Armand having to leave me all alone and Jay and Percy having to leave because I had to tell them to run. My whole life was one hell of a mess. Whoever held me moved me, so I was sitting in his lap with him holding me close to him. When everything seemed to be out of my system, I felt very tired, so I closed my eyes and let the darkness take over.

The darkness was once again peaceful. Who would have thought that being in total and utter darkness would somehow be comforting? It seemed like nothing could get to me and all the danger that the world held could not strangle me. I was finally free and, even though I am not technically living, I do not want to leave. But even the sun goes down in paradise. There was a blinding light and you know... I have nothing left to lose, so why not just go into the light?

I opened my eyes only to see that I was back in my cell. This is great... just when I thought that I could finally see the light, I was thrown into a dark cell. The smell of blood and something dead or rotting makes me want to throw up. This place is really no place for a girl, but then again, I guess life in the mafia is never fair. It is killed or be killed. I was pulled out of my thoughts by the boss himself standing in front of the door. “Good to see that you are awake.” He smirked. I guess this is life! “Well, I had to get my beauty sleep. You know this does not just happen.” I said, giving a toothy smile. I guess the old me is back. “Great. Now, since you were so clever as to know that I did not have those two rats... you are going to tell me where they are.” What, is he kidding right? “You are kidding right? I was in the hospital unconscious and you think I know where they are?” How stupid can he get? Well, he is clearly not stupid because little old me had to tell him that he was smart. “You did run away with them.” He stated. “Yeah, after I risked my life to save your ass and then passed out because being a hero only gets you hurt.” What is it with these people? All of them are so arrogant. If it was not for me, he would not be standing here. I looked deep into his eyes and for a moment there I thought I saw gratitude and guilt. That could have been a mistake. “I did not ask for that. I have to find them because they have to pay for what they did.” Does he always have to be so cold? “What if I took their punishment?” I asked and he immediately looked at me. “No.” He said plainly. “Think about it, what they did is not that bad and I will repay you for whatever Percy stole. I just want you to promise me that they will be safe.” I said in a soft voice, hoping he would fall for that. “I was planning on killing both of them.”

I was shocked. They did not even do that much damage to his mafia and he wants to kill them? I do not know what to do because I am willing to take their punishment, but am I ready to die? Wait! That gave me a question that has been burning at me for a long time now. “Uhm. I do not know why I am being held here, so if you would please enlighten me about my crime,” I said.

They never really told me why I was here. “You helped Armand escape.” He said. “Do you have any proof?” I asked and he seemed a little surprised by my question. “No, but you were there and you know my name.” he said, trying to hold onto the little dignity that he had left. “Who does not know the name Christian Gonzalez?” I asked. “Well I do have quite a reputation. That still does not explain why you were there.” His words were almost a warning to me to tell him the truth. “I stayed with him for a couple of days. He was my best friend and that is what friends do for each other.” I cannot believe that Armand had not at least tried to make contact with me. I mean I know that I told him not to come back no matter what, but if it was me, I would have done everything I could to make sure the people that I love are safe. I guess that is what happens when your life is threatened and you only care about yourself.

No! I cannot think like that! I made him promise that he would let me go, so I am glad that he did not come back for me. He is no help to me dead. “What a great friend he was indeed.” He seemed to be thinking about something else. “Yeah. Okay, so what about Jay and Percy? I mean I will take their punishment. I guess if that leads to my death, then I am alright with that. You just have to give me your word that you will leave them alone.” I guess making sure that the people I love are safe is worth my life. I am too young to die but I am willing to accept it. “That is really sweet but what do you have to offer?” Wouldn’t he like to know?

“I am willing to die. That kind of makes me sound weak and we cannot have that now can we? So I also have some fighting skills, you know. I know the best take out place in town and I am not too bad at math or science, you know, just a last resort.” He looked at me stunned. He really thinks that I am going to give up this easily? “So, mister boss, what will it be?” I asked, and for a moment he was silent before he opened the door and stepped inside. “I know about your fighting skills and the other stuff will not come in handy, but are you saying that you are willing to work for me?” he raised an eyebrow amused at my request. “Well of course in return for the safety of my friends.” I could get a lot of experience out of this. I mean I have been working in the mafia for quite a while now. Oh snap! The other mafias! I totally forgot. Their books are not done for the month. Damn! If they find me, I am dead. Unless... “Okay, hold up a quick second...” I said with a smirk on my face. “What do you want?” he sighed. “I kind of have a little trouble but nothing I cannot fix, but then you will have to let me go. I am willing to work for you, but I seriously need my free time and kind of like soon.” If I get out now then I can finish the work on time.

“What kind of trouble?” he looked worried but tried his best to hide it. Key work being tried. “I do have a life, you know. Now do we have a deal or not?” he smirked evilly and I could not help but to gulp down the fear. Whatever he has planned for me is not going to be good. “We have a deal but you will be my personal assistant.” Wait what?

“Excuse me?” I said, looking at him confused. “Well, sometimes I have a lot of work to do so you will keep everything in order.” That was unexpected. “Okay.Deal.” I held out my hand for him to confirm the deal. He shook my hand, holding on a little longer than needed. When he finally let go, he started walking motioning for me to follow him. “Uhhm mister big bad boss...” he turned to look at me and I smiled at him. “It would be easier to follow you if I was not tied to the wall.” I looked down at my shackles. He let out a little chuckle and then freed me of the chains. I followed him back to the entrance of the warehouse. He got into the most amazing car ever. A Toyota Supra! This is going to be fun. “SO I take it you like it?” Christian asked, smirking at me. “Well, like is the wrong word to use... you know this car is made to go from 0 to 100 in less than 9 seconds!” I exclaimed. Okay, so I am really into cars, especially the ones that are built to do nothing but race. “Yeah... why do you think I bought it?” he had this smug look on his face and then opened the door for me. I thought the outside was great, then the inside is pure magical. Oh, what I would do to have a look under that hood. “It is great. You know, if you have such a majestic car the sound system has to be just as great.” I told him and he just smirked at me. He turned on the engine and as he pulled away he turned the stereo to full blast. Damn! This car is worth every penny. He was really not holding back as we practically flew through the forest. With the trail of dust behind us and the music blaring, this moment seemed calm. I could not but smile. This is the most fun that I have had in like forever. It felt amazing. Unfortunately, he had to slow down as we entered town. He was still well above the speed limit. He turned down the music much to my despair, because now I actually have to talk to him. “I told you I do not do cheap.” He smirked at me. “That mister boss is an understatement.” I said smiling to him. “I like it.” he said turning to face the road. “What?” I asked confused. “The nickname.” He said smirking.

“Ugh now I have to get a new one.” I sighed and he just laughed.

He turned into a street that was clearly only occupied by rich people. “Where are we going?” I asked Christian. “Well, since you are my personal assistant you are going to spend most of your time with me, so you are going to live with me.” He said and I was speechless. Who does he think he is? “Excuse me?” I do not want to live with him. I need my personal space. “You are going to be living with me. We can get your stuff later. Right now I need a shower.” He said as if it was no big deal. “I am not living with you. As you said yourself, I am pathetic and should have died and I certainly do not want to waste more of your money.” He seemed angry at my words. What was he expecting? Am I supposed to just accept the fact I just gave my life to the mafia and now I am just going to move in with some stranger? He pulled up in a huge driveway and turned to me harshly. “Yes you are. You know... I could have gotten rid of you back before the attack. I did not, so I would appreciate some respect for saving your life.” Is this man delusional or something? He saved me? He was the one choking me and now he supposedly saved my life? I saved his damn life! I got shot for this i***t! I still have the damn wounds to prove that he did nothing but put my life in more danger. “Yeah you are right. I am sorry.” I said and he seemed taken aback by my words. My face might not have shown my true emotion, but on the inside I was fuming with rage. “Good now let us get inside I have company.” He opened the door and got out. I jumped out of the car, giving it one last glance. I followed Christian and when he opened the door I was shocked. It was totally amazing. There was a huge staircase that led to the next floor. It looked like your typical fairytale mansion. “Close your mouth, you might catch flies.” Christian said with his signature smirk. “This is awesome.” I said under my breath. I saw some cleaners and butlers walking around. And then a man stood in front of Christian. At first it looked like they were going to have an argument, but then they chuckled and hugged each other. “Chase, nice to see you again,” Christian said and pulled away from the guy. “Always a pleasure, Christian.” Chase nodded at him.

I took this chance to have a look at the man. He had blonde hair and green eyes. A good looking face and a very well built body. Not as well as Christian, but I would never say that out loud. “Not bad,” Chase said and motioned toward me. “Excuse me?” I asked. Who does he think he is rating me like I am some prize. “I am Chase and you are?” he asked, looking at me with what I suppose was supposed to be a charming smile. “Not interested.” I said and turned back to Christian. “So where am I supposed to stay?” I asked. “You know you could be a bit nicer with my guests.” He said looking at me as if he was disappointed in me. I sighed and turned back to Chase. I grabbed his arm and pulled his suit sleeve up to reveal the tattoo. “Not a guest.” I simply said and motioned toward the tattoo. I let Chase go and waited for one of them to say something. “Okay great... so now that we are all good here could someone please tell me where I belong, because as much as I like the attention it is getting a bit creepy.” I said and that seemed to snap them out of their surprise.

“I like you.” Chase said, talking to me. I turned to face him with a smile. “Thank you,” I said. “Right... now Skylar, your room is on the top floor, third room to the left.” Christian motioned to the top floor. “Okay cool. Thank you.” I said, starting my way up the stairs. Once I got to the room, I could not help but gape at it. It was freaking huge! There was a king-sized bed in the middle and almost a whole living room in one corner with a huge floor to roof window. It had the most amazing view of Seattle. It was totally mesmerizing. There were two doors to the left, which I think one is the bathroom. I opened the door to see a bathroom with everything you could ever need. There was a huge Jacuzzi bathtub in the corner and a shower that was all glass with sprayers on the ceiling. I opened the other door only to find a huge walk-in closet. It was empty but all my clothes would not even fill a third of this closet. And do not mistake me for being poor because I have a lot of clothes. It is just that this closet is so big it could be a whole room. When I was done checking the room, I decided to go back down as I have nothing that belongs to me here. “You planning on keeping her around?” Chase asked and I stood out of sight to hear his response. “Yeah man. I do not know, there is just something about her.” Christian said.