The Light He Betrayed

"We found Ms. Sawyer's passport and ID near the casino, all torn up."

Adrian was furious.

"You idiots! Why didn't you tell me sooner? Where is she now?! Find her!

"If anything happens to Fiona, you'll all be shark food!"

I heard fast footsteps.

They were coming my way!

I forced my eyes open, feeling a new strength.

I followed them but only saw Adrian and his crew rushing into the casino.

His Underboss, Jack, spotted me.

"Mr. Lyon, a woman escaped during all the confusion."

Adrian scowled, glanced at the dirt on me, and looked away, not giving me another thought.

"This doesn't matter! Just deal with it. I need to find Fiona now."

'I am Fiona. I'm right here!' I wanted to scream.

However, when I tried to speak, only blood spilled out.

My face was a mess of blood and so swollen I did not even look like myself anymore. Adrian did not even recognize me.

I felt so hopeless as the bad guys closed in that I just sat down on the ground.

However, Adrian suddenly stopped walking.

Someone he knew was thrown right in front of him.

It was Axel, my so-called boyfriend, who had betrayed me!

"He's the one who ripped up Ms. Sawyer's ID picture!" Axel was freaking out, trying to explain fast.

"I didn't do it! I don't even know Ms. Sawyer!"

Jack was about to do something, but Adrian stopped him, took out a gun, and flung it at Axel's mouth. Axel's cheek puffed up, and he spat out a tooth.

"You recognize the name Anna, don't you?" Axel's eyes grew huge, and he started shaking all over.

"I don't know anything! I just found some ID pictures and thought it was trash, so I tore it up."

Jack looked at Axel like he did not believe a word, but Axel kept insisting he had done nothing.

Adrian got so mad that he kicked Axel to the ground.

"So, you like to get rid of trash? Me too!"

He slowly took off his gloves, threw them to the ground, then put on a new pair given to him by Jack.

When he started to walk away, I freaked out.

If he left, I would be stuck here forever!

I tried to run to him, but before I could even get close, one of the bad guys kicked me away.

"You can't touch our Boss, you little rat!"

Two big guys picked me up and were about to toss me into a car.

Adrian looked over when he heard the noise. I ripped open my shirt, almost shaking.

Adrian squinted at me.

"That tattoo..."

However, before he could get a good look, one of his guys started yelling.

"Stop dilly-dallying! Get rid of this girl fast, and don't let Mr. Lyon see this mess!"

They did not say another word as they picked me up and threw me into a different car.

My gaze never left Adrian as I tried with all my might to show him the tattoo peeking out from my chest.

I hoped he would recognize me.

Perhaps I stared at him for too long because he finally looked my way again.

Then I heard his voice, dripping with disgust.

"What a dirty, disgusting woman!"

Jack chimed in, "A dying old hag still trying to flirt? She's really cut out for this life."

My heart turned to ice. I could not believe they thought I was selling myself.

Right then, Ronald showed up.

Adrian was distracted, his voice cool but eager.

"Any luck? Were there any pretty, sweet girls here today?"

Ronald answered curtly, "Mr. Lyon, we only had men today."

Adrian's face fell.

"Maybe she was just traveling and lost her ID by accident."

Jack was about to agree but then had a sudden thought.

"No, Mr. Lyon, there's more than just guests at the underground casino. There's also 'merchandise'!"

Ronald went pale, realizing something.

Adrian's calm broke, and he could not maintain his gentlemanly act. He spun around and glared at Ronald.

"Where's the new 'merchandise' today?! Where?!"