"Y-You're just trying to scare me."
I breathe out as my face pales and a drop of sweat drips down the back of my neck.

"Rosik won't just give me up like that!" I quickly explain and try to remain firm but the man relaxes back in his chair, sensing my fear and basking in it.

"You think very highly of yourself Katherine." I'm not shocked that he knows my name, in fact I'm surprised he hasn't used it sooner.

Both Axel and Rosik have sent all their acquired information about both Dana and I right into this mans cruel hands.

He holds all the cards.

I open my mouth to further convince both him and myself that selling me isn't an option but his mobile suddenly rings and he picks it up without another glance in my direction.

He listens intently, a crease in his thick brows as the person speaks on the other end and his smile widens as he comprehends the conversation.

I remain awkwardly standing there and consider just walking out but just as I go to turn the man pins me with his stare once more.

"Bring them in."
Them?
I scrunch my eyebrows together and then fully turn around to face the door.

Great, he's going to send his guards in to drag me out of here and into the pits of hell.

I clench my one good fist and raise my chin as challenge as the door handle silently turns and the thick door swings open.

"Katie!" I close my eyes and whisper a defeated 'no' as Dana comes barrelling into the room and wraps her small arms around my stiff form.

No, no, no!

With shaking arms I slowly lift my one good arm and tentatively wrap it around her waist and hold her tightly against me, squeezing strongly but Dana only returns the eagerness and gives me a small smile in return.

"I told you that I would meet you here." She whispers as she allows her curious gaze to start assessing the room.

I keep my back to the Rosik's Father and before she can glance over I stand taller and give my head a firm shake signalling her to stop peering around.

In my head is a faint thumping, getting louder and louder as I force my eyes away from my cousin and towards the open door.

Standing at the front is Rosik, his hulking form is nearly completely blocking out the two other men but he quickly shuffles into the room and stands at the desk, locking eyes with his father, a warm smile gracing his lips.

Next is Axel who tentatively wanders in and I can easily tell that the jet-lag is hitting him hard as a yawn bursts through his lips.
He eyes the couch hungrily but shakes his head to awaken and stands on the opposite side of the room to Rosik.

Finally there is the man I've been waiting to see.
In all his tentative glory he lurks in the doorway for a moment until the muscle guy from earlier shoves him forward and closes the door quietly behind him.

My eyes cut into him and I've never felt the urge to hurt someone as badly as what I do in this moment.
Avoiding my glare completely Oliver leans against the door and attempts to smirk at the room but it looks more like a grimace as a muscle ticks in his jaw.

"I hope you enjoyed your journey." Rosiks Father states blandly and Rosik is quick to start thanking his Father for seeing them straight away.

I find the formal way Rosik is treating his Father as odd but based off of what little he has told me of his Father Rosik has been brainwashed and conditioned to strive to constantly impress his parent or else bare the extreme consequences.

"Not to sound rude Sir but do you have a wifi password or something? My phone seems to be playing up.. I'm trying to beat my angry birds high-score." Oliver's question hangs dryly in the air as nearly everyone glares at Oliver for differing reasons.

Rosik is glaring due to Oliver interrupting him desperately trying to schmooze up to his father, Axel is already pissed and I'm sure just wants this day over while I continue glaring not caring for his pathetic excuses.

Oliver made me believe in him and his plan, I stupidly took his plan at face value and didn't ensure that he had every crucial factor perfect.
Oliver should have known to prepare for technical issues and found a back up to contact the police with.

"Ah I am sorry, it's a precaution you see. You'll find your wifi passwords in your rooms when you choose to retire tonight after the bidding." I watch Oliver audibly gulp before sharing a sharp, feral grin and he nods far too enthusiastically but nobody pays him attention anymore.

I watch a solitary trail of sweat lazily roll down the side of his neck and dip beneath his black shirt but I don't have the willpower nor the urge to empathise as Oliver begins to panic as his plan falls through.

I have Dana and myself to worry about, that is draining enough.

"Father, we spoke about this. We are here to get my two partners paid and sent home immediately then the girls and I will leave soon after. There is no point to us staying here."
Rosik attempts to murmur but with no other noise but the crackle of the flames the whole room listens intently and I finally break my gaze from Oliver and turn both Dana and myself to face Rosik and his Father.

Rosik is standing behind his Father now with his hands tightly behind him, a firm soldier stance while his Father takes in both Dana and myself.

"I've already got the cheque's written here for you three. I'm sure you'll find the pay to exceed your expectations." At this Axel truly wakes up and without missing a beat he quickly rushes over to the desk and greedily grabs one of the cheque's from Rosiks father.

His eyes widen as does his mouth as he reads the hidden number and as he gives a brief cheer I clench my eyes shut, instantly sickened.

"You're keeping mine Father. It's to pay for the girls." Rosik reminds him, not even bothering to glance at the figures but I keep my eyes shut and hold Dana even tighter.
Causing her to quietly whimper in pain and I force myself to remain as calm as possible.

"You're going back to Australia with your partners Rosik. You haven't finished your training."

"The girls can't be dragged across Australia with us, that's not possible." Rosik cluelessly explains and finally wrenching my eyes open I step forward, pushing Dana behind me and spit out my anger in rough words.

"Your Father is planning on selling both Dana and I downstairs with the others tonight." I drop the hint of the other prisoners whereabouts hoping that Oliver is listening intently and can repeat that to someone of importance when he gets a chance in this literal hell-hole.

Dana grows rigid behind me at both the icy-tone in my voice and the message it relays and she soon begins shaking and sobbing "no" repeatedly.

"Father?" Rosik utters and his surprised gaze settles and narrows on his Father once more, weighing heavily on the back of his skull while Rosiks Father continues pinning us girls with his focus.

"Мы обсудим это позже, сынок."
His Father calls back to his son yet still doesn't turn around to face Rosik.

My spine begins to tingle as he slowly lifts his impressive body out of his chair and begins walking around the desk and towards us girls.

His body matches Rosik, slightly shorter by a few centimetres but his tight suit highlights his large shoulders.

I glance down at Dana to find her staring at the man in shock at his sheer impressiveness but I stare at him with nothing but boredom, making his smirk falter as he pauses in front of us.

"You are interesting." He murmurs and I scoff loudly and glance back at Rosik who is still clearly puzzled and looks to be in deep thought.

Walking past us the man now calmly opens the door and beckons two guards in including the muscle guard, he mutters in Russian to them while gesturing to us two.

I hold my breath as they shuffle their way in and as they grasp onto Dana and my arms.

I keep my steady gaze on Oliver, blaming him for everything.

"Katie I'm scared..." Dana tries to whisper but once more the room is so silent that her soft words float through the room.

The man makes his way over to Dana and tilts his head to look down at her, this is the only time I fight back and I'm quick to attempt to tug my good arm out of muscle mans grip but he holds tightly.

My sudden spurt of defiance however catches Rosiks Fathers attention again and he straightens silently with his ugly smirk.

"Ensure that these two don't get bought by the same person. They are to remain seperate." He commands with a cruel, piercing undertone of humour.

I'd rather he punched me in the gut as my knee's buckle and an uncharacteristic sob bursts from my lips as my face scrunches up.

"No.. No please, what do you want?!"
I yell out and as all eyes take in my distressed form, some with pity and some with boredom I can't help but begin to shake.

"I want you out of my office.. Now."
He states, brushing off my distress and sways his way back to his desk.

The guards catch on and begin roughly tugging us out of the hot room, I struggle desperately to reach Dana but they manage to keep her just out of reach and I groan in annoyance.

"Rosik stop this, please!" I'm forced to call out as I glance over my shoulder to find him still in shock, it's not until I call out his name that he finally glances up.

There is a storm brewing behind his eyes though and although he remains silent I can tell that he is beginning to enter the present moment once more.

"Eric help!" Dana screams just before she is shoved out the door and I watch with tears in my eyes as she reaches out and latches onto his shirt sleeve.

He stares at her hand for a moment, face pale before raising his eyes to take in her frightened ones.
Closing his own eyes he breathes out a light chuckle before turning away and flipping open his blocked phone.

As his screen lights up I notice the waves reflecting in his orbs, wanting to be released.

Dana is soon ripped away and out the hallway, I've done all I can to implore the help of these men and now my use for them is gone.

Forcing my head up I walk out the room with false pride, if you ignored the man latched to me then I'm sure you could be compelled to think that I owned the place.

I hear slow sarcastic claps from behind me but I refuse to dignify them with a reaction and keep my gaze ahead.

"We are the last girls you let slip through." I whisper as I brush past Oliver and thankfully to the obnoxious clapping my hushed words stay between us and while I feel Oliver's heavy gaze on my face I can't bring myself to look into his bright blue eyes.

They will only hurt me more and so walking out the room I decide to go out with style so spinning and walking backwards I grit my teeth and bending the fingers in my injured hand I send a final middle finger to everyone in the room before turning once more and storming out of the door, accepting never to see any of them again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Rosiks POV.)

The door closes with a soft click.

The last thing I see is my Kitty sashaying out of my sight, out of my control.

Her frantic red hair is bouncing lightly with each step and I want nothing more than to run forward and run my hands through each individual curl. They fight back against my fingers just like she does, they bounce and twist and do everything they can to avoid my presence, I find it so goddamn adorable.

I cut my eyes to my Father who has yet to even look at me as he settles back in his overstuffed chair.

I've been gone for three years, his only Son that he has chosen to recognise as his blood and I've only been able to contact him purely for business.

He has aged significantly since I last saw him, no longer do I see the intimidating punisher who would beat me when I was not meeting his expectations.
Now all I see is an ageing man trying too hard to remain young.

Even sitting down is getting hard for him I notice as he releases a soft groan as he lowers his body.

I used to fear this man just as strongly as I loved him, but now I feel nothing but anger.

I have spent my whole life pleasing this man, I allowed my past to be controlled by solely him but now with the room lacking Kitty's warm presence I realise that my Father will not be controlling my future.

So that's why I decide to pull out my switch blade and before anyone can react I forcefully grab my Fathers head. The first time I've held him since I was a child and drag it firmly across his throat.

Axel swears loudly and dives forward towards the desk to snatch the remaining cheque's in order to avoid them getting stained before staring up at me in shock.

Eric is smart and while he looks appalled he still has the sense to step over to the door and lock it, earning a nod of approval from me.

"What the actual fuck Rosik?! Are you insane?" Axel shouts as my father splutters and chokes in front of me.

Calmly I turn the chair until it's facing me and even though the life is literally draining out of my Father he still manages to strike me with his piercing gaze through his now bulging eyes.

His cheeks are bright red but rapidly fading, my father attempts to lift his hand to his throat but halts at the last second and angrily drops his hands back in his lap.
Even in his final moment he is still trying to prove his strength and this only makes me angrier.

I'm more of a man than him.

"You are no son of mine." My Father chokes out in Russian and I allow a easy, cold smile to lift my features.

"You're right. I'm more than that."
I whisper back and just as my father chokes a final time I close my eyes and press a firm kiss on his forehead, saying goodbye.

I barely waste a minute on his form which will only remain warm due to the roaring fire before turning around and facing my two colleagues, distaste clouding my features.

I shouldn't need anyone but Kitty but I must accept that right now I can't get her alone.

"We are getting those girls." I state, swapping back to English while attempting to remain firm and leave no room for discussion but of course Axel still speaks up.

"You are insane." I nod my head slowly in understanding before turning my Fathers chair back to the front, I make sure to wipe my hand in my family blood before walking around the desk and up to the tense Axel.

With both of us knowing that he can't hobble far he remains still even as I pause a few centimetres away from him.
His eyes waver and seeing my reflection only causes my grin to grow wider.

I look insanely in love.

"And you're being framed for the death of my Father." I mutter while wiping my stained hand over the right side of his bulging neck, leaving an angry stain on his pale skin.

"Fucking gross." Axel complains and raises his hand to attempt to wipe it off, but thinking twice about it he instead decides to pull his collar up on his jacket, hiding the smear.

"What are you doing Rosik?"
Eric questions softly and is quick to locate the stereo and turns the familiar classical music up louder, drowning out our noise.

I'm surprised by the cool, calm approach that Eric has adapted himself to but I'm grateful for it so I choose not to comment on it.

"I need to get the girls, the least confrontational way is to buy them. If we don't buy them then whoever does will come up here to finalise the purchase and my Father isn't in the mood to host." I explain quickly and pocket my knife, it weighing heavily in my pocket as my actions settle on my conscience like a dark fog.

"I'll stay up here to make sure that nobody else tries to come in and blow your cover." Eric offers and I raise an eyebrow, shocked by how helpful he is being.

I turn to Axel who I've worked with for over two years only to find him far from enthusiastic and eager to offer his services.

"Axel you're coming with me." I state and without glancing back I begin hurriedly walking towards the door, the stare of my deceased Father following my erratic movements.

I can feel my Fathers judgement and I shiver violently as I softly unlock the door and pause, listening for signs of Axel following.

"I said that we were done once we dropped the girls off Rosik." Axel calls out and my shoulders stiffen as I hear attitude in his voice.

It usually amuses me when Axel thinks he can attempt to claim the alpha role but not today.
Not with my Father paying such close attention to the situation.

"I will tell everyone that you killed my Father and you will disappear without a trace Axel. I don't even know what my men will do to you, all I know is that it won't be quick." And ensuring that I've really got him caught on my line I open the door just big enough for my body and slip out, leaving Axel to panic.

There is only two guards in the room now, the others preparing for the bid. They both are looking tense yet vacant and I nod my head at both of them.

"My Father is assessing the new worker. He is not to be disturbed."
I instruct, keeping my bloody hand clenched in my jean pocket and both the guards do not hesitate to nod.

I know that my looks are strikingly similar to my Father or at least they were and I draw on that by walking straighter and puffing my chest out.

They don't know it yet but I'm the new King here, these men work for me.

Just as I press the button for the elevator I hear the office door click open and Axel limps out looking perfectly frantic.

I keep my expression neutral and pointed at the metal doors that open with a ding while he hurries to join me.

"She will never love you, you know." Axel mutters as the door slides shut and I notice that his hand is resting against his collar in the least inconspicuous way.

"I don't care." Is all I respond before the shaft begins to drop.

I don't care if she doesn't love me.

She won't escape me.

She is my only family now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Katherine's POV.)

I remain silent and limp as muscle man and his co-worker drag us down a set of stairs towards what I assume to be the basement.

Dana is in front of me, sobbing loudly and calling out to me but there is nothing I can do.

Descending down the worn stairs my senses now pick up on various noises travelling up.
Screaming and crying can be heard and my own eyes well with tears but I refuse to let them fall.

The only thing I'm in control of right now are my emotions, I've tried so hard to control our situation and it has backfired.

I have no more plans, no more daring escapes and as much as it pains me to admit it, no more hope.

We reach the bottom of the staircase far too quickly and we are met with another two guards, I prefer the ones we have currently simply because they have refrained from leering at us the way these two new men are.

They mumble to each other in Russian and I allow my eyes to trail over the lock on the door.
The wood itself is thick and old but the lock looks brand new with its shining metal.

All the noise is coming from behind the door and I gulp as Dana and I are pulled in front of the new men and given up.

I suppose I should get used to being traded off, this is my life now.

"English?" The tall man holding Dana questions and Dana quickly nods her head while I keep my blank gaze on the door, not wanting to be apart of this situation.

"You use your words here." The man warns before pulling Dana's hair roughly, causing her to scream and tilt her head back.

I'm quick to snap my head towards them and ripping my good arm out of my captor's grip I dash towards them both and kick the man heavily in the side of his leg.

He begins what I assume to be swearing in his native language as I'm harshly grabbed once more and pulled back.

My gaze burns into him but I remain silent as the muscle man from earlier chuckles lightly before spinning and retreating with the other guard from the office.

"How dare y-"

"-I know, how dare a simple, mortal woman like myself strike back at a man who is the highest of all forms of life." My tone contradicts my fury as it comes out as bland and boring as paper.

The man creases his thick, dark eyebrows, obviously his English isn't very good due to his confused expression.

However I don't break it down and he doesn't ask me to elaborate so after a few seconds of glaring he finally scoffs and pulls a key out of his pocket to unlock the door.

I for some reason have an urge to hold my breath as the old door swings open and I'm glad I did because Dana instantly starts gagging and spluttering.

I know I have to breathe at some point but the temptation of passing out is strong, I don't want to deal with the next unavoidable chapter of my life.

Dana glances at me with worried eyes and I motion sloppily for her to avoid breathing heavily and she soon begins taking small, short puffs of air through her open mouth.

Dana is led in the room first and I'm willingly right on her heels.

As we cross the threshold I decide to take a quick sip of the thick air around us and I instantly feel nauseous.

If sadness and pain had a taste then this would be it, I tell myself as I crinkle my face at the rancid smell hovering over my senses.

The air is thickened with tears as multiple girls and boys hover in the centre of the room in a line, seemingly in order of age.

There is a ridiculous amount of guards in the room, hidden in the shadows wearing half masks to attempt to filter the putrid smell.

Glancing at the fellow prisoners in the centre I find them all to be in horrific conditions.

I instantly recognise more childlike faces staring back at me then teenage ones.
The average age of us seem to range from five to fifteen with a few outliers including my rough age group of eighteen year olds.

As Dana and I are led into the centre of the room by the oily men my eyes can't help but water as the other prisoners drag their lifeless gazes up to us.

I can tell that most of them are drugged somehow, the older girls are quiet and each of them have glazed features as they silently take in our entry.
The younger children include boys and I can tell that they're painstakingly aware of the situation as they cry out and beg.

The younger children each have varying bruises littered over their small, fragile, dirt-ridden faces.

Dana grows pale as she is wedged between two young girls who look no older than ten.
They both instinctively turn into her warm body and curl their small fists into her dress.
One of them coughs loudly and Dana jumps, startled.

Everyone's clothes are thankfully intact however the amount of dirt, sweat and tears has left the clothing unrecognisable.

My brow softens as I catch the eye of a boy around six who is tightly hugging himself and swaying.

His dark brown eyes I would assume would usually be the most memorable part of his face but right now the large purple bruise forcing one eye closed has taken the spotlight.

The man holding me continues walking me up the line until I've reached nearly the end and even though the room is filled with wailing I still hear my cousins sob piercing through the air.

Turning around I try to make my way back to her but the man simply chuckles and wraps his scabby hand in my hair and forces me to follow him slightly hunched.

I don't want to waste my limited strength so even as the man pushes me between two prisoners and walks away I remain still.

The girl to my left has long brown hair, easily down to her waist and her almond-shaped eyes look at me as though I'm nothing more than an interesting piece of furniture.
There is a light smile hovering over her features and I swallow thickly before turning to face the other girl.

This girl is far taller than I am, nearly six-foot I'm guessing and taking a peak at her physique I notice that she has noticeable definition in her arms and legs.

I slowly drag my gaze up to her face and I'm shocked to find that she's staring at me with equal amounts of intensity.

This girl isn't drugged but she certainly is submissive as she keeps her strong arms wrapped around her body and allows her dirty blonde locks to cover her harsh yet attractive features.

"You must have been lucky."
She whispers with a cracked voice that hasn't revealed itself for quite some time, which I assume to have hints of British in it.

I bristle naturally and square my shoulders as I turn to face her more, how dare she!
However just as I open my mouth to argue the girl pointedly looks down at my body and I follow her line of sight.

My clothes which are wrinkled and a little damp still reveal my bright green dress.
You can see each individual pattern and the zip on the front still gleams.

My legs may be covered in goosebumps but there isn't so much as a bruise on them.
However that doesn't excuse the eye-catching makeshift sling that I'm forced to walk around in.

"I don't see you with any dislocated arms. Maybe you're the lucky one."
I counter back with no real venom. Purely curiosity as I continue scrutinising her current state.

"Some wounds are too deep to see." She replies and I scrunch my eyebrows as her words sink in.
No...

"I-I am so sorry!" I begin to explain, instantly hating myself for being so imposing from the instant I started speaking but the door opens once more and all of our gazes are dragged towards the only exit.

My eyes widen as the figure enters the room and while the guards bark out orders to drop our heads and stare at the floor I ensure to keep my head held up high as I assess the form.

Instantly his bored, dull grey eyes snag onto my bright eyes and I hate myself for providing a spark behind his eyes.

"Ah, there she is!" He gloats and I swallow loudly as his heeled shoes click further towards my rigid form.

"There is always one stubborn fruit from the bunch..." He calls out and as soon as he reaches my far from submissive form he reels his ring cladded hand back and strikes me harshly across the face, sending me to my knee's.

What an absolute peach of shit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another chapter done and dusted!

This one took a little longer for me to write.
I was aiming to remain two weeks ahead of my weekly updates but this one was cutting it close!

I'd love to hear some feedback for this story, so feel free to be as brutally honest as you'd like!
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