Some things happen to people not because they choose them, but because of the situations they find themselves in.
You don't choose what happens to you—life does. All you can do is accept it and embrace it for what it is.
"Come on, Meena," Larisa called.
"I'm coming, just putting on my boots."
"Girl, you look absolutely gorgeous," Freddie complimented.
Yeah, you heard right—Freddie was tagging along with Larisa and me for shopping.
We had just left Victoria's Secret, where I had changed into one of the most spectacular lingerie sets I've ever owned.
I know I'm hot, and these black, sexy pieces were definitely to die for.
I came out smiling, but then my expression suddenly shifted to surprise.
"What the—" (in my subconscious mind)
"non te lo aspettavi vero?" (You weren't expecting that, right?)
But my, my, my, little devil looks sexy and feisty.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, thinking he was supposed to be at work.
"Well, that's none of your business, but since I'm in a good mood today, I'll drop the attitude and answer you.
Baby girl, I decided to accompany you shopping since I realized we haven't spent any alone time—other than sex."
"What about Larisa?" I asked.
"They understood perfectly and left," he said with a grin.
"But baby girl, you don't want me here because... you seem surprised and angry."
I was, but who was I not to be?
That was part of the reason I came—to stop being so feeble and pretentious about obedience and loyalty. I saw through those false colors.
I had to speak up—he was stepping on my toes after having sex and then leaving me like I was nothing. Now he's acting all mighty and strong just because he's rich. I'd had enough.
"Well, first of all, I don't choose to be obedient or patient. And loyalty? Throw that in the freaking gutter.
I didn't come here because I wanted to, but because of circumstances. And the next time you talk to me like I'm not human or like I'm your slave, I swear I'll shove your balls into the bloody Red Sea and feed the rest to the dogs.
I'm not someone you can boss around—I'm a deal you made with my dad. You may be a lunatic and psycho, but don't give me a reason to start hating you.
You think I love being bossed around like a toy? No, I don't. So Adrino—or whatever your name is—I deserve respect from you, even if you can't think it through."
"Vixen, you look so hot in that disastrous, amazing lingerie, and I hate to admit it, but I'm turned on by your words." He stood up and walked closer until our faces almost met, whispering,
"Angel, this is the life that fits us, and I'll make it a joyous ride." He bit my ear collar.
I pushed him away and slapped him hard.
I knew what I did was off the hook, but why does he think he's... a god? How dare he? Does he expect a moan from me?
"How dare you," I spat.
"Well, Lucifer's Adrino Diavolo, whatever else you're called, I'm no longer having sex with you without my consent. You're in no position to sexually assault me.
This time, so help me God, I'll murder you."
I walked away into the changing room, changed back into my clothes, and stormed off.
"What in God's name does he think he is—my freaking father?" Speaking of my father, I got in the car and gave the driver my father's address.
As the car sped off, panic crept in. What was I going to say to the hell I feared?
My father.
The ride ended abruptly as I stepped into the house I'd come to despise.
A familiar scent of alcohol mixed with the new scent of female perfume. Just as I expected—he had a new woman.
I was pretty sure he'd been spending the money he sold me for on drugs and women.
A blonde woman in her late forties walked into the kitchen wearing only panties and a bra, her stomach almost spilling over.
"Where the f*** is my father? I don't care who this b*tch is, but right now I want to see Azazel."
He came down, his footsteps growing louder.
"Baby, what's taking you so long..." he stuttered, seeing me.
"And what are you doing here?" the woman asked.
"You have a daughter?" she said, eyes wide.
"Yes, I had a daughter—and as a matter of fact, an ungrateful fool alongside her mother, who left me for money."
"Money," I yelled, anger rising.
"You messed up piece of a man. A bitter and arrogant bastard who only cares about one thing—yourself."
"I hate you and everything you stand for. I hate that your blood flows through my veins. I hate that I couldn't protect her. I hate that I obeyed you.
I hate you for meeting a glorious creation like Bellia, and most of all, I hate you for treating me like this for years," I blurted out, breathless.
"Baby, what is this bitch saying?" the woman asked.
"Listen, I don't care who you are. But trust me, you don't want to mess with me. I'm more poisonous than you think."
"Get in the room, young lady. I'll teach this ungrateful trash a lesson," he said, his eyes glowing red with anger.
Before he could slap me, I grabbed his hand with all my might. He was surprised—I had never mustered the courage to talk back or block a slap before.
"My mama may have allowed you to hurt her, but I won't. I will never be timid with you again.
That Meena Rose died the day you sold me. And if you even think about laying a finger on me, I'll chop it off and feed it to the wolves."
"Ah, I see Adrino has given you a boost, and now you can talk back. Meena Rose, I'm giving you one more chance—"
"Obey me. Get on your knees and apologize, or you'll regret this insolence."
"I'd be damned if I ever obey a trash like you. Adrino's got nothing to do with this—he's no better than you.
I respected you because your blood flows in me, but now? I don't give a damn. No real father would do this to their child."
As he moved to hit me, I pushed him, and he fell to the floor. I started punching him hard, tears running down my cheeks. Memories of Mama flooded in.
"I'm not like him. I'm nothing like him. I shouldn't be doing this," I whispered between tears. But he deserved it.
Suddenly, I felt a hand, a touch. I remembered—Adrino Lucifer.
"Meena, I think this is enough. Don't waste your energy on someone who doesn't deserve you."
He pulled me into an embrace. I was angry with him, but deep inside, I felt relaxed. I cried even harder, holding on to him.
"You b*tch," I heard Azazel's voice filled with rage. Before he could reach us, men grabbed him and forced him to his knees.
"Meena!" I heard Larisa's voice.
"Larisa!" I pulled out of the embrace and ran to her.
"Girl, I'm so sorry I eavesdropped. But you have one hell of a messed-up father," Larisa said.
"Take her out of here while I deal with this," Adrino said without emotion.
Fred was about to speak.
"And Fred, that goes for you too. Drive them home and make sure they're safe."
"Okay, you got it," Fred said.
I wondered how Fred and Adrino could be friends—they were complete opposites.
As we left, I glanced one last time at the place I once called home. It was hidden—why would he hide where we live?
I guess there's more to why we're living in Italy.
Fred was an angel despite my mood. I couldn't help laughing at his silly jokes and supposed foolish childhood stories.
By the end of the ride, I was happier than I'd been in a long time.
I kept giggling like a teenager who just saw her crush.
Larisa even noticed.
I guess I was happy to no longer fear Azazel.
Light out.