Slowly, Arnold lifted his head. The moment his sharp gaze rolled over my face, the hairs on the back of my neck stood straight up.
Damn.
It was only the first time I had ever met Remy Arnold face to face, and my mouth went dry instantly. I swallowed hard. His eyes scanned me from head to toe, down to the sandals I was wearing, then shifted to Big Jonny.
"She saw everything," Big Jonny said.
I shook my head fast, my voice trembling. "I won't tell anyone. I swear."
Arnold raised his hand, his thumb brushing over his lips. His gaze returned to me.
"God, I don't want to die. Please get me out of here. I'll do anything," I screamed silently, praying for a miracle to appear at a moment like this.
Benny came back into the room. Without taking his eyes off me, Arnold handed the knife to him.
"She's Santoro's sister," Big Jonny told his boss.
My heart started pounding even harder. It felt like if it went any faster, I might pass out on the spot.
Arnold's brow lifted slightly. "Rainn."
He knew my name?
Of course he did.
I was sure nothing happened in his territory without his knowledge.
Arnold took a deep breath and walked slowly toward me. "I haven't seen you in a long time. Since your father's funeral."
I wanted to step back, but somehow my legs stayed planted. He stopped just inches from me, forcing me to tilt my head up to meet his eyes.
If I were not this terrified, maybe I would have had time to admire how handsome he was. Jet black hair, sharply contrasted by warm brown eyes. I knew he was in his thirties and still single, mostly because he was too busy ruling this place with an iron hand.
When Benny, his other aide, stood right behind him, I realized they were the same height. Benny was built like a mountain, massive and muscular. Arnold was different, leaner. Benny had a round face, while Arnold's sharp jaw made him look even more dangerous.
My eyes jumped nervously between the two men, while Big Jonny stood behind me. Arnold never broke eye contact.
The pressure finally made me crack. I forced a weak smile and pleaded softly, "I won't tell anyone about what I just saw."
A small crease appeared between his brows, and he spoke gently. "I know."
What did that mean?
Was he going to let me go?
Or was he going to kill me?
Oh God.
Suddenly, Arnold lifted his hand toward my face. I flinched instantly, a frightened sound slipping out before I could stop it. My eyes squeezed shut, fists clenched, bracing for a blow.
A few seconds passed, but instead of pain, I felt fingers gently brushing through my hair. I opened my eyes, confused. Arnold's expression was still serious as he twirled a strand of my hair around his finger.
I was still trying to understand what was happening when Amilio's voice rang out from outside the office. "Reee! Hurry up and get out of the toilet!"
The door opened, and Big Jonny moved right away.
"His sister is with Mr. Arnold," someone said.
"What?" Amilio choked.
I could hear the commotion behind me, but my eyes stayed locked on the most dangerous presence in the room. Remy Arnold.
"What did you do?" Amilio snapped at me.
Arnold frowned and released my hair. I quickly fixed it myself and stepped back, putting distance between me and that terrifying man.
Feeling the need to explain, I blurted out, "When I came out of the restroom, the office door opened. I looked over, and I accidentally saw Mr. Arnold. Um, doing something. I didn't want to see it. I really didn't." My hand flew to my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. Then I swore, "I won't tell anyone."
Arnold looked at Big Jonny. "Take Miss Margot back to her table. Get her a cup of coffee. I want to speak with her brother."
What?
I was not sure I heard that right, so I asked, "I can go?"
Arnold's sharp eyes returned to me. "This time."
Relief washed over me as Big Jonny guided me out of the office.
I glanced up at him carefully. He was not much taller than me. "I'm really sorry."
He smiled faintly and shook his head. "It's fine." He pointed to a chair at a nearby table. "Sit here for now. Wait while Mr. Arnold talks to your brother."
"Stepbrother," I corrected.
Big Jonny was the least frightening among them, so I dared to ask, "Am I actually in trouble?"
He shook his head. "As long as you stay quiet, you'll be fine."
"Seriously?" I asked.
He nodded again before calling the waiter. "A cup of coffee for Miss Margot!"
After the waiter left, Big Jonny looked at me once more. "Stay here."
I nodded and watched him walk toward another table where three men were having lunch.
A heavy breath slipped from my lips. I leaned back in my chair, wiping cold sweat from my forehead.
Oh my God.
That had been insane. My mind could not let go of the last few terrifying minutes.
"Damn it. Amilio is going to lose it," I muttered to myself.
I never imagined I would come face to face with Remy Arnold like that. God, that man was insanely cool, handsome, and horrifying all at once. Only now did I realize how captivating Remy Arnold was. No wonder my cousin Cindy had melted when she saw him at a family event months ago.
He might be one of the most handsome men I had ever seen. But that did nothing to lessen how terrifying he was. If anything, it made him even more dangerous.
I grew up in Marunda, an organization filled with criminals and mafia. You might think I would be used to violence and murder by now. But I was not. I did not think I would ever get used to watching someone die right in front of me.
Just two more years.
Only two years, and then I could finally break free from Amilio and his world.