Chapter 5: Hating the Devil

Ava's POV

As my voice echoed in the room, he made a slow turn and faced me blankly.

Until now, I hadn't spoken those words out loud, and the gravity that followed those words seemed to crash all over me like waves on a beach.

I wanted to cry. I wanted to cry so much until there were no tears left to shed.

Tears streamed down my face, and the grief seemed to claw its way up my throat, choking me as more rolled down my face.

My chest burned aggressively as the pain sliced through me like a knife. It had been hours since the incident—hours.

An elongated amount of time of which I hadn't had the chance to process any of this yet. Fernando and my Aunt had died, and I hadn't had a grieving moment yet. Everything was overwhelming and so hard to believe.

I still couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it, and yet here I was, "Fernando was killed at our wedding," I added in a croaked voice, and the words didn't even seem to faze him as he glared at me blankly.

"I know he was shot, Ava, but I wouldn't go as far as to declare him dead yet until I see some proof."

His expression was blank, and yet there was a glint in his eyes at the thought of his death.

I cocked my head, "Proof? You want proof of his death?" I asked, and then it suddenly hit me slowly.

"Wait. You didn't…You weren't the one that sent—"

He grinned, "Pray that he comes for you, Ava," he said, cutting me off briskly, "It would be a tragedy if he doesn't."

He walked down to me, and I clutched the torn pieces of my dress tightly like it could cover anything he hadn't already seen.

"Why? Why did you…." The question wouldn't leave my lips, and I doubted he would answer anyway.

It felt like a nightmare, and looking into this man's eyes was dreadful.

His eyes were a darker shade of brown, plain, and full of darkness. It was like looking down a dark tunnel. It was troubling, and yet, for some reason, it had an allure. One that tugged at my chest.

He leaned forward, "It's such a shame what I'd have to do to you if Nando doesn't come to save you... Let us hope he loves you enough."

I frowned.

I couldn't believe this Nando guy was Fernando. The Fernando I knew wasn't the guy anyone would want to kill, and yet—

It didn't make any sense. There was no way Fernando could have known these people —this man.

There was no way in hell, and yet this man didn't look like someone who came for me by accident.

What did he have against Fernando?? What—

Does it even matter? Even if Fernando and Nando were the same person. It didn't matter because he was dead, and therefore, he couldn't possibly come to save me.

Neither could my aunt.

They were both dead, and I was alone in this world and in the hands of this man who had killed them both.

For what? Why? I still didn't know what was going on.

A cold chill went down my spine. What would become of me? What would he do to me?

Terrible thoughts crossed my mind, chilling me to my very bone. I clenched my fist tightly, strengthening my resolve.

I couldn't give up hope now. I had to be brave. It was the only way I could ever get out of this place.

"You can't keep me here," I declared, meeting his gaze.

A wry smile crossed his lips, "Really? And why is that?" he questioned, looking amused. He really seemed to be enjoying this, and it irked me.

"Because they will find you," I spat confidently and prayed I sounded as believable as I hoped. It was the only chance I had.

"Who? Nando?" he quizzed. "Of course I want him to find me—"

"My friends. I can bet they have already told the police that they cannot find me, and very soon they will find you!" I enunciated.

Miguel responded with an outburst of laughter, mocking me.

"Friends?" he repeated with a smirk, taking a step toward me, and I stepped back instinctively, swallowing hard.

He took another step and another until I was backed against the wall. He leaned forward, and I turned my face away to avoid him trying to kiss me again. I tightened my grip on my clothes, holding onto them like my life depended on it.

"Do you have friends, Ava?" he asked, pressing his mouth to my ear and grazing my skin with his warm breath.

His breath caused my stomach to churn and I shut my eyes. My heart was pounding erratically and my lungs suddenly felt drier than ever.

"Will the police really look for you?" he quizzed, turning my face to him so he could see the fear in my eyes.

"The thing is," he leaned closer so that our lips were only an inch away from touching.

He touched my cheeks subtly with the tip of his finger as he spoke, "I don't think anyone would look for you or even know you're missing. Nando is your only chance for survival. If he doesn't show then you're as good as dead," he grinned.

I was trembling before him. My eyes prickled with tears but I didn't dare cry. Instead, I summoned the courage to respond.

I smirked, "You'll be arrested for killing my fiance and my dear Aunt. I'll make sure you go to jail. You monster!" I exclaimed and spat on his face.

He stepped back instantly, touching the spit on his face before glancing at me. His eyes were bloodshot and the sight of them made me shiver.

It was a bad idea. I realized that now as I watched him storm toward me with a wrath like none I had ever seen. I tried to make a run for it, but it was too late.

Miguel grabbed me and tossed me to the bed with force. I fell on the hard foam, and before I could pick myself up from the bed, he flipped me over to him.

I shut my eyes instantly as he stretched his hand to me, and I feared the impact of his punch.

Instead of a punch, though, Miguel reached for my clothes and ripped off the rest of the dress from my body or whatever was left of it.

I was left completely bare to his eyes.

He tossed the material to the floor and dug his hand in his pocket, pulling out his phone.

My eyes widened in shock at the realization of what was to come hit me. I quickly wrapped my arms around myself, trying to shield my body.

Miguel opened his coat, exposing the pistol he carried, "Cover up, and I'll shoot you in the leg," he threatened with a cold glare that burned through me.

I froze at the sight of it, and he used my state to yank my hands off, opening me up. I was helpless as I lay there on the bed, tears streaming down my face quietly while he stood before me. This time, he didn't stop at the sight of my tears.

I saw the flash of his camera as he took multiple photos of me, and my heart broke into pieces.

When he was done, he held the phone in his hand, holding it up and moving it back and forth, "I'm gonna put this picture on the black market. Hopefully, Nando will see it," he smirked.

"I think if he loves you enough, this should have him running to me," he grinned, lowering the cell and slipping it into his pocket.

I lay on the bed helplessly, crying my eyes out. "You're the devil."

He rolled his eyes, "I know, which is why you shouldn't anger me by doing something as stupid as spitting on me. Otherwise, it will be the last thing you do."

Miguel's eyes fixed on me keenly, and I noticed how his gaze continued to wander over my naked figure. I saw the hunger in his eyes, and the intensity of his gaze made me melt.

I felt disgusted.

I yanked at the sheets, pulling them over me before something else happened.

It would kill me if this devil laid a hand on me, but somehow, deep down, I doubted that it would.

"You'll be arrested for this," I whimpered as I covered my body.

"Give up on the idea that the police will save you," he mumbled. "Nobody can save you from me, Ava. Nobody," He emphasized.

"Anyways, you've had a long day. I think it's time we call it a night. Get some rest," he smiled, walking to the door and turning one last time, "Tomorrow is a new day," he said before he finally left the room.