The sound of the deafening slap thundered through the dimly lit alley, followed by my father's body crumpling to the ground.

My heart raced as I rushed to his side, my eyes blazing with fury. "Stop!" I yelled at the henchmen as I tried to pick up my father, who had been brutally beaten to a pulp.

The cruel henchmen had configured my father's face into a grim mask of anguish. His left eye was already swelling shut, and a large bruise already formed on his cheek where he had been struck.

"You'll pay for this!" I spat at the henchmen looming over us as I dabbed on the blood that trickled down from a cut on my father's lip.

One of them sneered, his hand raised for another blow. “No. It's your father who is going to pay the debt he owes to Theo Rodriguez with his life!"

At the mention of Theo's name, a cold dread seeped into my bones, as if a dark shadow had fallen on us.

I shielded my father, my mind racing. I knew Theo Rodriguez was a ruthless mafia lord, feared by all. His reputation for brutal tactics and merciless collection of debts made my blood run cold.

"How much does he owe?" I asked nervously, trying to stall for time.

And I heard a snort from one of them. "A hundred thousand dollars and the interest is piling up, I'm guessing you have it hidden under your pillow," He mocked.

I felt a chill run down my spine. We didn't have that kind of money. My father's struggling business and part-time job wouldn't even come close to covering the debt.

"Please, you have to give us more time," I begged, trying to reason with the henchmen. "My father will pay, I promise. Don't hurt him anymore."

The henchmen burst out laughing, their cruel eyes gleaming with amusement. "Time?" one of them repeated, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You are not in a position to make demands, sweetheart."

I knew I had to think fast or risk losing my father. "Okay fine," I said, my voice shaky from the decision I was about to make. "Take me to see him. Maybe we can work out a payment plan or something."

The henchmen laughed again. "You think Theo will care about your payment plan?" one of them sneered. "You're just a foolish little girl playing at being a negotiator."

My face turned stern. “I said I want to see him! Take me to him! Now!” I demanded, my tone firm as I put on a brave facade.

After a brief pause, the henchmen glanced at each other then one said, “Fine. It's your death wish.” And with that, he grabbed me violently by the arm and dragged me down the alley.

As I entered the alley, I noticed three sleek black cars parked at the narrow end, their windows tinted. The henchmen escorted me to the middle vehicle, a luxurious thick-black Sedan.

With a rough push, they dropped me to the ground, and one of them approached the car, knocking on the window.

The window slowly rolled down and then, I saw him. Theo Rodriguez, the ruthless mafia lord, sat with an unyielding expression as he narrowed his piercing gaze at me. But as our gazes met, I felt a jolt of surprise.

There was something familiar about his face, something that made my heart skip a beat. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I knew I had seen him before. The sharp jawline, the piercing eyes, the mischievous curve of his lips... it was all so familiar, yet I couldn't remember where I had seen him.

Theo's eyes narrowed as he gazed at me, his expression unreadable. "What's this?" he queried, his voice low and menacing.

The henchmen who had brought me answered. "This is the daughter of Javier Sir. She says she wants to negotiate with you," his voice dripping with a hint of fear and contempt.

His gaze never left mine, his eyes seeming to bore into my soul. "Negotiate?" he repeated, the corner of his lips raising into a mocking smirk, his voice dripping with malice.

I felt a thrill of fear shoot through me as he stepped down from the car, his movement fluid and graceful. He stood in front of me, his eyes fixed on mine.

"Ah, Sofia Vargas, Your father speaks very highly of you," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "He says you are smart, resourceful, and determined." Theo's eyes seemed to gleam with amusement. "I must say, I am intrigued. I didn't think Javier had it in him to produce someone like you."

"But what he didn't mention was your bravery" he drawled. "You are brave to think you can negotiate with me." His eyes seemed to gleam with amusement. I stood frozen as he circled me, his eyes taking every detail.

Suddenly, I saw his face contorted in irritation and anger. “I don't have time for this. Kill the both of them!" He commanded with resolve, his tone deep and dismissive.

"No!” I yelled as the henchman grabbed me by the arm. “Please! You have to hear me out! Let's negotiate a deal! Please!” I begged, as I struggled to free myself from the firm grip of the henchman, my pleading eyes fixed on Theo.

Theo's expression changed, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Brave Indeed," he muttered. “And feisty too,” he added with a sinister smirk, as he watched me try to force myself out of the henchman's hold. "Let her go,” he commanded.

The henchman released me, pushing me back towards Theo. I stumbled, my heart racing with fear, but I stood my ground.

"You have my attention," he said, his eyes never leaving mine.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "Please, I beg you…” I started but he cut me off.

“If what you intend to do is beg for my mercy, then you better get going, because I’m not a man that shows mercy.”

"Take me instead!" I blurted out in desperation, my voice unsteady. "Hold me until my father pays his debt. I'll do whatever it takes, just please don't hurt him."

Theo's expression changed, a hint of curiosity sparking in his eyes. He took a step closer to me, his voice low and husky. "You're willing to offer yourself as collateral, to sacrifice your freedom, for your father's sake?"

I nodded, tears streaming down my face. "Yes, I'll do whatever it takes. Just please, have mercy on my father."

Theo's gaze seemed to bore into my soul as if searching for any hint of deception. But I meant every word. I would do anything to protect my father.

"Interesting," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear. "I've never met anyone willing to go to such lengths for family. You're either incredibly brave or incredibly foolish."

Theo's eyes gleamed with a sinister light as he stepped closer, his voice taking on a menacing tone. "I think it's a bit of both, actually. Brave to offer yourself up like this, but foolish to think you can handle what I have in store for you.”

He reached out and grasped my chin, his fingers digging into my skin. "You see, I have a bit of a problem with confident women like you. They're so... predictable. So easy to break."

I tried to pull away, but he held me firm. "But you... you're different. You're willing to sacrifice everything for your father. That's a fascinating quality. One I intend to explore further."

Theo's grip tightened, his eyes burning with intensity. "You'll find that I'm not a man to be trifled with. I always get what I want, and right now, I want you. Your spirit, your confidence... I want to crush it all."

Theo's fingers still digging into my chin, and a playful curl appeared on his lip. "So, tell me... are you brave enough to be my pet for a year?"

I gulped as I felt a surge of fear, but I tried to keep my voice steady. "P… pet?"

He leaned in closer, his breath tickling my ear. "Yes. My pet. You'll live with me, and do my bidding. For a year, you'll be mine to command. And in return... your father will be free of his debt."

I tried to process his words, my mind racing with the implications. A year of my life, trapped with this man who seemed to take pleasure in breaking confident women like me.

I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. "And if I refuse?" I asked, my words barely above a whisper.

Theo's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with a hint of cruelty. "If you refuse, I'll make sure your father's debt is paid in a different way. One that will cause him a lot of pain and suffering."

"I'll do it!" I exclaimed as I shut my eyes, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'll be your pet for a year."

Theo's lips broke into a wide smile, and he let go of my face. "Excellent choice," he said, his voice dripping with triumph. "My driver will pick you up tomorrow at noon, be ready.

I stumbled back, trying to process the reality of my situation. I was trapped, bound to this man for a year.

Theo's smile grew wider as he nodded to the henchman standing by the door. "Take her back to where you found her," he commanded dismissively. "She has a big day ahead of her tomorrow."

The henchmen grasped my arms, their grip firm but not unkind, and led me back to where my father was.

As soon as I got to my father, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. I had done it. I had saved my father's life, at least for now.

Supporting his wobbly and unsteady movements, I helped him stand and then we made our way back to our apartment.

On getting to our apartment, I saw a strange package waiting for me in the doormat. I opened it, and inside, I found a beautiful necklace…… and a note that read: "You belong to me now."