One

Another day of work, another day of suffering until I can go back to bed.

I threw on clothes for work, just a pair of black leggings and a pink long-sleeve, fitting, cropped jacket, both from Lululemon, of course. They hugged my well-built, toned figure well, showing off my hard efforts in the gym and the proper eating habits that I had developed around a year ago. I brushed out her long, reddish-brown hair to remove all the tangles from the night before, then put it up into pigtails. Packing a pair of white Nike runners into her pink backpack, I headed downstairs to leave.

"Ugh." I stopped halfway down the stairs, and turned around. I can't forget my meds or today really isn't going to go well.

I quickly made my way back upstairs, found my bipolar and arthritis medication, and took it, before running back down, slipping my slides on, and making it out the door to my small black car. Climbing in, I realize was a few minutes behind now, and quickly rushed off to work. Traffic was uneventful and I, thankfully, made it to work with a few minutes to spare.

I work as a personal trainer at one of the local gyms. After finding success in developing a healthy lifestyle for myself, I decided to make it her career to help others create a healthy lifestyle, as well. However, with having been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis recently and spending several months before that significantly fatigued and in pain, I have had a difficult time working with more than three clients per day. Thanks to this, I had to move back in with my uncaring, emotionally unavailable, mafia member of a father. 

Although not entirely a horrible father, he didn't exactly enjoy my presence back home, either. On top of this, he has seemed extra moody and unforgiving lately, and I imagine it would be something to do with his 'line of work'.

Once inside the gym, I change my shoes and pull my laptop out, I check my client list for the day with one client at 11am, one at 12pm, and one at 1pm, of which two of these clients are middle aged women and one is a younger female athlete. 

As much as today doesn't feel like a great day, I can tolerate this client list.

***

Thank goodness that's over with, I can barely grab my car keys to get back home even after a few clients.

Even with only demonstrating exercises and grabbing equipment for clients, the pain in my hands worsens and my fine motor coordination declines. I hurry home, the thought of jumping into a hot bath and relaxing for a few hours being the only thing on my mind.

"What the..." I trailed off.

Pulling into the driveway, I notice a car I have not seen before parked to one side. A beautiful jet black Lambourghini, which looked brand new. Or maybe it was just washed. Seeing this vehicle made me uneasy as my father rarely allows anyone to come to the house. 

I grab my backpack from my car, staying alert and listening carefully as I slowly make my way towards the front door. As I approach, I can hear talking from the other side, which ceased as I put my key into the door.

Fuck, I hope I don't get yelled at for interrupting something.

Taking in a breath, I slowly turn the key and open the door, carefully stepping in and taking note of everything. All eyes shifted into my direction as I entered.

My father, seated in a chair in the living room, looked visibly angry.

Two suited men stood behind the sofa, their faces stoic, expressionless.

And one man seated on the sofa, who I looked up and down. Even while sitting and wearing an expensive-looking suit, I could tell he was tall with a muscular build and a well-defined face. I noticed he had short, beautiful strawberry-blonde hair and incredibly captivating blue eyes, of which I noticed looked me up and down as I studied his face. His hardened gaze turned into an intrigued one as our eyes met and I quickly looked away, feeling my face heat up a bit.

"Winnie, for Gods sake, can you not think for once and maybe not come inside when you can clearly tell I am in the middle of a meeting?" My father snarled. I felt my heart skip a beat as my gaze snapped over to him.

"I-I'm sorry. I can come back later." I stuttered back. I would rather not have to leave again, my legs feel weak and my whole body hurts, but I know better than to interrupt my father when he is dealing with business. Although he is not top dog in the mafia, I know he is pretty high up there.

I begin to turn to leave when the man on the couch spoke in a calm, deep voice, sending shivers through me and stopping me in my tracks, "Who is this woman?"

I look back over towards the ginger, his sexy voice still lingering in my head.

My father sneered, "That's my mess of a daughter. I had to take her back in, but I'm hoping she'll be leaving soon so I don't have to sorry about anymore interruptions." His eyes narrowed as he finished.

"I see." The ginger responded slowly, looking me up and down again, with his eyes seeming to linger in certain areas this time, "Winnie was your name?"

I nodded, unintentionally attempting to cover myself with my arms while underneath his stare.

He stood up from his spot on the couch, shocking me by how much taller he was than I originally expected. I watched as he made his way over to me at the front door, my heartbeat picking up a bit as he came closer and towered over me. Trying to not let him see fear in me, I stood my ground.

"My name is Kade." He said smoothly, holding my gaze, "You see, love, your father has owed me this debt for a while, but I think that you could maybe help."

So he is a mafia guy, and I'm guessing one higher up since my father owes a debt to him.

I raised an eyebrow quizzically. How could I help my father repay a debt? Why would I even?

Kade continued, "I think I'm going to take his daughter to be my personal house maid. Y'know cook, clean, all the works." He winked.

My eyes widened. Seriously? Is that what he thinks I'm good for? A pawn to pay off my fathers' debt?

Before I could object, my father responded, "Go for it. If that's what it will take to pay off the debt then you're more than welcome to have her."

My blood began to boil, "Fucking excuse me? Where's my say in this? Why do I have to do shit for you?"

"Because I took you in when you decided it's too difficult to work because you think you're sick, so you now owe me that debt, so you get to pay off mine!" My father snarled back.

Kade turned his attention to my father, "I take it that this is settled then?" 

My father nodded coldly.

"Good." Kade turned back to me, "Pack what you need, love. I'll be waiting for you in the car."

With that, the handsome ginger and the two men who were stood still and silent behind the couch this entire time made their way out the front door.

I looked at my father, my anger and frustration overflowing as tears began streaming down my face, "How could you? What father in their right mind gives up their daughter like that?" I screamed.

He stood up and stormed towards me with range in his eyes as they nearly popped out of his head. Before I had time to react, he had me pinned against the door by the throat.

"I don't care what you feel, this is how people like us, who are involved in shit like this, deal with it. Get over it, sweetheart, and get the fuck out of my house." He snarled in my face.

I ran upstairs as quickly as I could, grabbing fistfuls of clothing and medication and shoving it into my backpack. Grabbing a small stuffed cat from on my bed, that I had bought myself months ago as a comfort item, I stormed downstairs and out the door without another glance at my father.

I stood tall, wiping my tears, as I made my way to Kade, who was leaning against the Lamborghini I noticed earlier. He raised an eyebrow, "Are you okay? Where did those red marks come from?" He pointed towards my neck.

I stopped in front of him and looked up to meet his gaze and shrugged, "Don't know. Let's just go."

Kade remained looking at me, eyebrow lifted and possibly even a hint of concern in his gaze, for a second longer, before moving to open the door and letting me into the car.

I guess it's going to be moving from one shitty situation to the next.