5. I'll Do It

David's POV;

"Who the fuck are you!? "I question, reaching for my rope dart, but I freeze when I realize that I no longer have my weapons, and Vanessa is right there.

"Mr. Salvatore sent me. To keep the girl safe. "He says, and my eyes widen.

I turn to Vanessa and she folds her tiny arms across her chest as she glares at me. Her pale face looks a bit happy to see me. Although she's trying so hard to let me know that she's upset with me, I can see that she's relieved and happy that I came here.

"You have every right to be mad at me. My little princess. I never forgot your birthday. I just... I was at work and... "I begin, but she cuts me off.

"It's okay. I understand. Your friend sent that man to tell me what happened. "She says, pointing at the man in the corner, and I freeze. Turning to the man with wide eyes, and then back at my sister.

"My... friend? He told you what... What happened? "I question, and she nods with her eyes softening, and my heart starts thudding. Mr. Salvatore couldn't possibly have told her that...

"He told me that you got hurt at work and needed to rest. He said it was his fault that you were away for so long. But couldn't you send a message? Did you really enjoy your rest so much you couldn't come to me for three days?? I cried on my birthday. I tried reaching you, but you wouldn't take any of my calls. I was worried, David! "She rants, and I feel guilty.

I immediately fall to my knees and hold my ears. 

"I'm sorry, Vanessa. I'll never make you worried like that again. I swear. I'm sorry. "I beg, and she pouts. 

"You promise? "She questions, and I nod. I watch as she holds out her pinky finger, and I smile as I lock my pinky finger with hers.

"Pinky promise. "I reply and she smiles.

"Does that mean I'm forgiven? "I question, and she laughs.

"How won't I forgive you? Look at the massive unicorn and chocolates you sent me. You're the best brother in the world! "She says, and I understand that Mr. Salvatore must have made it look like the unicorn and chocolates came from me.

I smile get off the floor and sit beside her. She immediately switches to sign language, and she only does that when she doesn't want anyone around to understand what she's saying. We both know sign language because our father was deaf. Besides talking to our father, It became our secret language as not a lot of people could sign.

"Should I be scared? "She questions, and I raise a brow.

"About what? Why would you ask that? "

"Your friend. He sounded scary. And that man. Why is he here with me? What is he protecting me from? Why did you change my hospital? Are you in trouble? Are we in danger? "She questions, and I swallow as I stare at her.

"I'm scared. Why do I need a bodyguard? "She signs further, and I exhale softly.

"You're alright. We're fine. I just moved you here because this hospital will treat you better. "I reply, and she raises a brow.

"Can we afford it? It looks expensive, David. VERY expensive! "She signs aggressively, and I just stare blankly at her. How is she so smart at just 10 years of age??

"David, I know that cancer has no cure. You don't have to waste all your money on me. I know that I'll eventually die. Please don't get into any dangerous business because of me. "She signs with tears in her eyes, and as I process her words, a cord snaps in my heart.

"You're not dying anytime soon, Vanessa! "I yell and she gasps. She quickly looks towards the other man in the room, and then back at me. I know she wanted this conversation to be private, but I need her to hear my voice.

"You're safe. You're perfectly fine. Your bills will be handled, You'll be taken care of. You're not dying. There's no reason for you to be scared. You're not in danger. I lost mom and dad. I won't lose you too! "I rant, and her frail fingers reach for my face.

"You didn't lose them. They're always here with us. "She whispers as she wipes my tears, and I stare into her tired brown eyes.

"And when I die, I'll always be in here. "She says as she points at my heart, and I gently push her hand away.

"You're not dying anytime soon. You need your rest. Go to bed. I'll come see you tomorrow. "I say as I look away and stand up.

"You know it's true. I don't have much time, brother. "She says, and I clench my fists. 

I wanted to accept this... "Truth" I wanted to accept that there was no way out but death. But that was before Salvatore's offer. With his money, I know that we'll be able to do something. Give her more time, or... or... Maybe cure her. I don't know. But Vanessa can't die. She's all I have left. I won't accept her death. Not when I know there is something I can try to stop it.

I will accept Salvatore's offer. I don't need a week. I will belong to him, whatever that means. As long as he takes care of my sister.

I want to see Salvatore. I will accept his offer. I'll tell him that. But he must and will take care of Vanessa. She can not die on me. No. She will not.

I accept his offer. I will become his. If that's what it will take to save Vanessa. She's all I have left.

"You won't die, Vanessa. I promise. "

****************

The entire ride back to the villa, I couldn’t stop thinking about one thing. What will my life become if I agree to be Mr. Salvatore's... property? That’s what it is, right? If I agree to this, I’m giving him ownership of my… Everything. What would that be like?

Would it be better, or worse than working for Dimitri? The thought sat in my chest like a boulder throughout the ride and nothing I did made it pass. The uncertainty and chaos of the whole thing suffocated me. When the car finally stopped, I didn't notice until the door opened, and one of the guards motioned for me to follow him, which I obeyed.

I could barely focus as we made it through the villa. I could hear my heart beating in my ears as we walked and finally, we stopped in front of a massive door. I swallowed as it loomed in front of me, and I began to sweat as I thought about once again facing the man behind it.  

“He’s waiting for you, ”The guard said to me with his voice impassive, and as he began to walk away, I almost stopped him. He was leaving me here? Alone!?

I cleared my throat, before wiping my palms on my pants as I tried to gather some courage. Salvatore may be scary, but I have to do this. I’m doing it for Vanessa. Nothing means more to me than her. She needs this. 

I let out a breath before pushing the door open, and my breath hitched as I stepped inside. 

The room was dimly lit. The bedside lamps cast soft golden glows of light on each side of the king-sized bed. From what I could see, the dominant colours of the room were black and grey, giving the opulent room a cold and dominating feel. The room was alive with an aura that made me feel out of place. An aura that made me feel... unworthy of being in it. As goosebumps ran across my skin, my eyes darted around, looking for Salvatore in the partly dark room, but he wasn’t anywhere in sight.

Just as confusion began to wash over me, I heard it.

Water running behind a closed door. My throat went dry as I stared at the wooden door. He was in the bathroom. Bathing. The thought of it hit me like a trailer, and I felt heat come to life in my cheeks.

What the hell is wrong with me? I shake my head violently, trying to get rid of the image of him wet and naked, but for some reason, the image won’t leave my head. I say I’m not gay, and yet my mind welcomes such thoughts. This never happened to me before, so why? Why did it start right after meeting this man? What is going on with me? 

I jumped a bit in fright when the bathroom door suddenly creaked open, and Salvatore finally stepped out. On seeing him, my breath got caught in my throat.  

He was exactly as I imagined, except worse… Or better? I don't know. 

A towel is wrapped wickedly low on his hips, revealing his wet, chiselled torso. Broad wide shoulders, a firm, built chest with unapologetically perky nipples. And his abs… Divided into six glorious sections.

Droplets of water slide down the ridges of his abs, and I can't help but follow them with my eyes as they vanish into the towel. His coal-black hair is no longer slicked back. The damp locks sticking to his skin made him look rugged, almost wild as if he'd just stepped out of a storm... or a dream. I watched as he ran his fingers through his hair to get tangles out. His muscles flexed with every move, and I held my breath as I gawked at him. Feeling an inexplicable heat begin to run through me. For some godforsaken reason, I wanted to touch him. Just… To know how he feels. To smell him now that he was fresh out of the shower…

He looks like a beautiful, dangerous hunter... someone who could ruin you with a single touch or word. However, my thoughts shatter like glass when he suddenly looks at me. His green eyes lock onto mine, and he halts. He looks surprised to see me.

“You’re already here,” He says with his voice as calm as always, and I feel a shudder run through me. Causing me to clench my fists as I fight to get a grip on myself. 

“Hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long. ”He adds as he turns to face me fully.

“N-no,” I stammer and inwardly curse myself for sounding so weak.

He smirks.  

“ Okay. Why did you insist on seeing me tonight? Is something wrong with your sister?” He asks, and I shut my eyes, trying to steady myself. I can’t waste any more time. If I do, I’ll chicken out.

“David? “He calls, but I ignore him.

Vanessa needs this. I have to do this.

I have no idea what I'm getting into, but beggars aren't choosers. I will leave no stone unturned to save my sister.

“I’ll do it!”