The Devil's Possession: His Obsession

　　CAITLIN

　　"I'm sorry…"

　　The words buzzed through the phone's speaker. No, those weren't the words I wanted to hear. My chest tightened, I couldn't breathe.

　　"Please, give me more time. I swear, I'll–"

　　"I have given you so much time already, Cait. I understand you're going through a rough time but I also need money," Mrs. Darcey said softly, her voice a little shaky. "If I don't get rent, I don't get money. I'm so sorry."

　　She was right. There was just so much time a landlady could possibly give a tenant. At least she wasn't suing. God bless her.

　　Staring at the termination letter in my hands, I knew it was hopeless begging. Without a job, how do I pay rent? Just a month after securing a job in the hospital, I already lost it.

　　"I understand. Thank you, Mrs. Darcey, I really appreciate your help…" my voice broke, "I'll move my things this evening."

　　Good thing I had Colton– or so I thought.

　　"You don't have to–"

　　"No, I want to. You've already done so much. I have to go now."

　　"Alright, if you say so. I'll let you get back to work now."

　　I hung up. The tears that had clouded my vision fell freely as I slid down to the floor of the changing room.

　　"I wish my life could get better." I murmured, hugging my knees tightly.

　　The doorknob twisted.

　　"Is anyone here?"

　　I sprang to my feet. I wasn't about to let anyone see me like this– a mess.

　　"Yes– ah… give me a minute."

　　Rushing over to the sink, I turned on the tap, splashing water on my face. Dabbing my face with a face towel, stared at my reflection. My heart sank.

　　You'll get through this. You'll be alright.

　　I hurried to the door and unlocked it.

　　"Are you–"

　　"I'm fine," I said under my breath, hurrying through the door to prevent a conversation I knew I couldn't handle.

　　In my hurry, I bumped into a hard human wall.

　　"Sorry I–"

　　My words were lost the moment I stared into the eyes of the man before me. There was something in his eyes I couldn't explain. A smug smile played on his lips as he sized me down.

　　How could one smile and still look so evil yet handsome?

　　"What's your name?" his voice was croaky, his gaze intense.

　　I opened my mouth to speak but words failed me. That wasn't the expression or question you expect when you bump into someone.

　　"Caitlin, Caitlin Stevens," I choked out.

　　"I see."

　　His smile and dark eyes unsettled me. Pulling away, I hurried down the hall. I could feel his eyes boring holes in my back. My legs felt a little unsteady.

　　Once I got outside the hospital, I took out my phone and dialed Colton's number. No answer. He once asked me to move in with him but I wanted my own space. I had the keys after all.

　　The walk home wasn't quiet. I had a lot to say to myself in my head. Packing didn't take much time. I basically had nothing.

　　The few valuables I had were sold and the money went into repaying loans I didn't take. After ordering an Uber, I toured the small apartment that used to be home.

　　My fingers brushed against the walls, touching every corner, every dent, every memory. Then I picked up my most priced possession. The photo my mom and dad had taken the day before they were killed.

　　"Mom, dad, I miss you so much."

　　If only you were here.

　　My mind wandered back to that day. How excited they were about their date that evening. I smiled at the memory. Their death was the beginning of my misfortune.

　　"One day, when I somehow get past all these tests and trials, I will avenge you two, I promise," I whispered, hugging the photo tight against my chest as tears fell freely.

　　The possibility of getting revenge one day was the only reason I kept pushing no matter what. They say God tests you before handing you perfect blessings and for that, I'll wait, I'll endure.

　　I took a long deep breath, wiped the corners of my eyes, then picked up my suitcase and dragged my feet out of the apartment. Right at the entrance of the building, my phone buzzed. "Your driver has arrived."

　　The silver Camry was parked right outside. The wind caressed my skin, tossing my hair in my face— a good cover.

　　"Good afternoon," I muttered, getting into the back of the car.

　　"Good afternoon, Miss." His voice was gentle.

　　The old man didn't try to start any conversation which I appreciated. The car came to a halt at Colton's. I struggled with my suitcase for a moment.

　　"Do you need help with that, Miss?"

　　"No!" I snapped. "I mean, no. Thank you," I said softly, yanking the suitcase with all my might and stumbling backwards.

　　"God's grace be with you, child. I wish you luck."

　　Those words left me frozen in place, my eyes stung. The car drove off before I could collect myself.

　　How did he know?

　　I needed luck, a little bit of God's favour.

　　I walked slowly towards Colton's front door, searching for the key in my bag. Unlike the usual ritual, I found the key before I got to the door.

　　Inserting the key in the keyhole, I twisted the key– at least I tried but it wouldn't budge. Is he home?

　　"Colton?"

　　No answer. I tried to ring the doorbell but it wasn't working. Given no other choice but to go through the back, I went around the building to the back door. I put the key in the keyhole and the lock clicked immediately.

　　"Thank God!"

　　I walked in, breathing a sigh of relief. The sight of Colton's huge picture portrait hung high on the wall of the seating room. A soft smile played on my lips.

　　Finally, an escape from all my worry. All I needed now was his strong arms wrapped around me. The sound of a loud moan and then a grunt, disrupted my thoughts, leaving me frozen in place.

　　Of all things you could imagine, Caitlin!

　　I shook my head, refusing to believe it was real. Walking towards the bedroom, the sounds grew louder. I could hear the sound of flesh slapping together.

　　"Oh, yes! Slam harder, baby!" the woman moaned through gritted teeth.

　　"You're so fucking sweet, Bella."

　　For some reason, I couldn't scream, didn't even try to. I pushed the door open to find Colton butt naked in bed with a woman, slamming hard like his life depended on each thrust.

　　The woman's eyes caught mine, a dark grin spread across her lips. Her grin was quickly replaced by a twisted expression, open mouth, knitted brow and a loud moan, then a scream as he slammed even harder, chasing release. I should have screamed, run… something. I just stood there frozen in place while my heart felt like it was being turned into pieces.

　　"Colton, how could you?" my voice was a breathless, shaky whisper.

　　Either he didn't hear me or he didn't just care. He thrust one last time, spilling into her as he convulsed, groaning, panting with her name on his lips. He rolled over, his blonde hair sticking to his forehead. His eyes found me. Maybe I expected an apology… something– anything of that sort.

　　"Get out."

　　#CHAPTER 2: SEDUCE THE DEVIL

　　CAITLIN

　　Get out. The words replayed in my head. I stood there, wide eyed, unable to believe this was Colton.

　　"Colton you–"

　　"What are you still doing here? What part of 'get out' did you not get, Caitlin?" he stared at me, nostrils flared like I was some nuisance, a piece of shit.

　　I opened my mouth to speak. What came out was a shaky breath. Circling my arms around myself, I sought for the courage I knew I didn't have.

　　"We're over, Colton." I choked out. I held my head high, I wasn't going to let his action break me.

　　"As if he ever wanted a fat, broke bitch like you." The woman, Bella, said.

　　My eyes flickered over to Colton. Despite the betrayal, I kind of expected him to say something in my defence. No, he laid there smiling, his eyes filled with something I couldn't explain. It sent a chill down my spine. I curled my fingers at my side, stopping myself from reacting.

　　"So it was all a lie?"

　　You never really cared, did you? I didn't say those words aloud, I didn't have to. His eyes darkened, brows drawn tightly together– an expression I had never seen on his face before, especially not towards me.

　　Colton got off the bed, picked up his pants, hastily putting them on. I tried to move but my knees felt like jelly. He closed the distance between us in a swift stride. His fingers dug into my arms as he dragged me out of the room, all the way downstairs and towards the main door.

　　"Let go of me!" I screamed, trying to pull his hand away, "I can walk on my own."

　　"I gave you time to leave on your own, did you?"

　　He was right.

　　Right before he opened the door, I asked the one question burning in my chest, "Why?" my voice was soft–weak like i had lost all strength.

　　He paused, his eyes softened then a smirk appeared on his face.

　　"Because you're no longer useful."

　　Useful? I don't get it.

　　"What do you mean?"

　　"Isn't it obvious, dear Caitlin?" Bella's voice cut through the air. Her soft steps could be heard as she descended the stairs, clad in a red lingerie.

　　"You're good at hustling, I'll give you that," She stopped right in front of me, "Thank you for helping him keep up."

　　I stared straight into Colton's eyes, memories of all the promises he had made while I gave everything I had to make sure he got to where he was. Now he had enough and he was tossing me out for the same woman who had walked away when he needed her.

　　To him, I was just a love sick moron that did everything to keep a man that never wanted me. What a way to find out.

　　"After everything I did for you, Colton." I whispered, choking back a sob, "I hope you don't regret this."

　　"Regret what? Not having a swollen log in my bed?" he drawled.

　　Those words stung like hell.

　　"Don't worry, I just sealed off a good deal. I will pay back everything–"

　　"Start by taking care of your loans." I shot back, my chest heaving with anger.

　　In one swift move, he pushed me out the door. I lost my balance and landed butt first on the hard ground.

　　"You can't even afford rent and you want to insult me in my house?"

　　Without waiting for a response, he slammed the door hard. I was left there on the ground, alone, heartbroken and hurting both physically and emotionally.

　　It was getting darker and I still hadn't figured where to go from there. The chill of the night had tripled. I dragged my legs, walking without purpose– no idea on where I was going.

　　A black SUV drove past me, parking a few feet away. I thought nothing of it. Buried in my thoughts, I walked past it. The door opened abruptly, before I could turn around, a white cloth was pressed against my mouth and nose, knocking me out cold.

　　Could the day not get any worse?

　　Minutes later, I felt liquid being poured on my face. The water was cold, snapping me back to consciousness. I opened my eyes in a dark room, illuminated by a small light in the center. I heard retreating footsteps. My vision was a little blurry. I shut my eyes and opened them again, battling the drug induced sleep.

　　Remembering what had happened earlier, the kidnap, I knew I was in danger. I tried to move but my hands were tied tightly to the arms of the chair I was sitting on.

　　"Where am i?" I wondered aloud, pulling hard until the ropes around my wrists stung. They were biting into my flesh.

　　"That's an irrelevant question." A deep voice echoed from the corner of the room. It sounded a little muffled in my head, yet familiar. "What you should be asking is why. Why are you here and how do you get out?"

　　"Why–why did you bring me here?" I stuttered.

　　"Well, I didn't exactly bring you here… I had people bring you here."

　　What difference does that make?

　　I could hear his footsteps as he got closer. My heart began to pound loudly in my chest. His words "how do you get out" began to sound like a threat. He was dangerous, I could smell it but why me?

　　Suddenly, his face appeared right in front of me– half covered by a mask. My heart jumped to my throat. All I could do was scream.

　　"Shut up!"

　　It was an order, one I had better obey. I pressed my lips tightly, holding back my screams. I still wanted to scream for help but how sure was I that I'd actually get that help?

　　"Forgive my manners." he murmured softly. His gloved fingers traced the side of my face, tucking my hair behind my ear. A sick feeling settled deep in my stomach but I didn't dare move. His lips curled upward in a smile, "perfect."

　　"What do you want?" I whispered, shutting my eyes in case my question had consequences.

　　He pulled back, "I have a job for you."

　　"What–what job?"

　　"Seduce someone for me."

　　I stared at him long and hard. Unable to stop myself, I burst into laughter, forgetting about my safety. But really, seduce? I laughed even more, gasping for air as liquid dropped from the corners of my eyes.

　　"I'm sorry to ask but are your eyes faulty?"

　　He couldn't possibly think I was the right person for that kind of job.

　　"I see clearly and that's why I chose you." His voice was hoarse and raspy. Then I recalled where I had heard that voice. "It's you, isn't it? The man at the hospital."

　　"Good memory, exactly what I need." He cleared his throat and continued, "Trust me, you're just his type. He has a thing for thick blondes."

　　He smirked. Something about his eyes, the way said those words said he was either lying or wasn't telling the complete truth.

　　I said nothing. No refusal or agreement. He took my silence as interest.

　　"All you have to do is seduce him. Get close enough to know enough and report back to me. You get two million as a reward."

　　Two fucking million?

　　No, it sounded too good to be true.

　　"Who is this 'him' you're talking about?" I asked, staring hard at his face, waiting to grasp every show and expression.

　　"Don Diablo." He smiled.

　　At the mention of that name, my body stiffened. I twisted my wrists, trying to pull free.

　　"If you want to kill me, I'd prefer you do it now, here and fast."

　　He chuckled, placing his arms on each side of my chair.

　　"If you accept, you have a very high chance of succeeding, getting spoiled by a mafia Don and then getting the extra 2 million dollars from me asides the 200,000 dollar upfront. But..."

　　He slid a hand into his pocket, took out his gun and trailed the cold steel along the side of my face. I held my breath, too afraid to even breath, my heart pounded in my ears.

　　"If you refuse, Caitlin, the only outcome is death. Help me take down the Don or die. Your choice."

　　I already knew what my choice was. He knew it too. His eyes brightened. Suddenly, my fear slowly slipped away. An enemy of the Diablo was a friend— technically.

　　I smiled at him, nodding slightly. Guess the universe was on my side. I could destroy the Diablo or die trying.

　　"Good girl."

　　#CHAPTER 3: STUNNED

　　ESTEBAN

　　Sitting across the room, whisky in hand, I watch my mother fuss over Eliana. Eliana, however, seemed to be fed up by both my mother and Scott's policing care. There was something different about Memo– Scott as he preferred to be called– different in a good way.

　　"You both know I'm fine, right?" she said, yawning loudly, "sorry…"

　　She bounced off the couch, her eyes fixed on the walls. She seemed pleased– intrigued by the designs.

　　"Hey, big guy!" she called out.

　　Plastering a smile on my face, I met her gaze. "Yes?"

　　"You didn't tell me you were into arts. Your place is lovely."

　　I shrugged at the compliment.

　　"I don't think my cousin agrees," fixing my gaze on Scott, I smirked, "Do you?"

　　He didn't spare me a glance, let alone a reply. I couldn't blame him. Left to him, they wouldn't be here. Which is why I had to go through his wife, Eliana. The "ruthless CEO" could hardly say no to his Eliana, giving me the opportunity to bring him home.

　　They had arrived minutes ago but Scott was more than ready to be out that door and away from here.

　　"Good to see you again, Cousin." My voice was low–serious. I meant every bit of those words.

　　"I wish I could say the same." He shot at me, his frown deepened.

　　He wanted nothing to do with the mafia and that included us– his relatives in the mafia. More so after what happened a few months ago. I wasn't going to apologize for wanting revenge.

　　"I can't wait to explore Sinaloa." Eliana sighed.

　　"We're just here for the party, love." Scott said softly.

　　With her condition, it was unlikely. However, they both argued over that a bit. I got off my seat and walked out, leaving the couple and my well pleased mother. Memo had done something right. He married Eliana. In doing so, he gave us all something we needed.

　　For my mother, more family; one more person to love and soon two with the baby on the way. For me, one more person to get on my nerves, someone to look out for and for Memo, the chance to experience love.

　　Gustavo was standing right at the door of my study.

　　"What is it?" I asked impatiently.

　　"There's a name on the list…"

　　"Gustavo… go straight to the point."

　　"Yes, Don." Clearing his throat, he continued, "There's a Caitlin Stevens on the list, Caspian Zuri's plus one." he paused.

　　"And?" I asked, wondering where this was heading.

　　"We know nothing about her. She's not from any–"

　　"Did you run a background check?"

　　I was fed up with the pointless conversation. Yes, I had made sure the security was even tighter. Couldn't risk anything going wrong at my mother's party. Especially with Memo and his wife here. But this wasn't it.

　　"Yes, she's clean but–"

　　"Dios, Gustavo! People brought plus one– a lot of them. We may know them but we don't know their intention. Keep an eye on this Zuri boy and his girl."

　　I twisted the doorknob and went into my study. The door slammed before I heard his "yes, Don."

　　Hours later

　　There was a soft knock on the door, startling me awake. I had dozed off with my cigarette in hand and a pile of untouched papers.

　　"Gustavo–"

　　"Memo."

　　That one word, the voice. It stunned me. A part of me hoped for the impossible.

　　"Come in."

　　The door creaked open. His tall, dark figure walked in then he shut the door without saying a word. His eyes fixed on the huge painting on my wall for a brief moment.

　　"Tsk tsk tsk… you still haven't let go." He stared at me with an expression I couldn't read.

　　"Is that why you're here?" I asked without a trace of the humor I had hours ago.

　　"I see it's a masquerade party after all." Scott said softly.

　　"Of course. I'm not about to forcefully throw you into a world you do not want to be part of."

　　Taking the cigarette to my lips, I drew in a bit of smoke. I smiled at how intently he was watching me– the cigarette.

　　"So you're here to say thank you?" I mumbled.

　　"Why would I do that? If it weren't for you and your silly games, we wouldn't be here in the first place."

　　True.

　　"Then you're here to apologize?" I smirked.

　　He eyed me like I had gone nuts.

　　Taking a seat, he looked at the cigarette and slightly shook his head as if to get rid of an unwanted thought.

　　"Here." I handed him a cigarette.

　　"No, thank you. It's tempting but no."

　　His eyes said otherwise.

　　"Why?"

　　He shook his head but I already knew the answer.

　　"How safe would the party be for Eliana?"

　　Very Scott Blackwell.

　　"Very safe, I made sure. I'm not about to put my pregnant little Cousin and my nephew in danger."

　　He nodded in approval, stood up and headed for the door.

　　"Thank you."

　　Memo sounded like those words had been squeezed out of him.

　　"Wait, what? Come again I didn't–"

　　The door slammed short before I could complete the sentence.

　　Guests had already arrived for the party. I walked out of my study and into my room to have a much needed shower and a change of clothes.

　　Before heading to the hall, I went over the security details once more more with the team.

　　"They're here." Gustavo reported.

　　I didn't have to ask who. I knew it was Zuri. Because of Gustavo's reaction, they got extra attention. I made sure of it.

　　The camera zoomed in on them both. The woman was blonde, dressed in a velvet green dress that revealed so much skin and a small black mask. Caspian Zuri seemed to be whispering something in her ear, his hand resting firmly on her lower back.

　　She looked up, straight at the camera, revealing mesmerizing green eyes. For some reason, they seemed familiar.

　　You're here for safety check not to lust over a woman completely oblivious you're watching.

　　"Carry on."

　　With that, I went to the hall. Who better to keep an eye on my cousins than me? Protecting them meant being close to them– being at the party as long as they were.

　　The sound of music, laughter and glass clinking filled my ears. Memo and his wife were in the center of the hall, dancing. They seemed to have managed to get the attention of the crowd. Especially the blonde beside Zuri.

　　I kept stealing glances at her, telling myself it was for security reasons. Bloody security… there was something about her. She caught my gaze and smiled at me. I forced myself to look away.

　　Fuck, I need a drink.

　　I signaled an attendant to bring me a drink. Taking a glass of champagne from the tray, I let my eyes wander, trying to find my mother. I found her in the midst of the town's women–as usual.

　　"I take you to be more of a harsh spirit man. Preferably whisky… maybe."

　　The voice came from behind me. I turned around to find Caspian smiling softly, the blonde's arm firmly linked with his.

　　"You should also know I do not fancy people talking behind me, let alone sneaking up on me." I said with a forced smile, letting my eyes show more than I had said.

　　"My apologies, Don. The thing is, I have something for you– something I know you would be interested in but just couldn't wait for the right time as that is quite difficult to ascertain." Caspian said with a light bow of his head.

　　The blonde's fingers tightened around his arm. Good, she was scared. I stared hard at her, keeping my expression as dark as possible. For some reason, I enjoyed how unsettled she was.

　　"What is this 'something' you speak of?" I muttered, showing no sign of interest.

　　From the corner of my eye, I found Gustavo lurking in a corner. His eyes were fixed on me or rather my guests– Caspian and his woman. I couldn't blame him. I also had a weird feeling about them.

　　"Do you mind if we discuss in private or at least somewhere a bit more quiet?" Caspian muttered quietly, leaning forward.

　　Taking a step back, I stared blankly at him. "It better be good."

　　Good trick or business. Whatever but it better be good for his sake. I do not like wasting my time.

　　"Follow me." I ordered.

　　I walked towards the door as they trailed behind me. Gustavo joined in without a word. I led them to the waiting room.

　　"Speak."

　　I sat down, reaching for my cigarette in my suit pocket. The lady jumped in her seat, squeezing Caspian's arms a little harder.

　　"Your lady doesn't seem very comfortable, Zuri." I gave her a half smile, "Relax, I don't bite."

　　She seemed to relax a bit. Caspian tapped her fingers gently.

　　"I murder— bullet, blade… depends on my mood."

　　The calm from seconds ago disappeared. Her face lost colour.

　　Clearing his throat, Caspian straightened in his seat, took the blonde's fingers in his palm and lifted her hand. "I brought you something— a gift you would love."

　　I smiled– a smile that didn't reach my eyes. I knew where this was going.

　　"Where is the gift you speak of?" My voice was low, deep and intimidating.

　　"She's the gift, Don." He smiled like he offered me something priceless.

　　In a swift move, I pulled my gun and pointed straight at his head, my smile never faltered. This had to be the most stupid thing a person had ever done.

　　Yes, I love women. No, I'm not a womanizer and most certainly don't make deals with women for the price or gain.

　　"Don, please, don't shoot. At least take a good look at her, please!" his eyes were squeezed shut, voice shaking, "take off the goddam mask!" he barked at the blonde.

　　The woman flinched, her hands immediately reaching for the mask. The moment the mask fell off her face, I froze. Everything seemed to pause.

　　"Unbelieveable…" I whispered, slowly putting down the gun.

　　This can't be— how? Laura?