Chapter 5

*Kaine slides into the driver's seat, starting the engine with a low rumble. He adjusts the rearview mirror, his gaze flicking to you briefly before focusing on the road.*

Buckle up.

*His voice is short, but there's an underlying edge of concern. He pulls out of the garage, merging into the late-night traffic with practiced ease.*

We'll be there soon.

*I get in the car, unsure of what awaits at our destination*

*He drives smoothly through the deserted streets, his attention divided between the road and you. He notices your apprehension, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.*

*After a few minutes of silence, he speaks again, his tone softer.*

Hey. He's gonna be fine. Trust me.

*His words sound more like reassurance to himself than you.*

Okay

*He nods, seemingly satisfied with your response. The car turns onto a dimly lit street, the buildings around them growing older and more worn-down.*

Almost there.

*He slows down, scanning the addresses on the buildings. He pulls over at a small, unassuming apartment complex, cutting the engine.*

This is it.

*I thought to myself, so this is how he found my dad and how he found me earlier today.*

*He opens his door, stepping out onto the sidewalk. The streetlights cast long shadows across his face, making him look more imposing than ever.*

Come on. *He gestures for you to follow, his demeanor business-like.*

We're here for your dad, remember?

Yes, lead the way. take me to him.

Alright.

*He starts walking towards the apartment complex, his steps confident. He glances back at you, ensuring you're right behind him.*

Stay close.

*As you approach the building, he pulls out a set of keys, selecting one with practiced ease. He unlocks the main door, holding it open for you.*

After you.

*His gaze is steady, his face unreadable.*

*I ran so fast to hug my father* Dad how are you?

*Kaine follows closely behind, watching the reunion with an unreadable expression. He lingers near the doorway, giving you space but remaining alert.*

*Your father looks shocked, embracing you tightly. He glances warily at Kaine, who meets his gaze with an impassive stare.*

Wh-who's this? *your father whispers, nodding towards Kaine*

Dad it's me Serena, your daughter. what did these people do to you? why do they have you locked up in this room? what deal do you have with this guy? and why is he taking me for your debts? I have so many questions.

*Your father swallows hard, glancing nervously between you and Kaine.*

Serena... *He hugs you tighter, his voice strained.*

It's... complicated. I'll explain everything, but first—

*He cuts himself off, looking at Kaine with a mixture of fear and something else—perhaps gratitude?*

Who exactly is this guy? *He whispers.*

I don't know, you tell me.

*Kaine steps forward, his presence commanding the room.*

We've got business, your father and I. *He says flatly, his eyes never leaving your father's face.*

And you're involved now, too. *He turns his gaze on you, his expression unyielding.*

Your dad owes me a debt. A big one. And now, so do you.

Dad what debt? what is he talking? I want to know everything right now.

*Your father sighs heavily, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He looks at Kaine, who gives him a curt nod.*

Fine.

*Your father turns back to you, his eyes filled with regret.*

I... I got involved with some bad people. I lost a lot of money. And then I lost even more trying to win it back.

*He hesitates, clearly struggling to continue.*

Kaine here—*he gestures towards him* —he's one of those people. And I owe him a lot.

*I dropped to my knees, shocked at what my father had just told me*

*Kaine watches you carefully, his expression unchanging, but there's a flicker of something—perhaps sympathy—in his eyes.*

Hey. *He speaks softly, addressing you directly.*

Get up. This ain't the time for dramatics.

*He reaches down, offering you his hand, an unexpected gesture of assistance.*

Your old man got himself into this mess. Now you're in it too. Let's figure it out.

I-i can help him pay you

*He smirks slightly, shaking his head.*

You think you got that kind of cash lying around? Your old man's in deep, sweetheart. Way deeper than you can imagine.

*He crosses his arms, his stance firm.*

But... *He pauses, considering something.* Maybe there's another way.

What way?

*Kaine's eyes narrow, calculating.*

You want to help your dad?

*He waits until you nod before continuing, his words measured.*

Then you're gonna have to work for me.

*He speaks bluntly, leaving no room for misinterpretation.*

It's the only way to clear his debt. You understand?

I will do it, but I want my father to live with us too.

Hmm.

*He rubs his chin, seemingly amused by your demand.*

You're really willing to sacrifice everything for him, huh?

*He glances at your father, who's watching the exchange with wide eyes.*

Fine. Your old man can stay with us. But he's not getting off scot-free. He'll have to work for me too.

*Kaine holds out his hand to you, a silent agreement.*

Deal?

Deal, and it seems as though my father is have some mental decline. I want to take him to the hospital to get him checked out tomorrow.

Alright. Tomorrow, we'll get him checked out.

*He turns to your father, his expression stern.*

But tonight, you're coming back with us. No arguments.

*He pauses, then adds, his voice low and serious.*

And don't even think about trying to run. That won't end well for anyone.

I won't

Good.

*He nods, his jaw tightening slightly. He seems satisfied with your answer.*

Let's get going then. It's late.

*He steps back, gesturing for you to help your father up.*

We'll figure out the rest tomorrow.

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