Violet's heart seized with fear as his fingers dug into her skin. She tried to pull away but his grip tightened painfully.

"Wh—what do you mean?" she choked out.

Sal's eyes bored into hers with cruel intensity.

"I mean," he said slowly, enunciating each word, "that until that $500,000 is paid in full...you belong to me."

Violet went still as shock and horror crashed through her.

"Belong to you?" she repeated incredulously. "What is this, the Middle Ages? I'm not some slave!"

Sal chuckled darkly, not releasing his hold on her chin.

"No? Then I suggest you start acting like one," he said silkily. "You're here to serve my needs now, Miss Evans. In whatever way I require."

He leaned in closer, so close Violet could feel his breath on her face.

"I can think of quite a few ways I'd like to be 'served' by a pretty little thing like you," Sal murmured. "But don't worry, I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to explore them."

She felt fear and a little bit of arousal from his words. Violet yanked herself out of his grasp, taking back a step.

"This is insane," she spat. "I'm not some object to be passed around! Michael doesn't own me and neither do you."

Sal raised an eyebrow at her outburst, looking more amused than angry.

"Oh, but you see, he does," he said calmly. "When he made that deal with me...he made it clear that his 'sweet little sister' would be his collateral."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded paper— the note Michael had left behind.

"You see?" Sal said, holding it up. "Your brother already agreed to this arrangement."

Violet snatched the note from his hand with shaking fingers, reading the words that had once seemed so innocent.

"Just please get the cash and bring it to this address by 8pm tomorrow..."

But now she saw it for what it really was— a twisted confession of intent. Michael had known what he was doing when he sent her here alone...

Betrayal and rage rose up in Violet's throat like bile. She crumpled the note in her fist and glared at Sal through blurry eyes.

"You son of a bitch," she snarled. "You set me up! Michael set me up! This is all just some sick game to you!"

Sal shook his head mockingly. "Now now, Miss Evans. I don't play games. I make deals...and your brother sealed yours."

He moved towards her again, backing her up until she bumped against the wall. He pressed his palms to either side of her head, boxing her in.

"As for Michael...he will suffer the consequences for skipping out on his obligations," Sal said coldly. "Unless..."

Violet's heart seized with dread. "Unless what?"

Sal leaned in close again, so close their lips nearly brushed.

"Unless you decide to take his place," he purred. "Fulfill his end of our bargain...and I will forgive the debt entirely."

Violet felt like she couldn't breathe, pressed between his solid body and the unforgiving wall. She could smell his musky cologne, feel the heat radiating off him.

"I don't understand," she gasped out. "How can I possibly pay off $500,000?"

A cruel smile spread across Sal's face as he slid one hand down to wrap around her throat.

"The same way your brother intended," he said softly. "With your body...and your obedience."

He squeezed just hard enough to make her gasp, blood rushing in her ears as panic rose up in her throat.

"What...what do you want from me?" Violet whispered hoarsely.

"I want you to be my personal assistant," Sal said, voice dark with promise. "To fulfill my every need...in whatever way I desire."

His thumb brushed along her skin as he leaned in even closer, so close Violet could feel the warmth of his breath on her parted lips.

"And in return...I will grant you and your brother your freedom."

Violet shuddered as the weight of those words hit her like a train. Freedom...or slavery. Those were her choices now.

Violet's mind raced as she stared into Sal's cold, unyielding eyes. The alternative to becoming his 'personal assistant' was unthinkable— she had to save Michael at any cost. But the price Sal demanded seemed huge.

"What exactly does this...assistant role entail?" Violet asked shakily, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.

Sal's smirk widened, revealing a glimpse of white teeth. "Oh, I think you can guess," he smirked, sliding his hand up her throat to cup her chin. His thumb brushed along her lower lip. "Your brother certainly did."

Sick shame twisted Violet's stomach. She knew what kind of 'assistant' Sal wanted. The kind he could use for his own dark pleasures, again and again until her debt was paid. The kind he could degrade and debase as he saw fit.

But Michael's terrified face swam before her eyes. He was counting on her to save him. How could she live with herself if she abandoned him to these monsters?

"I'll do it," Violet whispered, choking back a sob. "I'll be your assistant. Just...just don't hurt Michael."

Sal's eyes glinted with cruel triumph. "Excellent choice, Miss Evans," he said silkily. "I have no doubt you'll make an...adequate pet."

He released her chin and stepped back, a mocking bow. "Welcome to your new life."

Violet swayed on her feet, knees weak with dread and despair. This couldn't be happening. She was supposed to be focused on school, on building a career and a future. Not sold into slavery to a mafia don.

But what choice did she have? Michael was depending on her. She had to be strong for him.

Swallowing hard, Violet raised her chin and met Sal's gaze. "What do you want me to do first?"

Sal's lips curved into a predatory smile as he reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small black box.

"First..." he said softly, opening the box to reveal a delicate silver choker inside. "You put this on."

Violet reached out shaking hands to take the choker, fingers brushing against Sal's. A jolt of electricity seemed to pass between them at the contact. She quickly drew back, wrapping the choker around her neck and fastening it.

The metal felt cool and heavy against her skin, a tangible reminder of her new status as Sal's 'property'. She could feel the raised letters of his initials embossed into the underside of the choker - 'S.M.' for Salvatore Moretti.

Sal reached out and flicked the choker with one finger, making it jingle. "There. Now everyone will know you belong to me."

Violet flushed hotly, fighting back tears of humiliation and anger. "And what about my brother? What happens to him now?"

Sal's expression hardened. "He will remain here as my guest...until you've proven yourself a worthy servant."

His eyes raked over her body, making her skin crawl.

"And believe me, Miss Evans...I have very high standards."