Chapter 3 My pet

Eloise felt a wave of unease and anger wash over her, causing her to gasp for breath. She demanded, trying to keep her voice steady but shaking slightly, "What are you doing here?"

Vincent had a calm smile that was infuriating. "Just enjoying the evening. It was unexpected to see you here, though. Quite a coincidence, isn't it?"

Eloise squinted as she clenched her fingers around the cue stick. "This is a private room. You're not welcome here."

Vincent chuckled, glancing around at her friends, who were now watching the exchange with rapt attention. "Relax, Miss Escobar. I'm not here to cause trouble. And besides, I own this place."

Eloise looked shocked and her eyes widened. She turned to her friends, who appeared to be more preoccupied with Vincent than with her unease.

"Then I'm leaving," she said, dropping the cue and moving to walk past him.

Vincent's smile widened, his tone taunting. "Feisty. I like that. Especially in bed," he said with a chuckle, causing her friends to giggle nervously.

Eloise's gaze snapped back to her friends, silencing them with a look. Her anger flared. "Vincent, what do you want?" she commanded, her voice trembling with restrained rage.

"Let's place a bet," he said his eyes glinting with challenge.

"What on earth would make me want to bet with you?" She snapped back, rolling her eyes.

He moved in closer until she could feel the heat emanating from his body and said, "You might like it." Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of rage and a strange attraction.

"What?" she questioned, attempting to sound unimpressed, but there was a trace of curiosity in her tone.

He nodded to the snooker table and said, "Let us play a game."

"And what is the bet?" she inquired, attempting to regain her composure.

"If you win, I will apologize for pouring my expensive drink on you," he said mockingly.

"You believe I am not going to win?" She scoffed, her confidence boosted by years of experience.

"Why not find out?" he asked, a chuckle escaping his lips.

"What if you win?" she inquired, her tone tinged with skepticism.

His smirk widened. "You will be my pet for two months," he said, his gaze locked on hers.

Her stomach stirred in a mixture of defiance and fear. "Why would I want to be your pet?" she questioned, sounding a little nervous.

"Looks like little Miss Escobar is not so confident after all," he teased.

"Quit calling me that. "My name is Eloise," she yelled, her temper escalating. "And I am 100% certain I will win."

"So, are you on board with my terms?" he asked, holding out his hand.

She paused, feeling the weight of the choice bearing down on her. She grasped his hand and gave it a firm shake, her eyes narrowing. "Deal," she uttered, her tone simultaneously defiant and determined.

Eloise felt a wave of calm focus pass over her as she set up her shot. She knew she was good because she had spent years perfecting her craft. However, she could not get rid of the feeling that someone was watching her as she struck the cue ball. She felt like an insect under a microscope as Vincent's eyes seemed to pierce through her skin.

Eloise became more confident as the game progressed. She was leading, and she knew she had this. But Vincent's attitude changed after that. His eyes narrowed, his concentration sharpened, and he began to play with such intensity that Eloise's heart skipped a beat.

As he began to close the distance, she experienced a wave of unease. Her mind began to race with doubts. What if she lost? What would it mean to spend two months as his "pet"? A cold shudder ran down her back at the thought.

Eloise's confidence started to fade as she missed an easy shot. She was surprised by her weakness. Usually, she was so calculated and exact. But Vincent's sudden comeback had thrown her off her game.

As the score evened out, Eloise felt her anxiety spike. She could not allow him to win. The idea of spending two months at his mercy was too much for her to handle. She felt nervous as she lined up her final shot. What if she missed?

The cue ball hit the object ball with a loud crack, but it was slightly off. The ball bounced off the cushion, giving Vincent an easy shot. Eloise felt a sharp sense of defeat as he hit the final ball.

Eloise was filled with rage as Vincent approached her with a smile on his face. How could he be so proud? Didn't he know she was struggling? But something in his eyes gave her paused heart palpitations. There was more than just a glimmer of victory, though. Something that looked almost like... excitement.

"Well played, Miss Escobar," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "But it seems I'm the winner."

Eloise wanted to respond angrily, but she bit her tongue. She was going to have to deal with the fact that she had lost. "Well done," she exclaimed, her voice tense with annoyance.

He turned to his men, grinning mischievously, and started to walk away.

A shiver ran down Eloise's spine as she realized what she had got herself into. She was his "pet" and could do as he pleased for the next two months. She felt a twinge of curiosity and a shiver run down her spine at the same time. What was in store for her from him? And why did she have such a sick feeling of expectation?

She had to do something about this... she had to tell her Daddy, he could probably stop all this.

"He's damn hot," Bella said, breaking the silence.

"I could see his abs through his shirt," Francesca added, her eyes still lingering on the door where Vincent had exited.

Eloise's anger flared again. "Are you serious right now? Did you not hear what just happened?" she snapped.

Lila shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed. "Sorry, El. But you have to admit, he's something else."

Eloise glared at them, clearly frustrated. "I am going home," she declared, snatching up her stuff and storming out of the private room. She became even more irritated as her friends followed her with their whispered remarks and giggles.

It was an uncomfortable drive home. Eloise was seated in the backseat of her opulent vehicle, while her driver cast a worried glance at her via the rearview mirror. "Is everything okay, Miss Eloise?" he questioned warily.

"Please just drive, Paul," she whispered, her mind spinning over everything that had happened that evening. It was unbelievable to her that she had allowed herself to become engrossed in Vincent's actions. She needed to talk to her father; he would know what to do.

Attempting to calm herself, Eloise inhaled deeply as the vehicle arrived at her residence. She moved outside, her heels tapping the driveway as she entered. Her heart was still racing even after entering the magnificent Escobar mansion.

Her dad was, as usual, in his study. Before going inside, Eloise gave the door a gentle tap. "Can I talk to you, Daddy?"

Gazing up from his desk, Gambino's expression softened upon seeing her. "Of course, sweetheart. "What are you thinking about?"

Eloise inhaled deeply, her heart racing. "I... I really need your help. I am stuck in a situation I did not know how to get out of.

Gambino nodded, though his expression darkened slightly. Tell me all about it, Eloise. What actually happened."

Gambino listened carefully, his expression becoming more serious as she related what had happened that evening. He sat back, a troubled expression on his face as she finished.

"Eloise," he said cautiously at first, "why would you make a bet with Vincent Lucchese?"

Eloise's eyes widened in frustration. "But you can stop him, right? You can make this go away."

Gambino's jaw tightened. He was terrified, but he could not show Eloise how afraid he was of Vincent's strength and influence. "I will do everything within my power, but you must recognize that this is a challenging situation."

Not sure why her father was hesitant, Eloise scowled. "You're Gambino Escobar. You can handle anything."

He forced a smile, hoping to reassure her. "I will look into this. In the meantime, I want you to stay strong and not let him see any fear. Can you do that?"

Eloise nodded, her resolve strengthening. "Yes, Daddy. I can do that."

"Good," Gambino exclaimed as he got to his feet and embraced her. "We will get through this, Eloise. Together, just do your part, and I will do mine."

Eloise felt relieved but her anxiety persisted as she left the study. She trusted her father to find a way out of this situation because he had always been her protector.

~~~

"Welcome to my home, Gambino," Vincent said with a broad smile on his face.

Gambino's eyes narrowed as he took in the lavish surroundings, and his expression was severe. We need to talk, Mr. Luchesse.

With a laugh, Vincent took a cozy seat in an armchair. "By all means, have a seat. What are your thoughts?"

Gambino stood there, his back straight. "This bet with my daughter, Eloise. It needs to end."

Vincent grinned more broadly, his eyes sparkling with laughter. "Oh, that. It's just a bit of fun, Gambino. No need to get worked up about it."

"She's my daughter, Vincent," Gambino said, his voice low and threatening. "You will not toy with her."

Vincent laughed, a cold, mirthless sound that echoed through the room. "Toy with her? Gambino, you give me too little credit. It's just a game. She agreed to it, after all."

Gambino clenched his fists, finding it difficult to control his rage. "She is young and naive. You know she didn't fully understand what she was getting into."

Vincent's smile turned sinister. "Oh, I think she understood perfectly. And let's not forget, she lost fair and square."

"This isn't a game, Vincent," Gambino growled. "You're pushing too far."

Vincent stood, his demeanor shifting from playful to menacing in an instant. "Too far? I am not even close to finishing. It is fortunate for you that I spared you from losing her forever."

Gambino's heart raced and he started to perspire profusely. He was aware of Vincent's brutality and power. "Please, Vincent. She is my daughter. Call off the bet."

Vincent's expression softened slightly, though his eyes remained cold. "I could... but where's the fun in that? Besides, she's a strong girl. She'll manage."

Gambino took a step forward, desperation in his voice. "I'll give you anything. Money, influence... just leave her out of this."

Vincent raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Anything, you say? Interesting. But no, Gambino. I think I'll stick to the original terms. It's more... entertaining."

Gambino's face hardened, his mind racing for a solution. "You're making a mistake, Vincent. This will come back to haunt you."

Vincent's laughter rang out again, chilling in its cruelty. "I'm not worried, Gambino. But I appreciate your concern."

With a final glare, Gambino turned and stormed out of the room, his mind already formulating a plan to protect his daughter. Vincent watched him go, a smug smile playing on his lips. He was excited to see how the game would play out and enjoyed his control over the Escobar family.

He sure was going to Toy with Eloise so much.

He despised spoiled daddy girls, so teaching her a lesson would not be too bad.

TBC.