UNDER HIS RULES

Eland crossing its legs. Smoke had been billowing from between its fingers since earlier. Its dark eyes refused to release the figure in front of it.

“You’re still not talking?” it asked softly. But, beware, Eland’s soft voice was akin to the most terrifying chant ever heard. The hair on one’s neck would stand on end and certainly not want to hear Eland’s voice in this state again.

“There’s nothing I can say. Nothing,” retorted the interlocutor. Although his voice trembled and was filled with fear, there was still a trace of courage in him.

“Before Sam finds out, An.” Eland straightened his back slightly. He extinguished the cigarette that was still burning.

“But what I did wasn’t to trap the Boss. Not at all!” Anne stood up. Her eyes stared unwaveringly at Eland, who remained relaxed in his position. “I just want Tony’s shooter to be found! That’s all, Eland.”

“I know,” interjected Eland quickly. “But your approach was wrong.”

Anne turned away. Her lips began to tremble, trying to hold back a sob, but the image of her beloved resurfaced. If only Tony had listened to her even a little that night, perhaps they could still be together.

Anne’s defense broke down. She knelt down and wept over Tony’s departure. Again. She didn’t know how long she had been like this, but truly, losing the person she loved made life feel empty.

“Sam is also investigating this matter. He never stays silent when someone dares to disturb his territory. You know that, right, An?” Eland stood up. “You don’t need to act recklessly. We just have to follow Sam’s instructions regarding Tony. If you act rashly, it won’t just be you who is threatened, but everyone in this house.”

Anne understood the consequences of her surveillance. But what else could she do? She was haunted by a great curiosity. She was certain that Tony’s death was caused by something serious. Unfortunately, someone was protecting the perpetrator and was undoubtedly at odds with Sam’s camp.

“This time, I forgive your behavior of hacking multiple systems, especially those related to Gerald and Quassano,” Eland patted Anne’s shoulder briefly. “But once again, I know, and I assure you that all your devices will be destroyed.”

Anne looked up, her eyes meeting Eland’s sharp gaze. One of Sam’s trusted people indeed had a strong aura of intimidation. Just being looked at like this, many people couldn’t resist and obeyed what was asked of them. Including Anne.

“Okay, Eland.”

Eland wasn’t easily satisfied. “Just carry out your job as usual. Even that alone will help Sam.”

Anne simply nodded.

Before Eland left the room where Anne usually worked, the man with slightly slanted eyes said, “One more thing you should know, An. Don’t get too close to AnaBella. Apart from how much I hate that woman, she’s not good for you. Don’t let your closeness with her disappoint Sam.”

Anne swallowed slowly. She let Eland’s figure leave the room. She sighed softly. She wiped away the tears that had flowed earlier. “I don’t know if I should wait or take action myself.” She closed her eyes softly. “What should I do, Tony?” One or two more drops of tears fell uncontrollably. “I miss you!”

Meanwhile, in Sam’s room, Beatrice was examining herself. Wearing a loose shirt paired with tight jeans and sneakers of the same color as her shirt, she was ready to go back to her campus. Her appearance wasn’t too much of a hassle from the beginning. For her, going to campus wasn’t about a fashion show or showcasing her body. In college, she had to acquire a lot of knowledge so that her future could be brighter than her current life.

But… it seemed that line of thinking no longer applied. What was bright about her life when she was already trapped here? The agreement with Sam was clear, where she was escorted by two crazy henchmen. How could she escape? It felt like there was no escape route at all.

However, throughout the night, she pondered her escape plan. What could she do? It had been a long time since she visited her home. She didn’t know what had become of it. Not to mention that despicable old man who called himself her father. She had no interest in knowing his whereabouts.

Being used as collateral here was enough for her. Ah, thinking about what caused her to end up here, it still didn’t erase the disappointment in Beatrice’s mind.

“Still taking long?” asked Sam, who suddenly appeared at her bedroom door. He was shirtless, revealing the tattoos along his right chest to his back. His muscular physique and attractive body were a sight to behold for Beatrice. There were sweat droplets all over Sam’s body this time. It seemed to indicate that he had just finished exercising. Maybe.

Beatrice didn’t want to ask.

“Admiring my physique, are you?” Sam asked mischievously.

“No,” Beatrice retorted immediately. She quickly finished styling her hair. “I’m done. Shall we leave now?”

Sam looked at Beatrice incredulously. “Are you sure about leaving now?”

“Why wouldn’t, I be sure?” Beatrice replied, matching his surprised gaze. “It’s almost ten o’clock. I remember that the Dean or the administrative office is available until eleven. If we’re late, I’ll miss even more classes.”

Sam sighed. “Fine, but you have to agree to me going shirtless then.” He took wide strides toward one corner where his black jacket was usually hung. He also grabbed one of his black shirts from the wardrobe.

“Let’s go.”

“Wait!” Beatrice exclaimed. “Don’t you want to shower or get dressed first?”

“It’s you who’s in a hurry, right?” Sam said. He was already leading the way. It seemed like he was serious about not needing a shower or even getting dressed to cover his body. No, Beatrice didn’t envy or dislike others looking at Sam’s body. Why would she have such thoughts? She was just concerned about herself visiting the Dean’s office. She didn’t want them to go into a frenzy upon seeing Sam taking care of Beatrice’s academic matters.

Or suddenly become a celebrity because she was escorted by someone like Sam.

But oh well, Beatrice didn’t have many options but to comply with what Sam wanted. That included hastening her steps as they descended the stairs, where she noticed that two people were already following them.

“Their names are Zein and Mateo. They’ll be your escorts on campus,” Sam introduced them to Beatrice one by one.

“And you two, memorize this woman’s face very well. If she tries to escape, just throw her from the balcony onto a group of dogs in the side yard.”

“Are you insane?” Beatrice exclaimed, unable to believe it. She quickly walked to catch up with Sam, whose strides were exceptionally wide. Beatrice had to gasp for breath to keep up with him. “I have no intention of escaping, okay?”

“That’s good then,” Sam started putting on the shirt he took from his wardrobe earlier. Buttoning it up while continuing to walk, not paying much attention to Beatrice who walked beside him.

Upon hearing Sam’s words, Beatrice pursed her lips in annoyance. She was frustrated because Sam casually gave orders to the two people walking right behind them. At the end of the stairs, Hugo was already waiting.

“The key,” Sam said, and shortly after, a key was thrown to him by Hugo. “You and Eland meet Richard at the Port. I’ll join you soon.”

Hugo didn’t argue much, he just gave a thumbs-up. After all, forbidding Sam, who was in a slightly softened mode, could create its own commotion. Earlier in the morning, when Hugo accompanied Sam around the house, they ran around to relax and do light exercises. Hugo knew that Sam was in a very good mood.

Sam rarely laughed like he did this morning, even though Hugo’s jokes could be considered dry. Hugo could guess that all of this started because of someone-Beatrice Catalina. The girl who was held captive as collateral for a debt, whom Sam had asked about her background a few years ago.

If only Beatrice knew how cunning Sam was in bringing that girl here, Hugo was sure that Beatrice wouldn’t hesitate to leave this house. The girl’s gaze had a different kind of courage. Although she could still be intimidated by Sam for now, Hugo knew she was different.

***[]***

“He’s Jack,” Sam said, introducing one of his other associates. Beatrice was somewhat afraid to extend her hand because this man’s body was much larger and taller than Sam’s. Not to mention the scars on Jack’s face that increased Beatrice’s fear.

Seeing Beatrice’s frightened expression, Sam smirked slightly. “Jack takes care of the finances at the house, including your matters with the campus later.”

“Oh, I see,” Beatrice said softly. “I’m… Beatrice.” She then reached out her hand. However, before her hand could be greeted, Sam had already pulled Beatrice closer.

“Come on, let’s go in,” Sam said. “And you, Jack, your task today is to take me to the campus. Take care of everything regarding Beatrice there.”

“Got it, Boss,” Jack nodded obediently. He then hurriedly opened the door for his boss.

A black Range Rover was indeed waiting right in front of the main entrance of Sam’s house. Beatrice simply followed everything Sam had arranged. She didn’t want to argue much, especially since she had learned a bit about Sam’s behavior. Don’t provoke a seemingly tame lion with sparks that could make it ready to pounce on its opponent.

“I’ve kept my promise, Beatrice,” Sam said as he pulled out one of the cigars from the storage box. “You have to start keeping your promise.” He stared closely at the cigar, checking if there were any defects on the edge before he could enjoy it. He had already prepared his cutter.

Beatrice turned and looked at Sam somewhat hesitantly. “What if the taste is not good?”

“You’ll learn,” he replied.

Okay, okay. Beatrice realized her words were wrong. “Yes, sir,” she said softly. “I’ll learn even harder from Ute.”

Sam blew smoke out of his lips. Through the corner of his eye, he could see Beatrice falling silent again. No one spoke afterward. It didn’t matter to Sam.

Even though their journey hadn’t reached Beatrice’s campus yet, the girl’s heart was already in turmoil because the promise had indeed been fulfilled. “Thank you, sir, for keeping your promise,” Beatrice said sincerely.

Sam heard her words clearly but pretended not to. “What did you say?”

“Thank you for keeping your promise, sir,” Beatrice repeated once again.

“Your gratitude doesn’t sound sincere,” Sam remarked.

This caught Beatrice off guard. “It is sincere.”

“The thank you I received was in the form of actions, you know,” Sam pulled Beatrice’s hip closer to him. “Don’t create distance when we’re just sitting together.”

However, Beatrice didn’t want to be close to Sam who… “You haven’t showered! I don’t want to be close!” She pushed Sam with all her strength, although her effort proved futile.

Sam burst into laughter at Beatrice’s reaction. “You’re the one who wanted me to hurry, right? Forgot about that?”