I still haven't found new goons. The higher-ups wanted me to look for truly capable ones. I can't just pick up random thugs. They must be skilled. How the hell do they expect me to do that?

I am injured; My standing in the group is shaking because of that stupid failure; and now a fucking prisoner escaped to torture me every single day. It's been a whole week. And within that time, he's been abusing and harassing me. No matter where I go or what I'm doing, he will come unexpectedly.

The last time I was shitting in our company toilet and he went inside and punched me in the face. I am angry but I can't even afford to punch that guy back. He's also like a mountain to me. And how is an escapee even doing that? He can trace me wherever I go? He knows what time I'll be alone. He knows a lot about me. Who the hell is he? Did someone send him?

Am I scared? N-No. I am not. Why would I? I am still powerful. I have money. I have influence. I have....

Tch. I thought of something annoying. I don't want to do it. That son of a bitch will just humiliate me. He enjoys harassing me as well. What the fuck is wrong with these people? Ah right. They're a lot stronger than me. It's natural but... I'M FUCKING MAD!

And it's frustrating that I can't do anything about it. I have to bear it. And wait for the time it's my turn to humiliate him. So what if they're like mountains? Even mountains can be erased using bombs.

Fuck!

I prepare myself immediately. Even though I feel so tired and dizzy, I still forced myself to get out of bed. It's not like I can sleep anyway. This dread that I'm feeling, it doesn't let me sleep.

I push myself out of bed, the fatigue and dizziness are not enough to keep me down. Sleep is elusive with this constant dread weighing on my mind. I can't take this humiliation any longer.

I've had enough of this prisoner's torment. He seems to know my every move, and it's driving me insane. But I won't cower any longer. I may not match his physical strength, but I have money, influence, and resources.

I decide it's time to turn the tables. I'll use all my connections, all my resources, to uncover who this fucker is and what makes him tick. I won't rest until I find his weakness, something to exploit.

Or so I'd like to do that but my mind is so cluttered I can't think properly. My mind races as I realize I can't handle this alone. I need help, and I need it fast. Desperation fuels my next move.

I need... fuck... I need that dickhead's help.

I hate it but I don't have another choice. It's okay... I can't afford to safeguard my pride now. I have to swallow it.

I immediately prepare my car. It's already 4 AM in the morning. I'm certain that bastard is already awake this time. FUCK! I'LL MAKE THEM ALL PAY!

After a few hours of travel, I finally arrive here. For someone living a dark life, Viper sure has a mansion that looks like the kingdom of heaven.

Approaching the mansion, I'm greeted by a sight that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Nestled within lush, and manicured gardens, the mansion looks quite elegant. Its architecture is a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and timeless charm.

The exterior walls are painted in a soft, ethereal shade of pastel cyan. Large windows adorn the facade, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior, creating an inviting warmth that seems to radiate from within.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Boss is waiting in the ‘Pet Zone’, Mr. Doccia...” A butler is waiting for me in the front door.

‘Pet Zone’ huh? That dickhead... It's so early in the morning. Does this mothefucker only know sex and murder? What a disgusting villain..

As I step inside, I'm greeted by a sense of tranquility. The foyer is adorned with tasteful artwork and delicate sculptures that triggees a sense of wonder and inspiration.

The living spaces are open and airy, with high ceilings and a color palette. Soft shades of blue and green dominate the decor, creating an atmosphere that soothes the soul. Large, comfortable couches and plush armchairs invite me to relax and unwind.

As I explore further, I discover a modern, state-of-the-art kitchen that seems like it was designed for culinary magic. It's equipped with the latest appliances and features a spacious island where friends and family can gather to create and share meals.

Outside, a pristine swimming pool shimmers in the sunlight, surrounded by a sundeck and lounge chairs where one can bask in the sun's warm embrace. A gazebo nestled in the corner of the garden offers a serene spot for meditation or quiet contemplation.

That's why it's ironic. I guess you soothes your evil heart with your kind-looking house. But no matter where you live, you heart is trash— so is your house.

“We are here Mr. Doccia...”

He doesn't have to tell me. I can already hear moans and groans. The ‘Pet Zone’ should be soundproofed yet I can hear weak noises coming inside.

I feel nervousness creeping in. No, I've been feeling it. I was just ignoring. But now it's so hard to ignore. My stomach is twisting again. I feel like puking. My wounds have gotten itchy and painful at the same time. It's my second time coming here. I would love it if I don't have to come here ever again. Much better if I never have to meet this dickhead.

But I need him right now. I need his help!

The butler opens the door. Immediately after that, deafening noises assaulted my ears. Electricity crackling, machines working, whips hitting the flesh, bones breaking, and women's groaning and moaning— those are just some of the noises that I can distinguished. This place is overstimulating my senses. I feel the aggressive and hellish atmosphere of this shithole. It's the opposite of this manor.

What a fucking hell. Viper, you are a sick son of a bitch!

I calm my nerves down; or at least I pretend I do. Acting weak in the presence of the strong will put me in such a massive disadvantage.

“I have fresh meats; would you like to finally buy some?” says the naked man while sitting down on the neck of a naked and bloodied anorexic woman.

He is a burly man with a face that has seen its share of fights, and his scarred knuckles tell stories of past encounters. He signals for me to sit, and I do so, my unease masked by arrogance.

Fuck... he made me sit on a stinking chair. It's odor is mixture of blood, sweat, and urine.

“You must be in deep shit if you're calling me,” Viper says, his voice gravelly. I think this dickhead has been fucking his little pets for the past few hours. He is already gasping for breathe like as if he ran a thousand miles.

I nod, “Deeper than I'd like to admit, sir. There's this mothefucker, a prisoner who escaped, and he's been tormenting me for the past few days. He knows my every move, Sir Viper. I can't seem to escape him.”

Viper leans forward, studying me with a seriousness that sends shivers down my spine, “You know the price of my help, right?”

I nod again, “I'm willing to pay whatever it takes. Money is no issue.”

He leans back, taking a long drag from his cigarette, his eyes never leaving mine, “Tell me everything. Leave nothing out.”

So, I do. I recount the relentless harassment, the physical and mental abuse, and the constant feeling of helplessness. I divulge how I have been haunted by this mysterious escaped prisoner.

Viper listens intently, nodding occasionally as if he already knows more than I'm telling him. When I finish, he stubs out his cigarette and speaks, his words laced with a seriousness that makes it clear he's taking my predicament seriously.

“...also, I'd like to hire few of your men,” I said reluctantly. I really need it even though...

“You do know that if you hire my men, it's basically keeping spies and assassin's by your sides?” he says playfully.

“!”

That's why I don't want to. But I need my own goons. I'm way too vulnerable right now.

Viper laughs, “Hahahaha.. I know a few people who might be able to help you with your ‘goon problem.’ They're not cheap, but they're skilled, discreet, and loyal. As for this prisoner, I'll dig into it. Find out who he is and what makes him tick.”

“Thank you, Sir Viper. I owe you.”

He waves off my gratitude. “We'll settle the details later. For now, you need to stay low and stay safe. I don't want any more surprises from this guy. Give me everything you have on him, and I'll get to work.”

“Thank you, sir..” I bow my head a little.

I can't wait to leave this stinky and gory hell.