Valentino sat in his spot in the limo, humming calmly to a rap song while Cherri napped against his collar.
Eventually, the limo reached the studio and came to a stop.
Valentino placed a hand on Cherri and gently shook her.
"Time to wake up, baby," Valentino said gently.
Cherri started to stir, but she was slow to wake.
Valentino smiled at her adorable sleepiness and gently shook her again as the chauffeur opened the limo door.
"Come on, Cherri," said Valentino calmly. "Wake up."
Cherri was slow to wake at first, but then, she bolted up away from Valentino with her backpack in tow ready to attack before she remembered the pain in her shoulder.
"I think we should take a look at that shoulder before we do anything else," Valentino said.
"What about Angel? Can I see him after I'm patched up?!" Cherri asked.
"Ehhhh, how about after we eat?" Valentino hesitated. "I worked up an attitude chasing you around town."
"How is Angel?! What have you done to him?!" Cherri pressed.
"He's alive," Valentino answered vaguely. "But look, I haven't had a chance to do anything. I've been with you."
"Remember our deal," Cherri said, climbing out of the car with her back and her aching shoulder. "You said you'd spare him."
"I remember," Valentino reassured. "And you have my word, we'll see him soon."
Just then, an orange goldfish demon in a white lab coat came out to meet them.
"Is this your daughter, Mr. Valentino?" the doctor demon asked.
"Yes, this is my poor, injured baby," said Valentino, walking her over to the doctor. "Please take good care of her."
"Of course," the doctor said turning to Cherri. "Hello, Miss Cherri Bomb. My name is Doctor Damien. I'll be the one treating your wounds. Now, if you would please follow me, we'll have you treated and feeling better in no time."
"Go on, darlin'," Valentino said. "Velvet will be there to keep an eye on you. I've got some business to attend to, so I'll be catching up with you later."
"Remember what you said about Angel!" Cherri yelled as the doctor led her away.
"Oh, don't worry," Valentino said with a smirk. "I will."
With that, Cherri walked away with the doctor, leaving Valentino to go visit Angel.
In a club within the studio, Angel was struggling against his restraints. He had been gagged and bound to a BDSM cross contraption, and he couldn't move. He was stripped down to his shorts and aching all over.
Angel's head was reeling from the ringer that Val's demons had put him through, not to mention getting jostled around in the truck when they made it crash. Nothing was broken. At least not yet. He had black eyes and bruises everywhere.
The gawking eyes of everyone in the club didn't help either. Neither did the annoying background music.
The worst part of all of it was not knowing where Cherri was or how she was doing.
Angel hung in the restraints feeling miserable when Valentino walked up to him.
"Finally…You can look good without that stupid mouth of yours," said Valentino as smoke billowed from his teeth to caress Angel's face.
Angel looked frightened yet resolved to endure whatever pain he had to endure. He was gagged but Valentino knew the question on his lips. It was about Cherri.
"Since I know you're wondering, my little girl will be fine," Valentino explained. "We have to get her wound patched up and then get her to dinner. You know, you're lucky. I should kill you for even half of this. You have her to thank for the fact that I'm leaving you alive."
Angel gave Valentino a questioning glance. Surely, Cherri had not…
"But I suppose that's a bit of a blessing," Valentino said. "As long as you stay alive, things could go more smoothly between me and my daughter from now on."
Angel looked away with tears in his eyes. He knew what had happened. Cherri had cut a deal to save his life.
The tears started flowing freely. Angel couldn't stop them no matter how badly he didn't want Valentino to see them.
"I'll be back later, Angel," Valentino said cruelly. "I must tend to more obedient hoes. If Cherri behaves, I'll let her come visit. Enjoy your night."
Just like that, Angel was left alone in the club, wondering just what Cherri had done to save his sorry life.