4 Chapter 4: Decision

'tic. tac. tic'.

It seems hours pass by already but the truth is, it took only a few minutes. Nicolas is contemplating if he will do it or not. Seeing that Leila is really against the whole idea, he do not know what to choose between the two. As a soldier, he understand her concern but as a comrade he wants to save her and also his guilty conscience cannot stand it if she died because of him.

"So Nicolas, time is ticking, what will you choose? hahaha!". Connard is presuring Nicolas as it is also one of his traits. He is a psychopath but he's also smart as he uses every means to torture his enemies such as what he is doing right now, which is using mental pressure.

"Sir, believe me its fine, I won't hold it against you as it is my wish. Just let me die as a soldier with honor". Leila said with full conviction as she won't even fear death to uphold her dignity. 'And besides, I haven't given my first to Leon yet and I only want to do it with him and nobody else'. Leila said in her heart remembering her fiancee that is waiting for her at home.

After a few moments Nicolas decided. 'I won't think about what will happen in the future. For now, I only want to save my comrade. After this, we'll just cross the bridge when we get there, the important thing right now is to save Leila even if she is against it. I won't let anyone died on me'. Nicolas said in his heart.

"I'll....*huff*...do it". Nicolas murmured as he is still weak and catching his breath after receiving numerous whipping earlier.

"What did you say? I can't hear you! hahaha!". Connard said and turn his ear on Nicolas direction as if mocking him that he did'nt heard him.

"I said,... *huff*....I'll do it....*huff*". Nicolas speak much louder and clearer compared from earlier.

"That's more like it! hahaha! You two, tie this woman on the bed and strip her naked". Connard instructed his subordinates. "No sir! don't do it!". Leila plead but nobody paid heed to her. As her hands were still tied even if she's squirming it doesn't stop the two terrorist from stripping her. She could only yell and kick but it doesn't stop the two from what they are doing.

"This is interesting hahaha! Now you could quench my boredom for now hahaha! you two, take him onto the bed. Strip him and also untie his rope". Connard said to another two terrorist. "But sir! what if he use that opportunity to get away?". The terrorist speak his mind. "Do you think I'm an idiot hah? Of course I also considered it, but I know he won't took the risk as I can kill the girl right now even with my eyes closed am I right Nicolas?, so you idiot, just do your job". Connard replied to his subordinate irritably. "Yes sir!". The terrorist that expressed his opinion just do his job as Connard instructed. They untied his rope and strip him.

As Nicolas were hanged and tied for a few hours and he also receive a beating earlier, his body feels so weak, so even if he wants to take this opportunity, he won't risk it as what Connard said, he can kill Leila right away although he won't kill him now as he still needed him but he won't be able to save Leila if he took a wrong move.

"Well, that's what I like hahaha!. An obedient individual. Now let the game begins! hahaha!". Connard laugh boisterously as at last he gets Nicolas under his palm.