Page 37 of Soldier of Death

I get in the car, and we head back to the pizzeria where I let Marco off. Lou stays with me to drive me to Long Island. During the trip, I entertain myself with all the ways I can toy with Romeo Abate. But then I wonder how he knew where I was. I wasn’t in my territory. The coffee shop isn’t Abate territory, either. It’s Fiori. One of his fuckers must be reporting to the Abates. It surprises me some. Why is Giovanni so accommodating to Tiberius and his son? I remember hearing the truth about Elena’s marriage to Romeo and decide that her father must be in some deep, deep shit with the Abates. I wonder how much of it Elena knows?

And as if on cue, thoughts of her fill my mind. I’m glad they’re thoughts of resentment because that is the type of feeling I’m used to. I think about how I’ve tried to be nice, at least for me, and yet, she went behind my back. Maybe I should threaten to hand her over to Romeo. I know for sure that he wouldn’t be as nice. The image of Romeo taking Elena, hurting her as his reputation suggested, makes my stomach clench. There’s no way I’m letting that fucker get his hands on her.

But she’s not off the hook. She’s the daughter of a Don. She should know how to behave. Then again, she betrayed her father by selling her virginity. But I’m not Giovanni. I’m the Soldier of Death. I’ve earned respect. It’s time I demanded it from her.

I call to the house in the Hamptons to arrange for dinner tonight, including her attire and a note. It’s time for her to learn how to behave like a proper Mafia mistress if she doesn’t want to be sent away to less comfortable surroundings.

I'm angry that she's turning me into a putz, and so tonight, I'm set on teaching Elena a lesson in obedience.

15

ELENA

Don't disappoint me again,cara mia. You wear this, or nothing at all.

Niko’s words are a command. Except for a moment earlier, he usually exerts his control with subtlety. He’s not loud or aggressive, but there’s an undercurrent that says there’s no room for disobedience. Of course, he doesn’t need to be over the top in asserting his control. He’sIl Soldato Della Morte. His name alone causes fear, encourages obedience. I’m no different.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as I step into the barely-there red dress. It clings to my curves, making me feel both womanly and vulnerable. It reminds me of the dress I’d first looked at in Kate’s closet when I needed something for the virginity auction. If she saw me in this now, she’d likely be shocked. Possibly horrified. Thinking of her saddens me. I miss her so much, but I know I’ll likely never see her again. Not if I survive and not if I want to keep the horrors of my world away from hers.

My life isn’t turning out like I'd hoped. I sold my virginity to get away, and now I fell deeper into the world I'd hoped to escape. I don't regret selling my virginity, although I'mdisappointed I wasn't successful in my quest to build a new life. The thing that is the hardest to deal with is how easily I succumb to Niko's seduction. He’s my kidnapper. I’m his pawn. So why does my body always heat up when he touches me?

At the same time, through his touch, I’m discovering that a woman's power can come from sex. I remember Lucia once saying that men are slaves to their dicks. I think that is true even for a man with such control as Niko. At first, I felt he was touching me to punish my father and the Abates and to remind me who was in charge. But there have been moments that I’ve felt that he was compelled to touch me. Not from power, but from a desire he doesn’t control. Considering how new I am to all this, I could be completely wrong, but on the off chance I’m right, this could be something I can use to survive and protect my sister and Kate. Maybe with sex and telling Niko my Family’s secrets, I can forge an alliance of my own with him.

But it’s a dangerous game, and truth be told, I'm terrified. I don't know what he has planned for me tonight, but I doubt it will be pleasant.

I run my fingers through my hair, trying to tame my thick waves. The bathroom is fully stocked with creams and lotions, but no hair dryer. I wonder if that’s on purpose and if so, how can a hair dryer be used as a weapon?

There is makeup, but I don’t bother with much. Just a little rouge and mascara, finishing with a tinted gloss. For a moment, I study myself in the mirror. Will Niko like what he sees? Will he be pleased that I’ve obeyed and therefore not punish me?

A wave of despair slides through me. Is this how the rest of my life will be? Not knowing from one moment to the next what’s happening, always walking on eggshells to avoid upsetting Niko?

I shake my head as if it will dislodge and get rid of the hopelessness of my life. As long as I have breath and my witsabout me, there’s hope for something better. At least that’s how I plan to operate.

I leave the bathroom and exit the bedroom into the hall, trying to remember the instructions Rosa gave me for getting to the dining room. There’s no guard outside my door, which surprises me. What does that mean?

I make my way downstairs and am surprised at how quiet and empty the home feels. As I reach the bottom of the steps, I’m not sure where to go. Did Rosa say to go left or right?

“Hello? Rosa?” I call out for anyone who might be around, but I'm utterly alone. The silence is deafening, and I can't shake the feeling that this is some sick game of Niko's… a game where I end up dead. Men like him like to toy with their prey, give them a sense of safety and calm right before they strike.

I turn right, going to the first double doors. My heart races as I reach for the door handle, my fingers trembling with fear. I take a deep breath to calm myself down. I still have value to Niko in his war against my father. I remind myself of my plan to tell Niko about my family in exchange for Lucia and Kate's safety. If necessary, I’ll use my newfound sexuality as well.

As I turn the handle, the air around me supercharges with energy. He’s there. Behind me. I can feel him.

I turn and am frozen for a moment as I take him in. Niko is wearing a tuxedo, his hands in his pockets as if he’s relaxed but his expression contemplative. For a moment, I’m struck by how handsome and sexy he is… and lethal.

"What do you know of your betrothal to Romeo Abate?" Niko asks, his voice low and menacing.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. "My father wants an alliance with the Abates.” I feel like I’ve told him that already.

Niko's eyes narrow, and he takes a step closer to me. "He told you that?"

The question takes me off guard. What else would it be? Mafia Families work like middle-aged royalty… kings marrying off daughters to form alliances.

But his question reminds me that I have more information I could tell him. "I'll tell you everything about my Family, but you have to promise you won't hurt my sister or Kate."

His smile is dark, like a cat toying with a mouse. "There's the woman I fucked at the club.” His fingers reach out and toy with a strand of my hair. My breath stalls in my chest because I don’t know whether it’s a warning gesture or not.

“Your boldness was charming, but you ruined any leverage you might have had when you went behind my back. You have no power here, Elena."

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