AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Speak with his capo. He can fill you in on his likes and dislikes.” She made way too much of an effort as she pushed to her feet and stared down at me. “You are not here to fall in love, Elenora. You are but a means to an end. I know all that goes on inside and outside of these walls. If you think of disobeying me, I will know, and you will not be the only one who suffers.” She was referring to my parents.
“Yes, of course. I understand.”
When she turned her back, I flipped her off and decided I’d go find the capo. As I got up, I heard a chuckle from the other side of the room and found a man around my age laughing at me. He wasn’t really handsome but certainly wasn’t hard on the eyes either.
“You have a death wish.” He smirked. “If she caught that, you’d get the belt.”
“Maybe I’d be less desirable with lash marks on my back,” I muttered.
“You clearly haven’t spent much time with Theo,” he muttered darkly then extended his hand. “I’m Oscar, and I will most likely be your only friend here.”
“Elenora. And I can be likable.” I felt the need to defend myself.
“I’m sure you can be, but they aren’t. The housemates, the staff, and our various daily visitors hate you already. You are about to marry the almighty Theo.”
“They can have him. I don’t want him.”
He tilted his head as he studied me. “You really have no interest in being with him?”
“I’m nothing more than payment for the dirty deals my parents have made. The moment those doors open, I’m outta here.”
“You won’t get far. Everyone is paid off, and there are incentives for those who tell on one another.” I let out a long breath, trying to consider any options that I might have left. “Maybe I can help you?”
“I’m listening.”
A chair scraping on the floor brought me quickly out of my memory, and I blinked back the horrific feeling of being trapped with no way out.
“Tell me, has Elio Capri forgiven her for who she is?” I heard him flex in his suit.
“No. In fact, he came to the hotel to speak with her, and she told him to get out of her life.”
“Has he so far?”
“Yes.”
“Good,” I said over my shoulder. “Ugo?”
“Yes?”
“I want to see my daughter.”
A few days later, I was starting to feel a little more comfortable with my surroundings. Nonna Rosa had been tucked away in her office for most of my time here. I guessed by the comings and goings that something big was going on. She kept Ugo away from me, and that was hard, as I had no one to talk to. I knew he was supposed to act aloof with me, anyway, and it was easier when he wasn’t nearby. I did overhear the staff talking about how tonight’s dinner was going to be interesting. I wasn’t sure what they meant, but it was something to look forward to, nonetheless.
I spent the day on the west side of the house. There was a little study that had a hidden balcony where I could be alone. It looked over the hill, and you could see a panoramic view of Rome. It was the only place I could pull out my phone without feeling like someone was watching me.
Once my phone powered on, I saw several missed messages from Wyatt.
Wyatt: I’m still not on board with this plan, but how is it going?
Wyatt: I just need one message from you, so I know you’re okay.
Wyatt: Tell me you’re not locked in a dungeon somewhere.
Wyatt: I want to visit. I need to know you’re okay.
My poor friend was worried sick about me, but I didn’t want to risk anyone hearing me use my phone. Not yet, at least. Perhaps a quick text.
Sienna: Sorry, just trying to fit in. The place is different. No one really talks to me yet. I think everyone is unsure what to think. Ugo left for a day, and now he’s back. Nonna has kept him away from me. Nonna asked about how I was found and about Elio. I suspect more questions to follow. I think someone is coming to dinner tonight, so I’ll fill you in on that when I can. I’m always listening and watching but have nothing to report yet. We will have a story that will shock the country, Wyatt, I just know it. I miss you so much, and I will tell you all when I can see you again.
