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“Oh, it’s more than okay. I don’t wear that type of stuff anyway. I definitely wouldn’t have guessed that to be Fiona’s taste either.” Not before today’s breakfast, anyway. Fiona did a complete one-eighty—timid to whore, like someone with multiple personalities. My psycho captor had to buy those satin cock teases she put in the drawer for me. Fiona could not afford such luxury and quality unless he’s paying her an exorbitant amount to be his kinky maid that moonlights as his nightly concubine.
“I need an answer, dear, so I can get started,” Bridget says, interrupting my nonverbal tangent.
“Sorry, can you repeat the question?”
“I asked if you had a particular length or style in mind?” she repeats.
“I’ve never had a real cut before now, so I’d rather not have it any shorter than it is now,” I admit.
“No worries. I’ll give you some nice layers. You and Mr. Gallagher will love it.”
“Why would he care? I’m not his girlfriend. He’s holding me captive here. You have to know that. You all do.”
She stops spraying for a second as if contemplating what to say. “Mr. Gallagher is very unorthodox, but he is fair to those loyal to him. He doesn’t let many people in, so if he’s taken an interest in you, he has his reasons. Just obey what he says, and you will be fine. He won’t hurt you.”
She goes back to spraying the water, and then the snip of her scissors fills the silence. “He wants something that I can’t give without hurting my family,” I share softly.
“What do you enjoy, Aurora? What would you be doing if you were back at home?”
I see through her attempt to change the subject and allow it. “I love art, ballet, and listening to music. They’re my happy place since I’m not allowed much else outside of education.”
She comes to stand in front of me to continue cutting my hair. “What kind of art?”
“I enjoy painting and sketching. I love museums, home decor, and interior design. I just love all things art. This house is a real masterpiece.”
“You’re smiling. It must be a true passion,” she points out. “Yes, this home is extraordinary. Especially the part of the house where it looks like nature continues into the inside. The greenery and stones are like something out of a spa and brings so much Zen.”
I didn’t realize I was smiling, but it fades as I hear her describe a part of the house that I’ve yet to see. “Oh, I’ve only seen the library, dining room, and this room,” I tell her. “It sounds like an absolute dream, though.”
“I’ll talk to Mr. Gallagher. Perhaps he’ll let me give you a tour. I can’t promise anything, but I can try. I’m sure your cooperation would go a long way.”
And there it is. Was all of this conversation and niceness to get me to follow whatever rules he has inthat folder?
“Why does everyone keep bringing up those rules and the wordcooperation?”
“He has expectations for all of us as it pertains to our jobs. For you, he has a different set of rules. Mr. Doyle has asked that we remind you of these rules. It will only make your stay here more pleasant. As I said before, Mr. Gallagher is a fair man. But he also possesses a side you don’t want to see, so I urge you not to cross him.” She removes the towel from my neck. “You can either blow-dry your hair or let it air dry. I need to get going. I’ve already said too much.”
“Thank you,” I say as she hurries out the door. I appreciate her kindness even though she clammed up at the end. I hear the locks re-engage on the other side of the door.
I opt to let my hair air dry. I guess I’ll read these damn rules that everyone keeps alluding to. They’re pretty straightforward and just as I suspected—controlling. The rules list all meal times. I will be present for all meals, dressed appropriately, and on time. I hope joggers count as appropriate because that’s all I got. I’m expected to learn domestic chores with the assistance of the house staff. Okay, that one is weird. What the hell for? Is this more punishment? I’ve never been responsible for chores at home. I’m sure he has adequate help for these things. I continue to read on. No talking back or being argumentative? Well, he can fuck right off. I’m tired of everyone having the authority to tell me what to do. Captive or not, I’m a fucking grown woman. I must agree to scheduled nights with him? To do what? This guy is insane. Oh, then I get to the best part. I will be given freedom to access more of the house and gardens as trust is established from adhering to these rules. This entire document is a crock of shit and is meant to take away my free will as he puts it.
I take a deep breath in through my nose and blow it out through my mouth. I have to hold on to the revelation I made in the bathroom. He wants something from me, so I have at least that leverage. I don’t want to do anything he listed; it’s insulting. But if I want a chance to escape and get back to my family, I have to get him to let his guard down. The only way I can think to do that is to give the illusion of the dreadedcooperation.
I will participate in this twisted dance of wills. Let him think I’m easy prey. He foolishly thinks I’m the weakest of the Valentini. I will show them all. I will be victorious.
CHAPTER NINE
Lennon
My brother Kai paces my office as we wait for Oisín to retrieve Aurora. I thought it was best to bring him here to see for himself. Not a single person other than a select few I have vetted knows about this residence. As far as the rest of our family and clan knows, I still reside in Manhattan.
“How did you even know that Matteo Valentini had a daughter?” Kai questions. “I’ve never heard of her until Alessandro called me. I thought there were only the four brothers.”
“That’s not a coincidence. That was their intent. I know of her because she once entered her father’s office unannounced during a meeting he was having with our father. He was so upset and fired one of his house staff on the spot for letting her get past his guard. I knew not to question things at that moment, but I asked who she was when Father and I got home.”
“Why were the two of you there? And what did Father say?”
“I was twelve at the time, so Aurora couldn’t have been no more than five. Father was introducing me to their world and wanted to be sure that they knew what clan I belonged to and that I wasn’t a threat to them. That night, Father explained that Matteo didn’t want anyone to know his baby girl existed because he needed to protect her much like our little sister, Aisling.”
