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The Capo hesitates, then lowers his arm with a scowl. "You're right. There are other ways to tame a wild mare."
He fixes me with a threatening glare.
"Very well. If you insist on being difficult, I will find other ways to make use of you. Perhaps this was asking for too much. But know this - you belong to me now for what I did for you, and there is no escape. You will do as you're told, or suffer the consequences. At some point, there will be something I need which you won't be in a position to say no to. Fortunately for you, I do have others in my army who can be tasked with the art of seduction. Stefano, lead her back to her room."
Stefano inclines his head. "As you wish."
His arm remains firmly around my waist as he steers me from the room, each step filling me with dread. I've unleashed the beast, and now I'm about to pay the price.
"Isabella," he says, touching my arm. I stop, and look into his eyes. It looks like he wants to say something. Apologize, maybe. However, I stop him before he can say a word.
"Your Capo is a bastard," I spit at Stefano's feet. "Are you happy now? You think I'm an honored guest, when all I am is a pawn in some game of his. You're just like him."
He shakes his head. "You don't understand, Isabella. He thinks you're one of us and in our world, these things are normal. Trust me, once the Capo understands you, he won't ask such a thing of you."
Stefano marches me up the grand staircase, grip tightening when I try to wrench away. We reach the second floor hallway, dimly lit by sconces on the wood-paneled walls. My heart pounds as he leads me to the end of the hall and through a set of double doors into my room.
He releases me once we're inside, closing the doors behind us with an ominous thud. I back away from him, trembling. "Stay away from me."
His expression is unreadable. "I cannot do that."
He pulls a key from his pocket and locks the doors. "You are to remain here. And Isabella, for your sake, I do hope you apologize to the Capo. Trust me, things would only be easier for you if you did."
"I won't apologize," I say hotly. "He had no right to threaten me like that."
"You gave him reason to." Stefano's tone holds a note of censure. "You should not have attacked him."
"And you should not have stopped me!" I shout. "You're supposed to protect me, not help him terrorize me!"
"I am trying to protect you," he says wearily. "The Capo is not a man to cross. Your outburst has angered him, and there will be consequences to pay."
"So, you're on his side, then." I give him a scornful look. "Tell me, Stefano, do you always do as you're told? Or do you have a mind of your own?"
His jaw clenches at the insinuation.
When he speaks again, his voice has an edge. "You know nothing about me or my motivations. I am trying to keep you safe in a difficult situation, but you seem determined to make that impossible."
"This isn't about safety," I retort. "It's about control. The Capo wants to control me, and you're helping him do it."
"Enough." Stefano stalks over to the minibar and pours himself a drink. "You will stay here until you decide to hold your tongue."
"Or what?" I challenge. "You'll lock me in the dungeon?"
I felt the glass slam down on the counter, his eyes blazing. "Do not tempt me!"
Chapter 12
Stefano
Sinceouraltercationpostdinner with the Capo, Isabella and I barely speak. Yet, I follow Isabella everywhere she goes this week, watching her every move like a hawk, as ordered by the Capo.
He's out of the country on business, which means I have to spend more time with her, which isn't pleasant for either of us.
When Isabella says she wants to go for a run, I tell her I'll change into my running gear. She glares at me, those emerald eyes flashing. "I don't need you for everything. Stay here."
Like hell I will. The Capo was clear - I don't leave her side. I'm tired of explaining it to her, over and over again so I simply stop at "I go where you go."
She huffs in annoyance but starts jogging down the path on the edge of the compound. I run beside her, taking in the sway of her hips and the bounce of her breasts through her tank top.
