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I look away, jaw clenching. "Your father is gone. I can only honor the duty left to me."
"Duty." She laughs, the sound sharp and brittle. "Is that what you call this, Stefano? Or is it just another pretty lie you tell yourself?"
Her words strike deep, exposing truths I do not wish to face. I stand there in silence, at a loss for how to answer. In the end, I can only turn and leave her alone once more, her piercing question echoing in my mind.
I station two armed men outside Isabella's room and retreat to my own chambers, the weight of responsibility and guilt pressing down upon my shoulders. Though I know confinement is the only way to ensure Isabella's safety under the Capo's rule, it does not make the bitterness of her captivity any easier to bear.
Isabella's words haunt me as I pace the floor of my room, unable to rest. Duty. Is that truly my only motivation in all of this? Or have my feelings for the girl grown beyond the obligations of my oath?
Either way, it does not matter. My loyalty is to the Capo, not my own heart. Isabella must remain here, where I can protect her, whether she hates me for it or not. There is no other choice.
Chapter 15
Isabella
Sonow,Ican'teven go for a run? I can't go to town? It suddenly feels like I can't even breathe without Luca Conti's permission.
I clutch my hair, knowing I can't stay here any longer.
My body trembles with anxiety as I pace in the bedroom where Luca Conti has confined me. I know that he has another motive. I just haven't figured out what it is yet.
I have to convince Stefano that this is not normal. Let's just presume he's a half-mad type A personality, truly making sure nothing happens to me under his protection. But, Juan asked for this protection. I asked for it.
If I no longer want it, and am truly a guest, as Conti claims, then I have the right to say thank you and leave. Then he won't really care what happens to me. Right?
I stride out of the room.
Mustering my most assertive voice, I confront the guards standing outside. "I need your help. I want you to send a maid to pack my things, then go get my passport and credit cards from the Capo, and get me a cab. I'm leaving this place for good."
"Miss Torres," one of them replies, his expression cold and unmoving. "Our orders are to
keep you safe within these walls. We cannot allow you to leave."
"Orders?!" My blood boils at the thought of being controlled by someone else's decisions. "I am not your prisoner! Did your Capo forget to tell you that? I am under his protection by choice and I no longer need it. Help me pack my belongings, or I'll find a way to leave on my own!"
"Go back to your room," the other guard says sternly. "You're not going anywhere."
My heart stops beating. An unprecedented calm comes over me as I move from flight to fight. Now, I'm beginning to see the truth for what it is. I've been stripped of my independence, treated like a helpless child, and that's something I can no longer tolerate. If they won't help me, I'll take matters into my own hands.
"Fine," I spit out, my voice shaking with fury. "If you won't help me, I'll find a way myself."
Ignoring their protests, I attempt to walk past them to reach the staircase, determined to confront the Capo directly and demand my freedom.
"Miss Torres!" One of the guards blocks my path, his arms crossed over his chest, a clear signal that he has no intention of letting me pass.
The other guard moves closer, forming an impenetrable barrier.
"You're not going anywhere," he warns.
"Get out of my way!" My heart pounds in my chest as I try to force my way through, but they remain steadfast, refusing to budge. My frustration mounts, and I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks.
"Enough!" The taller guard suddenly grabs my arm, gripping it tightly as he forcibly pushes me back toward my room. "You need to stay put for your own safety."
"Let go of me!" I scream, struggling against his iron grip. "I'm not your prisoner! I should be allowed to leave if I want!"
"Please understand, Miss Torres, we're just following orders."
With one last shove, they force me back into my room, slamming the door shut behind me. My heart races, and my chest heaves with struggling gasps as I lean against the door, tears of frustration streaming down my face.
