AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A commotion in the hallway draws my attention. I press my ear to the door. It sounds like several people are arguing, and I think I recognize…
I pull open my door, then practically launch myself at Arianna, unable to believe my eyes. She’s here, with Ravenna, they came for me. Instantly, I realize they shouldn’t have done that. They’re putting themselves in great danger by being here.
“Are you insane?” I whisper into Arianna’s ear.
She pulls back. “This was Ravenna’s idea not mine.”
I glance over at my cousin. Her arms are crossed and she’s giving Roman the death glare, while he manages to look both irritated and bored. Diana hovers nearby. From her unsettled countenance, I’m guessing my sister and cousin pushed their way into the house.
Arianna draws my attention back to her. “We waited for you last night, and when you didn’t show up, we came to the gate. Where we were rudely turned away by security. What happened?”
“I fell through the lake.”
Her brows shoot up her forehead. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” I glance at my captor. “Roman rescued me.”
Arianna’s jaw drops. “What—”
“I’m very busy,” Roman barks. “Conclude your business and get out.”
“Give me my cousin and we will happily leave you alone.” Ravenna stands tall and faces Roman.
“I can’t do that.”
“Can’t or won’t?” My cousin questions, pure challenge in her tone.
Roman sneers down at her. “Both. You wanted to see that she is alive, and there she is. Now get out.”
“Fine. I’ll pay you for her. How much do you want?”
Roman’s chuckle is low and edged with danger. I’m afraid that Ravenna has pushed him too far.
He gets in her face, though she remains rooted to her spot. “I don’t want money. I don’t want anything you could possibly have to offer me. And if either of you interfere again, your family will never find your bodies. I have no issues making enemies with the Italians or the Irish, or anyone else for that matter. So leave. And never come back here again.”
I take Arianna’s shaking hand in mine. “You’re such a tyrant,” I tell Roman. “These are my best friends, you can’t throw them out of the house. Not while I’m supposed to live here too.”
He considers me for a few seconds with that intense stare. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think I took him by surprise. Though I’m sure nothing ever takes Roman De Luca by surprise.
“You think I’m being unreasonable?” he asks, frowning.
“Did my use of the wordtyranttip you off? Or are you simply that intuitive?”
The momentary flash of amusement in Roman’s eyes gives me pause. It’s gone so quickly that I’m already beginning to doubt what I saw. Does he think I’m funny? Impossible.
“Very well,” he says. “Your family may visit you here. But if you try to escape again, Sophia, know that I will hunt you to the ends of the earth. I will leave no rock unturned, no family, friend, or acquaintance alive in my search for you. Do you understand?”
I nod. Once.
His meaning is crystal clear. I’m not going anywhere. I can’t without putting everyone I know and love at risk. Roman wants me, and that’s exactly what he’ll get.
I draw Arianna by her hand into my room. Ravenna follows us in. As I close the door my gaze clashes with Roman’s, the message in his eyes is as clear as his words, a warning. I nod again.
“What a horrible man!” Arianna sits primly at the edge of my bed. “I’m so sorry, Soph. This is terrible.”
“I think I’ll live.”
“You’d better. Because if you don’t, I swear I’ll wring his neck.”
