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I smirk, trying to play it cool. "I have my ways. Let's just say I know how to keep her in line."
He studies me for a moment, as if trying to read my thoughts. However, I have no intention of revealing the true nature of my leverage over Lulu. Some secrets are better kept hidden.
"Sorry you're dealing with all this, brother," Primo says sincerely, gripping my shoulder. "If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."
"Thanks," I reply, grateful for his support. "Maybe after all this stress, I'll take you up on your offer and use the mansion for a...different kind of company." I wink, attempting to lighten the mood.
Primo chuckles, rolling his eyes. "Just remember, even the most beautiful distractions can't solve everything."
"Trust me," I assure him, my voice laced with humor and determination. "I know better than anyone that life isn't as simple as it seems. But sometimes, we all need a little break from reality, don't you think?"
"True words, brother. Just don't lose sight of what really matters," Primo advises, giving me a knowing glance before he leaves my office.
As the door clicks shut behind him, I'm reminded once more of the delicate balance between my personal and professional life. And as I sit in the silence of my own thoughts, I can't help but wonder if I'll ever escape this tangled web of lies, loyalty, and love.
ChapterTwo
As the door slams shut, I curse at him in Spanish. My voice bounces off the walls, echoing my anger. I hope my words will keep him away, but deep down I know better.
I rub my shoulder, wincing as the pain from the bullet wound flares up. It still hasn't completely healed, leaving me torn between gratitude for his rescue and fury at being held captive. Turning back to my phone, I see there are no new messages—just like always. Giovanni has put some sort of filter on my internet access so that I can't post anything or contact anyone except my mother. She is not much help in this situation and would never speak to the feds. With a sigh, I flop onto the bed and stretch out my body, trying to find comfort in my frustrating predicament.
My thoughts drift to Giovanni. To my dismay, he is undeniably attractive. His dark hair frames a strong face with high cheekbones, and those hazel eyes seem to see right through me. He moves with the grace of a predator, all lean muscle and raw power. If I didn't loathe him so much, I might even be tempted by his looks.
Shaking my head, I think back to how I ended up here. My father had brought me to Miami under false pretenses—I thought he was finally letting me in on our family business. As an only child, I have been desperate to prove myself worthy of taking over when the time comes. And, for a moment, I believed he was starting to see me as an equal.
Instead, he tried to sell me off to one of the Maldonado's. The memory of panic and chaos fills my mind—the police crashing our meeting, bullets flying, and my father running for his life. He didn't get far, but his betrayal lingers.
"Damn it," I mutter under my breath, recalling how Giovanni swooped in to save me from certain capture, or worse. He carried me to safety even as I passed out from the pain in my shoulder. Now I'm stuck here, with him, and I don't know how much longer I can take it.
"Focus," I tell myself, trying to push away the tumultuous thoughts and emotions. "There has to be a way out of this."
The memory of Giovanni carrying me to a back-alley doctor instead of a hospital is still vivid in my mind. I was in and out of consciousness, but he stayed by my side, making sure I was stitched up and cared for. I had hoped he was holding me here just until I healed or the press died down, but it's become painfully obvious that he has no intention of letting me go.
"Ugh, Boston," I grumble to myself, missing the warmth and friendliness of Miami. This place is cold and unwelcoming, and I want nothing more than to be home. My numerous escape attempts have been thwarted as if Giovanni knows my every move—it's unnerving.
"Fine," I sigh, deciding to make the best of my limited freedom. I've been told I can wander the mansion and its grounds, but I'm not allowed beyond the perimeter. With a growl of frustration, I roll out of bed and head for the kitchen. If I have to be stuck here, at least I can eat something decent.
"Unbelievable," I mutter, finding a pastry in the fridge and making myself some coffee. I'm irritated that there's no staff here to cater to my needs like back home.
"Really, Giovanni? No maids?" I say aloud, rolling my eyes as I take a bite of my pastry. "You'd think someone who kidnapped me would at least have the decency to offer room service."
I grab my breakfast and head outside to the gardens, hoping fresh air will help clear my thoughts. As I walk through the scenery, I admit to myself that there's a certain beauty here—plants I've never seen before, soft grass underfoot—but it doesn't change the fact that I'm trapped.
A maze of vibrant green hedges and blossoming flowers stretches before me, unlike anything I've seen in Miami. Sunlight bathes everything in a warm glow, and for a moment, I almost forget that I'm a prisoner.
"Focus, Lulu," I remind myself, forcing my gaze away from the beauty to study the perimeter guard. Sipping on my coffee, I pretend to be captivated by the fragrant roses while keeping an eye on the guards' movements.
"Eight minutes between rotations," I mutter under my breath, timing them with precision. "That's more than enough." I wasn't planning on escaping today, but the opportunity seems perfect. This time, I'll make it.
"Alright, let's do this," I whisper, steeling myself for the challenge ahead. My track and field days have long passed, but I'm confident that the skills I acquired back then will come in handy now.
"Three... two... one." The moment the guard disappears from view, I spring into action, dashing towards the fence like a bullet. Within seconds, I reach it and begin scaling the iron bars, the cold metal biting into my hands as I climb higher.
"Almost there," I pant, my heart pounding in my chest. I can see the sprawling countryside beyond the estate and know that freedom is within reach. If only I can get to a payphone or some semblance of civilization, I'll be able to start putting this nightmare behind me.
"Gotcha!" I gasp as my fingers close around the top of the fence. In a flash, I swing my leg over and prepare to jump. The ground on the other side beckons, promising sanctuary and a chance at reclaiming my life. Maybe I can even hitch a ride without getting kidnapped by a serial killer.
"Here goes nothing," I whisper, pushing off the fence and landing with a soft thud on the grass below. No alarms blare, no guards appear—just the sweet silence of success. I allow myself a small smile before I start to run, my feet carrying me towards the unknown as fast as they can.
