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Mariana's words echo in my head: "Little girls often get themselves in trouble when they don't have enough to do." The idea that springs to mind seems like madness, but I'm desperate enough to consider it. Maybe Lulu can fill the role of my assistant for now, keeping her occupied and out of trouble. It's a gamble, but what other options do I have?
I grab my coat and head to the car, driving back to the mansion with determination fueled by impatience.
ChapterSeven
The mansion's quiet heartbeat fills my ears as I slip out of my room, the door closing behind me with a silent click. Moonlight spills through the arched windows, creating long shadows on the polished marble floor. My heart races in my chest; I can feel it pulsing against my ribcage like a trapped bird.
"Front door," I whisper to myself, hugging the walls as I creep down the hallway, careful not to disturb the eerie silence. "They'll never see it coming."
I approach the grand entrance, its towering wooden door seemingly mocking my small stature. With trembling hands, I reach for the cold brass handle and pull it down, slowly, cautiously. No alarm sounds, no goons rushing to recapture me. Relief washes over me like a wave, and I step outside, shutting the door just as gently.
My feet pound against the gravel driveway, every step pushing me closer to freedom. The whole property might be fenced, but they can't keep everyone out. Right?
"Out for a stroll?" I hear a voice ask, and look up to find a man leaning against a tree at the end of the driveway, arms crossed and an amused smirk playing on his lips. It's the same one that caught me when I tried leaping over the fence.
"Damn it," I mutter under my breath, my heart sinking.
That's when Giovanni's car pulls up, headlights illuminating the scene like a spotlight on a stage. He steps out, all dark hair and piercing eyes, the picture of a handsome devil. I catch a glimpse of his face, and my disdain for him flares anew.
"Lucia," Giovanni calls out, his voice dripping with condescension. "I must commend you on your attempt, but the jig is up. Now, would you prefer to walk or drive back with me?"
"Neither," I spit, defiance igniting a spark within me. "Just let me go."
His laughter is a low growl in the night air. "That's not happening."
"Fine," I huff, crossing my arms over my chest. "I'll walk. But don't expect me to make it easy for you."
"Wouldn't dream of it," he replies, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
My heart races as I make a snap decision—left. I dart to the side, my legs propelling me forward with every ounce of adrenaline coursing through my veins. My breath comes in sharp gasps, but I refuse to slow down. The fence looms ahead, and I gather my strength for the climb.
But just as my fingers grip the cold metal, strong arms wrap around my waist, yanking me back before I even have a chance to scale it. I'm not sure if it's the first guy or a new one; they all look the same to me, these faceless enforcers. He hikes me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and I struggle against him, rage fueling my every movement. He carries me back to where Giovanni and the first guy stand, smirking at my failed attempt.
"Your ankle," Giovanni says, feigning concern as he lowers his head to look at me. "I thought it was hurting."
"Go to hell," I snarl, my voice dripping with venom. "I'd willingly run on a broken leg just to get away from you."
He shakes his head, a bemused smile playing on his lips. "You're the only woman I've ever known who has tried so hard to get away from me."
"Surprises me," I shoot back, my eyes narrowing. "There's literally nothing good about you. I can't see why any woman would ever want to be in the same room as you."
One of his goons laughs, and Giovanni rolls his eyes, dismissing me as childish. "Take her back to her room," he orders the first guy. "I'll deal with her later."
"Save your breath," I spit, defiance burning bright within me. "I'll be gone by the time you get a chance."
"Highly doubt it," he replies, his gaze never leaving mine. "Given your track record."
I kick and scream, my frustration boiling over as the man carries me back to my bedroom. The goon with big muscles drops me on my bed without any care. I can't help but stick my tongue out at him, my defiance seeping through every pore. He just laughs, shaking his head as he turns to leave.
"Y'know," he says with a grin, "you're wasting your energy trying to get away. Giovanni's always going to know where you are." He leans against the doorframe, his big arms crossed. "Why not just relax and enjoy the time?"
I glare at him, incredulous. My heart still beats wildly in my chest, adrenaline pumping through my veins. "Relax and enjoy the time?" I spit the words out like poison. "If your family's safety was at risk back home, and you were being held captive, wouldn't you try and fight to escape?"
He just smirks, clearly amused by my anger. "You're not really being held captive, y'know." His tone is infuriatingly patronizing. "From what I hear, you should be more grateful that you're being kept safe."
"Grateful? No one asked for your opinion!" I snap, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "And you didn't answer my question."
He shrugs, pushing off from the doorframe and walking away without another word, leaving me alone in the room with nothing but my anger and frustration for company.
