AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Somehow, I dodged that bullet.
When we finally do stop, Dante pulls out a card and unlocks the door. He leads me into an empty room.
“You’ll be staying here.”
I look around and take in the room that looks the size of the living room in my apartment. There’s the soft scent of lavender as if the sheets have recently been washed. Across the room, the windows give off a glittering view of the city.
This is not a torture chamber at all.
“I don’t understand.” Walking over to the window, the view captures my attention. Standing there, I take in a world that seems far bigger than the tiny one I’ve grown accustomed to in the last twenty-two years of my life.
“Well.” He shifts next to me and crosses his arms. “As of today, you are indefinitely employed with the Lombardi family. Unfortunately for you, I’m your new boss.”
Nothing can prepare me for those words and I catch myself on the windowsill.
I guess the only price for life now is still the threat of a death sentence. The moment I slip up, this man in front of me will be my executioner.
I might as well give up on any hopes of putting any distance between me and this man. From now on, we’ll be seeing each other up close far more often than I ever imagined.
Dante
Despite leaving a guard at her door, I feel uneasy. While I’m at my post, my focus should be on the men watching all the camera angles in this place.
Instead, I’m waiting for any messages or calls claiming my rabbit has tried to escape, or even worse, she’s taken her own life. With the situation she’s in, I’m sure in her eyes, death is the better option.
She doesn’t even understand what she’s gotten herself into now. What I had to do to keep her breathing, she shouldn’t even consider such a cowardly escape.
What in the hell is wrong with me? I shouldn’t be risking my own life for someone I don’t know. It makes me weak, and Nicola made that very clear with the way he looked at me when I asked him for a second chance. Those are quite rare.
Maybe he’s found a way to make use of her. He doesn’t make such decisions if the outcome doesn’t affect him.
While forgiving isn’t something that comes easy, there is one thing I know Nicola hates more than the woman who poked holes in our defense. It’s the people who paid her to do so. If he has his hands on such talent, he can easily return the favor without spending a penny.
At least V gets to breathe another day. That’s payment enough.
With the murmur of voices chatting among the men as they point to their screens, I try to focus. Exhaustion burns at the back of my eyes. Normally, I’d have called it by now. I’m using work as a distraction.
There are murmurs of Luca’s name, and I’m sure he’s got his hands full down on the casino’s first floor. Hearing one of our radio screech, I’m sure he’s asked for directions for someone in particular.
Halfway listening, I don’t even know what his target has done.
I’ve already been given enough curious glances sent my way with my loosened tie and tugged hair. There’s no more time to be worrying about the woman anymore. I need to focus now before something slips past my radar and I’m taken out for a different reason.
If I die, V doesn’t stand a chance of living her life. Having no intentions of being taken out any time soon, I plan on letting her live long.
If she hasn’t given up on life by tomorrow, then I’ll give her a purpose. The Lombardi’s might be a bit notorious for their methods, but we are a family. If she plays her cards right, and I’m sure she will, she’ll be one of us in no time.
* * *
Dismissing the brute stationed in front of V’s room, I continuously push down the awful sensation crawling up my throat that makes breathing difficult.
After knocking on her door and getting no response, I move quickly to grab my card. With only one explanation in mind, my chest tightens at the thought of something being wrong.
Despite having seen plenty of dead bodies in my past, I don’t want to see one today. Especially not hers. I reassured myself multiple times about how strong-minded she is. Told myself she won’t try anything.
Before I can unlock the door, it moves and she’s right there. Even when I think it isn’t possible, she’s radiant today. Must’ve been from getting a full night of sleep. That, and with her hair still wet, she doesn’t have a trace of yesterday on her body. The robe wrapped around her body makes me feel relieved I hadn’t stormed inside.
I don’t think I’d trust myself to be alone with my rabbit. Not when she’s so vulnerable.
