AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Stefano trails behind us, his stoic expression betraying nothing. But I see the tension in his shoulders, the way his hands clench at his sides. Like me, he owes this monster beside me something, this don who can end a life without a second thought.
In our own ways, we are both Conti's prisoners here, doomed to do his bidding. Except, I don't know how Stefano feels about it. From what I've observed, Stefano respects his Don.
But I also remember how he was on that flight. Caring and concerned for me during the turbulence. Speaking to me in a calm voice to get me through a panic attack.
My heart aches at the thought of Stefano trapped in this web of violence and crime, I don't belong here, but neither does he. I wish I had never laid eyes on Stefano, or trusted Juan to send me to a country where I know no one. But fate has bound me to the whims of this devil in an expensive suit.
I have entered Hell itself, and Luca Conti is its king.
"Now, Isabella," he says. "I'll show you to your room. The showers are lovely. You know," he says, pushing me gently against the wall and leaning over me, his fingers tracing the curve of my breast. "Your stay here can be a lot more pleasurable, if you so desire."
I feel my throat closing, as if being suffocated by an unseen hand. This man has a power over me that I cannot figure out. I manage to shake my head slowly.
I can only deny him with my gesture, fear having robbed me of my voice. He gives me a smirk, takes a step back, and leads me further.
Conti's grip on my arm is like a vise as he steers me toward a door, my bedroom I presume. Somewhere behind us, Stefano clears his throat. "Don Conti, there is a situation that requires your immediate attention."
Conti's head snaps up, eyes narrowing. "What is it?"
"I just heard over the radio. Some of the men are arguing again. They say if you don't intervene, blood will be shed."
Conti curses under his breath, releasing me to stride over to Stefano.
"Where are they?"
"By the stables, Don Conti. They're armed and tensions are high."
Beckoning to one of his men, Conti orders, "Keep an eye on our guest. I will be back shortly."
Then he marches off in the direction of the stables, Stefano trailing behind him.
My shoulders sag in relief as Conti disappears from view, my arm throbbing where he had gripped it.
Stefano had lied to save me, risking Conti's wrath to get him away from me. My heart swells with gratitude for this man who is fast becoming my only ally in this viper's nest. Perhaps there is still hope for escape, as long as Stefano and I are on the same side.
I stand there, aimlessly, under the watchful eyes of one of the guards, waiting for someone to tell me what to do.
Never before have I felt this helpless and lost.
Chapter 10
Stefano
Whenwereachthestables, as expected, the stables are empty. Fuck. I am in so much trouble.
"There doesn't seem to be a problem, Stefano," the Don looks at me, like he can see my lies etched on my face.
"Sorry, boss," I mutter, shrugging my shoulders. I try to keep my cool.
But just then, an associate walks up and whispers something in Conti's ears. Conti nods, then looks at me.
"I am going to be tied up for the rest of the evening, I'm afraid. Now, I need you to make our guest comfortable. She's important to us- a billionaire heir who just lost her father. Make sure she's not lonely, and collect her important documentation for safekeeping."
I nod, knowing exactly what he means. The Capo's orders still echo in my mind when I find Isabella standing exactly where we left her. I force a smile.
"The Capo had urgent business to attend to. He sent me to show you around."
She simply nods. There is a gaping chasm of silence separating us.
