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I want nothing more than to crawl back into his arms. But I can't. I must sneak back into my room before someone notices that I'm missing.
Stefano may have won my heart, but being caught with him could risk me my life. Or worse, could have him be taken off my service.
With trembling fingers, I twist my hair into a knot and steel myself. It's time to go.
As I creep towards the door of the main house, I cast one last longing look at the man who was my undoing. Our forbidden love can never be, but I will always remember this night and the way he made me feel alive.
Then I slip out of the garden like a shadow.
When I enter the main house, the hallway is dim and empty, shadows flickering in the pale light filtering through the windows. It's still quite early in the morning, the sun just about rising. My footsteps echo softly on the marble floor as I hurry towards the banister, clutching my shoes and purse to my chest.
I'm almost at the first step when a menacing figure steps out of the darkness from the door on my right, blocking the path. My heart leaps in terror as I stare up at Luca Conti's cruel, hawk-like features.
He's supposed to be away on business - what is he doing here?
A predatory smile spreads across his face, sending a chill down my spine. "Leaving so soon, Isabella? But the party's just getting started."
His tone is mocking, but his eyes glitter with barely concealed lust. I shrink back instinctively, panic clawing at my insides.
The Capo has always looked at me like a prize to be claimed, a conquest to boast of. And now I'm alone, vulnerable, with no one to protect me.
Balling my hands into fists, I stare the Capo straight in the eye and summon every ounce of courage I possess.
"Get out of my way," I say coldly. "Now."
The Capo's smile widens, revealing a flash of teeth. "Make me."
He reaches for me, intent clear on his face. He places his arms around my sides and shoves me against the wall.
"Now, now," he says, his eyes taking over my messy hair, the make-up still on from last night. "Where were you?"
"None of your business," I snap. My heart hammers wildly, but I keep my expression blank. Show no fear.
The Capo's eyes flash with anger at my defiance. He grabs my arm in a bruising grip and pulls me close, his rancid breath hot on my face. "You forget yourself. I own you, little girl, and I will know every detail of your pathetic life."
I try to wrench my arm free, but his hold is like steel. Panic rises in my chest, choking me, but I push it down. Stay calm. Wait for an opening.
"There's nothing to tell," I say evenly. "Let go of me."
"Not until you learn your place." His fingers dig into my arm, and I grit my teeth against the pain. "Now tell me, where have you been? And where is Stefano?"
I glare at him, refusing to give in. He wants to break me, to crush my spirit, but I won't give him the satisfaction.
"I won't answer to you," I say, my voice sharp as a knife. "You can ask him when you find him."
The Capo's face darkens with rage. His grip on my arm tightens until I gasp involuntarily. Then he smiles, slow and sinister, and leans in close.
"You will," he whispers.
The Capo releases my arm, but before I can react, he presses me back against the wall. I struggle in vain as he cages me in, one hand on either side of my head.
"Since you like playing games so much," he purrs, "why don't we have some real fun? Won’t you like to be mine for a while?"
His eyes rake over me in a way that makes my skin crawl. Revulsion rises in my throat like bile as his hand slides down to cup my breast.
"Get off me!" I shout, shoving at his chest. He doesn't even budge. I try to knee him in the groin, but he presses closer, pinning me in place.
"Now now, that's not very nice," he chides softly. "Just relax and enjoy yourself."
