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“What girl?” I frowned as my heart hammered against my ribs.
“Elenora Buccini. I know you have her as your hostage.”
I never looked away from him, even though my whole body flooded with panic. Of course, if he had heard the rumours about Diego’s health, he would know about Elle.
I shook my head, forcing myself to remain calm, “No can do, Galiz. She is an important bargaining tool in my plan to take the North. I will not give her up. I need another drink,” I raised my glass in the air and he turned in his chair to get the waiter's attention, giving me a quick opportunity to hit the red alarm on my watch which went straight to Stefano, ordering him to get Elle out of here now.
When Anthony turned back around, he was smiling with devilish intent. I narrowed my eyes as he sighed, shaking his head.
“I understand the Buccini girl’s importance. I believe we could work well together, Barbieri. So, here’s my final offer. Two investments and instead of the Buccini girl, I’ll take your mistress, Flora,” the brown and honey speckles in his eyes shone with knowing and I froze. He knew. He fucking knew that was Elle.
My chest started to rise and fall as I struggled to remain calm. My eyes cast over at two of his men who suddenly left the room. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
“Why would you want my seconds, Galiz?” I furrowed my eyebrows as I caught sight of one of my men, shuffling behind him. They could all sense I was on edge now and so they were preparing for a fight.
“It is a very generous offer, Alessio. Why wouldn’t you give me your whore in exchange for my friendship?” He cocked his head to the side. “Unless… she is not really who you say she is.”
I stood up abruptly, my ruthless mask pulling down over my face as I leaned forward on the table, glaring down into his vindictive eyes. His men stepped forward, their hands on their guns, but he held up his own to halt them.
“I do not sell women in business deals, Galiz. Whores or not. And I don’t play fucking games. The deal is off. I don’t need your support.”
“You do not want to make an enemy of me, Barbieri.”
“No…” I growled, leaning closer to his face. “You do not want to make an enemy of me.”
His left eye twitched as I waited for him to make his move, but when he didn’t, I stood upright and stormed out of the room, two of my men following after me. Stefano and Elle were nowhere to be seen in the bar, so I raced out of the restaurant into the street. My eyes scanned the harbour for any sign of them, but it was too dark, only the flood lights near the boats in the harbour gave me any visibility. I was just about to pull my phone out to ring him when I heard a scream.
My skin prickled and my heart stopped.
Elle.
Never
As Veronica and I took a seat on the stools at the main bar and ordered our drinks, I turned to her and placed my hand on her arm.
“Why do you put up with that? With the way he treats you? You are gorgeous and I bet you could get any guy you wanted!” I argued, with pleading eyes, hoping my words would sink into that pretty head of hers.
She gave me a small smile, “No one says ‘no’ to Don Galiz. And it’s not so bad. Yeah, I know he doesn’t respect me or anything, but he buys me stuff. He pays for my rent and bills. I am a kept woman. Until he gets bored and someone else becomes his new favourite. That’s why I have to keep him happy.”
I stared at her in disbelief. I couldn’t understand how anyone could have such little self-worth, but I wasn’t here to judge. “How old are you if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Twenty,” she smiled.
I raised my eyebrows and pouted my lips. Stay quiet, Elle. This isn’t your business. Stay out of it. Keep your opinions to yourself.
“He is old enough to be your dad! He must be at least twice your age!” I burst and she giggled a little with a nod.
“Yes. And he likes it when I call him Daddy too. Especially when he fucks me,” she shrugged.
I nearly vomited in my mouth. That was wrong on so many levels.
“But yours seems nice? He is so young and insanely hot. You must be really good at blowjobs,” she chuckled, nudging my elbow with hers as I moved my gaze to the bar. Of course, she thinks I am like her. Fucking Alessio to be a kept woman. “Once they have finished talking business, I hope they want us to swap for a bit!”
“What?” I snapped.
Suddenly, Stefano stepped forwards and placed his hand on my shoulder. I looked up at the serious expression on his face.
“Signorina, è il momento di andare. Ora.” he ordered us to leave urgently in Italian so Veronica wouldn’t understand. I frowned and looked towards the back door where Alessio still was.
