Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 48854 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48854 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
“So, you’re prepared to take down one of the most corrupt clans there are? All for a girl?” He looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind. Perhaps I have.
“I am.” The confidence I exude makes him take notice. I’ve always been willing to do anything my father told me to. He is the Boss after all. But this is different. This is my plan, not his.
I knew the lure of killing Ignacio Mosca would be too much for him to disapprove of. He wouldn’t deny it would be a good thing if the bastard were gone.
“Then I suppose you’ll be gone for a while,” Dad says, settling back in his seat.
“I leave for Italy in two weeks.”
“Let’s hope you return,” he says and I know that’s all the support he’ll offer me on this suicide mission. I turn and leave the office, and I know that no matter what, I have to get those girls out of there.
Chapter 12
Lelia
My birthday.
Eighteen years on this earth and I’m being sent off tonight to a house I have never seen before. I’m going to be made to live there because my father decided to sell me off. I am not prepared. I didn’t think I would be this angry, but I am. The sleek purple dress that hugs my curves is sparkling as I walk down the steps to the living room. Everyone is already here, sipping expensive champagne and talking about just what my future holds.
I’m a contract, nothing more. I’ve lost the ability to be a woman when my hand in marriage was arranged. Eyes flit to me when I enter. Everything is decked in gold. The balloons, the table settings, and even the bow ties the waiters are wearing.
Elegance.
Opulence.
And a farewell to the girl I once was.
My chest tightens when I realize I will never see Domenico again. I’ve thought about him over the past couple of weeks, but I haven’t been able to escape the watchful eyes of Cassio and his men. I’m almost certain he told my father about finding me with a Montesano.
Even though he didn’t quite see us together, my cousin isn’t stupid. I’m a prisoner, and when I get to the Mosca household, I’ll be nothing but a captive bride.
“Come,” my father says when he sees me. His heavy arm wraps around my neck, and he leads me over to where my fiancé is standing and talking to my mother. The dark, hungry gaze of the older man drinks me in, and ice courses through my veins.
I want to run.
I want to hide.
But there’s no longer an escape for me.
“There’s my beautiful bride,” Ignacio says with a grin that has my stomach clenching with anxiety. “Happy birthday,” he tells me as he leans in to kiss me on the cheek. The strong scent of alcohol on his breath makes my eyes water, and I pray that tonight, when I go to his home, he will leave me in peace.
“She’s all ready to leave tonight,” my mother informs him with a smile. “I’m sure you’re all looking forward to getting to know each other.”
“Well,” Ignacio responds, “we will be leaving for Italy in the morning,” he announces haughtily, and that’s when my heart drops to my feet.
“What?”
“We fly out early tomorrow.” There’s a glower in his eyes for me not to fight this. I should be the good, submissive girl he wants. “You’ll enjoy the house on the beach,” he tells me, as if that will make this shit show any better. It won’t.
“I didn’t think we’d—”
“That’s right, little girl,” he interrupts me. “You don’t think. That is what I will do for you from now on. You’re mine, and you will smile and obey.” He’s not being kind; he’s warning me. The tinge of frustration in his voice confirms this. He doesn’t want a wife, a partner, he wants a toy to use when he needs.
I shudder. “Please excuse me. I need to get some fresh air,” I tell them before slipping away. Thankfully, my father allows it. When I reach the garden, I pray I’ll see Domenico. I wish he would crash my party and steal me away.
Even though I know his family are our enemies, I know Domenico won’t hurt me. He has had so many chances to kill me, but he didn’t. Instead, he made my body burn for more. The yearning I have for him only grows stronger.
Perhaps it’s true what they say. Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder.
The silence is broken by laughing, but it doesn’t lighten my mood. I feel someone behind me before I can fully enjoy being alone.
“I will find your little boyfriend and I will end him,” Cassio promises. “Don’t ever doubt my ability.”
“I don’t have a boyfriend,” I throw back. The sneer on my face is lost to the darkness.