The Don's innocent captive

s tha

symbols of the life I was being forced into. Marco's grip on my arm ti

e hissed under his breat

spent my entire life

painted with scenes of ancient battles, gods smiting mortals, and angels with faces too cruel to be divine. Crystal chandeliers hung like guillotines, their

e, and I was the sa

growled, shovi

ous space. Servants lined the walls, their heads bowed, their faces devoid of emotion. They were gh

n, ther

ssed, his dark suit tailored to perfection. His face was a masterpiece of sharp angles and harsh lines, softened only by the full l

even as my instincts

ma

shiver down my spine. It wasn

lse charm. "Luca, it's a pleasure, as alw

ike I was a pie

waver, pinning me i

nd yet they felt like shackle

ring me toward the staircase. "G

climbed the stairs mechanically, each step taking me f

enities. The room was breathtaking-rich emerald drapes framed the massive windows, a chandelier cast a soft glow over the dark

ng the weight of the day press down on m

rc

rely contained rage. The door shut w

ed me," he spat, his v

rms wrapping around myself

a fucking idiot?" He advanced on me, his presence overwhelming. "Do you have any idea how ha

his!" The words slipped ou

the slap echoing in the room. My head snapped to the side,

ing me to look at him. His breath was hot and acrid, his eyes wild w

trembling. "You mean ruining my life? Beating m

nt victim?" he hissed. "You were always meant to serve a purpose, Amara. You're nothing w

d over, hot and unchecked. "I hate you

onto the bed. "Hate me all you wa

e of panic through me. I scrambled back, but he was

o, do

d on my thigh. The sting was immediate, sharp a

f his palm meeting my skin filling the room. Each strike w

red. He leaned down, his voice low and mocking. "You'll do as you're told, Amara.

as if nothing had happened. "Dinner

leaving me alone in th

with silent sobs. The walls seemed to close in ar

in Marco's game, a bargaining

e was no