Chapter 19
MILENESS POV
There was no clock in the room, but I guessed it was early afternoon. All I had eaten was some cold pizza and drank water. I looked out the window, trying to see the end of the garden surrounding the Russo mansion.
I hoped my parents would be able to keep the truth about my kidnapping from my little sister, Silvia. She was too young and innocent to understand how cruel our world could be.
My door opened suddenly and a teenage boy came in, wearing shorts and a plain T shirt. He was lean but fit, with curly brown hair and kind brown
eye.
“Hey,” he said, his tone hesitant but friendly. “Nicolas told me to bring you downstairs”
I didn’t move from my spot by the window. “What are you, his servant?”
He smiled, an open and honest smile I didn’t expect. “I’m his youngest brother, but in Nicolas’s eyes, that’s pretty much the same thing
His smile surprised me. It didn’t feel fake. My eyes flicked to his forearm. It didn’t have the Camorra symbol of the Russo family yet. “You’re not officially part of the family business.”
His
smile faded. “I will be a part of the family in two days.”
“But you don’t want to be,” I said, watching him closely
His face tensed, and his smile faded. “We shouldn’t keep Nicolas waiting”
He pushed the door wider, motioning for me to step out. I wondered what he’d do if I refused. He was taller and stronger than me, but something about him told me he wouldn’t use force unless he had to Still, I knew Nicolas was downstairs, so I walked toward him and followed him into the hall.
I’m Liam,” he said as we walked.
“Milene,” I replied.
“I know,” he said quietly.
“So, were you all part of this kidnapping!” Tasked bitterly
He didn’t answer. His expression held a mix of guilt and uncase
We passed through the grand halls of the mansion until we reached the lower floor. It was like an entertainment area, with a bar, sofas, a TV, and a boxing ring. A punching bag lay on the floor, surrounded by broken pieces. Nicolas stood nearby, glaring at it as if it had personally offended him. He wore only fight shorts, his bare chest covered in scars that spoke of his violent life.
1 remembered the moment in the shower when he’d held me. I hadn’t registered much then, but now my eyes lingered on his muscular frame. Everything about him screamed danger. From his height, his build, his scars, and most of all, his sharp, dangerous eyes.
Liam walked to the couch and picked up a controller, ignoring a gun sitting on the table in front of him.
“Liam,” Nicolas said sharply, pointing to the gun. His tone was cold.
Grabbing the handgun, Liam put it under a couch. “I don’t even know how to use one,” I lied through my teeth. Nicolas smirked. “You’re a terrible liar.
Sweat glistened on his skin, and it seemed like he hadn’t bothered to shower after his workout training.
“Why did you bring me down here?” I asked. “More games to mess with my head?”
His jaw tightened as his eyes shifted to the bandage covering my arm. “Food is in the kitchen. If you’re thirsty, there’s also liquor at the bar.” He pointed toward the shelves of boules.
I looked at the bar but shook my head. I wouldn’t let my guard down by drinking alcohol while being held hostage. “Can I walk around the house freely?” I asked sarcastically.
Nicolas smirked. “I don’t think we trust each other that much yet.”
“We never will,” I shot back.
1/3
Chapter 191
Footsteps echoed in the hall behind me. I turned halfway, keeping Nicolas in my view. He smirked at the gesture, clearly enjoying my discomfort. Luca walked in with his arrogant stride and said. “The punching bag is fixed,”
“It took you long enough” Nicolas replied, his tone sharp.
Luca shrugged casually. “Had some errands to run.”
“One of these days, you’ll push me too far,” Nicolas warned. Luca didn’t seem bothered, and I realized he wasn’t scared of Nicolas. That surprised me, and I filed it away as something to remember. Nicolas sighed and turned to me. “Luca, watch her while she eats. I’ll take over after my shower.”
1608
I scowled. I’m not your guest. I’m your prisoner.”
“Call it whatever you want, Nicolas said with a dark smile.
Liam looked up from the couch. “I could keep an eye on her.
Nicolas and Luca exchanged a look. They either didn’t trust Liam to stop me or thought he might even help me escape. Interesting.
Nicolas brushed past me, his arm grazing mine. I flinched at the contact, and he gave a satisfied smirk as he left.
“Come on.” Luca ordered, gesturing for me to follow him.
I walked with him to a large kitchen. He pointed to a pot on the stove. “That’s your lunch.”
I lifted the lid and smelled the contents. Pumpkin soup,” I said.
“Great Serve me a bowl too, Luca said, sitting at the table.
I stared at him. “Get your own food, I’m not your servant,”
He pushed off his chair and cornered me against the counter. His arms caged me in. “Don’t forget who I am,” he said quietly. “I’m still a Russo so you’ll do well to obey me. Now get me the fucking food.”
I didn’t reply, keeping my fear in check. When he stepped back, I made a plan. Nicolas was upstairs. Liam was in the other room. This was my only
chance.
I reached for the pot with the intention of throwing it at Luca, but he moved quickly and avoided most of the boiling soup. I took my chance and tried to rush past him.
He grabbed my wrist firmly and pushed me back with an irritating confidence. As I turned quickly, my hip hit the edge of the table. I lost my balance, falling forward with my elbows hitting the hard surface and my backside sticking up awkwardly.
Luca smirked. “Nice view of your backside,” he said.
“As long as you view from a distance, Nicolas said behind me. I spun around quickly to look at him. Nicolas stood in the doorway, looking at the mess on the floor and at Luca, who was covered in soup. “What the hell happened here?” he asked.
Luca looked at his ruined shirt and shot me an annoyed look. “This crazy woman tried to burn me alive.”
1 straightened myself, trying to conceal my nervousness about Nicolas punishing me. Then he laughed, a low, deep sound that made my spine shiver. “You find this funny?” Luca grumbled, brushing soup off himself. “I’m done. Next time, tell Liam to keep an eye on her.” He–stormed out of the room without looking back.
“Clean it up.” Nicolas said, his voice losing all amusement as he pointed at the mess on the floor.
I stayed where I was, not moving. Nicolas walked toward me, stepping carefully around the puddle of soup. I had to raise my head to look him in the eyes when he stopped in front of me. He took a firm yet gentle hold on my chin. In a low Scary voice, he said. “Let me give you some advice, Angel” “Pick your fights carefully. And now, you’re going to clean this mess. I don’t care if you think you’re too good to do it.”
The coldness in his eyes was one of the reasons I looked away, but I also pretended that it was because I didn’t want him to touch me. “Where’s the mop?” I asked quietly,
Nicolas gave me a mop from the corner and I started cleaning the floor. Few people had the courage to stand up to Nicolas, but I silently hoped that someday, I’d be one of them so I could make him pay for everything he’s done to me.
