When we reach the guest room, he shoves me inside.
Sofia's still crying.
I set her down on the bed and turn to face him.
"You can't keep us here," I say.
My voice shakes with rage and fear and I'm almost in tears again.
"I just told you what would happen if you ran," he growls, and he seems angrier than I've ever seen him. "Did you think I was joking?"
"I don't care what you said. I'm not staying in this prison."
"You are staying exactly where I put you."
"You have no right."
"I have every right." He steps closer. "You want to know what happens if you get out of here? My enemies find you within an hour. They take you somewhere private. They torture you for information about me. They use your daughter to make you talk faster. And when they're done, they kill you both and leave your bodies where I'll find them. Is that what you want? I've already told you this. You should just learn your lesson by listening and not the hard way."
I stare at him, my hands shaking at my sides.
Sofia's sobs have quieted to hiccups, but she is still trembling.
"Run again," Dante says, "and I'll chain you to the bed myself. For her sake, not yours."
He turns to leave, then pauses in the doorway.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box then tosses it onto the dresser without looking at me.
"You dropped this," he says.
And when his eyes meet mine, I swear I see disappointment, not anger.
He holds my gaze for a moment longer before stalking out, and I hear the lock click.
Something tells me the key card I have won't work again the same way.
Then he walks out and locks the door behind him.
I stand frozen for a moment.
Then I move to the bed and pull Sofia more tightly against my body.
She buries her face against my shoulder and cries harder.
I rock her gently and whisper reassurances.
"It's okay,Amore. We're okay. I'm sorry I scared you."
"I don't like it here," she sobs. "I want to go home."
"I know. I know."
I hold her until her crying slows.
Then I carry her to the bed and tuck her under the blankets.
She clutches at my hand and refuses to let go.
