And the probability of finding a white knight to save me? Laughable. Ridiculous.
However…
I can think of one dark knight who might protect me. Although he might not remember me. But I’ve never forgotten him, no matter how much I’ve tried.
“Equality and justice is not given to the faint of heart.”
His words were delivered with a voice made up of temptation and secrets that still haunt me after two years. Could he be the one person to help me escape? Or will he be the one to lock me up in a tower, rendering me incapable of getting the things I want most?
Freedom. Security. Happiness.
But not my own; For the one I love most.
“Excuse me?” I say, my voice cracking. I clear my throat and by that time the driver’s gaze is on me in the rearview mirror. “I have an address now.”
He nods after I tell him and then turns his attention back to the road, for which I’m grateful. The rest of the ride is silent, if I don’t consider the screaming in my head. The nervous energy within me makes my skull pound and I massage my temples again, allowing the plan formulating in my mind to take shape. It’s idiotic, reckless, and has the potential to get me into more dire straits than I’m currently in.
In this case, the risk is high, but the result of me not freeing my sister? Worse than death to me.
Securing Violetta’s future outweighs everything.
My focus on her has never wavered, and tonight’s events have only sharpened it. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her and when I set off on this path two years ago, it was with her in mind.
After a thirty minute ride, I’m standing in front of the building that my dark knight calls home. It’s a monolith of a building and I have no doubt he’s claimed the penthouse as his place of residence. Rafael Silvestri is theconsigliereof his family and that position of power will make him not only feel entitled but be entitled.
In a way, I guess the same could be said about me.
Except I am without power.
My inhale is long and deep as I mentally prepare for what’s to come. I’m taking a gamble just by being in this part of the city where I could be identified by my father’s men or anyone else who’s aware of his seat on the Wolf Pack’s council. And that’s assuming Rafael doesn’t notify my father of my whereabouts.
With that horrific thought in mind, I step up to the glass doors and thank the doorman when I walk over the threshold. The opulence inside is nothing I’m not used to and the beauty of it is lost on me. My growing apprehension assists with that.
As inconspicuously as possible, I attempt to tame my wind-blown hair and smooth out the wrinkles in my dress. Rafael is a man, and similar to the other members of the criminal class, he’ll be more likely to receive me if I’m presentable. Because that’s probably all he believes a woman is good for.
If he only knew the things I’ve done…and would do again.
The thundering of my heart is louder to me than the clicking of my heels against the marble tile, and by the time I reach the front desk I’m rethinking my entire plan. One thought brings me the fortitude to continue: I’ll do whatever’s necessary for my sister.
Even if it’s to my detriment.
Even if it costs me more than I’m willing to give.
My hope is that because Rafael protected me once, he might do it again.
If not? Then I’ll no longer be a damsel in distress but simply damned, awaiting the appearance of the next enforcer who will try to kill me. Until I can be free of it all, I’m stuck in this purgatory.
But when in hell, dance with the devil.
Rafael
“Your place is nice.”
I nod at the woman running her manicured fingernails along the arm of my couch, and take a healthy swig of the contents in my tumbler. “Yes, it is. Now be a good girl and sit over here with me.”
“I’d love to,” she purrs.
Sara—at least I think that’s her name—slinks over to me on six-inch heels, along with bright eyes, full of intent and cunning. Until I point to the space between my wide-spread legs.
