He lowers his arm, then shakily sets the plate down on the nightstand. I have the impression he was a hair’s breadth away from smashing the meal to the floor like the other plate, and the only way to stop himself was by setting it down.
“Why?” When I don’t answer, he steps back, seemingly with great effort. When he speaks again, his voice returns to its normal volume, though it still has that false tone to it, like he’s purposely dropping it an octave. “I don’t really care. It’s your choice if you want to starve to death. Don’t drink the water either, if you want. I’m happy to see you suffer.”
“Why do you want me to suffer?” I ask. “I thought you wanted to ransom me off? Have to keep the package in good condition…”
“Because all of this is your fault,” he tells me. “All of it.”
I shake my head, utterly confused. “What are you talking about? You’re the one who kidnappedme!”
“And so I am.” He looks me up and down, the hunger in his eyes rising above all else, becoming a glint of obvious lust. Of sheer want. I shrink involuntarily from that gaze, but then remind myself I can use it to my advantage.
Before I can act upon my thoughts, he sighs and retreats to the bed, sitting opposite my slipper chair. He’s calmed down.
I suppose now’s the time to act. I can go to him, initiate my plan.
But I can’t bring myself to do it.
I’m not ready.
"Has my father made an offer yet?" I ask in an attempt to delay the inevitable.
"He has not,” the big man replies gruffly.
I narrow my eyes. ”Does he even know I’m still alive?”
My kidnapper shrugs.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” I tell him.
His balaclava shifts, and I imagine he’s baring his teeth in a cruel smile underneath it. “What? Torturing your father, driving him crazy with worry? You bet. We sent him a finger with the kidnapping note. I’m sure he’s assumed the worst by now.”
“You’re a cruel bastard,” I tell him coldly.
The big man nods, seeming satisfied. “That I am. And don’t you forget it. Just imagine what I’ll do to you if you disobey me. Maybe I’ll send him one of your fingers for real.”
I shudder, looking away from those mocking eyes. In that moment, I believe him. Completely.
Still staring at my hands, I ask the same question I did earlier, one he didn’t answer. “Are you working for the Rizzos?”
He answers. “No, I’m not working for the Rizzos.”
“But you are a mobster, though,” I say into the silence that follows. “In your own right. You wouldn’t own such a beautiful vineyard otherwise. And you wouldn’t have the men to pull off a kidnapping stunt like this.”
His head bobs up and down in agreement.
I wait, not expecting him to say more, but to my surprise he opens up. “You’re going to be auctioned off to the highest bidder in Palermo. We’ve sent a message not just to your father, but all the big families in the city. It’s possible your dear father will come through for you, but also possible, even likely, that you’ll end up with someone else.”
“My father will come through,” I insist. “Whatever you ask, he’ll pay.”
“Oh really?” my kidnapper taunts. “I guess you haven’t learned how the world works yet. Especially not the mafia world. You’re one of those sheltered princesses, blissfully unaware of what your family does?”
“I’m aware,” I say. “I just prefer not to involve myself in it.”
“Are you sure that’s your preference?” he teases. “And not something your father has forced on you?”
I cross my arms. I don’t answer, because he’s hit close to home. My father has always shielded me from the dark side of the family business. I’m not sure if it’s because he thinks I couldn’t handle it, or because he didn’t want to ruin my innocence. Well, in any case, my so-called innocence has already been ruined by this kidnapping. And it will be lost completely after I do what I plan.
Yup, it’s not going to be pretty. But I have to do it.
