I took a deep breath and hardened my resolve. I’d find a way to free his friends, and then he could fight back against Dante. My husband was strong, fierce. He would find a way back to me.
Antonio led Giana and me to a side entrance that was usually used by household staff. His SUV waited for us outside. No one witnessed our mad dash to the vehicle, and he quickly helped my sister and me into the back before sliding a cover over us. The rear door slammed, and the space suddenly became tight and suffocating.
Giana’s hand closed around mine. I could barely make out her delicate features in the spare light that peeked around the cover.
“It’s okay,” she whispered. “They won’t search the SUV. They trust Antonio.”
My heart stuttered when we paused at the gates, but within less than a minute, we were moving again.
The drive back to the city was interminable as I huddled close to my sister. She tried to ask me what I’d been through, but I refused to answer. I’d never tell her what I’d suffered at Dante’s hands.
“You care about Luca,” she said quietly. “He kidnapped you and forced you to marry him.”
“He proved to me that he wants to make me happy. I…do care about him.” I held in the depth of my emotion, scared to declare it aloud. As long as he was the monster’s captive, there was a chance that he would die. I might never see him again.
I shoved the thought away, refusing to contemplate it.
Giana murmured soothing words, and I allowed myself to cling to her comfort.
I was free. I was no longer Dante’s captive.
Eventually, we arrived at my father’s house, the place where I’d been abused my entire life.
I stepped out of the SUV with Antonio’s help and straightened my spine, preparing to face my father. I had to convince him to save Gabriele and Lorenzo.
My composed mask was shattered, a thing of the past. I could feel the righteous anger that tightened my features, and I let Father’s men see the strength of my resolve as I strode into the house.
Giana and I walked hand-in-hand to his office, preparing to face our oldest tormentor as a united front. I’d told her about my plans to save Luca’s friends during the long journey, and she stood by my side in solidarity.
As soon as we stepped into his office, strong hands grabbed my shoulders, ripping me away from Giana. She cried out and whirled, reaching for me. Antonio’s arms closed around her, dragging her back.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured in her ear.
She twisted, trying to fight her way to me. But he was so much more powerful than she could ever be, and he held her fast.
My stomach dropped at the regret that tightened his features, the apology in his dark eyes.
Father watched the scene grimly, his stony face not betraying a hint of concern for his daughters.
“We have a deal.” He addressed the two men who held me, their thick fingers biting into my upper arms.
“What are you talking about?” I demanded, my voice shrill with fear. “What have you done?”
My heel connected with one of my captor’s shins, and his grip loosened. He cursed and grabbed me with bruising force.
My heart dropped to the floor.
He’d cursed in Russian.
“Father!” I cried out to him like a child, looking to him to save me from a fate worse than death.
But he was the one condemning me.
His eyes were cold on mine as he said, “I won’t have Dante’s blood on my hands when I take power. The Bratva will kill him for me when he comes to take you back.”
Giana screamed in protest, and Antonio lifted her feet off the floor to keep her from lunging for me.
Father eyed the Russians and raised his voice over her desperate sobs. “There will be peace between us now. As soon as Dante is dead, I’ll be in charge, and my men won’t make any more trouble for you.”
