“Yeah.” I step away from him and hug my middle. “It’ll work just fine.” It will be more than fine for the temporary time that I’ll be living under his roof. “I’d like to see my sister now.”
He grunts, sounding slightly irritated. His features harden, growing serious and unrelenting. “You will. Tomorrow.”
I blink, startled by his refusal. “Tomorrow? No, I?—”
“Tomorrow.” His tone indicates this decision is final. “I’ll leave you to settle in. Get some rest. We’re going out tonight.”
My brows pinch. “Going out? Where?”
“You’ll find out when we get there. Wear the dress hanging in the closet, and meet me in the foyer at eight o’clock sharp. We have somewhere to be and it’s important.” He turns, closing the door behind him as he exits.
Annoyed, I fume. My hands fall to my sides, fingers balling into fists.This. This is what I hate most about the world I was born into. All thesebossy, controlling men who think their word is God’s. Ihateit. I hate him and everything he represents. This world where men rule and women are pawns. Where he thinks he can order me to do anything and I must obey.
Not so long ago, that was my reality too. Not any more. I’ve grown up. I see what goes on and I will no longer play my part in it.
I stalk to the walk-in closet, with the intention of destroying the dress he ordered me to wear tonight. That will show him that he can’t boss me around. Obviously, words are no use against him, as he’s incapable of hearing the answerno. My actions are a better weapon to use.
If he wants me to go out with him tonight, he’ll have to learn to ask nicely. But since he didn’t, he’ll have to face the consequences. He’ll soon learn that I’m not the sweet mafia princess I was all those years ago.
That girl died in a filthy cage, praying for someone to save her.
She didn’t make it out of there alive after all, just as she knew she wouldn’t. What emerged from those iron bars was me.WhoeverI am. All I know is that I’m not the same Elena who was kidnapped and held captive by two ruthless men in a grungy apartment.
That girl was waiting to be rescued. I now know that I must rescuemyself—no one else is going to do it for me.
Switching on the light, I peer into the closet, and freeze. All my destructive intentions drain away as I stare at the solo dress hanging on a bar. It’s pink. And the most gorgeous evening gown I’ve ever seen. Fit for a fairy princess. Or an otherworldly queen.
My mouth goes dry. My eyes narrow. Maximo’s playing real dirty.
I reach for it, my fingers brush against the delicate silk. There’s a designer tag neatly sewn on the inside. It readsSkye Adair Couture.
With a sigh, my anger deflates. I’d never forgive myself if I ruined this beautiful work of wearable art. All I want to do is slip into it and feel that soft fabric against my skin. To drench myself in such beauty… a fantasy come true.
I snatch my hand back as if the dress burned my skin. If I’m going to get out of here and make my escape, I need to keep my head out of the clouds. I know exactly what all of this is. The bedroom and this dress are both tricks. They’re bribes to keep me docile and compliant. I need to see through them, to see how Maximo hopes to manipulate and control me by giving me what I most desire.
How he seems to know me so well, I’m not sure. Ravenna would have told me if Maximo spoke with her to get this much information about me. I suppose I should check, just in case.
I open the text message thread on my phone and type.
Elena:
I’ve arrived. Thanks for the heads up about Maximo.
Ravenna:
I’m so sorry about not telling you he’d be there instead of me. The stronzo actually threatened me not to interfere. I shouldn’t have listened to him, but he pulled the whole I’m don of the family card. Bastardo! Are you okay?
Elena:
I’m fine. I’ll see you tomorrow. I was just wondering if Maximo ever asked you specific questions about me. My likes and tastes, that sort of thing.
Ravenna:
No. We’ve never really talked much at all. When we did it was always about security measures. Why?
Elena:
No reason. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow.
