Charlie
Istand there, frozen in the doorway, looking inside. Carlo stands guard behind the blindfolded Nico, arms crossed, waiting for me like he’s done nearly every day for the past couple of weeks. Every twisted tool he’s tossed my way has been hell, but now with Luciano here, I must go through with it—there’s no backing out, he will never allow it. The memories claw their way up, pounding at my skull again, waiting to be unleashed like they have nearly every day I see Nico. I instinctively rub my wrist, remembering the pain from the chains he put me in.
My heart beats faster, my breath quickening.
Luciano’s voice cuts through the chaos happening in my mind. “Breathe, Principessa.”
I force the air down my throat, trying to steady the chaos raging inside.
“I told you, Luciano. She doesn’t have it,” Carlo sneers.
I move further into the room. “Fuck you, Carlo.”
I can feel Luciano’s body heat as he moves in closer to me. He breathes against my ear. “Unleash your anger, Principessa.”
Tears start to sting my eyes, but I’m not about to give Nico the satisfaction of seeing me break. I fix my gaze on him, the man who shattered me briefly—because I won’t let the torture consume me anymore.
“What do you feel?” Luciano asks.
“Anger… pain…” He slides his pistol into my hand like it’s some twisted gift. “Why are you embarrassed, amore mio?” He’s never called memy lovebefore.
“Because I was helpless. He made me vulnerable.” The words tumble out in ragged gasps.
“How were you helpless?”
“He chained me to that chair,” I hiss. “I couldn’t move.” The memories creep up again, but I shake my head sideways, trying to erase them.
“Why were you vulnerable?” His hands slide around my waist, pulling me to him until I can feel his warm body against my back, the feeling of him grounding me slightly.
“He cut my shirt open, exposed my tits. I thought he was going to rape me,” I say, gaining more control over my breathing.
Carlo lets out a growl behind Nico. He lays his emotions out in the open, letting me know he is here for me.
Luciano rests his head on my shoulder, and I feel him nod. Carlo rips the blindfold off, revealing Nico’s terrified eyes. I can tell he’s looking at Luciano’s hold on me and knows that he won’t be walking out of this room alive. Luciano’s free hand moves up my body and down the front of my dress, cupping my tit beneath the fabric. I quickly look over at Carlo, but he doesn’t take his eyes off Nico.
“Who does your body belong to?” he asks me as his fingertip starts to rub the bud of my nipple. I stare back at Nico, who starts to thrashagainst the chair, trying to break free. But it’s no use—I know the feeling of those chains.
“You,” I half moan back to Luciano, my arousal heightening the longer he plays with me.
“And who am I?”
“The Don,” I answer him.
“And who are you?” Luciano pulls his hand out of my dress and starts to plant kisses along my neck and shoulder. I arch my head sideways, giving him more access.
“Charlotte Carlisi,” I breathe heavier. My eyes meet Nico’s petrified face, and he starts to sob harder.
“I’m so sorry… Please, I didn’t know…” he begs.
“And why did you feel pain?” Luciano breathes in my ear, ignoring Nico’s pleas.
“He dragged me across the floor, kicked me, punched me, cut me, bit me.” My anger grows as I list the ways he caused me pain.
Luciano’s grip on my waist tightens as he gently strokes my cheek with his free hand. He leans in and kisses me in front of Nico and Carlo. This is the most affection he has given me in front of others, and I’m drawn to him, staring into his eyes. “You have the power, Principessa,” he says against my lips.
I steady my breathing, trying to stay focused and not let my emotions get the better of me.
“Are you in control?” Luciano’s voice is steady, offering me a commanding presence.
