“Are you going to hurt me?” she asked softly.
I frowned, knowing what she was referring to. The last time I’d seen her, Drake had been with me. I’d gone a little crazy getting him to break and confess to his relationship with Bianca. Indigo had been an unfortunate casualty of the situation.
I’d taken her virginity. I’d made her bleed for me.
Losing myself rarely happened, but she was gasoline on an already burning building. She had been part of the palace for over four years now. Locked away in her room like the sweet princess she was.
For her safety.
Because Matteo demanded it. Because he found her and was forced to bring her in despite my efforts to save her. Frank… oh, Frank. Finding his daughter again had brought the man tohis knees. He’d begged for her to be released, but Matteo had spoken.
And so it was as it was meant to be.
So here we were.
“I am not here to harm you,” I murmured, letting my hand fall away. “I came to wish you a happy birthday.” I pulled the small gift from my jacket and handed it to her.
She stared at it for a moment before hesitantly reaching out to take it from me.
I watched as she unwrapped the box and stared down at it, which held a diamond necklace.
“Do you like it?” I asked.
She tore her eyes from the diamonds and looked at me. “Where would I wear this? From here to my bedroom? I can’t wear it downstairs at work. I-I don’t understand.”
I studied her for a moment. “You’re right. It’s a terrible gift. I’m sorry.”
She looked back at the necklace and ran her fingertips along the platinum and jewels. “I am grateful. I don’t want you to think I’m not. I just… have no purpose for this. It’s so beautiful, though. Thank you, Alessio.” She exhaled and gave me a sad smile.
I didn’t like that.
I cleared my throat. “I will get you a better gift. What do you want?”
“Anything?”
I nodded.
“Freedom,” she whispered.
I closed my eyes at her soft words. “Midnight, you know I cannot.”
“I know.” She looked back at the necklace again. “But you asked, so I thought I’d tell you.”
I nodded before I reached out and took the necklace from the box. I moved to her other side so I could fasten it around her neck. She allowed me to. My fingers skimmed her soft skin after fastening the jewelry, and she trembled at my touch.
I leaned in, my lips at her ear.
“I am sorry for hurting you,” I whispered. “I got carried away. If I could take it back, I would.” I placed a soft kiss on her bare shoulder. The oversized shirt she was wearing had fallen down, exposing her creamy skin.
She breathed out as I moved my kisses to her neck. She let her head fall to give me space.
She was a sweet little thing, so delicate and perfect.
“Let me do it the right way,” I whispered in her ear. “I will make it better. I promise.”
She let out a shaky breath before turning to face me. Immediately, I reached out to cup her pretty face.
“I’m scared.”
