"So assign me some security until the threat passes. Surely you trust your men to keep me safe."
"My answer is no, Violetta, and that is final. You will not be leaving this house."
"So I am a prisoner."
"You're not a prisoner, you're being protected."
"If I have no say in the things that concern my life, I really can't see the difference."
Damiano narrows his eyes. A cruel smile curves his lips. "Is that so? Perhaps you'd like to return to the basement?"
My breath hitches. "You wouldn't do that to me."
"Wouldn't I? It's not as if you're great company right now. Perhaps it would be better for me if I locked you down there. You'd be fed, watered, kept alive like my little pet."
My palms slam down on the table as I push to my feet. Anger courses through me, vying with a very real sense of dread that he might actually follow through if I pushed him hard enough.
"Sit down, Violetta."
I do as I'm told without hesitation. Damiano's mood is dangerous and I'm not sure how to navigate it. He reaches across the table and places his hand on top of mine. He strokes my wrist and despite myself I find it calming. I look into his eyes and see something like regret in them.
"I don't want to do that to you, Violetta, but you must understand I can't let you leave while there's a threat."
"Okay," I say, not because I agree but because I don't have it in me to carry on down a road that might lead to a cage in the basement.
While I believe him when he says he doesn’t want to do that to me, I know now that anything is possible in his world. It frightens me to know how far he’d go to keep me safe.
"Good girl."
The sound of a throat clearing behind me announces Gianni's presence.
"Signore Rinaldi is here."
Damiano nods and pulls his hand away. I instantly miss his warmth. As I stare at him, unable to hide my longing forconnection, his face gives away nothing at all. It seems for him it's business as usual.
Damiano
Elio has always had impeccable timing. Today is no exception. I wasn't expecting him and he couldn't have arrived at a worse moment. I felt like I was getting somewhere with Violetta. She understood why I couldn't let her leave. When I touched her she didn't pull away.
"Ask him to wait in the study. I need a moment with my wife."
Gianni casts a glance at Violetta and purses his lips. Though he would never dare say anything, his expressions haven't been shy about letting me know he disapproves of the current state of my marriage. He's been with me for a long time but I'm not sure whether his sympathies lie with me or Violetta.
Lina has been much more obvious about which side she's on. She's Team Violetta all the way.
"Of course, Signore." Gianni turns and walks away.
I reach out to curve my hand around Violetta's cheek but this time she draws back from me. I let her retreat. She needs time to process her new reality.
"Everything will be okay, dolcezza." I should apologize for the basement threat but that's not who I am. I offer her assurance another way. "You have nothing to fear from me, or anyone else. You know that, right?"
She smiles tightly. "Yes, Damiano, I know."
"Good girl." I rise from my chair.
Perhaps I should say more, but Violetta is staring into her coffee cup and I know she isn't in the mood to hear it. Leaving her to finish her breakfast, I head to the study. Elio is sitting inone of the armchairs, a folder on the table in front of him and a look of eagerness on his face that tells me he has news.
"Elio." I greet him. "You're here early."
