I scoff at myself for being such a fool thinking Alessandro could fall in love with me. There was no way he’d ever let himself love and trust a Vitale. Every time suspicion arose, he turned on me. This last time, he cast me out without a chance to defend myself. His distrust runs as deep as the hatred between our families.
And yet...
My child deserves better than this. Better than the slow starvation Enrico has planned for us. Better than being used as a pawn in my brother's desperate grab for power.
What if I pretend to agree with Enrico? Tell him I've seen the error of my ways, that the Vitale family comes first? He might let me out of here and be held in my former bedroom, giving me a chance to escape.
But then what?
Alessandro won’t ever believe me, but surely, my child stands a better chance with Alessandro than with my family. Whatever his faults, whatever his suspicions, he wouldn't starve his own child.
The lock clicks open, and I shield my eyes from the sudden light. Enrico strolls in with a swagger that turns my stomach. I wish I had the bravery and strength to scratch his eyes out.
"Thought you might want an update on family business," he says, dropping a newspaper into my lap.
The headline screams about violence in Dante territory. My heart sinks as I scan the article.
"Your husband's empire is crumbling," Enrico gloats, leaning against the wall. "The new plan is working perfectly. Three more Dante lieutenants dead yesterday. By the time we're finished, there won't be anyone left loyal to him."
I keep my expression neutral, though my pulse races. "And then what? You think you can just walk in and take his place?"
"That's exactly what's going to happen."
"Alessandro's not stupid," I counter, but doubt creeps in.
"He's desperate and alone. His men are dying, and his wife?" Enrico laughs. "Well, you're here, aren't you?"
My fingers tighten on the newspaper. "You won't win."
"We already have. In three days, we're hitting his mansion. In three days, what’s his will be mine."
I have to accept that it is a possibility that he’ll defeat Alessandro. My first thought is that I need to warn him.
“What happens to me then?” I ask.
He shrugs. “Father and I are debating that.” He struts out, locking the door behind him.
Three days. I have three days to warn Alessandro about my family’s plans.
For the first time since they locked me away, I feel something besides despair. A fierce resolve builds.
I need to escape. Next chance I get.
That chance comes when a maid brings my meal. She hands it to me, and I set it on the cot beside me. When she turns to leave, I jump up, lunging forward and pushing her back as I move past her toward the door. I run out, shutting the door behind me to lock her in. I can’t afford to have her warn anyone.
I stumble down the dim hall. My legs are weak from days of inactivity and not enough nourishment.
The maid's voice rings out. I pray no one can hear her as I hurry toward the small basement window, my only escape route. As I look out, I see it’s dark and give a thank you to God. It will be easier to navigate off the property in the darkness of night.
I grab a metal toolbox from a nearby shelf and hurl it at the window. Glass shatters. I haul myself up, feeling the glass slice into my palms and forearms as I squeeze through.
Pain lances through my side as a particularly sharp piece catches my ribs, tearing through my shirt and into flesh. I bite down on my cry as I tumble out onto wet grass.
For one terrifying moment, I can't move, can't breathe. My baby. Please, be okay.
I don’t have time to waste. Who knows how long before they realize the maid is missing and go searching for her? When they find her, they’ll discover I’m gone and my father’s army of men will be searching for me.
I scramble to my feet, clutching my bleeding side as I run until my lungs burn. I reach the outer wall of the estate, walking along it until I reach the old oak that Enrico and I used to climb when we were carefree children. Before my father turned him into a sociopath.
