“Secrets and lies, Francesca. That could mean our certain death.”
Before she had a chance to retort, my phone rang. “Grinder. I’m alive.”
“Boss. Where you been? Worried sick about you.”
“The situation is taken care of.”
“You found her,” he huffed.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her, the beautiful woman with the beguiling actions. What was she hiding from me and why? “I did. Do not make that public to anyone. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, of course, boss. What’s wrong?”
“This isn’t over,” I huffed.
“Well, I may have good news.” He seemed elated.
I remained quiet.
“Word on the wire is that Dante Massimo passed away in his sleep. The nightmare just may be over, boss.”
Then why did I have a feeling the nightmare was just beginning?
Francesca
Dante Massimo was dead. The news should have pleased me. I knew that he’d pressured my father for years, even using force to get what he wanted. I’d heard the vicious stories about his brutality, the way he treated even his closest soldiers that he pretended to call family.
But the news had affected both Michael and me in the same way.
No emotion.
I rubbed my arms and grabbed my drink, trying to salvage the conversation. I adored the way he clenched his jaw when he was frustrated, and he was extremely aggravated by my lack of answers. Instead of pushing me, he simply stood watch at the window, as if the world were going by and we’d never have a chance to enjoy it.
The most handsome man in the world had saved my life. I was mortified that I’d bought the crap from the woman pretending to be my sister. Was I any better? I continued to lie to the man that I… Fuck. I’d fallen in love with Michael.
I held the glass to my head, an ugly memory washing in.
“You’re a beautiful woman and one I could lavish with gifts every day.” His smile was charming, his voice captivating. He held a power over me, a bird in a gilded cage. I was enraptured by his stunning good looks; the three-day stubble that could only look sexy on a man with a chiseled and perfect face. Even the jeans he was wearing had a love affair with him, caressing his hips and languishing over his thick thighs.
But he was all wrong for me. He was also off limits. If only I’d known before I’d fallen hopelessly in love with him.
“I can’t see you anymore.” I half whispered the words, terrified of his reaction. I didn’t want to hurt him in any manner.
“What?” he asked, taken aback. His beautiful brown eyes opened wide, the sexy dimple on his chin drawing me further into his web.
“I’m sorry but I need to concentrate on my studies.” The lie seemed plausible enough.
He sat still, unblinking. He was never quiet, always joking and laughing. Always teasing me.
“I will always love the time we shared together.” I reached over, trying to place my hand on his.
He pulled away, sitting back, exhaling.
“I’m really sorry. You’re very special. Maybe if we’d met at another time.” When he still didn’t say anything, I reached down, grabbing my purse.
That’s the very moment he snapped his hand around my arm, twisting until I yelped as he dragged me halfway over the table. Plates crashed to the floor, other patrons in the restaurant gasping. “You bitch.”
“What?” It was my turn to be shocked. “You’re hurting me.”
He kept his voice low as he spoke, his once dancing eyes now pools of pure evil. “I’m going to do a lot more than this. You belong to me. You’re my property and I’ll do anything I want with you. Fuck you. Beat you. Tie you up and leave you in the dark. Burn you. Whatever. I. Desire. And you’re going to like it!”
The memory was raw, so ugly. I didn’t realize I’d moaned until Michael snapped his head in my direction.
“Are you hurt? Are you okay?”
“I’m…” I couldn’t even answer. My hands and arms were shaking uncontrollably, enough so I dropped the glass.
Michael pulled me into his arms, lifting and cradling me against his chest as he stormed into the bedroom portion.
“I’m fine, Michael. I’m just a little frightened.”
He yanked down the covers, easing me onto the bed. “You’re going to rest, and trust me, nothing will happen to you.”
I did trust him, even though I’d sworn never to trust a man in his position again, not for any reason.
“I’m going to be right here. I’ll sit in the chair and watch you sleep.” He pressed his hand on my forehead.
“Don’t go. Don’t leave me.”