Page 8 of These Deadly Vows

I unzip my jeans, whip out my dick, and piss on him.

“Tie his ass up,” I order Capone.

“Fuck, man. Couldn’t you have waited to piss on him after?”

I shrug. “Handle it. I’m going to find his daughter. Don’t worry, Marco. I won’t make her choke on it just yet.” I laugh as he attempts to lunge for me, earning him a kick to the face from Capone’s boot.

Chapter Three

Earlier that same night

“I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be gaining a son. Adeline has accepted Roberto’s proposal,” my father announces as I knew he would.

“To Roberto and my daughter.” He raises his glass, and everyone sings their congratulations. No one notices that I don’t join in on the celebration. All I want is to disappear. Go off the grid somewhere. Dye my hair and change my name. No matter where I attempt to run to, they’ll find me.

Roberto would follow me to the ends of the Earth to get what he wants. He’ll stop at nothing.

I smile when prompted, careful not to allow my true emotions to slip and expose the cracks. Not that anyone here cares what I desire. They aren’t here for me even if they brought a birthday present. It’s what is expected. Not bringing me a gift would be an insult.

More trinkets to donate. At least someone out there benefits from the efforts made.

I have nothing to celebrate.

The party moves to the back of the estate for the fireworks. I use the distraction to escape to my room.

Kicking off my shoes, I then unzip the back of my dress, allowing the fabric to gather at my waist. All I want is this day to be over. To escape this nightmare, even if it is only in my dreams. Though sometimes even they aren’t my own. If Roberto and my father could control them, I know they’d damn sure try. All my life, I’ve been a prisoner of this life. A sentence given the day I was conceived.

At least I will never pass on the burden.

I rub the pad of my finger over the diamond ring I wear. Is this what my mother wanted for me? Would she welcome my fate with open arms? I suppose she always knew this would be the case. I’d never been allowed to marry for love. Only duty and to honor my family. Some honor. To spread my legs for a disgusting man I loathe.

“Sneaking out on the celebration so soon?” Roberto’s smooth voice cuts through my thoughts like a knife through butter.

I had hoped he’d been too busy gloating to notice my absence.

I cross my arms over my chest.

“No need to cover up on my account. By the end of summer, you’ll be my wife.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“Why do you make things difficult?” He steps closer, running a finger along my cheek.

“If you don’t mind, I’ve had a long day.” I swat his hand away.

The fireworks boom in the night sky at a deafening level. Father had to get a special permit for the display.

“You’re missing the big show.”

“The sparks out there can’t compare to the ones I could make you experience.”

I curl my lip and shimmy the rest of the way out of my dress. Might as well adapt to being seen by him. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t be allowed in my room without permission. Without a proper guardian. Now that we’re engaged, and hands have been shook, there is no looking back.

This is my reality.

A life with Roberto until his luck runs out and an enemy makes a move to take one of us out. The party tonight wasn’t about me or celebrating my birthday. It was to secure the foothold this famiglia has on the city. To be certain that the top associates remain loyal when my father passes the torch to Roberto.

“You know you’re beautiful, Adeline.”

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