Page 37 of Stolen Union

“Did someone say my name?” a familiar voice asks. And before my eyes, Antonio is poking his head around the open door. When he spots me, his whole face changes. “Gabriella! You’re safe. You’re alive.” He runs down to me and pulls me into a hug. I can only stand still, wondering what the hell is going on.

“I’ve been working with Rocco to find you,” Antonio says, pulling back. “I can’t believe that bastard kidnapped you. And at our wedding and everything!”

I turn to Massimo. “Antonio has been helping?”

“Every step of the way.”

“So," I say to Antonio, “You still want to get married?”

“Of course. Once Dante dies, you’ll be a widow, and we’ll be free to marry. And for the record, it doesn’t bother me that you’re not a virgin any longer. I know Dante forced you.”

I balk and step away from Antonio. “Huh. Ok.” I quickly walk over to Massimo. “Can I talk with you? Inside?”

“Sure.”

When Antonio starts to follow, I hold up my hand. “This is just a conversation between my brother and me.” I pull on Massimo’s hand, and we hurry inside.

“Slow down, Gabi,” Massimo mutters. “You’re going to pull my hand right off.”

“Rocco still intends to marry me to Antonio?”

Massimo hesitates.

“Tell me,” I hiss.

“Ok, fine. Yes, he does. Antonio has been helping us search for you.”

“Where’s Dante?” I ask, looking around.

“Rocco has taken him to the basement. They’re going to torture him before they kill him. More fun that way.”

“So, Rocco will kill Dante and then force me to marry Antonio? Is that it?”

“… Yes?”

“Massimo!” I snap.

“What? I’m just telling you. Rocco likes to get his way, after all. And he wants you married to Antonio. He also wants Dante dead. It’s the way of it.”

I know right then and there I need to leave.

“Where are Lara, Ophelia, and Caterina?” I ask.

“At my house. We didn’t think it would be good for them to be here when we brought Dante in. I can take you to them if you want.”

“No, that’s ok. I know how to get to your house, Massimo. I can go by myself.”

I only manage to take one step before Massimo grabs my hand. “Gabi, it’s not safe out there. You were just kidnapped. You can’t be going off alone.”

“What are the chances I’ll be kidnapped again? Hmm? Our older brother is currently torturing the man who kidnapped me. I’ll be safe. I can ask Antonio to join me. I need to spend more time with him because we’ll be married soon, and I know you want to help with the Dante situation. So, let me go on my own. I’ve been cooped up in a house for the past week. I want my freedom.”

Massimo sighs and drops his hand. “Fine. I understand. But be careful. Rocco will have my head if something happens to you again.”

“Just blame it on Antonio.”

“Good idea.” He smiles and squeezes my arm before walking away.

Once he’s out of eyeshot, I hurry back outside where Antonio is waiting.

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