Page 10 of His Stolen Bride

Bella

He doesn't flinch. He’s not the least bit scared. We both know it would mean sure death for me if I stabbed him. I’m not ready to die, and where would that leave my sister? There are too many unknowns to take such a risk. One day maybe, after she’s free. I’ll play my part as the good wife until then.

“You, Santino, are full of no surprises. Of course, you steal a kiss. Though I’m sure you think it’s not stealing, that it already belongs to you.” I pull my knife back. “I’ll get ready.”

I wait for him to lash out at my comment, but he only stands and steps back, licking his lips. It’s a fight to not lick my own. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to taste him again. His mouth felt good on mine. When I sit up, the room spins again.

He smirks. “Why did you ask to see the body if it would make you so sick?”

“That isn't what made me sick.” I give him the same smile he gave me when he stole his kiss. Unfortunately, my stomach chooses this moment to let out a loud growl.

“Are you hungry, beautiful?”

“Stop calling me that.”

“I’ll call you whatever I like.”

I want to spar with him. It would be pointless and likely lead to my lip getting busted again. Still, I want to do it so badly that I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself. I only stare at him.

“You’re hungry.”

“It’s late. I’d like to get the wedding over with.” The sooner we get this part done, the sooner I can start to make him think I’m falling into line. Then his attention won’t be on me.

“You’ll eat first.”

My stomach clenches at his persistence to feed me. A good meal might do me some good, but I don’t want to make anything easy for Santino. The only thing I want from him is freedom. I don’t know why he’s so worried about my well-being. I’m only an accessory to him, a shiny pair of cufflinks or a sports car that’s soon forgotten in favor of a newer model.

Giuseppe had put me on a very strict diet from the moment I arrived here. “Your hips are obscene,” he’d said and turned his vile nose up at me.

I’ve felt like I’m starving to death. If Gianna knew, she would’ve lost her mind. Then she would have tried to sneak me food, which would have gotten her in trouble. Worse, she would have tried to give me her own. She’s eating for two now. She needs all the nutrients she can get.

“I’ll eat tomorrow. I’m sure Talia is gone already.” I suck in a deep breath as I stand from the bed. “Where am I?” I look around the room. It feels nice to be out of Giuseppe’s room. Out of that makeshift prison. It’s a shame my freedom will be so short-lived.

“A spare room,” he answers. His eyes are all over me. I think he’s studying me. “I can cook.”

“Good for you. Where’s my sister?”

“Throwing up.”

“Did she eat some of your cooking?”

My hand flies to my mouth as Santino throws his head back and laughs. It makes him more handsome than he already is. Between that and his kiss, maybe having to go to bed with him won't be so terrible. But no, he’s just another boy playing at being boss. The same as Giuseppe.

When he meets my gaze again, a sparkle dances across his dark irises. “Get ready. I’ll get you something to eat, and then you’ll become my wife.”

“Okay.”

“Okay? Just like that?” He raises a brow. “I don’t need to dig anyone else up?”

“No,” I answer quickly. “No, thank you. You’re clearly not going to leave me alone until I eat. I don’t know if it’s to make yourself feel better but I know—”

“Bella!” I turn at the sound of my sister's voice. She comes rushing into the room. “You were gone.” She hurries over to me but not before giving Santino a glare. He doesn't pay her any attention. He’s still studying me.

“I was worried he’d done something to you.” She cups my cheeks.

“Like what?” he taunts, his gaze locked with mine.

Why are my thighs heating? They shouldn’t be. Not for the killer who’s stolen my future and ruined my escape plans for Gianna.

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