Page 38 of Velvet Chains

I couldn’t speak but I didn’t need to. He carried me to the bed and laid me down and then, despite my exhaustion and all my surrender, the moment was mine to control. I knew what I wanted. I needed him to fuck me.

Feeling him on top of me, the simple pleasure of it, breathlessly kissing my mouth, my face, my eyes. I just wanted him inside me now, a visceral ache in my body. There was a relief as he drove into me, slowly, firmly and so deeply, I cried out. I hear him moan under his breath, "Oh, God."

Each stroke, harder, pushed me beyond a place I never thought I could reach. I hooked my legs higher around his back, as he cradled my head, his cheek softly against mine, I could hear him groan and I pushed my hands into the small of his back, drawing him into me, holding him tighter against me. I wanted to make this last longer but I had no hope at all, I could no longer control my orgasm. I felt my back arch into him deliciously and wave after beautiful wave shuddered through me. I heard him growl and I could feel the wonderful explosion that possessed both of us.

We lay together. He held me. I held him. He stayed inside me and I could smell the warm, rich scents of our skin and mingled sex. While we tried to catch our breaths, he kissed me softly,

The night had become quiescent to this particular moment and I wanted to make it last before taking the weight of the world back on our shoulders.

Just for a little longer.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

ISABELLE

Leave Sicily if you value your life.

I found the note in my handbag while in the changing room while I was out shopping for some new clothes. The words were bold and clear and so was the message.

As soon as I read the note, I felt a chill run down my spine.

It could be a prank, I considered, trying to make myself feel better, and tried to forget about it. I will not tell anyone, not even Vincenzo. Not yet. He could lock me up again, and I can’t go through that again.

The next day, I found another note in my coat pocket. This one read: You're not safe here.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized that someone was watching me, following me. I was being targeted.

But it was the third note that shattered any sense of security I had left.

I returned to my room one evening to find a piece of paper on my pillow. The message was simple but chilling: We are always watching.

I felt a wave of panic wash over me as I realized that someone had been in my room, and had been close enough to harm me.

I was paralyzed with fear, unsure of what to do or who to turn to. But this had gone too far, I had to tell Vincenzo.

“I’ve been receiving threats,” I said, walking into his study. I could only keep it a secret for so long, he had to know. In one swift moment, I dropped the papers on his desk and sat down.

“Were these all from today?” He asked, reading what was on the papers.

“No, they-” before I could finish my sentence, Vincenzo started to speak.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” He asked, looking furious. How could he be angry at me right now?

“I’m telling you now.”

Vincenzo sighed, running his hands through his hair. He looked worried through his ire. “I’m just trying to keep you safe,” he said, his gaze softening.

“I know,” I said, feeling bad, I knew he was just trying to help, “I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry that these threats even got to you in the first place. I promise I’ll protect you, no matter what it takes. I will keep you safe.”

“Okay, I trust you,” I said, looking up at him. I trusted that he would keep his word, but I knew it wouldn't be easy - the threats had already shown me that I was vulnerable, that there was no safe place for me.

Vincenzo's determination to protect me was reassuring, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. I felt like I was living in a nightmare, with no escape from the fear that gripped me. I knew I had to find a way to take control, to fight back against those who sought to harm me. But for now, I was trapped in a living hell, with no clear way out.

I tried to put on a brave face for Vincenzo, but he could see right through me. I was terrified, and it was getting harder to hide. The fear was suffocating, making it hard to breathe, hard to think. I felt like I was constantly walking on eggshells, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Vincenzo spent long hours with Pietro, trying to come up with a plan to keep me safe. I knew he was doing everything he could, but it was hard to shake the feeling of vulnerability. I felt like I was a target, always looking over my shoulder, waiting for Don Antonio's next move.

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