Page 54 of Ruthless Vow

I’ve been here many times before as his assistant, finalizing last minute details as he stood just beyond the smoked glass doors of his walk-in closet, tying his bowtie or sliding on the jacket of his tux before heading out to a charity function or a business dinner. But this is different. This time, I’m here alone, anxious, on edge.

Leo didn’t say a word on the drive here. Not one word. Neither did Luca. The three of us just sat in the car and drove.

Danila hadn’t said a word, either, but he’d been stuffed in the trunk.

When we arrived at the house, Leo had brought me to this room, gently touched my bruised cheek, his dark eyes like ice and fire.

And then he left and went…somewhere else. I suspect he went to deal with Danila.

Maybe he went to deal with my aunt. Leo’s brothers went after her. I don’t know if they captured her or killed her. Maybe she got away. I don’t know anything.

I remember the room I’d woken up in after Leo took me from the cemetery, the room with the cuffs and service cart full of tools and instruments. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s taken Danila there.

Once Leo left me, I’d tried the door to the bedroom. Not a single part of me was surprised that it was locked. Disappointed, yes. Surprised, no.

Nothing has changed. But why would it?

I’d escaped. The woman who’d attempted to murder Leo Russo and put his entire family in jeopardy had escaped.

He’d hunted me. He’d found me. And he’d brought me back to my now-much-more-comfortable prison.

The fact that he’s orchestrated my escape made no difference.

And the sex we’d had before I ran, the incredible sex I’d never even dared dream of hadn’t changed a fucking thing about the big picture.

Leo views me as a threat that needs to be locked up until he decides how to deal with me. And I can’t say I blame him.

I’m a practical girl. I knew all of this going in. I knew this even when he was fucking me. And it’s utterly irrational for me to have thought for even a second that there might be more between us.

Leo Russo isn’t any normal girl’s fantasy man. He’s a nightmare come to life and to expect anything else from him, even now—especiallynow—would be setting myself up for more painful disappointment.

Logically, I know this. Of course I do.

But illogically, I wish it could be different. And that? That is more than illogical. That is straight-up insane.

“I’m insane,” I say aloud. Leo has driven me batshit crazy with that gigantic, pierced cock of his. And suddenly I’m wondering where he is, how long he’ll be gone, when he’ll be back, not because as his prisoner I am afraid but because I want to see him, be with him, feel his lips on mine, his hands on my body.

Fuck.

I turn and study the room. It suits him. High end luxury with a dangerous edge, a reflection of wealth, power, and carefully curated taste.

The tufted black leather headboard of the California king bed reaches the high ceiling, drawing the eye. The linens are pristine white with a charcoal velvet comforter and an array of overstuffed pillows in shades of gray, turquoise, and blue. The effect is understated and elegant.

Across from the bed is a floor-to-ceiling fireplace of black Portoro marble. $480 per square meter—I know that because I priced it for him.

An abstract painting in dark shades hangs above the fireplace. It’s moody, elegant, a little frightening.

A low-profile dresser sits against the right wall. Two armchairs flank a chrome-and-glass side table. There’s a fully stocked bar in the corner. For a second, I consider helping myself. Then I decide that drunk-as-a-skunk-Nicole might not be the best option to face Leo when he returns.

A wall of windows spans the left side of the room, offering a gorgeous view of the mountains in the distance. The charcoal velvet blackout curtains are open. I move to the window and stare at the city lights. The view really is gorgeous.

I stand there for a very long time, lost in thought, consumed by worry for Sofia and fear that Bianca will make my sister pay for my betrayal.

Flames of rage lick at me. Bianca is the betrayer. She killed my father and blamed it on Leo. She held my sister prisoner. She used me for her own twisted ends.

There’s a light tap at the door and then it opens, revealing Vito’s distinctive features.

“Hey,” he says.

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