Page 41 of Sinful Wrath

“Thank you for tonight,” I offer, glancing at his mouth.

“Sleep well, Lucia,” he says before walking down the hall.

Well, that answers my question.

I watch him go, my mind torn on what to do.

After tonight, it seems I’m finding it hard to remember that Mikhail is the reason behind my nightmares returning. He may have allowed me out of my room, but I’m still not allowed out of this house, which means the nightmares aren’t going away.

As much as I want to keep my promise to Mikhail, I’m not sure I can. Feeling trapped leaves me at the mercy of my past.

It’s about time I take back control.

Disappearing inside my room, I head over to my suitcase and root through it until I find my makeup bag.

Hidden inside an empty eyeshadow palette is a couple of phone trackers that I always keep on hand for situations just like this.

Putting this inside Mikhail’s phone case will mean I’ll know exactly when he’s heading back to the townhouse, so there will be no risk of him catching me gone.

I know this is wrong of me, but regardless of his intentions, he is making everything worse for me.

Besides, shouldn’t he know better than to trust the daughter of a mafia Don?

Shame and guilt fill me.

Shouldn’t I want to be trusted? Shouldn’t I be trustworthy?

I wish I could be the woman he wants me to be, but my past makes it impossible for me to listen to his only demand. Staying locked up is something I cannot live with. No matter how gilded the cage is or how appealing my captor is.

I hover outside Mikhail’s room for a few minutes, pressing my ear against the door until I catch the sound of the shower running.

Taking a breath, I gently turn the door handle and slip inside.

Mikhail’s phone is charging on the bedside table a few feet away.

I quickly unplug it, pull off the case and slip the tracker inside before returning it exactly how I found it.

I’m in and out in under two minutes, and yet it’s all I need to finally get my freedom back.

After taking a shower myself, I decide to try sleeping in the bed once more, hoping that the knowledge that I can leave helps me to feel less trapped.

I scroll on my phone for a while, catching up on social media when a message pops up from one of my friends.

Macy:Hey, girl! Long time no see! Kara and I are planning to go to Enigma, that new exclusive club in the East Village. Would LOVE for you to come, we miss you <3

I haven’t heardfrom Macy, or Kara for that matter, in weeks.

Macy’s message should make me excited, but instead, I just feel hollow.

The only time I ever seem to hear from them is when they want something from me.

I used to think it was because I’m so fun to be around, but in reality, they’re only hanging out with me because of the free drinks and exclusive entry to the VIP sections of New York’s most exclusive clubs.

And as expected, when I reply saying that I can’t come, Macy goes radio silent.

I toss my phone aside and stare up at the ceiling, contemplating my life.

Ever sinceithappened, all I’ve ever wanted was to justlive my life to the fullest and have fun while I’m at it. But now, I’m starting to wonder if that is what life is about.

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