Page 60 of Impure Vows

The car's engine hums, a low growl that matches the dread curling in my stomach. Carlo sits too close, his green eyes never leaving me. My heart races as the city lights blur into a nightmarish smear outside the window. Each mile takes me further from the party, from Dante.

Carlo pulls the tape from my mouth making me wince in pain as it crosses my lips.

"Why are you doing this?" I demand, my voice shaky but defiant.

Carlo smirks, leaning back. "It’s simple, really. You’re a pawn in a much bigger game."

"I’m not a pawn," I snap, though my trembling hands betray me.

"Oh, but you are," he says, almost amused. "Dante's pet, aren’t you? He’ll come running, and when he does, I’ll be waiting."

I clench my fists, trying to keep my wits about me. "You don’t know him. He’ll find me. He’ll kill you."

His laughter fills the car, dark and mocking. "Is that what you think? That Dante will risk everything for a little stray he picked up?"

I swallow hard, refusing to let him see my fear. "He will. He’s not like you."

Carlo’s eyes narrow, the amusement fading. "You’re right. He’s worse."

I shudder, the words hitting too close to home. My mind races, trying to find a way out, but the further we drive, the more hopeless it seems. The city fades into the distance, replaced by dark, unfamiliar roads. Each turn makes my heart pound harder.

"Where are you taking me?" I ask, desperation creeping into my voice.

"Somewhere Dante will find very interesting," he replies cryptically.

My thoughts swirl, trying to piece together an escape. Fuck, all I want is Dante. His presence, his strength. How will he find me out here?

"Don’t bother thinking of running," Carlo says, as if reading my mind. "You won’t get far."

I glare at him, defiant. "You don’t scare me."

He leans closer, his breath hot against my ear. "You should be scared."

I twist away, my skin crawling. "Why do you hate him so much?"

Carlo’s expression darkens. "He’s a threat. Always has been. And now, with you, he’s vulnerable."

"Using me to get to him won’t work," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.

"We’ll see about that," Carlo murmurs, a sinister edge to his tone. "And to make sure you won’t be found…" Carlo reaches over and yanks my phone from my grasp. I gasp, trying to snatch it back, but his goon shoves me back into the seat.

"Give that back!" I shout, my voice cracking.

Carlo smirks, waving the phone in front of me. "Not happening, sweetheart. Can’t have you calling for help, now can we?"

I glare at him, the tears already welling up in my eyes. "You’re a monster."

"Compliments will get you nowhere," he replies, pocketing my phone. "Sit tight and enjoy the ride."

Hopelessness crashes over me like a wave. Without my phone, there’s no way to contact Dante. Not that I even know what I’d say. "Help, I’ve been kidnapped by a rival mafia don" doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.

The tears start to fall, hot and unbidden. I try to hold them back, but it’s no use. They trace down my cheeks, and I bite my lip to keep from sobbing out loud.

"Aw, don’t cry," Carlo mocks, watching me with those cruel green eyes. "You’ll ruin your makeup."

I stay silent, the lump in my throat too big to speak around. My mind races, trying to find some glimmer of hope, but it’s like grasping at smoke.

"You’re better off with me," he continues, his tone almost conversational. "At least I’m honest about what I am."

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