Page 59 of Impure Vows

"Keep moving," one of the men growls, shoving me forward. I stumble, but they catch me, their grips tightening.

Carlo follows behind, his presence a dark shadow that looms over me. "Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of you," he says, his tone mocking.

I try to struggle, but it’s no use. Their grips are like iron. I twist and turn, my heart hammering against my ribs, but they only tighten their hold. One of Carlo’s goons on either side sends me sneering side eyes, clearly enjoying my futile attempts.

Carlo’s dark, twisted amusement is evident in the sound of his voice. “It’s no use, sweetheart. Save your energy.”

I glare at him, even though fear grips me like a vice. My breaths come out in ragged gasps, the duct tape over my mouth stifling any sound I try to make. I yank my arms, but it’s like pulling against steel.

“Feisty, aren’t you?” Carlo chuckles, stepping closer. “No wonder you have Dante in such a tailspin. But let me make one thing clear: you’re in my territory now.”

The men tighten their grip, forcing me to walk forward. My heels click against the marble floor, each step echoing in the corridor. The sound is almost mocking, reminding me of my helplessness.

The sounds of the party are almost nonexistent as Carlo and his men lead me out a door at the end of the hall. It’s tuckedaway, almost hidden in this maze of a mansion. Their fingers dig into my skin and anger slices through me knowing that even if I were to scream, noone would be able to hear me.

“You think Dante will just let this slide?” I think, though I can’t voice it. The thought of Dante brings a twisted sense of relief. He’ll come for me. He has to.

“Don’t look so hopeful,” Carlo says, as if reading my mind. “By the time Dante realizes you’re gone, it’ll be too late.”

I struggle again, my body thrashing against their hold. One of the goons smirks, his grip like a vice around my wrist. “She’s got spirit, I’ll give her that.”

“Spirit won’t save her,” Carlo replies, his voice dripping with malice.

The cold night air hits my skin as Carlo’s men drag me outside. The door is on the other side of the house from where we came in. The party is so loud inside that I doubt anyone would hear me if I cried for help.

My heels scrape against the concrete, but they don’t slow down. A sleek black car waits, its engine purring like a predator ready to pounce.

I twist and kick, my movements frantic. "Let me go, you bastards!" My voice is muffled by the tape, but the fury is clear.

Carlo's laughter echoes behind me. "Such spirit. Dante will be so disappointed when he realizes how easily you were taken."

One of the goons yanks the car door open, and they shove me inside. I land hard on the leather seat, my wrists burning from their rough handling. The door slams shut, and for a moment, I’m alone in the dark interior, my breath coming in sharp gasps.

The other door opens, and Carlo slides in beside me, his presence suffocating. He’s too close, his cologne overpowering. My heart races, and tears blur my vision as the car starts moving, pulling away from the mansion.

"Comfortable?" Carlo asks, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

I glare at him, my eyes burning with unshed tears. I can’t speak, but my expression says it all.

He chuckles, leaning back in his seat. "I can see why Dante is so taken with you. Such fire. Such defiance."

I try to inch away, but there’s nowhere to go. The car feels like a cage, and Carlo is the predator watching his prey.

"Don’t worry, sweetheart," he says, his voice dripping with false kindness.

I shake my head, a silent plea for mercy. The tears spill over, tracing hot paths down my cheeks.

Carlo reaches out, his fingers brushing against my hair. I flinch, turning my head away. "Such a shame," he murmurs. "You could have been so much more."

The car speeds up, the city lights blurring past the windows. My mind races, trying to find a way out, but there’s nothing. No escape. No hope.

"Why?" I think, my eyes meeting his. "Why are you doing this?"

He seems to understand my unspoken question. "Dante and I have... unfinished business," he says, his tone darkening. "And you, my dear, are the perfect leverage."

A sob escapes me, and I bite down hard on the tape, the taste of adhesive filling my mouth. I have to stay strong. For Dante. For Sophia. For myself.

Carlo leans closer, his breath hot against my ear. "Don’t worry, Aliyah. This will be over soon."

---