Page 9 of Scar

“I will not!”

“You will.”

He seems so certain of it. And I know, without a doubt, that he can do it. He’s gotten everything else he wants, what’s to stop him getting his way now, too?

“You are mine to do with as I wish. Until I tire of you, dig your grave, and put you in the ground.”

CHAPTER 8 – SCAR

I must admit, including the lie about her name change was clever. It worked her up so much that it calmed my own anger, and now I'm set on making her change her name. Anything to get a reaction out of Allegra Marone.

Her face turned pale, and she nearly passed out when I threatened to bury her. She stormed out of the room, leaving my brothers to criticize my behavior. For some inexplicable reason, they've grown fond of Allegra and made sure to tell me how terrible I'm treating her. I had enough and kicked them all out of my house, telling them to go home.

This morning, they showed up unannounced for breakfast and insisted that my so-called wife join us. But Allegra refuses to come down even when I send Juliana to fetch her. I rub my hand over my face in frustration; I can't exactly explain to my brothers that I have no control over the little demon.

Before heading to my office, I make a quick stop at my computer and turn on the cameras to monitor what's happening in the house.

It’s almost comical watching her as she heaves the mattress off the bed and lets it smack noisily to the ground. She looks at it as though to ask, “what now?” Allegra has done nothing but fumble through last night and this morning like she’s on a high dose of steroids. She’s absolutely flipping mad that I’m changing her name, but I couldn’t care less what she’s feeling.

I can see her getting madder and madder by the minute, and I can’t help but chuckle to myself; she’s nothing if not entertaining.

I continue to watch her – the cameras capture four different angles – as she stomps through the room, her hands fisted at her sides. Then as she starts to drag the heavy mattress towards the balcony door. But it’s slow moving; when I say heavy, I mean heavy. I don’t think she’d given her escape plan much thought beyond dragging the mattress to the balcony. Because even if she succeeds, I know there’s no way she’s going to be able to lift that thing to throw it over the side. No way.

“Give up already,” I mutter, a dark storm brewing in my eyes. She’s going to pay dearly for this. But let her suffer in silence, first.

Although, she’s not so silent, because she stops dragging the mattress, no doubt reaching her exertion limit, then straightens and stomps her feet manically. She shakes her head until her dark strands are loose of their clip and hair is flying crazily all over her beautiful face. I think she may just have lost her mind. Her misery is knotting up my insides; I’m excited just watching my wife in all her craziness.

My wife.

I turn away from the cameras.

I’ve never given much thought to marriage. At twenty-nine, I still had no intention of tying myself to anyone, ever. Hence the casual hookups here and there that I prefer.

Relationships are just a tool people use to chain themselves to obligations, to expectations that stifle ambition and freedom. I thrive on control; on the power I wield without the distraction of emotional entanglements. Allegra is meant to be no different, a strategic move, an alliance forged in blood to solidify my empire and seek vengeance.

But as I watch her, wild and defiant, I can’t help but feel a strange pull. She is a firecracker, unpredictable and untamed. And she makes me feel something I haven't felt in a long time – challenged.

I shake my head, dismissing the thought. This is business, nothing more. She would learn her place, just like everyone else. And eventually, I would destroy her, taking comfort in the knowledge that the Marone blood line was no more. She’s the last in line to the throne – heir apparent to the dwindling Marone empire. I’m going to have so much fun crushing her.

I make my way back to the dining room, where the rest of the family is already gathered. The room is filled with the sounds of clinking cutlery and low conversations. Brando shoots me a questioning look as I enter.

“Everything under control?” he asks, a hint of amusement in his voice. Brando’s never amused, so that’s saying something.

I nod, taking my seat at the head of the table.

“So, where’s the blushing bride?” Rafi asks, sitting forward eagerly.

“Not hungry.”

Lucky chuckles, leaning back in his chair. “I can already see she’s going to be more trouble than you bargained for, brother.”

I shrug, pouring myself some fresh coffee. “Nothing I can’t handle. I’ve managed juveniles before; still do.” I give them all a pointed look.

The dining room door creaks open, and Allegra pokes her head in. Her face is flushed, her eyes still blazing with defiance, but she does a good job of walking into the room with a controlled grace. I smirk internally; only I know what she’s been up to. I’m sure she realized she needed to eat to keep her energy up after all the heavy lifting she’s done this morning.

The room falls deathly quiet as she takes the empty seat furthest away from me, her movements stiff and reluctant.

“Glad you could finally join us,” I say, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

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