Page 42 of The Devil's Den

“What’s happening?” Ms. Greco’s voice shivers. She’s afraid of him just as much as I am, but her worry for me shrouds the need for her own safety.

“Are you questioning me?” He rushes up to her in an instant, roughly yanking her hair with a snarl. “You’re gonna shut the fuck up and stay here to watch Robby. Don’t piss me off.”

He drops the hand away as I glance at her, my brows furrowing, fear settling like a plague in my stomach, curling with a rotting taste of my demise.

“Pick the bag up and go change,” he snarls. “We’re leaving.”

“Leaving where?”

“Go. Or your boyfriend dies.”

I gasp, quickly standing up, grabbing the bag. “What have you done to him?”

“Nothing he didn’t deserve. Now, if you want him to stay alive, I suggest you hurry.”

Oh my God, what has he done to Matteo!

Before going upstairs to change, I rush over to Robby, kneeling as he trembles, his arms tucked around his knees. “Hey, buddy. I gotta go for a little bit, but Ms. Greco will be here with you, okay?”

His body only shakes, his lips quivering.

“I love you,” I muster with a smile.

“I love you too.” Tears gather in the powder blues of his eyes.

I quickly stand, my throat aching from the onslaught of my own emotions, not wanting Robby to see it. My heart tightens, not knowing if I’ll see him again.

Who knows what my father has planned for me? With him, it’s impossible to say. But if Matteo needs me, then I’ll do anything I can to save him.

Rushing upstairs, I quickly remove my clothes, taking out the dress from the bag, but when I see it, my eyes expand. It’s black and short, shorter than I’d ever wear. There’s another box inside and I open it, finding black strappy heels. Not too high, but enough for me to fall in. I have never worn heels. Where could I be going?

I slip on the dress, pulling it as far down as it’ll go, making sure it covers me, my face burning crimson from the discomfort of being in something this revealing.

Lowering onto the bed, I fumble as I try to get the shoes on, unable to strap them on right away. Once I do, I attempt to stand normally, feeling as though I’ll tumble if I take a step.

But I try, prodding around the room, practicing for a bit. I’m not that tall, but these make me feel like I’m on top of the world. Is that why Ms. Greco likes heels so much?

“Let’s go!” My father’s bellowing comes loud and clear. With a long breath, I come out and close the door behind me.

Carefully, I hold on to the banister for dear life and clack my way downstairs.

My father is there waiting with a cruel smile. “You could’ve brushed your hair, but it’ll do.” His gaze assesses me from top to bottom, and I suddenly have the urge to hide. That’s not how a father should look at his own daughter. My stomach flips, taking my heart with it.

Ms. Greco gasps as she makes it to us, Robby slinked over her shoulder. The sudden panic on her face sends a shiver down my spine. “Agnelo, no. You can’t do this to her.” She gapes, begging him for something I don’t understand.

But his eyes, the devil in them, they don’t leave me. I feel naked all over, like I’m wearing nothing at all.

“I can do anything I want.” His gaze finally narrows to her. “I’m damn sick of you telling me what the hell to do. I should kill you and that kid, right here right now.”

“No!” A gasping inhale flies out of me. “Let’s just go.” I don’t care what he does to me as long as they’re all safe.

He snickers before giving her his back. With one final look at her, her face drowning in sorrow, she mouthsI’m sorry, before I’m out the door.

I know, wherever I’m going, it won’t be good.

At all.

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

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