Page 16 of Sweet Misery

“Good girl,” Massimo praised. “Bow your head. There you go. Perfect.”

I closed my eyes as I tried to remain calm, my breathing still coming in soft, sharp gasps.

“Let’s get to know one another. I’m Massimo. These are my twin brothers, Renzo and Roman. And, of course, Severo. You know him as Sever.”

I said nothing and didn’t look up. I didn’t care who anyone was. I only wanted to escape.

“Do you understand why you’re here?” Massimo continued.

When I didn’t say anything, he shouted, making me jump.

“When you are asked a question, you answer. I don’t like to repeat myself, little daffodil, so be sure to act accordingly.”

“Y-Yes. M-My father used me as payment for his d-debts,” I choked out. My throat was aching. I needed water and food so badly. I was weak from it.

“Do you understand what that means?”

“I’m your prisoner,” I whispered.

“And…?” he prompted.

“And you will use me as you see fit until my father’s debt is paid.”

“Or until you die. If you die, we kill him too.” Massimo walked to the other side of the couch. “Ren. Roe.”

The twins rose to their feet. I shivered even though the room was warm, my gaze set on the floor.

They circled me like vultures, this fingers lightly touching me as they moved around me like a well-oiled machine.

“When was the last time someone fucked you?” one of the them asked, stopping in front of me. I stared up at him, noting he had similar eyes as Massimo. They weren’t nearly as silver and had a hint of blue in them.

I shook my head, my pulse roaring in my ears. I’d never had sex with anyone before. My idea was to focus on getting out of college and moving as far away as I could. Running. Hiding. Leaving my old life behind. Love and relationships had never been part of the equation for me. Aside from Sever, I’d never even kissed anyone before.

“A virgin?” The second twin stopped next to the first. I could feel them looking down at me as I sniffled on my knees, my eyes on their designer shoes.

One of the twins reached out and placed a finger beneath my chin and tilted my head up so I was staring at him.

“Little snowflake, why do you weep?” he asked, cocking his head at me.

I swallowed hard and drew in a shaky breath.

“I’m scared,” I admitted softly.

“So sweet and innocent,” the second twin commented. “We can fix that, kitten.”

His words sent a shard of ice through my soul.

“Sever, perhaps you have some ideas to help us get acquainted with our new toy.” The first twin called out, his gaze never leaving me as I shivered with fear at his feet.

I snapped my attention to Sever as he rose to his full height, which was just as tall as the others and easily had me dwarfed by at least a foot. I swallowed hard, remembering how only hours ago he’d poured water over my face.

The twins stepped aside as Sever moved to the center. Massimo remained watching from his spot in his chair, his eyes narrowed.

“S-Sever—” I pleaded softly, hoping there was part of him that hadn’t been corrupted by violence and hatred that would spare me even for a moment.

“Take your shirt off,” he said softly.

My heart skipped at his words. When I didn’t move, one of the twins moved forward and twisted his fingers in my hair and tugged my head back. I let out a gasp of pain at the move, the panic coming back for a second round.

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