Page 36 of Savage Prince

Her smile falters, and her darkening gaze pivots to the lake. “You know, Antonio wasn’t always like this,” she whispers a long moment later. “He was a good boy; all the brothers were. His mother’s death hit him the hardest. He was the oldest, the one who felt he bore the responsibility.” She draws in a shaky breath, pausing. “Alfredo, Tonio’s father, wasn’t even there when she died. It was only him and the two younger boys to face that terrible moment alone. Can you imagine? To watch your mother die in front of you…”

No, I couldn’t. Mom was everything to me. Pain twists through my insides like a scalding blade to the heart. I shouldn’t pity the man who is keeping my captive, but I do all the same. What the hell is wrong with me?

“I’m not trying to excuse any of this,signorina. What he’s doing to you is cowardly and disgraceful. His mother would never forgive him for this. But I only want you to understand what brought him here. His father was not a kind man, and he only grew worse once their mother was gone. Maria Graziella was a joy to this world, a soul much too pure and kind to have ended up with a man like Alfredo.” She shrugs, turning her gaze to the water once more.

“Can you help me?” I whisper.

She swivels to face me, sadness steeling into her pale gray eyes. “I wish I could,signorina. I’m scared… I have family I must protect, and I’m afraid I don’t know the man Antonio has become. The boy I knew never would’ve gone to these lengths for any reason.”

I nod slowly. “I understand.” Besides, I’ve already promised to stay put twice now and risking Bella’s life isn’t worth my own. And I knowPapàwill come through any minute now, I just have to wait.

“I truly am sorry.” She lowers her gaze to the verdant grass between us. “But I pray toDioevery day that Antonio will see the error in his ways.”

Not likely. From what I’ve learned growing up with the Valentinos and Rossi’s, bad men don’t change. They soften, adjust a little for the ones they love, but everyone else can go to hell. Or at least that’s been my experience withPapàand my uncles.

“I hope you’re right,” I finally murmur. “Where is my jailer anyway?” Not that I care.

“Tonio left the villa to take care of something in town. He’ll be home soon.”

I nod, an unexpected pang at hearing of his absence. It’s not like he has to inform me of his whereabouts. He probably snuck out of here hoping I’d never find out. Or is this a test of some sort to see if I’ll escape?

“Well, I must get back to work.” Mariuccia springs up from the chair, collecting her pruning scissors. “Enjoy your afternoon,signorina.”

“Thanks.” I trail her stout form as she weaves between the thick hedges and disappears into the garden. As I sit and watch the lapping waves, my fingers twitch with something to do. Not having a phone or access to the internet makes me feel so disconnected. Not for the first time, I think about Santi. He’s probably sitting in the office right now planning this evening’s aperitivo. He probably thinks I abandoned him to return to my life in Manhattan. I wish I could talk to him, follow his crazy posts on Instagram. And weirdly enough, there’s a certain peace that comes along with completely unplugging from the world that I never expected.

An hour later and the brisk air and huge lunch Fabi, the cook, brought out to me has my lids heavy. I could just take a nap right here beneath the warm sunlight, but maybe my bed would be more comfy.

Forcing myself to sit up, I reach for my crutches and manage to stand without toppling over.Woohoo! From running in stilettos to this… how did I fall so far?

By the time I make it up to my room, I’m practically panting. Jumping up that sprawling staircase has my chest heaving and my armpits sore as hell. Maybe I’ll just stay up here for the rest of the night.If I survive that long… That stupid dark voice echoes across my mind.

I glance at the antique gilded clock on the mantel and internally cringe. Only two more hours until the deadline. Steeling my nerves, I convince myself Tony could have already gotten ahold of Pa by now, and my dad could’ve already spoken to my captor. In fact, he could be on the way for me as we speak.

Taking a nap will be the perfect distraction. When I wake up, my bags could already be packed and ready to go. I turn the meandering hallway that leads to the master, and I’m shocked when I find the corridor empty. Where’s my friendly guard?

There’s no way Antonio left me alone in the villa with only Mariuccia, Fabi and the guards stationed outside. Even he must notice his housekeeper’s traitorous tendencies. A yawn splits my lips, and I force my weary muscles to keep going just a few more steps. Too bad I don’t have it in me to attempt another escape because it seems like the perfect time.

When I finally reach my room, I can’t get into bed fast enough. Performing a dainty belly flop, I sink into the plush mattress and a groan slips out. If only Santi could see me now…

With all the kidnapping drama, I completely forgot about the internship at Dolce & Gabbana. Did I get it? Did Santiago? If I ever get out of this mess, I’m going straight to Bianca and begging for my job back. The thought is surprising as it flits through my mind. A part of me just wants to go home to Manhattan and forget all of this ever happened, but the other half doesn’t want to give up on my dream of living the life of a fashionista in Milano.

Shaking my head of the pointless thoughts, I draw the comforter up to my chin. I’m not going anywhere but to sleep right now. My heavy lids droop closed almost instantly.

What feels like only minutes later, I’m awoken by a strange prickle up my spine, a sense of awareness I can’t quite name. My eyes pop open just as a big hand clamps over my mouth.

Terror rushes my veins as I recognize the bandaged eye over the hand blocking most of my vision. Otto’s free hand holds a switchblade, hovering just a few inches above my face. I scream, but it’s muffled by his meaty palm.

“Hold still youmaledetta puttana!”

“Let go!” I grit out but it’s nothing but a stifled groan.

“Since Antonio brought you here, you’ve been nothing but trouble. First, you almost take my eye, then you cost me an entire week’s pay and now the capo is threatening physical punishment because of you. What the fuck is it about you?” He moves on top of me, pinning me down to the mattress.

“Get off!” I wriggle and squirm, but the man is just too heavy, his weight crushing me to the bed.

His one good eye narrows. “Are you fucking the boss? Is that why he’s so obsessed with you?” He glances at his watch, then at the jagged blade in his hand. “It’s already past midnight and you’re still alive. I’ve never seen Antonio falter on a vow, not once in his life.” He brings the knife to my throat, and a mixture of raw fury and panic crash over me. “So I’m going to make sure he sticks to his word. But first, I need to see what makes that pussy of yours so phenomenal that in only a few days, I don’t even recognize the man who I’ve known for years.”

With his hand still covering my mouth, he balances on one elbow and tugs his pants down, freeing his cock with the switchblade still in his hand.

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