Page 27 of Captive Vows
I only learned his name when a bald man who looked like a butler called for him.
Luka.
It was a bold name for a bold man.
But I filed it away. Calling him an assholesuited me just fine.
When the first thug joined us for dinner tonight, it seemed that introductions were in order. I didn’t want to know anyone here. I couldn’t let go of this need to be out of here. The man who helped capture me referred to Luka as Father, and at first, I wondered if that was a Mafia title thing. It wasn’t. The more I studied them, the more their family resemblance was clearer to see. The father and son spoke in riddles, just like Luka did every other time anyone else came near during these stupid meals in his stupid mansion.
I didn’t give a damn about their Mafia business.
I didn’t care to learn any secrets.
I wasn’t here to spy or anything like that.
Yet, they never divulged details about anything.
Belatedly facing me near the end of the meal, Luka gestured at the man I’d attacked when I faked being drugged. “Gabriella, this is my son, Emil.”
Emil gave me a cocky grin. “Oh, we’ve met.”
I didn’t reply with anything other than a glower.
“Nothing?” Luka asked me.
I stared at him.I hate you.
“Allen.”
The butler-like man came to stand next to him. “Yes?”
“Every time that Gabriella doesn’t reply to me, tally it.”
Allen nodded.
I pressed my lips tighter together.
“What’s the tally going to be for?” Emil asked. I almost could’ve thanked him. I wanted to know that too, but I was too stubborn to stop this silent treatment.
Luka didn’t take his dark, smoldering gaze off me. “That’s to be determined.”
An empty threat?Ha.I set my fork down and didn’t break eye contact.
I wouldn’t dance for him.
I wouldn’t speak to him.
Sooner or later, he’d realize I wouldn’t ever break.
It just made no sense. I couldn’t understand why he wanted me out of that room. To come eat with him? To walk around the huge mansion with him? To sit in that weird conservatory-like sunroom with the pool and hot tubs no one ever used?
I had no idea what kind of game he was playing with me. If he’d taken me from my dad to exploit me, he sure had a kink for waiting.
No matter how much time I was forced to spend near him, I couldn’t determine what I was. He hadn’t made it a secret that he owned me. That I was a possession. But for what? Why? To have me be a human trophy? A piece of décor to place in his home?
Finished with eating, Emil stood and nodded at me. “I’d say it was nice seeing you again, but, well…” He shrugged. “Your first impression lingers.”
I flipped him off.
