Page 27 of Their Reckless Thief
I nodded, swallowing another bite. “Yeah. Thanks.”
There was something genuine in his tone, and despite myself, I found a spark of warmth creeping through me.
8
CELESTE
The grilled cheese was perfect.Warm and crispy on the outside, cheese oozing with every bite. The tomato soup was seasoned just right, comforting in a way I hadn’t expected. I let myself enjoy it. For a brief second, I forgot where I was, forgot about the monsters who were keeping me here, playing their twisted games. The food made me feel like I was back in my apartment with Vivian. Normal. Safe.
Human.
But then reality hit me. What the hell was I doing?
This place… these men… They weren’t my friends. They weren’t caretakers offering me comfort. They were mafia lords, murderers, and criminals. Dorian’s smile, Vincenzo’s cold authority, Luca’s silent stare. It was control. Manipulation. I was a prisoner, and no amount of grilled cheese or warmth would change that. They wanted to use me.
I swallowed the last bite, the taste now bitter in my mouth. I couldn’t stay here. Not like this. I couldn’t let myself be lulled into any sense of comfort, no matter how hungry or tired I was. This wasn’t safety. This was survival.
Dorian grabbed the dirty dishes and took them to the sink, whistling too cheerfully given the circumstances. My heart sped up. He was distracted.
This was it.
I glanced around, my eyes locking on the doorway. I had no idea where I was going, but anything was better than sitting around waiting for whatever they had planned for me. If I could slip out, find an exit...
My pulse raced as I stood slowly, slipping out the door and into the hallway. I kept my steps light, ears tuned for any signs of movement. The corridors were dimly lit, shadows stretching as I made my way toward what I hoped was the back of the mansion. I had no idea how many guards were posted, but I was careful, pressing myself against the walls and pausing every few steps to listen.
Footsteps.
I froze. A guard was coming down the hallway from the other direction. I ducked behind a large decorative vase, heart pounding. He walked past without a glance, too bored or too cocky to notice me.
I let out a slow breath and continued.
The mansion was huge, every corner a maze of doors, hallways, and grand rooms. I passed through a small study, glancing at the ornate bookshelves and dark leather furniture. It smelled faintly of cigars and something like magic. The scent clung to the air with a sickly sweetness.
Finally, I spotted a door at the end of the corridor, the heavy kind that screamed “exit.” My heart raced with hope. I pushed forward, my pace quickening. If I could just make it through that door, I’d have a chance. I didn’t care if I had to run all night or hide in the streets of The Below; anything was better than being trapped in this hellhole with Vincenzo and his crew.
My fingers brushed against the metal, and then I felt the faint hum of magic. I tugged on the handle, but it didn’t budge. Not even a little.
“No, no, no…” I muttered, yanking harder.
It was sealed. Magically sealed.
Frustration boiled over, and I pounded my fists against the door, tears burning behind my eyes. I was so close. So damn close. Why did I even think this would work? Why did I let myself believe for one second that there was a way out?
“Come on,” I hissed, hitting the door again.
I fought back the tears, my breathing erratic. I wasn’t going to cry. Not here. Not like this.
I pressed my forehead against the cold wood, my mind spinning. How long before they noticed I was gone? How much time did I have left before?—
“Enjoying yourself?”
The voice sent a chill down my spine, and I froze in place. My heart dropped into my stomach as I slowly turned around.
Vincenzo stood in the shadows, leaning casually against the wall. His dark eyes gleamed with amusement, but there was a dangerous edge to them. Unbothered by the tension thickening the room, Vincenzo lifted the goblet he carried, the blood leaving a faint stain on his lips as he watched me with cool detachment.
“You’re not going anywhere, Celeste.” His voice was like ice, sending shivers down my back. “I’ve been watching you the whole time.”
My breath caught in my throat. He’d been watching me? The entire time? Gods, I wasn’t just a prisoner. I was a fucking puppet in his game, dancing to his tune, without even realizing it.
