Page 16 of Devil's Embrace
I spotted security cameras discreetly positioned at every junction, and men in dark suits strategically stationed throughout.No easy escape routes presented themselves.Even the windows appeared to be reinforced glass.
"How much further?"I asked, my voice tight with impatience.
"We're here."Luca stopped before a set of double doors, turning to face me."A word of advice: maintain your composure.Children sense fear.Your daughter seems to have adjusted remarkably well, all things considered.Don't undo that."
The clinical way he assessed my daughter's emotional state made my skin crawl."She's five years old.She needs her mother, not kidnappers playing house."
A flicker of something—irritation, perhaps—crossed his face before his expression smoothed."As you wish."He pushed open the doors.
The dining room was grand, with a long mahogany table that could have seated twenty people.Enormous windows overlooked manicured gardens, and a crystal chandelier cast prisms of light across the polished surface.But I had eyes only for Mina.
She sat halfway down the table on a cushion that boosted her up to reach properly.Someone had brushed her blonde hair neatly and pulled it back with a purple ribbon that matched her clean unicorn costume.Someone had washed it.Knowing Mina, she’d probably refused to wear anything else.In front of her was a plate of pancakes cut into the shape of unicorns, with strawberries for eyes and whipped cream manes.
"Mina!"My voice broke on her name.
Her head snapped up, blue eyes widening."Mama!"She scrambled off her chair, nearly knocking it over in her haste to reach me.
I dropped to my knees as she ran to me, wrapping her in an embrace so tight I feared I might hurt her.The feel of her small body against mine unlocked something in my chest—a sob of relief I couldn't contain.I pulled back just enough to run my hands over her arms, her face, checking for injuries, reassuring myself she was truly unharmed.
"Are you okay, sweet pea?Did they hurt you?"I brushed her hair back from her forehead.
"I'm okay, Mama."She smiled, wiping at the tears on my cheeks with her small fingers."Look, they made me unicorn pancakes!And Mr.Luca has a swimming pool!"
The casual way she said his name sent ice through my veins.I forced myself to smile, keeping my voice light."Does he now?That's...that's nice, baby."
"Are you two joining us for breakfast?"Luca asked from behind me."The pancakes are getting cold."
I stood, keeping Mina's hand firmly in mine."Yes, we're hungry, aren't we, sweet pea?"
Mina nodded enthusiastically."And Mr.Luca said I could have chocolate milk!"
"Let's get you back to your seat then."I guided her back to the table.I took the chair beside her, positioning myself between her and Luca, who sat at the head of the table.
A server appeared silently, placing a plate of pancakes and fresh fruit in front of me, along with a cup of coffee that smelled heavenly.My stomach twisted with hunger even as my mind rebelled at accepting anything from these people.
"Mama, look!Mine look like unicorns!"Mina pointed excitedly at her plate.
"I see that, baby.They're beautiful."I reached for my fork, my knuckles white against the silver handle."Did you thank Mr.Luca for the special breakfast?"The words tasted like ash in my mouth.
"Thank you, Mr.Luca!"Mina chirped, giving him a smile that made my heart ache.How quickly children adapted to survive.It was both their greatest strength and deepest vulnerability.
"You're very welcome, Mina."His tone sounded gentler than I'd ever heard it.He reached for the syrup."Would you like some more syrup on your pancakes?"
"Yes, please!"She bounced in her seat.
I watched in surreal disbelief as Luca Moretti—the man I'd watched murder someone in an alley—carefully drizzled syrup over my daughter's pancakes, stopping when she giggled and said, "That's enough!"
He set down the syrup and picked up a knife, leaning over to cut her pancakes into smaller, more manageable pieces.The domestic scene was so at odds with what I knew about him it made my head spin.
"Is that better?"he asked her, his voice almost...warm.
Mina nodded, stabbing a piece with her fork."Mr.Luca, why is your house so big?"
My gaze darted to his face, tensing at what I feared might be his reaction to her innocent question.But instead of annoyance, his expression remained patient.
"I have a large family," he answered simply."And sometimes we need space from each other."
"Like when I go to my room when I'm mad?"Mina asked, tilting her head.
