Page 17 of Devil's Embrace
A ghost of a smile touched his lips."Something like that, yes."
I forced myself to eat, though each bite tasted like nothing.My gaze constantly swept the room, noting exits, the positions of staff, anything that might help us later.When I wasn't cataloging escape routes, I focused on Mina, drinking in the sight of her unharmed and seemingly unbothered by our predicament.
Luca caught me staring at a door behind him, his gaze locking with mine over the rim of his coffee cup.The message was clear: don't even think about it.I dropped my gaze back to my plate, hating the flutter of fear in my stomach.
"Oops!"Mina's exclamation pulled my attention back to her.She'd knocked over her chocolate milk, the brown liquid spreading across the white tablecloth toward Luca's sleeve.
Before I could react, Luca calmly moved his arm and reached for a napkin, blotting the spill without comment.A server appeared instantly to help clean the mess.
"I'm sorry."Mina’s lower lip trembled.I tensed, ready to defend her from any rebuke.
But Luca simply reached out and smoothed her hair back from her forehead, his large hand gentle against her small head."No harm done.Would you like another glass?"
Mina nodded, relief washing over her face.The server placed a fresh glass of chocolate milk in front of her, this one in a more stable cup with a lid and straw.
"Thank you."She beamed at Luca before taking a careful sip.
I swallowed hard, forcing a smile when Mina glanced my way.The tenderness in Luca's interaction with her was more terrifying than outright cruelty would have been.It suggested a longer game, a more complex scenario than I had initially feared.What did he want with us?Why this elaborate pretense of hospitality?
"Mama, can we swim in Mr.Luca's pool later?"Mina asked, jolting me from my thoughts.“It’s inside so it stays warm all year.”
"I...I don't know, sweet pea.We'll have to see."I reached out to wipe a spot of syrup from her chin, savoring the simple contact.
"Perhaps tomorrow."Luca’s gaze was on me rather than Mina."After your mother and I have had a chance to discuss some important matters."
The implication hung heavy in the air between us.This breakfast, this reunion—it was conditional.A prelude to whatever demands he planned to make.
I looked down at my plate to hide the fear and rage in my eyes.The pancakes swam in syrup, untouched.I picked up my fork again, forcing myself to eat.I needed strength for whatever came next.For Mina's sake, I had to stay sharp, stay focused.
I met his gaze across the table, a chill running through me.Beside me, Mina happily chattered about the unicorn on her plate, oblivious to the silent war being waged over her head.
Chapter Six
Emory
After breakfast, Luca placed his napkin beside his empty plate and made a slight gesture to a woman standing by the door.She approached silently, a plastic smile fixed on her face."Clara will take Mina to the playroom now."
His tone made it clear this wasn't up for discussion.My body went rigid, panic flaring hot and immediate.
"No."I reached for Mina's hand under the table."We stay together."
Luca's eyes hardened, though his expression remained neutral."Mina deserves some fun after such a difficult night.The playroom has toys, games, even a small slide.It was designed for children."
"Whose children?"I asked before I could stop myself.
He ignored the question, turning to Mina instead."Would you like to see the playroom?Clara can show you how all the toys work."
Mina looked between Luca and me, sensing the tension but not understanding it."Can Mama come too?"
"Your mama and I need to talk about grown-up things," Luca explained, his voice softening in a way that still unnerved me."But she'll join you soon."
Mina's face fell slightly, but then Clara mentioned something about a dollhouse with working lights, and her excitement returned."Can I go, Mama?Please?"Her blue eyes, so like her father's, shone with eagerness that broke my heart.How could I deny her a moment of happiness in this nightmare?
"I..."I swallowed hard, knowing I had no actual choice."Yes, sweet pea.You can go play for a little while.Mama will come find you very soon."I squeezed her hand, trying to infuse the gesture with all my love and reassurance.
"Okay!"She slid off her chair, allowing Clara to take her hand."Bye, Mama!Bye, Mr.Luca!"She waved as she left the room, her blonde hair bouncing with each step.
The moment the door closed behind them, I rounded on Luca."Don't you dare use her like that.Don't pretend to be kind to her when all you're doing is manipulating a child."
