Page 21 of The Bonventi Secret
I laugh. "Here, of course. This is our suite, cara mia. Our bed." I gesture towards the massive centerpiece in the room.
Her eyes widen, a flicker of fear, or maybe excitement, passes across her face. "I won't be?—"
I raise my hand. "For now, I'll leave you to get settled. One of my men will bring you your suitcase," I say and start walking to leave. "Dinner will be served at eight. I expect you to join me."
As I reach the door to leave, I turn back for one last look. Livia stands in the center of the room, bathed in the golden light of the sun. She looks like a goddess, poised, defiant, and beautiful.
I exit, nodding to the two men guarding the door.
As I walk away, I think to myself,this is just the beginning. Just the beginning of what I have in store for you.
LIVIA - 7
The door closes behind Enzo with a loud thud, the sound echoing through the vast suite. I stand frozen in the center of the room, my heart pounding in my chest. The silence allows worried thoughts to enter my mind.
I take a hesitant step forward, my fingers reaching out to brush against the carved mahogany footboard of the massive bed. The wood is smooth, cool, and solid.
This is real.
This is happening.
My eyes drift to the sheets, pristine and white. I run my hand over them, the soft feel of the impossibly high thread count is a luxury I've not experienced much.
I wonder how much these cost?I think to myself.
I let out a little laugh. Here I am, in a forced engagement to a mafia don, and I'm wondering how much the damn sheets cost.
I move to the window, pushing aside the heavy curtains. The fabric is thick and velvety, probably worth more than my car back home.
Home.
The thought sends a pang through my chest.
I press my palm against the cool glass as I gaze out at the manicured gardens below. Guards patrol the perimeter, and I can't help but wonder if they are here to keep people out, or to keep me in.
A sudden feeling of being trapped surfaces, causing my stomach to churn, and I have to fight the urge to vomit.
Below, a guard walks by, and he reminds me of Gabriel. I had been so carefree, so naive. I should have known something was wrong when he called. I should have just ignored him—but would I have truly been able to escape this?
I turn away from the window, my gaze landing on the door to the walk-in closet. I wander inside, my fingers trailing over designer labels I've only ever seen in magazines. Silk, cashmere, leather—fabrics I've never worn. The price of a single dress could probably cover my rent for a few months.
I stop myself from getting lost in the dresses, shoes, and accessories. A wave of anger washes over me. How dare he? How dare Enzo think he can buy me with pretty clothes and fancy rooms? I'm not some doll to be dressed up and paraded around.
I'll stick to my own damn clothes, thank you very much.
I storm back out into the bedroom, my fists clenched at my sides. My eyes land on a vase sitting on a side table. Without thinking, I grab it and hurl it across the room. It shatters against the wall,water and flowers scattering across the marble floor, and I watch as some of the water is soaked up by a nearby rug.
The sound of breaking porcelain is oddly satisfying.
I grab another trinket from the table, ready to throw it too, but I stop myself. What good will destroying things do? It won't change my situation. It won't set me free.
I drop to the floor, my back against the bed, and bury my face in my hands. Tears threaten to spill, but I refuse to let them fall.
I feel so tired.
So worn out.
I need to think, to plan. I won’t be some helpless damsel.
