Page 157 of Carnal

"He should have allowed you into the business. You'd be a better ruler than any of us," I state.

She softly laughs. "Nah. I'm not really into blood and gore."

"Then why did you always try to sneak into the dungeon when you were in high school?" I question.

She rises. "Oh, please. You would have, too."

I grunt. "Truth."

She pats my arm. "You sure you're okay watching Nicoletta?"

"Yeah. Why?"

She bats her eyes. "I'm going to do what you say and take a nap."

"Go for it," I reply, then lie flat on the couch, putting Nicoletta on my chest. I continue to process my sister's words.

Hit them when they're on top of the world.

A sense of calm washes over me. It's the first time in months I've felt it. And I suddenly feel very clear about what needs to happen.

26

Pina

A Week Later

All weekI tried to lie low. Biagio left the moment I got here. He stated that he had to deal with some emergency and went out of town. So I've been left in Jacopo's mansion, under his surveillance.

Every time I see Jacopo, I get nervous. He's beyond mean. His beady eyes leer at me whenever I see him. This morning is no exception.

It's breakfast time and we're in the huge dining room. Several of his men sit around the table. It's full of anything you could ever want for breakfast. The smells waft in my nostrils, making my stomach growl. Even the foods I really don't even like, I would eat right now.

Jacopo has starved me all week, determined to make me lose the ten pounds he claims I should.

For breakfast, I get water and half a grapefruit. I hate grapefruit, but I eat it because it's all I get. Plus, Jacopo might kill me if I disobey him.

My stomach is in knots with hunger pains most of the day. I constantly feel dizzy. And then Tracy will stick the shot in my arm, which makes me even dizzier. So I've been sleeping a lot.

I'm not allowed to eat lunch. For dinner, I get the same thing every night. One tiny chicken tenderloin. It's grilled, and there's no seasoning on it. It's dry, and I choke it down. I'm always grateful to have something in my stomach, but then my gratitude turns into resentment. It's like the small piece of meat makes me hungrier, as if my stomach realizes there's food and needs more. The hunger pains intensify, and I spend the night trying not to throw up from insufficient nourishment.

The sinister satisfaction that appears on Jacopo's face while he watches me eat or when he hears my stomach growl makes me want to cry. He's happy I'm starving.

Right now, he sits at the table with his plate full of bacon, eggs, and homemade toast. His men eat just as much as he does, never once noticing that I'm starving.

I'd kill for a piece of toast, an egg, or something with some substance. Yet, it'll never happen with Jacopo. It makes me wonder if I'll ever eat three real meals again.

I finish my half grapefruit and wait for Jacopo to excuse me. His men are discussing the security for the engagement party tomorrow night. They're speaking in Italian, and I'm sure they think I don't understand what they're saying. I'm unsure why I know Italian, but every word they speak, I know. Something tells me not to let them learn I'm fluent. Today, I half-listen. It's always the same conversations about taking down the Marinos. Plus, all I can obsess over is the platter of bacon next to me.

Every day, I try to stay out of Jacopo's way. I spend most of the time in Biagio's bedroom. It doesn't feel like mine, and nothing is familiar. Still, I've enjoyed being alone without him. He scared me the first day I came here. When he first told me he was leaving, I was relieved. I quickly realized that put Jacopo in charge of me.

Jacopo slams his hand on the table, pulling me out of my thoughts about the bacon. I jump, and he barks, "Pina!"

I attempt not to flinch, lock eyes with him, and answer, "Yes, sir?" It's another one of his rules. I'm to call him sir at all times.

How did I ever agree to be in this situation?

Did I really fall in love and agree to marry Biagio?

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