Page 17 of Let Vengeance Be Mine

“What?” Concern punches me straight in the gut as I glance her over.

“I shouldn’t want all this, what you did, what we’re doing here is wrong. You took me against my will, and yet in my head, you're a savior.”

“I think I’d prefer to be your savior than a monster,” I tell her, letting a satisfied smile show on my face.

“I mean it, Matteo. I have no idea what's come over me. I should be resisting you and yet…”

“Shhhhh. You are thinking too much on this. I will confess something to you.” I take the pillow from her hand and toss it to the floor, then holding both her hands in mine, I prepare to give up a little more than I should.

“I never intended on this happening,” I admit watching her head shake in confusion.

“Matteo, just tell me why.” She's begging now and it looks so pretty, I almost wish Icouldtell her. Technically there is no reason that I couldn’t, but for some reason, I feel I need to protect her from the truth.

“Promise me you will not try to run.” I ignore her question and focus on something else.

“And have my face ripped off by one of your dogs?” She looks up at me, managing a sarcastic smile.

“I’m being serious, give me your word and I will give you something in return.”

She looks back at me, with intrigue.

“You have my word,” she whispers, with a serious look on her face and determination in her eyes.

“This house is now your home, not your prison. You are free to roam it as you like.” I watch her mouth drop open, for the second time today.

“And the gardens?” she checks.

“You are not to go outside alone. If you wish to take some air, I will permit it as long as myself, or a guard, are with you.”

“Will you take a walk with me, now?” she stares back at me hopefully, seeming to have forgotten all about her original question.

“I’d like that very much.” I stand up and offer her my hand “But I’m getting you a shirt first.” I drag her onto her feet and kiss her lips because I’ve come to realize that this girl doesn’t just make me feel weak, she makes me feel a little hopeful too.

ARIA

“Aria, it’s time to come home. I’m getting worried. Dennis is dead. He was murdered.” My father scolds me, like a child, down the phone while Matteo lies beside me, drawing circles around my tummy button and listening intently.

“I saw it on the news,” I admit. Dennis’ murder has been headline news, and my biggest concern being that Matteo gets found out, has made me realize how twisted I’ve become.

“Enough is enough now, Aria! You can’t expect me to be okay with you disappearing. It's been almost two months. I demand you tell me where you are!” He sounds beyond angry and yet, I don’t fear him anymore. I draw strength from Matteo and the way he looks so proud of me.

“I’m not expecting you to be okay with it. But I also won’t be obeying your commands, anymore. I’m not a little girl, and I’m not a bargaining tool. I’m pleased Dennis is dead.”

“Aria!” Father sounds as angry, as he is horrified.

“I need to go, I called because I didn’t want you worrying about me.”

“Don’t hang up. Please. Let me send you some money. Just tell me where to send it.”

“I don’t need money, Father. I have everything I need. I love you.” I hang up the phone and pass it back to Matteo and after he checks it's disconnected he places it on the nightstand behind him.

“You should sleep, you’re looking tired.” He gets up from the bed and starts to get dressed.

“Well, youhavefucked me on every surface of the house this past week,” I remind him, trying my best not to yawn. I don’t want our evening to be over yet.

“Come back to bed, I want to talk.” I tap the mattress beside me and look up at him hopefully. Me and Matteo have become very familiar with each other over the past few weeks, physically, but we don’t speak much. I want to know him better, so much about him intrigues me.

“Talk about what?” He looks puzzled but still abandons the job of buttoning up his shirt so he can rest back on the bed beside me. I move to be closer to him, just lately it seems the only time I feel satisfied.

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