Page 62 of The Freedom in Captivity

“Why the wait? Why the games?” He leans closer, positioning his hands on the ground beside me. He looks seconds away from touching me again.

“From the very first day, I’ve told you I’d admit everything. You chose not to listen to me and were determined to keep the torture games up.”

“But why?” he repeats. “Your father owes us his life for everything he’s done, so if you’re not protecting him, what are you doing?”

Remain silent. Don’t break.

Don’t tell him.

The more I say, the more he’ll probe.

I don’t realize I’m breathing heavy again until he cups my face again, forcing me to look at him. It’s his touch that opens the floodgates and I release the words, unable to pull them back in.

“I’m protectingallof you. Ensuring my own safety. I want this done as much as any of you, but trust me, you haveno ideawhat you’re up against, and I do.”

“We can handle ourselves.”

Of course, he’d think that. I shake my head, knowing he can feel the motion beneath his palm. “Maybe. Maybe not, but I don’t want to take chances.”

Flynn rips away from me with a grunt and he stands, backing toward the stairs. “Anything else?”

“Nope. Go run to your bosses now.” I gave up a few facts and they’ll devour them.

Within seconds, Flynn listens to me, and he’s out of the basement, the door shutting behind him and leaving me alone again.

Flynn

Nico responds to my text instantly and I find him in his office, Della perched on the edge of his desk. They’re having what seems to be a heated conversation, based on the rising voices greeting me at the door. Whatever Della’s shouting cuts off at my entry, and she huffs, leaping off the desk.

“Flynn, give us your opinion: moving Rozelyn to a proper bedroom will warm her up to us.”

That’s what they were arguing about? Based on Nico’s grim expression as he stares daggers into his wife’s back, it’s clear who is and isn’t for the idea.

“The basement is equipped for my needs and ensures she doesn’t escape. My job within the confounds of a bedroom can be…” I search for the best term, “…messy.”

“My point exactly,” Nico grumbles, crossing his arms. “Add that to the fact that she’s our enemy.” He growls the final part at Della, who refuses to face him.

“I spoke with her.” Her eyes dart between us, finally giving Nico an ounce of attention. “The stepsister I knew and the woman down there,” she points to the floor, indicating the basement somewhere below us, “is not the same person. Stefano corrupted her mind and if we give her a reason to work with us and prove to her we’re not villains, then she’ll be more amicable. Allowing her to shower and sleep in a regular bed and not on that disgusting, disease-coated ground is a bit of kindness to make our point.” She faces Nico, her hands going to her hips. “Do you not rememberI was once down there. Only for two days, but Rozelyn’s been there for aweek. It's bound to be fucking with her.”

“That’s the point,” is the only response Nico gives. “Petite souris, there’s a huge difference between you two. By the time you fucked me over, I was already obsessed with you. That’s not the case with Rozelyn. She’s the bad one here. We don’t negotiate with prisoners.”

Della huffs and turns her head toward me, completely ignoring her husband’s final words. “And there’s the argument, Flynn. Help.”

Behind Della’s back, Nico lifts a single brow, instructing me exactly how to respond. Not that I disagree with him either way. “It’s a bad idea, Mrs. Corsetti. That’s just…it’s not how it goes. Prisoners don’t get kindness.”

She throws up her hands and a growl, one louder than I ever could imagine her making, releases. “You mafia men are all the same. No one ever considers that the lack of kindness is what’s fucking this up.”

“Della,” Nico starts in a tone suggesting he’s finished with this conversation, “you’re trying to change methods that have worked for decades. Give up.”

She rolls her eyes. “And yet, apparently it’s my tenacity you love. Seems you only love it at certain times.” With a final huff, one indicating she’s about to give up, she says, “Fine. But consider offering her a roomafter. She can’t remain down there forever.”

I’d much prefer if she wasn’t. Once Nico gets what he needs from her, if he could have her removed from below, that would be better for me.

Nico sighs, staring unimpressed at his wife. “Where in my life did I go wrong by not marrying a submissive woman? Fine. I will have her moved to a bedroom after we get what we need from her.” With a heavy sigh, he shifts his attention to me. “Aurora was in here earlier after a heated conversation with Rosen. She wants to visit Rozelyn because once learning Della and Ariella were allowed down there, she’s claiming I have no reason to deny her.”

Considering Aurora was drugged by the woman in question, I can imagine why she’d want to face Rozelyn.

“I’ve agreed to her request,” he continues. “Aurora’s lurking somewhere in this place, waiting for us to give the green light for her to go down.”

---