Page 40 of Little Sparrow

“Like I said before, it doesn’t count as disrespect when she is not even human. Besides, it’s not trafficking if she doesn’t leave this house. Everything will happen with my permission, under this roof.”

I laugh, not because it’s funny but because I’m about to rip off his fucking head. “No, it’s the same. She will not be touched by anyone, especially your filthy old friends.” My father pinches the bridge of his nose.

“Now is not the time. It’s a thought in progress as we do not know what her power will be like. She needs to be tested. This is the best way.”

I step into his space and poke my finger into his chest with every word dripping with venom. “Not one single person will touch her. No one will touch any woman who doesn’t want to. No coercion, nothing. That is not the code this family will live by; anyone who does will find themselves in an early grave.” I don’t even give him the time to respond, I just walk away. I’m going to have this same little chat with Ricc. With his wife there. She deserves to know if she doesn’t already and make her decisions. She can’t leave him without repercussions, but I’ll do my best to support her if she ever decides mafia life isn’t for her anymore. Just like I helped my mother.

The most tempting option right now is to put a bullet in both of them to end it all.

Chapter forty-four

Rose

Danteleftthroughthebalcony, I watch as he disappears over the ledge. Only Gabriele is allowed to enter here now, but I need to kick him out so I can get dressed. But he gets the words in first.

“Go get dressed in the bathroom,” he tilts his head toward the open door. “Do you mind giving me mywholeroom for some privacy?” I ask, gesturing around the room, I give him pleading eyes so I can relax.

“Of course, shout if you need anything.” His eyes roam the room before nodding to himself and walking out—the soft click of the door behind him.

I sit in my vanity, still sore from Dante’s cock inside me, it’s hard to get comfortable so I fidget for a while before I start to dry my hair, my mind wanders to things I’ve learned since being here.

They were right, I have become insatiable for Dante. Feeding my demon with the pain he gives me, orgasms and even the blood he had drawn brought me to heights I never thought I could reach, it was like dying of hunger and finding a full fruit tree on the horizon. A deep hole inside me finally being full. I’m no longer empty. It’s not just my body that feels it, my heart does too. I’m not sure when it happened, maybe it’s always been there. It scares me what this could mean.

Everything seems so much clearer since Dante came back into my life. Just weeks ago I was a trappedlittle sparrowbut now I’m going to be free. No more collar, no more jobs.

I stare at myself in the mirror, and sometimes, I feel different, strong, powerful, anddeadly.I love every new feeling I’ve had. This darkness inside will blow anytime soon, I just know it. Leo says I’m half demon, but I’m doubting it now. Should a half-demon be this powerful? Have this much control so quickly?

After my thoughts of my heritage and what it could mean. I got dressed. Shorts and a black crop top, I lay back down, I imagine the future I want with Dante—marriage, kids, a little house and maybe a dog. Swing set in the garden. The laughter of our children as they chase us around. The white picket fence dream. Although I know we will probably be in this estate. Maybe the children can run around in the gardens, I’ll learn to cook, and we can prepare dinner together. Like a normal family, something I used to have.

My bedroom door opens and Marco walks in, Leo closely follows, and I can’t help but stiffen. Everyone's eyes are on me. Gabriele is unconscious on the floor, blood pouring from the side of his head. I go to stand, but Leo pulls his gun on me, I blink up at him, cross my legs on my mattress and raise my chin, waiting for him to speak.

Marco smirks, and I narrow my gaze at him.

“What has been going on with you? Dante has beenveryprotective. He never cared this way before. Did you seduce him? Did you tell him about Ricc?” Leo’s jaw ticks, but he doesn’t take his eyes off me.

“I’m not a pet. I don’t do tricks for anyone, not you and not Dante. I am a person.” My response is weak because what I did the other day at dinner was a little trick.

“No you’re not, you’re a demon. One I have been taking care of. You ungrateful brat. Don’t think for one second I don’t know about Dante’s visits with you. They stop now, he’s getting married. Karalina is a better match than you.” Icy hands grip my heart. Things were too good to be true, I’ve been here long enough, I should have known there was an arranged marriage, I just had hoped there wasn’t. Men don’t get creatures like me, not permanently.

Leo’s face softens a fraction. “Don’t worry, soon your mother will be ready for you.” He hadn’t mentioned her in a while. My palms begin to sweat, ten years I’ve been waiting for her. Leo walks over and sits next to me on the bed. All guns are aimed at me as Leo tucks his away, one wrong move and I imagine a bullet through my head; from Marco most likely.

“When can I see her?” my voice trembles as I look up at Leo, I’ve been waiting so long. My hands twist in my lap, I squeeze them together to hide my nerves.

“Maybe in a few days, I’ll speak with her and come to get you. She will be excited to see you.” My eyes burn with unshed tears, I can’t let them escape and show weakness.

Before I can say anything else, Leo interrupts me “You need to end things with Dante. Cut all ties with everyone here. You and your mother will be free to go wherever you want to.” My heart sinks, leave everyone including Dante? I have strong feelings for him, one I'm not entirely sure of.

“He hasn’t been here long, Dante and Karalina have been seeing each other for a year. It’s time for them to marry and start a family. Strengthen the family bond. An heir is needed.”

Something inside me cracks open, a family. I only nod at Leo to confirm I understand. Bile rises in my throat at the thought, but I can’t move. Not even when Leo pats my knee and stands to leave. Marco is still smirking. The thought of ripping his heart out crosses my mind, but that will delay my meeting with my mum, so I don’t.

I stay sitting there, numbness creeps over me. It shouldn’t be a hard choice. Dante or my Mum. It wouldn’t have been before. For the third time since I've been here, I cry.

I let the tears fall until I need to rush to the bathroom and throw up the bile that I had been holding back since the mention of a wedding.

Chapter forty-five

Dante

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