I looked at the tray of food and my stomach growled.
But then I looked back at the closed door, my heart hammering as I expected Alessio to barge in and drag me back into the basement.
When none of that happened, I leaned against my headboard and looked down at my bandaged wrist.
He had bandaged my wrist, brought me food, and apologized. My feelings were all over the place. I was scared, but his kindness had warmed my heart. Was he being genuine?
Oh God, I hope so.
Rubbing my thumb over my wrist, I thought about how he kissed my wrists gently, almost like he was scared of hurting me. I never thought him capable of being gentle, but he proved me wrong.
His eyes had shown guilt and remorse. Looking back at the door, my heart constricted.
Either he really meant his apology or he was a really good actor.
There were so many uncertainties running through my head and none of them were helpful. They all led to the same conclusion.
Alessio was unpredictable.
I couldn’t trust him, not after the way he had treated me. Not when I knew the type of man he was. I felt vulnerable, and sometimes I could be gullible, but I wasn’t that stupid.
But for now, I was still alive. And that was all that mattered.
Closing my eyes, I took in a deep breath and felt my muscles relaxing.
I was hungry, sore, and tired. My gaze went to the tray and my stomach growled again. I leaned over and brought the tray to my lap. My muscles protested with the movement and I groaned.
I ate until my stomach felt like it would burst. Eggs, rice, curry, fruits.
I sighed, feeling content. Sometimes this new life felt better than my old life—my life with Alberto. After placing the tray back in its original spot, I pulled the covers over me and snuggled deeper into the softness.
I stared at the door, blinking several times when my vision became hazy. Sleepiness took over my body and I had no desire to fight it. My body was languid and my eyes drifted shut.
When I couldn’t hold them open any longer, I gave the door a final glance and then closed my eyes, slowly surrendering myself to exhaustion. Before I succumbed to the darkness, a strange thought ran through my head.
Don’t fall for him.
But I never had a chance to analyze it. Sleep had already taken over my body.
***
Alberto
“We haven’t found her yet.”
“Fuck!” I roared before throwing my phone across the room.
Pushing my chair away from my desk, I stood up and paced my office. That bitch. One week. One week since she fucking escaped.
One week since she tricked everyone and left. And all this time, I had been looking for her. I had dozens of men looking for her. Day and night. But no one found her yet.
Where the fuck could she be?
Punching the wall in rage, I felt my control slowly snapping. She would pay for leaving me.
She was mine, only mine.
She belonged to me. Her place was in my bed, with her legs spread, waiting for me.
Since she was seven, her fate had been entwined with mine. When I saw her for the first time, I knew I had to have her. She was meant for me.
But she left.
And I would make her bleed for leaving me. She would regret ever stepping a foot outside my estate.
When the door opened, I swiveled around to see Alfredo coming in.
“Have they found her yet?” he asked.
I shook my head, leaning back against the wall, watching him pace.
“Where could she be? How is it possible that none of our men have found her yet? They are the best trackers we have,” he growled, raking his hand through his hair.
“I don’t know,” I said through gritted teeth. I was getting tired of the old man questioning me all the time.
Taking a step forward, Alfredo sent me a piercing glare.
“She was in your care! And I come back to find my daughter gone? I am rethinking your position as my second in command, Alberto. So you better fucking find her, and soon!” He stalked out of the room and closed the door behind him with a bang.
That fucking old man. I was done with his bullshit.
Second in command. I huffed at his words and let out a harsh laugh.
I was the motherfucking boss.
“Your time is done, Alfredo,” I hissed, glaring at the closed door.
As I turned toward the window, I caught a glimpse of Ayla’s photo on my desk. She was wearing a black gown and I had my arms wrapped around her waist. Her smile stiff as always. Her eyes empty and soulless.
You better hope that I don’t find you. Because when I do, you will regret ever being born.