I’d rather die than live under another man’s control. Better to end things tonight than allow someone else to touch me, to spend any amount of time with them and not know what’s become of Dante.
Angelo has to still have Dante somewhere in this house, somewhere close. He gave himself away when he admitted he planned to taunt Dante with stories of what he did with me tonight. That sort of torment would drive Dante insane, filling him with guilt and rage. Who knows what he’d try to do then? The man is scarily single-minded. It was hard enough to get him to ignore Liam’s betrayal, but after his nephew died, he became obsessed with getting us out of the country and away from Angelo. But if he thought there was nothing left of me to save…, what would he do then?
“Stay away from me,” I shout, hamming it up for anyone who may be listening at the door. “Leave me alone.”
Angelo’s brows pinch in anger, but he forges ahead. “Don’t be scared. I’m simply curious. Why do all these men want you so badly? I have to know. I won’t be able to rest until I know how it feels to fuck your pussy. If you’re sweet and suck my cock nicely, I might even be gentle.”
The man must have forgotten I have teeth if he thinks a blowjob is an option. I’ll bite his dick off.
“Don’t,” I warn, clutching the lamp tighter. I’ll only have one chance to get this right.
“Put the lamp down,” he orders. “We only get this one evening together before you go to your new home. But who knows? Make it good for me and maybe I’ll change my mind and keep you here.”
Lies.
Angelo would never turn down the money he stands to make by selling me. If my buyer really is a politician, he has power and influence at his fingertips. Power I’m sure he would happily use against the man in front of me if he tried to break their deal.
“Leave me alone,” I repeat, waving the lamp side to side. “I don’t trust you.”
Angelo actually sticks out his bottom lip in a disgusting pout. “I can see why you wouldn’t. But we both know Dante is a mere tool to you. You’ll never convince me you’re in love with him.”
I am, and I’m done denying it to myself.
Telling Angelo, however, won’t help me. I’d just be handing him more power to use against us.
“No one said anything about love, but I am fond of him.” I sneer.
He nods his head, easily accepting my lie.
“I don’t want to leave with the senator,” I continue.
Angelo seems to mull my words, a small scowl forming. He’s closer to me now, nearly in range. I wait, determined to make my one strike count.
“I need the money,” he claims, spreading his hands wide.
“You’d really give up your own chance to own me? The chance to keep Moretti’s wife for yourself?” I scoff. “For a wad of cash?”
I let my words drip with derision, as if I think he’s weak for selling me off.
Stupid man.
He hesitates. I’ve created an alluring temptation. He could do every dark and dirty thing he’s been imagining—not to just any woman, but to the woman belonging to his enemy. The woman who belongs to the one man who won’t yield to his authority. Angelo has a taste for our blood. He finally has me at his mercy, but now it’s a choice between my flesh or his money.
He’ll choose the money.
There’s not a doubt in my mind.
“Please,” I beg, taking a small step forward. “I could stay here. We could get to know each other and—” I pull my arm back as quickly as I can and swing the lamp with all my strength.
The unmistakable thud as the metal connects with Angelo’s skull fills me with relief.
He stumbles to the side with a groan, his knees buckling. Before he can right himself, I land another blow on the back of his head.
He drops like a tree. Unable to help myself, I kick mercilessly at his face and ribs.
One strike, two, three…
Then nothing.
