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She turns crimson.

“I—I can’t—”

“You agreed to a deal, didn’t you?” I arch a brow.

“What’s… what’s the deal?” she whispers.

“Pretend to be my girlfriend. Just for a few days. In front of my brothers and in situations when I ask you to.”

She looks down at her feet, jaw tight.

“We share the room?” she asks softly.

“Yes. And you’ll do as I say. You’ll be safe if you do.”

Her eyes dart to the bed again, and her face burns deeper red. I chuckle, unable to help it.

“I’ll sleep in the inner chambers,” I say, gesturing to the door tucked beside the bookshelf. “You don’t have to worry.”

She looks so damn red, I can’t resist leaning in a little.

“I’ll never take what you don’t offer,” I say, voice low. “But I’ll make you want to give it.”

She shivers. I feel it in the air between us. Her innocence practically radiates, but there’s something else there too.

I step back.

“I’ll call a new maid. The other one probably won’t want to see you again. Don’t attack this one—she’ll help you clean up and eat something. Then you rest.”

She nods, quiet.

“When do I go home?” she asks.

“When our deal is finished.”

I walk to the door, but pause before opening it.

“I’ll forgive you for the games you played,” I say without turning. “But if you try it again… you’ll never see anything outside this house again.”

She nods.

“Good girl.”

Then I leave.

Chapter Fourteen – Lunetta

The moment the door shuts behind him, my knees give way.

I sink to the floor, my palms bracing against the polished wood. The cuffs have left a faint ring around my wrist, pink and aching, but I barely feel it through the pounding in my head. My heart is a trapped thing in my chest, clawing and clawing. The room smells faintly of his cologne—leather, spice, and something sharper underneath. My breath shakes, and my throat burns with the scream I didn't let out.

I fold into myself, knees to chest, arms wrapped around my legs. The rosary on my wrist is cold against my skin.

"Signore, ascoltami…" My whisper is thin, breaking. “Lord, please. I am afraid. I am so, so afraid.”

I tilt my face up, toward the ceiling, toward anything that might hear me.

“Madre di Dio… if you’re watching, send someone. Send anyone. Let Nonna find me. Let Bea know I’m alive. Please… don’t leave me with this man.” A sob claws up my throat, and I bite it down. “Per favore, salvali. Keep them safe if you can’t save me.”