Page 55 of Bound in Promise

“You sold my wife.”

He bobs his head in acknowledgment. “I did. But if you win me enough money, I’ll be able to buy her back. Or I’ll simply steal her.” He shrugs. “It’ll depend on my mood, really.”

“How many fights?” I finally ask, forcing all the rage out of my voice.

“Depends on how much each one is worth. They vary.”

“Bet big. I don’t plan on doing this for a year.”

Angelo’s lips curve in a smug smile. “So, you agree to my terms?”

“No,” I reply, wiping the haughty look from his face. “Not until I have shit in writing.”

He rolls his eyes. In the mob, your reputation, your word, is everything. It’s not like we’re known for hiring lawyers to enforce our contracts. “And what will a piece of paper accomplish?”

Nothing.

I just want to see if he’ll do it. What hoops will he jump through to get his money? Even though he’s made more than half of what my brother owed him on that damned auction.

Angelo is a greedy fucker.

His greed will be his downfall.

“It will reassure me that you’re serious about letting me go,” I say. “I don’t want some bullshit promise. Words are cheap. I want the name and address of the man who bought my wife.”

He stares at me for a long moment before shaking his head. “I can’t do that.”

“Then it looks like you’re short a fighter.”

Angelo’s brows knit together in fury. “Refuse to do this, Moretti, and I will kill you tonight. And here I planned to allow you one last glimpse of your wife before she leaves tomorrow.”

He turns to leave the room, taking my only hope of freedom with him. “I’m not finished with her yet,” Angelo goes on. “I plan on tasting her myself before shipping her off in the morning.”

I think I ball my fingers into fists—I can’t feel them at all anymore—and meet his glare with one of my own. “You’re such a tough guy, Lombardi. Forcing a woman to have sex with you… Well, I’m sure it’ll be the most exercise you’ve had all year.”

“I’m a generous man,” he says, ignoring my insults. “I offered you the opportunity to earn back your freedom, Moretti. That offer expires the moment I leave this room.”

“I’ll need to train,” I reply. “If you want me to win, you can’t keep me tied up in your basement forever.”

“With the proper supervision, I’ll allow it.” He lifts a brow. “Is that a yes?”

“I need to see my wife first.”

He scowls at me. “You’ll give me your answer first. If you want this deal, you’ll accept it now. Before I change my mind.”

He won’t. Not when there’s money involved.

“Fine,” I agree. “When can I see my wife?”

“In due time, Moretti.” He turns to the door, giving me his back. He opens the door and steps out, but not before throwing one last barb over his shoulder. “If she won’t cooperate and allow me to fuck her, I’ll do what I have to. I don’t need her conscious.”

18

VICTORIA

They confiscated my cell before marching me up to the second floor and throwing me into this lavish room. All I can do now is twiddle my thumbs and wait to learn my fate. I have no idea who bought me at that damn auction. I was too focused on silently projecting assurances to Dante, begging him to focus, trying to tell him we would be fine.

Lies.