Chapter 16
“Don’t beg,” he says. “That’s not why I brought you here. You’ll never have to beg me, or for me.”
“I’d do anything for my sister. Begging is nothing if it means hearing her voice.”
I clench my fists, trying to calm down. I’m too anxious, which, given the circumstances, is probably normal. Still, this feeling, my chest threatening to explode from all the mixed emotions, isn’t just unpleasant. It’s terrifying.
I want to be alone. For hours. For days, if possible, since I have no choice but to remain in Italy.
But first, I need to hear Amber’s voice.
I also want to put distance between myself and this man. The closeness inside the confined space of the car makes me too aware of him.
I don’t feel fear, and that terrifies me even more.
No. Instead of panicking about being taken to some unknown fate, I feel tempted to believe every word he says, which only deepens my self-disgust.
Haven’t I learned anything after what Angelo put me through?
Maybe you never will, my subconscious whispers, because deep down, you’re just a needy fool.
“I’ll let you speak to her,” he says. “But I can’t guarantee your sister will answer.”
“If she’s not in danger, she’ll answer. Our bond is too strong. The same agony and desperation I feel to hear her voice, Amber feels it, too.”
The driver turns in to a vast property beyond an imposing gate, and when we stop in front of a mansion, I can’t hide my shock. “A house?”
“My house.”
I glance from the estate to him. “Why did you bring me here?”
“What were you expecting? A dungeon?”
“Wouldn’t surprise me if you had one.”
“And what if I said I simply wanted to enjoy your company while you’re here?”
“Then I’d tell you I’m not for sale, sir. If it’s because of the money you paid—”
“Stop. Don’t insult me, or yourself, by saying that. I’ve never needed to buy a woman. I won’t repeat myself: I only bid on you so I could get you out. I’ve never seen, nor will I ever see, human beings as merchandise.”
There’s so much dignity in his voice it makes me ashamed.
I don’t believe he’s the hero of this story, but clearly, he isn’t entirely the villain, either.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
He grips my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes. “I don’t mind impulsive women who speak their minds. I’ve never cared for sycophants dancing like trained monkeys. But I do have a problem with disrespect. I expect the same respect I give.”
“I am sorry.”
“No, you’re not. Part of you hates me. Maybe most of you hates me, and I won’t do anything to change that, because I need to keep you here for reasons I can’t explain. But it won’t be forever.”
He looks exasperated now, almost as if he regrets bringing me.
“Will you send me away?”
“You’d have to stay somewhere in Europe if not here. You’d still be watched. Still protected.”
“But you wouldn’t be around.”
His brow furrows, as if he didn’t expect me to say that. I didn’t expect it, either, but the truth is, the more we talk, or whatever this is, the clearer it becomes that staying close to him is the safest choice I have.
Abaddon was right. Gianni won’t hurt me.
I pretend not to notice him standing in his office as I look at the phone in my hands. Brand new, probably disposable. He told me I can use it whenever he authorizes me to speak with Amber but that otherwise, it should remain off.
It’s like living in a James Bond film: a crazy mix of danger, espionage, and a gorgeous, mysterious Italian.
He gave me clear instructions about what I can say to Amber to avoid too many questions, and since I gave my word, I intend to obey.
The phone rings several times before I finally hear her voice.
“Hello?”
“Amber, it’s me.”
“Oh my God. Please tell me you’re okay.”
I have to fight hard to control my emotions. She’s alive. My little sister is alive.
“Calm down, I’m fine. But I can’t stay on the phone long.”
“How did they let you call me?”
“They didn’t. I escaped—with someone’s help.”
“Who?”
“Amber, calm down. This isn’t like you. I need to give you instructions, and you have to follow them exactly, understood? That man they sent you to is dangerous.”
“I know.”
“Did he hurt you?” I ask because it’s something I need to know, but also because Gianni asked me to.
And strangely, I think that if anything happened to my sister, he’d find a way to get her out.
“No, but after running and hiding for so long, I can smell danger. Now that you’re free, I’m leaving.”
“Leaving where?”
“We’re in Dallas.”
“No. Stay with him until I tell you it’s safe to go.”
“But you said he’s dangerous, Elodie.”
“Yes. But if what I was told is true, you were sent to seduce him, which means if you’re still with him, it worked. Don’t leave, or it could be the end of the line for both of us.”
“Do you realize what you’re asking me? I barely know this man.”
“Amber, listen carefully: even if he’s dangerous, he hasn’t hurt you. The men who kidnapped me threatened to do unspeakable things to both of us. They were going to sell me whether you followed their orders or not. I’m not going back there. And I won’t risk them getting to you, either.”
Instead of focusing, she diverts to something far less important at the moment. “How did you manage to call me?”
“The person who helped me gave me a phone.”
“You’re telling me to stay here, but what about you? Where will you hide? I won’t be at peace unless I know you’re safe, too.”
“I am, but I’ll probably have to leave the state for a while.” Gianni told me not to mention I’m in Europe.
“Oh my God.”
“And you’re going to keep your head down with Mr. LeBlanc until I say it’s safe. Get rid of this phone and buy a new one.”
“I’m scared.”
“I know. So am I,” I admit.
I don’t want to frighten her, but I’m on the verge of tears, and I never cry.
“What are we going to do?”
“We have no way out right now. You need to get rid of the phone you’re using. Both the men who took me and that LeBlanc guy could easily trace your calls. Buy a new phone and text me as soon as you can. I’ll keep this number I called you from. He assured me it’s safe.”
“He who?”
“I can’t say anything more than his name.
Giancarlo only got involved to help me. He’s an important and honorable man,” I lie, while secretly praying that part of it is true, that he is indeed a good man.
“His life can’t be tainted by this mess or our past. Stay close to your Beau until we can reunite. ”
“He’s not my Beau, my man, or anything else. I’ll trust what you’re telling me and stay here for a while, but he’s already suspicious. He’s asked me questions. The longer I stay, the greater the risk.”
“I’ll figure out how to protect us both, like I always have. You just have to hold on for a few weeks. Or months.”
“Months?” Her voice rises, shrill with fear.
“Again, I’m asking you to trust me, Amber. And don’t panic. Never forget—we’re survivors. We weren’t defeated before, and we won’t be now. Remember what I said. Destroy that phone.”
When I hang up, I sense Gianni behind me.
“You got what you wanted, Elodie. I kept my end of the deal. Now, you’ll go upstairs, take a shower, change clothes, and join me for dinner. After that, you’ll tell me everything about yourself.”
“I already—”
“I’m not talking about your time with Angelo. I want your story. You told your sister you’re survivors, and you also said you don’t want my reputation stained by your past. Now I want to hear it all.”