29. Lucas
CHAPTER 29
Lucas
I shuffle the papers on my desk, trying to focus on the numbers swimming before my tired eyes. But my mind is miles away with her.
My mind drifts back to that day in the gardens, her hand warm in mine as we strolled between the blooming rose bushes and tall hedges. I was going to leave with her that very night. Start our new life together. But instead, Dominic cornered me by the topiaries, his eyes cold as steel.
"Look, asshole. I'm not stupid; I know you two still see each other behind our backs." His voice was low and menacing. "Se ti metti in mezzo tra lei e Luciano, ti taglio la testa io stesso. Capisce?" If you come between her and Luciano, I'll cut your head off myself. Do you understand? "I'm gonna need you to break things off with her before The Fabiettis find out. For your own good."
At that moment, I knew I was trapped. Dominic would hunt us both down if I tried to run away with her. Kill us both for ruining his precious marriage pact with the Fabiettis. I couldn't let that happen to her.
So I stayed behind and watched her go, my heart ripping to shreds with every mile. Hoping she understands one day. That she forgives me.
Now I sit here, alone, pretending everything is normal. I pretend that my heart isn't shattered into a million pieces. I have to keep up appearances and act like I don't have a clue where she went. It's the only way to keep her safe.
The pounding on my door jolts me out of my thoughts, fists hitting against it with a staccato rhythm. I barely have time to stumble out of my chair before it flies open, Dominic's hulking frame filling the doorway.
"Where is she?" he snarls, moving towards me with such speed that I don't have time to react before he grabs me by the collar. His fist connects with my jaw, snapping my head back. I taste blood, but I don't fight back. Can't risk him knowing the truth.
"No sé de qué estás hablando, Dominic," I rasp out, spitting crimson on the floor. "I don't know what you're talking about. Haven't seen her since yesterday."
Another punch, this time to my gut. I double over, wheezing. Dominic yanks me upright, his face inches from mine.
"Non mi prendere per il culo, don't bullshit me, Lucas. I saw the way you two conspired in the gardens. Now tell me where she is before I beat it out of you." He punches me once more, and everything goes black.
As I come to, I find myself bound to a chair with my wrists tightly secured against the armrests.
For hours, he interrogates me. Fists flying, bones cracking. But I never waver. I play the part of the clueless fool, feigning ignorance until my voice grows hoarse.
"I swear, Dominic. I don't know anything," I tell him, my face a mask of innocence even as my insides scream in agony.
Finally, he releases me. I collapse to the floor, broken and bleeding. But I've done it. I've convinced him. Serafina is safe. That's all that matters.
"I'll be watching you, fucker," he says, tossing a towel in my direction. I use it to wipe away the sweat and blood on my face. I'll endure a thousand beatings if it means keeping her out of harm's way. Even if it destroys me in the process. Because that's what love is, isn't it? Sacrificing everything for the one you can't live without.
Hang on, mi amor. Stay strong for me. I'll find my way back to you someday. That's a promise I intend to keep.