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With every step I take closer to him, my legs feel like they’ll turn to jelly and give way beneath me.
I suck in an audible breath when I stop mere inches from him and force my spine to straighten so I don’t cower in front of the dangerous man.
Lifting my head, my eyes meet his, and every muscle in my body tightens as dread pours through me.
Caro Dio.
He’s easily a head taller than me, and I’m wearing high heels. Barefoot, I’d probably only reach the middle of his chest.
I have no doubt he can kill me with a single punch.
Damiano downs the last of the amber liquid in the tumbler, and as he holds it out to his side, Santo has to hurry to catch the glass when Damiano lets go of it.
He couldn’t even be bothered with putting the damn tumbler down on the table.
The Capo dei Capi’s ruthless gaze moves from my head to my toes before flicking back to my face.
Even though my body starts to tremble with fear, I somehow manage to keep my chin raised.
Damiano locks eyes with me, and when it feels like he’s digging his way into the deepest parts of my soul, I can’t stop myself from taking a step backward.
My hands fist tightly at my sides, and swallowing hard, I force myself not to move further away from him.
His eyes narrow on me, and he slowly tilts his head.
Dio.
My mouth grows bone dry under his intense scrutiny.
Suddenly, a hand slaps against the back of my head, and I’m forced to look down.
“I apologize, Mr. Falco,” Father mutters angrily. “She’s usually more obedient. I don’t know what’s gotten into her today.”
With my father’s fingers wrapped around the back of my neck, I’m yanked backward and shoved toward Mother.
She grabs hold of my arm and drags me out of the living room.
I hear Damiano let out a sigh, making it sound like he’s bored with the entire spectacle, then he orders, “Show me to a room where I can have privacy.”
Mother doesn’t stop walking until I’m shoved into my bedroom. The door slams shut, and as I turn to face her, she starts to slap me wildly, her palms burning over every inch of my face and torso.
In a moment of absolute madness, I bring my arms up between us and shove my mother away from me while shouting, “Enough!”
My outburst shocks her so much she stares at me with wide eyes. “Have you lost your mind?” she gasps.
My bedroom door opens, and as Stefano steps into my private space, he mutters, “I’ll deal with my fiancée.”
Mother shoots me an enraged glare before giving Stefano a trembling smile. “Thank you.”
When she leaves the room, dread spins in my stomach as I try to brace for what’s to come.
Chapter 2
Gabriella
When Stefano glances at me while he removes his jacket, a weird sensation creeps over my skin.
“You embarrassed me, Gabriella,” he mutters as he drapes his jacket over the back of the chair by my dressing table.
