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“Move out of the way.” It’s a female voice. “Sal, if you don’t move?—”
Oh crap. Is this some lover of Matteo’s? The thought makes my heart sink. I glance around the room, wondering if I should hide. My hand goes to my stomach protectively, but I don’t get the chance to move before both doors fly open.
A tall woman with short silver hair comes striding into the bedroom. I’d guess she's in her sixties or so. Her eyes land right on me. She shakes her head.
“What am I going to do with that boy?” She keeps shaking her head. “Well, this ends today.” The woman strides over to me with a bright smile. “I’m Emma. I’ve been running this place since Matteo was in diapers.” Emma gives me a hug. It’s tight, reminding me of my sister. I hug her back, and tears start to sting at my eyes.
“I’m Mona,” I tell her.
“I know, honey.” Emma lets out a deep sigh. “You’re no longer going to be locked away up here.”
“Can I go home?” Her smile falters for a moment, letting me know that’s nowhere in the near future for me. Do I even want to go home? While I miss my sister, I don’t miss my father or brother. Plus, if I don’t go home, I can’t get married to Vincent. But I also don’t want to live with Matteo if he’s going to continue to be this distant cold jerk that keeps me locked away like a damn prisoner. Either way, I’m screwed.
“Honey, this is your home now.”
“Right,” I whisper, stepping away from her.
“Give it time. You’ll see.” A full smile returns to her face. It meets her eyes, but I’m not sure I believe her. “There was a delivery for you. Matteo is out right now, and I’m not going to make you wait all day to get the items.”
“What?” Why would I have a delivery?
“Sal,” Emma calls. “Have those boxes and racks brought up for Miss Mona.”
“Got it,” he responds.
“No wonder. You’re a beauty.” Emma lets out a small laugh. "You've got that boy tied in knots.”
“Boy?”
“Matteo.”
Matteo is no boy, and I don’t think I have Matteo in any real way. He might be attracted to me, but that’s all surface-level stuff. I’m sure once he finds out I’m pregnant with his baby, the novelty will wear off.
A few men come walking in with boxes of items and garment bags. “Did you snitch on me, Sal?” Emma puts her hands on her hips.
“Yes, but it doesn’t matter. He would know either way.” Sal lays the garment bag near the door. None of them step more than a few feet into the room. They never do. Even my food tray is always left right at the entry. The one I missed from breakfast is still there untouched. How long did I sleep? What does it matter?
“Of course he does.” Emma rolls her eyes. The men leave, closing the door behind them. “All right.” She claps her hands together. “We have time.”
“I’ve got all the time in the world.” I let out a humorless laugh.
“Well, these are the items Matteo got for you. Feel free to get dressed and then come down and have something to eat. You missed breakfast and lunch.”
“Wait?” I perk up.
“You must eat.” She motions to my full tray. I haven’t had much of an appetite.
“I can come down and eat?”
“I told you. No more being locked away.”
“Really?” I’m dying to get out of this room. Emma’s face grows serious.
“Yes, you can leave the room. You, however, cannot go to the basement, Matteo’s office, or outside beyond the back patio.” I nod. I understand all these rules. I've spent my whole life with them. That will never change. “All right, then. I’ll leave you to it, honey.” I watch her go.
I stare at all the boxes, feeling overwhelmed. I push one aside and start digging to find something to wear. I have always had a slight obsession with clothing; however, I am currently in dire need of getting out of this room. I’m more focused on finding any old thing to wear just for a taste of freedom.
“Oh my.” I hold up an emerald pair of silk panties. They’re beautiful, reminding me of my own eyes. Has he really picked this out for me? No, I think he paid someone to do that. I pull them on and find a cute white summery dress and a pair of gold flats. Just having different clothes perks me up a bit. I know it sounds ridiculous.
