Page 60 of Mafia Darling

“Cute, Gia. And it’s a real dungeon, with cells and rats and probably ghosts. I don’t know why you’re so interested in it.”

“Frankie, you have to take me down there. I have to see it.”

“We already covered this. No fucking way,” I said.

“Why not?” Gia said, obviously irritated.

“There's no chance I’m going down there again.”

“You don’t have to go. Just take me there and tell me where to go.”

“Gia,” Emma said, “it’s a dungeon. They kill people down there. It’s not for fun.”

“I know.” The elder twin rolled her eyes. “Why do you think I want to see it? When else am I ever going to get another chance to see a real live dungeon? Please.”

“Forget it,” I said. “The man who is down there right now kidnapped me, kept me prisoner, and tried to hurt Fausto and his family. If he’s still alive, he’s in very bad shape.”

“I’ll be quick. One peek!” Gia begged.

Annoyed, I put my hands on my hips. Why was she being so difficult? “Don’t make me regret the fact that you’re here. It’s been too long and I wasn’t sure I’d ever even see you again.”

Gia’s expression instantly sobered. “I’m sorry. Of course you’re right. I’m being a brat. Forget I even asked.”

“Okay, good.” At least I didn't have to argue anymore. “I’m going to find Fausto. If you need anything, see if you can find Giulio or Zia. I’ll catch up with you both tomorrow.”

“Have fun getting laid,” Gia sing-songed as I walked out, and I shook my head. I’d forgotten what a pain in the ass she could be.

I went straight downstairs to the security room. Three guards were behind the desk, intently watching the screens. “Ciao,” I said. “Can one of you tell Don Ravazzani that I need to see him upstairs. It’s very important.”

“Sì, Signorina Mancini.” One of the guards picked up his cell and began texting.

“Grazie,” I called and darted through the castello until I was in Fausto’s wing. When I entered his bedroom, I immediately took off all my clothes and put on my silk robe. Then I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. Nerves bubbled in my stomach, but there was no going back. The decision had been made.

I sat on the bed and waited. I was ready to face my fiancé.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Fausto

Enzo was much stupider than I anticipated.

Despite what he told Marco, Enzo refused to sign over his business to me. It made no sense. He was weak, had suffered broken bones and internal bleeding. The air wheezed out of his lungs like a whistle. How he was still holding out through all he’d endured was a fucking miracle.

But I was tired of this. I had a woman to win over, and spending my nights in the dungeon with Enzo was not aiding me in that endeavor. I planned to get his cooperation tonight, no matter what.

He needed to die.

Marco had Enzo strung up in the cell, chains holding him to the ceiling. His toes barely reached the stone floor and his shoulder had dislocated hours ago. I pressed on the shoulder joint and Enzo shuddered, a whimper escaping his lips. “Are you going to sign?” I asked, pressing again. “Though I suppose you’ll have to use your other hand to write.”

He panted, his head hanging forward on his neck. No answer.

“Why are you doing this to yourself, Enzo? The pain will go away the instant you sign. That will be nice, for the pain to go away, no?”

There was no answer.

I sighed. “Should we squeeze your balls until they pop? It’s excruciatingly painful I’m told and you won’t live long after. Is that what you want?” I dug my fingers into his shoulder and he howled. “Sign the fucking papers, Enzo.”

“Rav,” Marco said, hanging up his phone. “You’re needed upstairs.”

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