Page 57 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Prince

Luca’s gaze is piercing, with no emotion. He was fighting his man for me a second ago and now he acts like he doesn’t care about me.

“You’re hurt.” He stares down at my palms. They are still bleeding.

He raises his gaze to meet mine and I swear I see concern in them.

“Take her back to her room.” He nods to two of his men, who step forward to grab my arms.

“Luca! Wait… can't you take me instead?”

He doesn't answer me.

I struggle against the guards, but they hold firm, dragging me away from Luca’s ominous presence. As I’m pulled back into the room again, I glance over my shoulder, catching Luca’s gaze. For a moment, I see a flicker of something unexpected —doubt, maybe even remorse, but it’s quickly replaced by his usual cold, hard mask.

I was so close…

***

My head aches as I wake from the aroma of pasta in the room. Almost immediately, my stomach grumbles. I tentatively take a few bites of the food, but my appetite is still dampened by the whole thing.

At least the cuffs are still off and I can use the bathroom now. I carefully make my way to the bath, my wrists throbbing in pain.

I let the water run and, as I lower myself into the water, I can’t help but gasp in pain. The warm liquid stings my raw skin, making my eyes well up with tears. I bite my lip, trying to hold it back as I gently wash away the dirt from my body and hair.The tears flow freely and uncontrollably as I rinse off, my body shaking as I tear up silently.

Finally, I get out of the bath, dry my body with a towel and head to the room again. I pick up the silky white dress that was sent with the food and soap and put it on. More tears stream down my eyes—uncontrollable tears. I cannot believe what my life has come to.

I’m lost in my thoughts, unaware of how much time has passed. The sun’s glow dims as the night sets in.

Luca strolls into the room, his eyes fixed on me like a predator. It still causes a shiver in my spine. His gaze is piercing, as always, but this time, it’s as if he’s searching for something.

I meet his eyes and I don’t break the gaze.

He approaches me with deliberate slowness, his shoes clicking on the floor. His hands are tucked behind his back, a gesture that seems almost nonchalant, but I know better.

As he draws closer, his eyes narrow, his gaze raking over me like a cold wind. He takes in the new clothes and the lack of cuffs, and for a fleeting moment, I think I see a flicker of surprise in those piercing eyes. However, it’s quickly snuffed out by his usual icy glare.

I try to create some distance as Luca closes in, keeping a safe margin between us. But he’s having none of it.

With continuous, deliberate slowness, he plops himself down on the bed, his eyes never leaving mine. He taps the mattress beside him, his fingers drumming out a menacing rhythm.

“Come here, Gianna,” he commands, his voice low and husky, like a snake slithering through the grass. “Sit down, and let’s have a little chat.”

I hesitate, my feet rooted to the spot. Luca’s gaze is scary, his eyes boring into me like a drill.

“Luca, I’m so sorry I tried to escape. Please let me go. I’m losing my mind here.”

His eyes never leave mine; his gaze is intimidating. “I can’t let you go.”

“I’m sorry for everything my family has done. I shouldn’t be the one paying for their sins.”

He pulls me closer and shakes his head gently. His touch is like a vice, his fingers digging into my skin like talons. “Don't apologize, Gianna,” he whispers, his breath hot against my ear. “You’re just making things worse.” This is the first time he’s said my name with a semblance of emotion other than anger.

He yanks me closer, his grip on my shoulders getting tighter, and his fingers on my skin are starting to hurt badly. He buries his face in my hair, inhaling deeply, his breath hot against my scalp.

“You were always mine, don’t you know?” he hisses, his voice hard and coarse.

“How ballsy of you to think you could escape me. You think you can outrun the likes of me?” He pulls back, his eyes glinting like ice in the light. “Listen up, Gianna. You’re my prisoner. If you ever try to run again...”

I whimper and tears start to drop. I don’t think I can hold up much longer; this is torture and there’s no end to it.

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