Page 47 of Stalking Ginevra

The words land like a slap. Marry him after everything I did? With no demands for an apology or even answers? My mind reels, struggling to process the enormity of his proposal.

He can’t still want the children we talked about years ago in our tree house. He can’t ignore my role in his family’s downfall and live happily ever after with me? If he did, he wouldn’t brush me off so callously.

No, this has to be a trap.

I came here for help, not to submit to his vengeance.

“Benito, you can’t?—“

“Either marry me or handle the stalker yourself.” His icy glare chills my bones to the marrow.

NINETEEN

BENITO

I hoped for begging, tears, maybe even a little groveling, but Ginevra strides to the elevator, her hips swaying. Heat tightens low in my gut, my instinct pulling taut against the leash. In the visor, I would tackle her to the floor and take what I need.

As myself, I’m restrained.

The refusal was disappointing but no surprise. I didn’t expect her to fall at my feet, but I also didn’t expect her to walk away with a dignified silence.

Instead of humbling herself, she stabs the elevator button, her movements jerky with impatience. I sit back, wondering what it will take for her to show me the same deference she gives her stalker.

The elevator doors slide open. Reaper steps out, clad in a black overcoat that barely hides the blood on his shirt. Ginevra brushes past him, oblivious to being in the presence of a killer.

As the doors close, a smirk tugs at my lips. Reaper catches it and lifts a brow.

“Why the change in venue?” he asks.

“Wanted her to see the view.”

Reaper glances at the Capello Casino, then back at me. “So, what’s next?”

I rise from my seat, move to the security control panel on the wall, and switch to the live feed. The screen flickers to Ginevra leaning against the elevator wall, her eyes wide, her chest rising and falling with panicked breaths.

Reaper crosses the room and stops beside me to watch Ginevra’s mini breakdown.

“How’s your little project progressing?” he asks.

“Not as quickly as I hoped, but she’s an endless source of entertainment.”

He chuckles. “That’s because you’re drawing it out.”

“Pressure unlocks fascinating aspects of her personality,” I say with a smile. “Besides, she’s not ready to show me the appropriate level of deference.”

Reaper nods. He knows how well I treated her in his lectures. Taking her back before she’s broken will just repeat the same dynamic. I want Ginevra desperate, humbled, and appreciative. I’ll keep on the pressure until she folds.

“Ready to speak to the boys?” he asks.

As we walk across the penthouse to the low tables, my phone buzzes. Elania’s name flashes on the screen. With a swipe, I answer, and her office fills the display. She’s seated behind a desk with Aria, both looking like they’ve been at each other’s throats.

“Report,” I say.

Elania leans back in her seat. “Everything’s set for tomorrow, but we need 50% of the payment upfront.”

Frustration tightens in my chest, but I sit in an armchair, keeping my expression neutral. What happened to family loyalty? Leroi never once mentioned prices, even though he cut through an entire bloodline of Capellos. We rewarded himhandsomely without him whining about advance payments, yet her fixation with business is grating.

“You’ll get your money after the raid. I’ll send someone with the briefcase as soon as the cash is in hand.”

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