Page 2 of Deadly Vows

Elise

Five Years Later

I feel at peace when I play. It is the one thing in my life that I have control over, playing music. I’ve learned to play several instruments over my lifetime, but there is something about the violin that gives me a feeling of peace like no other. My fingers move expertly over the strings, letting the melody wash over the room while simultaneously washing away the remnants of this hell that I am living in. Five years felt like such a long time, with so many milestones between then and now. But it has flown by in the blink of an eye with my wedding taking place in less than a week.

After five years, I still have not met the man I will soon marry. I was hoping that over time he would find a much moresuitable candidate than me, but the stranger that he is, he is also attentive to my life. Unlike my father who has ignored my existence, Luca sends flowers every birthday, holiday, and recital. I sometimes wonder if he secretly attended, deciding never to reveal that he was there. It made me uneasy at the time, but I learned to channel that unease into happiness. It was my time to be my own woman and he respected that, even if he never met me for a different reason. But our engagement party is being held this weekend at my family home meaning that my time pretending he doesn’t exist has come to an end.

I had hoped Luca’s reputation would die down over the years, especially since he was aware of our union. But it only got worse somehow. He is a merciless man who rarely lets anyone live once they have crossed him. It is as my father said years ago, the target will soon move to his back. And by that time they hope he will have a family to carry on the Pasquino legacy. But in the meantime, he seems intent on establishing a reputation to scare anyone out of even attempting something so bold.

Instead of flipping the page of my sheet music, I allow myself to be carried by the melody. I’ve memorized this piece, as it is the sheet music for an upcoming audition. My eyes flutter closed and I continue to sway back and forth behind the music stand. A smile forms on my lips as I continue to play, my worries disappearing. I’m in a place no one can ever find and ruin. I am in a sanctuary. I finally finish the melody, pulling my violin away from my chin just as loud clapping erupts off the walls.

I whip in the direction of the applause to see none other than my future husband standing in the doorway. He’s dressed in a crisp, dark blue suit that fits his lean frame flatteringly. Handsome is an understatement, and I find myself growing irritated with the paparazzi photos of him that don’t do him justice. His dark hair is pushed neatly away from his face, curling at the ends with a few stray hairs tickling his forehead.His face is clean-shaven, giving me a stunning view of the sharp accent of his jaw as he smiles at me, revealing a perfect set of teeth. His eyes are so piercing, they look gray in the natural light as he looks down at me, his gaze roaming over me in interest.

His expression makes me want to squirm under the intensity of it. Although he’s smiling, something about him seems unnatural.

“So I finally get to meet my bride. You are stunning,” he says, emphasizing his claim by dragging his gaze over me.

A blush creeps up my neck from his words. Stunning is an exaggeration. At five foot four, I am no model. I’m short, with dark hair that falls to my waist in loose waves and my eyes are dark green with shades of brown in them. But the way this man looks at me, you would believe his words.

“Thank you,” I murmur.

He laughs softly as he steps around me, his attention falling to the sheet music. He gently touches the pages, flipping them himself. The way his eyes move over the page, I can’t help but wonder if he knows how to read music.

“That was a beautiful melody you were playing.” His fingers drift over the title, his brow furrowing as he takes in the title.

“I didn’t know you had a recital,” he says looking at me.

“It’s an audition,” I say quickly. He continues to study me, his eyes capturing me as he hides his thoughts behind them. His aura itself is suffocating, making me squeeze the neck of my violin just to ground myself.

“Beautiful, talented, and competitive,” he smiles.

I tense as he brings his finger under my chin, lifting my head slightly to hold my gaze. “How did I ever get so lucky?”

My heart beats rapidly against his chest as he stands over me. He doesn’t say a word and looks perfectly content as he remains silent in his studying. Luckily, we’re interrupted.

“Boss, it’s time.” A knock pulls our attention as a man I’ve never seen before enters the room. Luca only smiles, his eyes remaining lined to mine as he releases me.

“I guess I will see you tonight,” he says before adjusting the front of his suit. He silently leaves the room without another word, leaving me to contemplate the first meeting of my husband.

Music swells over the formal area, mingling with conversation signifying the engagement party is in full swing. My father was proud to host the powerful Pasquino family, sparing no expense for this elaborate party even though he hasn’t spoken a word to me about my engagement. I recognize some families that I know, while others I have never seen before. But everyone is clamoring to get a look at the soon-to-be bride of Luca Pasquino, along with Luca himself.

I silently adjust my dress in the mirror once again as I wait for Luca to arrive. I’ve had all day to think about our encounter. He wasn’t as terrifying as I thought he would be. He was even kind at moments, complimenting me. But still, the eerie look in his eyes is one that I do not want to understand. It felt like he was a predator, eyeing its prey and waiting for a moment of weakness to strike. I suck in a trembling breath as I adjust my curls once again, trying to avoid my eyes. Even with my makeup placed to make me look more mature than I am, my eyes hold terror in them. I must dig down deep to find a way to ignore that fear for tonight. I must convince everyone in that room that I am thrilled to have been chosen for this marriage.

I tense when someone steps into my reflection, his gray eyes twinkling in excitement as he looks down at me. Luca standsright behind me, his excitement increasing when I turn to face him. I was so focused on my fears I didn’t hear his approach.

“Hello,” he says with a voice like silk.

I don’t have time to respond as he reaches for my face, taking in my features with keen interest. His hand drifts from my cheeks to my jaw, to my collarbone before lingering at the hem of my dress, pulling me flush against him. A small whimper escapes my lips as I attempt to step back, but his grip is firm, shifting so that both of his hands grip my ass, holding me tight. He dips his head slightly, his lips lingering next to my ear as he speaks.

“I can’t wait to bury myself between your legs,” he murmurs.

A gasp leaves my lips just as he releases me, allowing me to stumble back. His smile looks sinister as he watches me. He’s enjoying toying with me. Luca steps to the side, holding his arm out for me as a charming smile replaces the terrifying one.

“Shall we?”

I pull in a trembling breath, placing my arm in the crook of his elbow, allowing him to lead me into the party.

The night drags on as people from all walks of life come up to us, expressing their congratulations. I recognize most as clients of my father and members of our organization. Luca’s family, however, seems to avoid my own as if we are beneath them. Despite his family’s disdain, Luca is the perfect gentleman. His smile never changes as he expresses his gratitude, his confidence intoxicating. I barely have to speak, only responding when spoken to.

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