Page 50 of Deadly Vows

He closes the door behind him, and I feel a visceral reaction as I realize my situation. I snatch the pillow from behind me,throwing it at the door in frustration. My wrists throb from the exertion, and as I study the white gauze, I note that it slowly turns pink.

Luca has me once again. I have someone else’s life to think about. Even though I don’t know him, I can’t abandon him. When I think of him, I think about myself, how I was raised for one purpose, and once that purpose was fulfilled, my father saw no more use for me. It’s the same with him. He was made to take over for my father. He never had a choice in his life, just like me. And though Luca is forcing him to do something unimaginable, he still has a different future ahead—a future he can choose if I have anything to say about it.

I chuckle as I stare at the pale hospital ceiling, making an internal promise to myself. I will protect him, no matter what. I will be what our father never was for either of us, even if it kills me.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Elise

I have a new lease on life. Or rather, a new purpose. And that purpose involves saving my brother, no matter the consequences of my husband.

Just as Dr. Patterson said, he released me the very next day with pain medicine that my attentive husband immediately confiscated. Usually, I would loathe coming home. It has so many reminders of this life I now live. But I no longer feel that way. I have a new purpose, and I won’t get anywhere if I’m dead or depressed. I have to push through the pain for my brother’s sake. A brother whose name I don’t even know. Or what he looks like. I just know he turned seventeen two months ago. And up until Luca found him, he was struggling to survive thanks to my father’s poor decisions.

My attempt on my life has caused a noticeable shift in Luca. He’s been working from home most days, remaining by my side to ensure I don’t try to finish what I started. He makes sure I eat and sleep accordingly, checking on me most hours of the day.

It brings me some sense of satisfaction, knowing the hold I have on him. Even though he threatened me with my brother’s life, he is still very wary of me and anything else I might have up my sleeve. I’m sure I’ve surprised him in the last few weeks by acting out of character. Now he has to reassess me so that he can anticipate my actions.

I pull in a deep breath, bringing my cup of coffee to my lips as I study the backyard through our kitchen window. Luca’s office, the front yard, and the Annex have all been deemed off-limits. I’m sure Luca has business he doesn’t want me stumbling on, especially since I’ve grown the courage to be opinionated about it. And while I’ve remained clear of these areas, I also know the corners of the house I can stay in to see what kind of business is happening. Luca may have bought and renovated this place, but I’ve spent more time in it, getting to know its nooks and crannies.

I know the traffic coming in and out of our home has something to do with the elimination of my family. Luca himself let it slip that he had already visited William since finding my brother. I’m sure he is as eager as ever to be rid of the family who has caused him so much trouble from the first day of our marriage. Even possibly before, if his innuendos are to be taken seriously.

My father committed a heinous act, taking my mother’s life. But Luca knows more about my father’s actions in the past—things he refuses to tell me. So, while I must find a way to save my brother from himself, I must also find a way to gain Luca’s trust so that I can understand his deep-seated hatred toward my family that existed long before his father’s murder.

“Mrs. Pasquino, will you be taking lunch in the kitchen today?” I tense as the cook pulls me out of my thoughts, an apologetic grin on his lips when he sees that he startled me.

“Is my husband going to be available by lunch?” I ask.

I know that prodding the staff puts their lives at risk, but at this point, it is the only way I can get any information about my husband’s whereabouts. Luca moves within our home, purposely keeping his location from me. The only way I can get a clear idea of his whereabouts is by innocently questioning the staff.

“He didn’t say. He only asked that I check in with you,” he says.

“Sure,” I say, going back to my drink. I know the cook will relay my lunch plans to Luca, who will finish his business accordingly, ensuring that the people in attendance avoid where I am. It is another of his ways to control my life, but he is once again underestimating me and everything I am capable of. I have learned his tells.

I can’t help but wonder if he is aware of this—if he knows that I am watching him as he watches me. And we are just playing a very intricate game of cat and mouse.

Once I finish my cup of coffee, I make my way into our bedroom to get ready for the day. Instead of the usual sundresses that I wear, I settle on shorts and a loose-fitting tank top. As I make my way across the balcony, a car pulling in catches my attention.

My footsteps falter as I take in the car. It isn’t Luca’s. I continue to study the car as it pulls around in confusion. I recognize the man who gets out of the driver’s seat immediately. It’s Romelo, Luca’s right-hand man.

He looks irritated as he gets out of the car, yelling at someone inside.

I don’t have the chance to see who he’s yelling at when the door to Luca’s office opens, followed by his hurried footsteps. I quickly move away from the balcony so he doesn’t catch me spying, listening for the sound of the front door. And even as itcloses, I wait thirty seconds before I go back onto the balcony to see what’s going on.

Disappointment washes over me when I return only to see that no one is there any longer. The car remains, but it’s empty. I release a huff of irritation, quickly making my way down the steps. I go straight to the back of the house and into the backyard to try to intercept at least a glimpse of whoever Romelo and Luca seem flustered with. Anytime Luca is flustered, it means an interrogation, which also means the Annex. But the length of our yard is big, and by the time I reach the point that I can see the edge of the Annex, only Luca’s men remain outside, standing watch. The longer I stare, the heavier my curiosity about the poor soul dragged into that place.

I release a shuddering breath as I continue to watch the unmoving doors. I was inside that place once. Just seeing it makes my stomach twist as I think of what happens in there. I’m sure Luca barely scratched the surface with me of what truly happens behind those doors.

I don’t know how long I remain at the edge of our backyard, staring at those doors. But I finally gave up after a while. Whoever was dragged in there must be deep into their torture by now. Lucky for me, there are no screams to confirm that theory.

I silently remove myself from the hidden foliage, making my way back into the safety of the yard. As I do, I note the sun feels nice as it warms my skin. It’s not too hot, the air giving the perfect cool breeze to offset it.

A small laugh escapes me, my eyes burning with unshed tears. This small moment of peace is one that most people take for granted, myself included. Since my attempt, Luca has remained by my side, rarely giving me space, ensuring I don’t attempt anything like that again. That is why he has been conducting his business lately from home, making his presence stifling.

I tense as the loud slam of the back door pulls my attention, forcing me to stop before I reveal myself. My eyes widen as I watch Luca pull a kid onto the back patio, his eyes filled with rage as he speaks to him with a terrifying calm.

“What did I say? You follow my orders. You do not go off playing vigilante because you felt like it,” Luca growls out.

I shift my attention to the man he’s speaking to—or rather, kid. I don’t recognize him as the men who usually surrounds Luca. From this distance, I can see his dark and messy hair falling into his face, making him look much younger than he probably is. He’s average height, coming to Luca’s chest as he reprimands him. His body isn’t very muscular; he looks as though he under-eats for his age. And as he runs his fingers through his hair in frustration, I note there is something very familiar about that disappointed scowl.

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