Page 39 of Inside the Sun

A faint electric jolt radiates from the collar around my neck. It’s subtle, barely there, but my whole body jerks. I wrap my arms around my waist instinctively, bracing for another, stronger shock. But it doesn’t come. Anzo just smiles.

How does he control it? Not with a remote, right? Is it triggered from that implant in his temple?

"Any kind of disrespect or disobedience, and that little tickle won’t feel so little next time. So keep yourself in check and act with some decorum at the table, because you’re going to be introduced to my family."

"What did I do to deserve the honor of dining with the great Ferro family?" I ask.

Another zap hits me.

Still fairly light, but sharp enough to sting. I gasp and exhale hard.

"I told you to drop the attitude. We need to strip it out of you, piece by piece."

He gets up and circles me like I’m on display.

"And the best place to learn manners is at the dinner table. So that’s where we’ll start."

"Tell me what I’m supposed to do then. Am I getting clothes? A room?"

"You already have a room. As for clothes, did you check your closet? I believe the boys brought over part of your wardrobe."

What? I freeze. That can only mean one thing, his goons went through my stuff. Entered the dorm, ransacked my closet.

I remember that beta at the front desk, his greedy eyes. No doubt he let them in once they waved some cash in his face.

"So I’m staying longer than I thought," I whisper.

Anzo doesn’t say a word.

"Or maybe forever. Until the day you get bored of me and crank that collar up to max."

Still no answer.

Clearly, the conversation’s over.

That’s when the door opens, and I see the same guard again.

"This is Matteo," Anzo says. "He’s your personal… bodyguard. He’ll take you to your room. Be ready in one hour. Then we’ll see how you behave at dinner. Trust me, a lot depends on how you handle yourself at that table."

"One more thing," I say quickly. "I know you’re married. How should I act around your husband?"

Anzo’s face doesn’t move a muscle.

"Don’t worry about that. You’ll know what not to do if you don’t want the collar going off. I believe in you, kitten."

He flashes me a smile that’s all predatory.

I just swallow hard, stand up from my knees, and follow Matteo out.

As we walk down the hallway, I have to ask.

"Is there anything I can do to get you to help me get out of here?"

"Shut your mouth," Matteo says coldly. And that’s it.

***

An hour later, I’m ready, just like Anzo wanted. I changed into a simple black button-up and black jeans, tied my hair into a low ponytail. Minimalist.

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