Page 42 of Hook

Istep out of the bedroom, my heart racing and my mind tortured by the fear of bumping into my captor.

As I walk down the staircase and into the huge entrance, I feel a strange sense of admiration for the craftsmanship of his home. If I were here under different circumstances, I’d be happy to be living in a place like this.

It’s like something out of a fairytale, but I’m caught in anything but a fairytale.

Since Cillian brought me here, I feel like a bird in a beautiful cage. It’s clear he’s insane the way he smirked and told me this was my new home.

The only thing holding me together is that I know Piero or my father won’t sit by while someone steals me from him. They’re both ruthless and powerful mob bosses, and this guy is insane to take them on.

I have no intention of marrying him, yet here I am, entrapped in his home with no clear way out.

As I walk toward the garden room which has a stunning view of the ocean, I slam into a woman coming the other way. My heart pounds frantically as she stares at me with wide eyes, and I wonder who she is.

“Don’t look so scared, Gwendolyne. I work here.”

I nod. “Okay, I thought you were a prisoner.”

Her lips purse together. “No, but I might as well be.”

I arch a brow. “Don’t like your employer?” I ask, wondering if I’m about to find someone I have something in common with.

She shakes her head. “Not too fond, no.”

“What is it you do here?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.

“I’m Cillian’s personal assistant,” the woman replies, her voice a combination of resignation and disdain. “Trust me, I don’t like him either.”

My heart skips a beat and I feel a wave of relief wash over me. Someone I can relate to. “What’s it like, working for him?”

“Tough work. He’s not exactly a friendly boss, and he makes us work ridiculous hours.”

I can imagine that he’d be a terrible boss. “Well, count yourself lucky. At least you don’t have to marry him.”

There’s a look of pity in her eyes. “I feel for you. How about we grab lunch?” She glances at her watch. “It’s midday.”

I smile. “That sounds good. As long as you won’t get in trouble?”

“No, because he’s not here, he’s dealing with business for The Rogues.”

I’m relieved to hear he’s not here, but that name piques my interest. “The Rogues?” I confirm.

She nods. “Yes, Cillian is the leader of the Irish mob in San Diego.”

I draw in a deep breath, realizing he’s not so insane to take on my dad and Piero. He’s a ruthless and powerful mob boss, too. The Rogues have been causing problems for my father for about five years now, encroaching on territory he controls. I had no idea who the leader was. “Shit, that makes this all ten times worse.”

Her brow arches. “Why?”

“Because that means Cillian is my dad’s competition.”

She nods. “Yeah, I don’t think that’s why he stole you, though. He’s more interested in bringing down Piero Panarello.”

My brow furrows. “Do you know why?”

“No idea.”

We head into the kitchen, where an older lady is whistling to herself as she kneads the dough. “Hey Rosa, we’re going to grab lunch together,” the girl says, and it’s at that point I don’t know her name.

“I’m so rude. I don’t know your name.”

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