Page 2 of Secret Revenge

Cold air brushed against my skin as he circled me like a predator, his footsteps echoing off the damp basement walls. I could feel his eyes on me, raking over every inch of my body, scrutinizing my bound form.

“Such a lovely thing you are, Liliana. It’s almost a shame to mar that pretty face of yours.” His voice was silky smooth, laced with malice.

“Stay away from me,” I spat, the defiance in my voice betraying the fear that threatened to swallow me whole. I wasn’t sure if I could hold out if Nicholas didn’t know where I was.

“Such fire in your words. But I wonder, how long will that spirit last?” He chuckled darkly. “You see, I have a talent for breaking people, and I’m quite eager to test your limits.”

“Go to hell,” I said through gritted teeth, tensing as I felt his fingers on the back of my neck.

“Tell me, dear Liliana, what do you fear the most? Is it pain? The loss of control? Or the thought of your loved ones suffering because of you?” The insidious nature of his questions sent shivers down my spine, my heart pounding as I tried to maintain my composure.

“Whatever you’re planning, you won’t succeed. My husband will find me, and when he does, there’ll be no place left for you to hide.”

“Your faith in him is touching, truly. But misplaced, I assure you.” He stepped back, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

I braced myself for the blow I knew was coming, but nothing could have prepared me for the searing pain that tore through me as his fist landed on my side. I bit back a scream, refusing to give him the satisfaction of hearing my agony. He continued his onslaught, each strike a testament to his sadistic nature.

“Does it hurt, Liliana? Do you feel your resolve slipping away yet?” His voice was taunting, a cruel parody of empathy.

“Never,” I choked out, my voice barely audible through the pain. “You’ll never break me, Bianchi.”

“Such determination. But we’ll see how long it lasts.” He paused, studying me with a calculating gaze. “I wonder, would you still be so defiant if it were your husband suffering in your place?”

“Leave him out of this,” I yelled, my voice cracking under the weight of my desperation.

“Ah, there it is. The chink in your armor.” His grin widened, his eyes gleaming with sadistic delight.

“Please...don’t hurt him,” I pleaded, unable to keep the fear from creeping into my voice.

“Unfortunately for you, Liliana, our little game has only just begun. Frankie,” Bianchi’s voice rang out, his tone laced with authority.

The stairs groaned under Frankie’s weight as he joined his father. “Yes, Papa?”

“Take care of our guest. I’ll be back soon.”

Frankie smiled at me as his father left us. “I’m sorry it had to come to this. Maybe if your father had ever let me date you, it could have been our wedding and none of this,” he gestured around the room, “unpleasantness would be necessary.”

“If you want to live, keep your hands off me,” I spat.

His smile turned menacing. “Just a taste for now.” He crushed his mouth on mine and thrust his tongue through my clenched lips. I tried to move away but he grabbed my head and held it still as his other hand squeezed my breast. I bit down on his tongue – not hard enough to draw blood because I was horrified enough to have his saliva in my mouth

He pulled back from me and punched my jaw hard enough that the wooden chair I was on fell backward. My head hit the cement floor and I couldn’t hold the tears back anymore.

Silent tears ran down my face as I struggled to see where Frankie was. He loomed over me and spat in my face. “You bitch,” he growled as he put a foot on my neck. “It’s nothing for me to kill you right now.”

He pressed down on my neck and I was sure he wouldn’t stop. I stared up at him, trying to plead for my life, but I couldn’t speak.

Once the door flew open, he removed his foot and I gasped for air.

“Hey, Frankie,” a man called out. “Jocelyn made you lunch. It’s waiting for you upstairs.”

He turned back to me. “I’ll deal with you later.”

Once Frankie was back upstairs, the other man came down to check on me. He blew out an exasperated breath. “This’ll probably hurt,” he warned as he pushed my chair upright.

The sudden motion made my stomach churn and I turned my head. Vomit splashed across the floor and hit my captor’s shoes.

“Jesus Christ!” he yelled.

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