9 ~ Mira

It was quite late at night. I was unable to sleep. I had been thinking about what happened between Mr Romano and I during the day and I could not understand why my body was still tingling.

I had no idea if he was going to be back soon. Or if he was going to be coming back at all.

But I did not want him to touch me like that again. I knew I was his wife but honestly I would not mind him sleeping with someone else if I did not have to face this kind of mental torture.

He seemed like he would be rough in the bedroom, I was not sure I would like that. 

I heard the door come open and I immediately shut my eyes, pretending to be asleep.

I heard him shuffling around the room.

Then his sultry baritone filled the room as he said, "I know you're not sleeping."

I did not fall for it. I kept my eyes closed. But he dragged the blanket off. 

His lips rolled over my neck and I gasped.

"Please don't touch me," I said in a whisper.

"You're mine and I can do whatever I want with you." He growled into my ears roughly.

With all my might, I dragged his fingers off my throat.

"I am not your property Mr Romano, I'm a human being." I gritted out, wondering where I got courage from.

"You're mine."

 "I'm your wife. Not some object!" I spat out, staring him straight in the eye.

His jaw clenched.

"It's too early for you to start growing wings Mira."

"I didn't think I needed permission to." I retorted.

He chuckled darkly and got on his feet, staring at me all through. I sat up on the bed and stared back fiercely even when I was scared on the inside.

"You're a feisty one. I like it." He nodded in approval and I wondered if he was being sarcastic.

"But you know what I do to feisty women?" He leaned close and all I wanted to do was melt into the bed.

I shook my head as I gulped.

"I tie them to my bed and fuck them until they beg for mercy." 

His whisper made me shudder. I don't know if it was because of what he said or how he said it but I knew I would lose it if he tried anything funny with me.

"Have a good night...wife."

I watched him walk away, seeing his back muscles flex as he moved. This man was sexy and he knew it too well.

I tried to calm my racing heart as I fought to not let myself think of all that he had said to me. He constantly promised a good time in bed but I did not want him near me. Somehow I knew I would be trapped in this even more because he would literally fuck my brains out.

I still wanted to escape this somehow. I just needed to figure out how to do it without putting mine and my brother's life in danger.

I don't know when and how sleep took me but I slept off eventually, hoping that the next day would be better.

~~~

Roberto called me the next morning. I was just getting ready to go down for breakfast after a help told me that my 'husband' was waiting for me. 

Husband.

I still was not used to that.

I picked up the call as soon as it popped up on my screen.

"Roberto," I sighed into the phone. "How are you?"

"I'm fine sis. How are you?"

"I'm great."

"No really, how are you? I know you hate it there and this is all my fault. I should never-"

"Shhh." I cut short his rambling.

"I'm perfectly fine." I said to him even though I wasn't. 

"I'll find a way to get you out of there. He can't keep you hostage forever." He sounded determined to get me out of here.

"Jace and I are married Lorenzo. Legally." I reminded him. "We're getting along just fine. I just need you to stay out of trouble."

He went quiet for a bit.

"Can you promise me that?" I asked.

I did not want him to worry too much and do something crazy that could get him killed. That was all I was trying to do - save him.

"Yes. But if he ever hurts you, don't hesitate to tell me. I don't mind losing my life just so that heartless beast never messes with you again." 

It warmed my heart that he was ready to risk his life for me as I did for him. We were all each other had.

"I promise everything's fine Roberto. Just take care of my bakery and ensure everything is running smoothly until I come back."

I had no idea when I would even be allowed to leave the estate premises but I was somehow hopeful I would be able to go back to my shop and continue doing what I love.

A knock on the door, interrupted everything.

"Roberto, I have to go. Take care." I said and hung up quickly. I rushed to the door and opened. It was the help who had called me several minutes before.

"Don Romano is still waiting for you madam."

"I was just getting ready. Let's go." I said frantically.

She stared at the phone in my hand before turning away.

I had barely gotten into the dining room when he spoke up.

"Who were you speaking to?"

I paused. "What?"

His eyes met mine and his glare was too strong for me.

"I was speaking to my brother." I immediately answered.

"What were you speaking about?" He asked me. 

"How is any of that your business?"

He dropped his cutlery and it echoed in the silent room. It seemed like everyone held their breaths.

"Woman, you will not speak to me like that especially not in front of my staff. Do not forget who I am." His voice was stern. 

"Do you understand me?!" He yelled and I flinched.

"Yes, Mr Romano."'

"Good."

He got on his feet and stormed out immediately after that. 

I sat there and realized I had lost my appetite while the few staff present gave me bewildered stares.

Maybe no one had ever spoken to him like that or anyone who dared got themselves killed. I wondered if I was going to join the list of victims soon.

I looked up and my eyes met with his mother. Donna Carmela. 

She was staring at me but her face did not give anything away. 

"I'm in trouble." I muttered under my breath.