Page 11 of Vow of Darkness
Knowing Gabriel’s age does something funny to me. It makes me realize that learning more about him makes him more real. More human and I don’t know how to feel about that.
“You look surprised,” he murmurs.
“I just don’t know anything about the man I sold my life to. It’s… strange, to say the least.”
“My age doesn’t mean anything to me. But you won’t get to know anything important about me. You’re my plaything, Aurora. Nothing more.” He finally steps away from me and I feel like I can breathe again. It’s like a spell was breaking that I was under and I didn’t even realize it.
“Go into your room,” he commands.
“If I say no?”
“I already told you what will happen if you disobey me.”
A spanking. Surely he can’t mean to spank me like a child? But I know nothing of Gabriel and how serious he is. I don’t know how well he keeps to his word. Given that he locked my dad up for stealing, I think he’s a man who takes things very seriously.
“Fine. I’ll go into my room,” I say. “But there’s one thing you should know. My dad stole from you because he was trying to keep me safe. We had no money. I barely made enough at my job. He was trying to be a good father.”
“A good father wouldn’t have let his daughter take his place.”
“You didn’t give him any chance. And he tried to fight back. You were just stronger. My father is a good man. Better than you’ll ever be.”
“I don’t steal from people.”
“And yet, you kidnap them,” I say.
A scowl crosses his lips. “You think you know me, Aurora, but you don’t know anything.”
“You’re right. I don’t. I just found out yesterday that my dad used to work for the mafia. I hadn’t even heard of you until I went to save his life. I’m not ashamed to admit any of that. None of that is my failing. But you don’t get to judge my father for a crime that isn’t as bad as kidnapping. For a crime where he was just trying to put food on our table.”
He leans in closer to me again, making me breathless once more. “I never claimed to be a good man. I know theft isn’t as bad as kidnapping. I just don’t care. I get my way, Aurora. That’s one thing you should know about me. I always get my way. I’m Gabriel Romano, head of the mafia here in Florence. I run this city.”
“And yet, you seem to hide yourself away in here.”
His eyes widen for just a second. “What makes you say that?”
I point at the fabric on the wall, covering the mirrors. “You can’t even look at yourself in a mirror. Isn’t that hiding away? Is it just your scar or some other reason?”
He jerks away from me. “You’re playing with fire.”
“I have nothing to lose. I traded my life for my dad’s. He’s safe as long as I stay here. So you can do whatever you want with me. I’m not afraid.” That’s a complete lie. I am utterly terrified but I have to stand my ground with Gabriel. I am his prisoner for life. I refuse to be miserable for the rest of it.
“You are truly bold.” Instead of hitting me like I’m expecting, Gabriel laughs. It’s not light and soft. There’s a hardness to it – a rustiness that speaks to how little he laughs. “I would have killed people for speaking to me this way.”
“So then kill me.” My heart is pounding and I think I might faint, but I will hold my ground.
“Where would be the fun in that? You’re my pretty prisoner. Killing you would be a waste. Now, go into your room. While I’ve enjoyed our verbal sparring, it’s time for bed. I have work in the morning.”
Mafia work. “What exactly do you do? Other than kidnap people?”
“Go into your room now, Aurora.” His voice is the softest I’ve ever heard it. It’s less of a command and more of a suggestion.
I could try pushing Gabriel for more answers but I don’t want to risk my own safety. Tiredness hits me in the face without me even realizing it.
I step into my room and Gabriel shuts the door behind me. I could leave but I can’t risk my dad dying – especially after how hard I tried to save him.
So instead of fighting more, I slump onto the bed, in my pretty gown and all.
I wake up in the middle of the night to a shiver down my spine. My heart pounds as I sit up, looking wildly around the room. But there’s nothing there. I’m not in danger. I’m safe within this room.
