Page 84 of Bound in Obsession
“Yeah, I'm sure.”
“That was a bad idea, Nico. A really fucking bad idea.”
“I know,” I say, closing the door behind me. “But it worked. We confirmed what we needed, her father and the Gallos still believe we have both sisters. That gives us more time.”
Marco stops pacing and rubs his face. “Eleonora told you what Gallo said to her?”
I nod. “He asked after Sienna. Then he told her maybe he chose the wrong sister. That he likes the fire he sees in her.”
Marco’s eyes widen. “So now he has his eyes on Eleonora?”
“Yeah,” I say, voice hardening. “But Gallo is never getting her. Not while I’m breathing.”
Marco studies me for a long moment, then sighs. “You’re playing a dangerous game, brother.”
I don’t answer. Because he’s right. But I’m done pretending I’m willing to let her go when the time comes. I nod.
Marco lets out a heavy sigh. “So you care for her,” he says quietly. “You actually care about Eleonora.”
I give him another subtle nod, jaw tight.
Marco swears under his breath, dragging a hand down his face. “So what now? After the deal with her father goes through… you’re not planning to give her back, are you? What the hell is your plan, Nico?”
I pull my fingers through my hair, exhaling sharply. “I don’t know.” The truth tastes bitter on my tongue. I really don’t. The original plan was simple, use her as leverage, force Massimo to bend, then trade her back once I got what I wanted.
But nothing about Eleonora has been simple since the moment I took her.
“One thing I know for sure, I’m not letting her go back.”
Marco opens his mouth, ready to argue, but I raise a hand, cutting him off before he can start.
“We can have more of this conversation later,” I tell him. “Right now, I need to get back to her. She’s rattled after tonight.”
Marco doesn’t push. He just nods, though the worry is clear on his face.
I turn and walk out of the office without another word, heading straight upstairs to her room.
The bedroom is empty when I step inside, but the lights in the bathroom are on. I move quietly to the doorway and stop.
She’s standing in front of the mirror, staring at her own reflection. She hasn’t noticed me yet. The dress is still on, slightly rumpled, the blonde wig still on.
I watch her for a long moment, taking her in. The way her fingers lightly trace the hickey I left on her neck earlier. The slight furrow between her brows.
What is going on in that head of yours?
Does she regret not running tonight when she had the chance? Does she regret letting me touch her, kiss her, fuck her? Is she standing there wondering how she ended up in my bed instead of escaping back to her family?
The thought sends a sharp pang of fear through my chest, something I’m not used to feeling. What if she doesn’t want to stay? What if, when this is all over and her father fulfills his end, she chooses to go back? What if she wants her old life more than she wants me?
The idea of her leaving, makes something dark and ugly twist inside me. I’ve never been possessive like this. Never cared enough to feel this kind of fear.
But with her… it’s different. She’s under my skin, in my blood, and the thought of losing her now feels intolerable.
I stay silent in the doorway, watching her, wondering if she’s already planning her next escape.
Eleonora
I stand in front of the mirror and stare at my reflection for a long time.
