Chapter 25
“Stop!” Vee rushed toward them, panic flooding her veins. “I’m coming. I’m coming. Please, let him go p>
“Vee, no!” Cassidy managed through clenched teeth.
“Please!” she shouted. “Let him go p>
“Are you asking me for another favour, Bambola p>
“What? No. I just She swallowed hard. “He has nothing to do with this. Let him go p>
“Doesn’t he?” Luca asked quietly, stepping closer. “You belong to me. And you let him touch you p>
“I Her breath shook. “He’s my boyfriend. You’re my jailer p>
Luca’s eyes dragged slowly down her body, over the bare thighs, the way the shirt clung to her hips. He twisted the ring on his finger.
Then he turned.
The punch landed cleanly against Cassidy’s jaw. The ring connecting with his jaw bone. Cassidy collapsed sideways, stunned, the man releasing him as he hit the floor.
“Luca!” Vee screamed. “What is wrong with you p>
She ran forward without thinking, instinct outrunning fear. Her fingers closed around Luca’s arm, solid muscle beneath.
He turned again.
His hand locked around her neck, crushing, unyielding, knowing just how much force to exert. He drove her back against the closest wall. Luca’s face was inches from hers now, eyes blazing, the calm finally gone.
“I told you,” he thundered. “I warned you. Any man who looks at you like he wants to fuck you and I will pluck out their eyes. He has done more than look at you p>
Panic clawed up her throat, but it wasn’t for herself.
“Please,” she sobbed, gripping his wrist with both hands. “Please, just let him go. I’ll come with you. I swear. Please p>
His grip loosened. “You will come with me, Bambola,” he said quietly now. “Consider your three days over. But I’m not letting him go p>
“Luca… please.” Her strength gave out. She slid down the wall until she was on her knees, hands braced against the floor. She turned her head, eyes landing on Cassidy.
The other man’s boot was pressed against Cassidy’s throat, pinning him. Blood trickled from Cassidy’s split lip. His chest struggled beneath the weight.
Her tears came hot and fast, blurring the room, blurring Luca, blurring everything.
“Is that another favour, Bambola?” Luca asked.
Vee lifted her head slowly. Her eyes met his, raw and blazing despite the tears. “You’re a monster p>
A muscle ticked in Luca’s jaw. “That doesn’t answer my question p>
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Vee!” Cassidy shouted hoarsely. “Don’t go. Don’t do this p>
The boot pressed harder into his neck.
“Stop!” Vee cried, scrambling forward on her knees until Luca’s shoes filled her vision. “Please, Luca. You win. I’m yours. Just don’t kill him p>
Luca crouched in front of her, forcing her to look at him. His thumb brushed a tear from her cheek, gentle enough to hurt.
“Good girl.” He bent and lifted her into his arms, one arm under her knees, the other secure around her back. The violence of moments ago faded into a strange hush, his gaze never leaving her face, blue eyes searching.
“Let him go first,” Vee said.
Luca paused, then inclined his head.
His man removed his boot from Cassidy’s neck and stepped back. Cassidy coughed, dragging air into his lungs. He rolled onto his side, then pushed himself upright, fury and fear burning together in his eyes.
The other man moved through the apartment, gathering Vee’s scattered belongings. Her dress. Her shoes. Her bag. Evidence that she had existed here only minutes ago.
“Vee!” Cassidy called, hoarse but stubborn. “Vee p>
She twisted in Luca’s arms to look back at him. “Cas,” she said quickly, forcing steadiness into her voice, “I’ll be fine. I’ll call you p>
A small chuckle escaped Luca, vibrating through his chest beneath her ear.
“You’re not going to let me call him, will you?” she asked, not bothering to hide the accusation.
“You’re learning, Bambola,” Luca replied.
He carried her outside.
Luca opened the passenger door and set her inside with surprising care, adjusting her legs so she was comfortable. Cassidy’s T-shirt rode high on her thighs.
“Take that off,” Luca said flatly.
“My dress is inside,” she protested, gesturing weakly toward the building.
“Take the fucking shirt off, Vee,” he said. “Don’t let me ask again p>
Her hands trembled as she obeyed. She lifted the shirt over her head, the cotton catching briefly in her hair before coming free. She folded it once, and handed it to him.
Luca took it, then dropped it onto the pavement. But not before his eyes lingered.
She sat there in her bra and panties, arms instinctively crossing over herself, vulnerability prickling across her skin. Luca’s gaze was heavy, leering, intense.
“Did you did this to provoke me,” he asked quietly. “There was no way you didn’t know I wouldn’t find out p>
“I did this for me, to have something to remember who I am before you ruin me.” she shot back, surprising herself with the bite in her voice.
He closed the door and moved around the car, sliding into the driver’s seat. The engine purred to life. As he pulled away from the curb, Vee looked back once more at the building, at the faint light in Cassidy’s window.
“Where are you taking me?” Vee asked.
The city slid past the windows, familiar streets giving way to quieter ones where the buildings stood taller and more discreet. Luca didn’t answer. His jaw was locked tight, the muscle there ticking. Jealousy sat in his chest. He hated it. It made him feel reckless.
“Where the fuck are you taking me?” Vee asked again, sharper this time.
He exhaled through his nose, grip tightening on the steering wheel. “I’m done humouring you, Bambola. This shit is not going to happen again. And tonight,” he added, “I’m going to show you exactly what I do to women who cross me p>
Her heart slammed hard enough she felt it in her teeth. Fear finally cut through the haze of adrenaline. She hugged her arms around herself, the leather seat chilly against her bare thighs.
“Are you going to rape me p>
Luca slammed the brakes. The car screeched to a violent halt, her body lurching forward before the seatbelt snapped her back. The engine idled angrily, headlights flooding an empty street lined with closed boutiques and sleeping offices.
(Phew! Another batch of privilege done. I’m taking a 24 hour break. Lol)