Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
"This is a story about myself and a woman I loved," I tell her with a gentle smile. I don't miss the hint of hope in her eyes, which only makes me more excited to shatter her by the time this story is over. "The only woman I've ever loved, in fact. The one that taught me how to feel again. Unlike you, of course, Liv. You were an evil little liar, a master manipulator. You can't even compare to my Aurora. And my cock..."
I smirk, getting up in front of her and gliding my palm over my crotch.
"Well, I don't need to tell you. If she were here, it would already be throbbing. But it's just you. And you don't even excite me anymore, Liv. You just make me fucking sad."
I don't miss the tears welling in her eyes. She does her best to fight them, not letting a single one fall. I'm enjoying this too much, perhaps. It's pure torture for her, but I don't give a damn. I'm getting more of a reaction than the guards have gotten in two weeks.
"All you need to do is tell me where Aurora is," I repeat. "And I'll get you out of here, and I'll stop telling you all about the love of my life and how she isn't, and will never be you – thank fuck, because I can't stand the sight of you."
Her bottom lip quivers but I'm not done yet. Bending to look at her closely, I smirk as I say, "You stink, Livia. Your designer perfume will never hide the fact that you're nothing but a sewer rat. And I know you're going to tell me the truth eventually. You know why?"
She locks eyes with mine, waiting for my answer.
"Because you love me," I say gently. "But I'll never love you again. And you know what? I'm sure there are other ways for me to find Aurora. I could bring someone you love here. Sophia, perhaps?"
Her face falls at the mention of her best friend, and I know I've struck gold.
"How is she doing these days?" I muse. "Perhaps I’ll check in with her. Cut off her fingers one by one while making you watch –"
"No!"
I'm as surprised at her sudden angry outburst as Livia is, but I know it's the first step to winning this war. All that's left for me to do is to tease her along until she gives up the information willingly.
"No? You don't want to watch me hurt her?" I ask softly. "Maybe I'll take an eye out instead. Won't that be a nice memento? I saw her a few weeks ago... I bet she'd be delighted to hear from me. In fact, I'll have her brought in now."
I reach for my phone, but Livia's roar stops me. I raise my brows at her. "Unless you have something to say?"
Her lips open a crack and her voice breaks as she speaks for the first time in days. "Don't hurt Sophia."
"Then give me what I want," I hiss. "Give me Aurora's location."
"She's..." She grits her teeth together. "She's not dead."
"I know," I grind out. "And Liv, Dio forbid you hurt a hair on her head, because I will skin you myself if you did. Where is she?"
Her lip trembles. It's fascinating watching the battle behind her eyes, but we both know it's futile. I've already won.
"She's with..." I brace myself for the impact of her words and she heaves a heavy sigh before continuing. "She's with Angelo Giordani."
"Thanks, Liv." I smirk at her before walking to the door, my heart racing.
"Wait!" I turn over my shoulder and smirk at her nervousness. "What's going to happen to me?"
"What you deserve," I spit out before motioning for five guards to enter the room as I exit. "Do whatever the hell you want to her, boys. She's all fucking yours."
I slam the door of the dungeon shut to the soundtrack of Livia's desperate screams of fear.
* * *
"It's not the first time I've heard of Giordani," I tell Julian later that evening. "I've heard some strange rumors. That he keeps slaves, that he has a house full of them."
"I've heard that too," my brother mutters. "We need to make a plan to get Aurora out of there, and fast."
"I want to strike tonight," I reply resolutely. "We've got the resources."
"The resources to do what, die? No." Julian shakes his head. "They'll kill your men, fratello. We need to come up with a plan, not go in blind. You can't risk it all."
"Fuck yes I can," I snarl. One memory of Aurora's beautiful face is enough to twist my stomach into a knot and want to punch my brother. I want her back, and I want her back now. "We strike tonight."
"No."
We both look up to find Father standing in the door frame. I jump up, nervously adjusting the collar of my crisp shirt. "I'm sorry, Father."