FOUR

​​ANASTASIA POV

The dream refused to release me. I keep fighting to open my eyes, my mind filled with thoughts that just keep hanging in thick molasses. Dull, heavy, and thick. I couldn't breathe it out.

Where is this? Where am I?

Whispers and hushed voices flew around me, accompanied by this vibration on my skin. Was I caged in a moving car? I couldn't move my hands immediately, each trial felt stressful. Even blinking was hard.

What’s wrong with me?

Then the memory crashed in—the wall, Ravazzani, the needle piercing my neck. D*mn him. He’d drugged me. That b*st*rd.

I shifted my mind on breathing, bending my mind to clear off and failing to submit to the dizziness that was about to take me. I had to stay alert and fight.

“Finally. You’re awake.”

If I had any strength, I’d have recoiled. Was he watching me while I was helpless? Of all the people to get kidnapped by—a cold-blooded killer and a stalker. Perfect.

I lay on a mattress—sheets cool and stiff beneath me. “You… you kidnapped me,” I croaked out, voice hoarse. “And drugged me.”

A large hand swept a strand of hair from my face, fingers rough but deliberate. “My son’s fiancée must be retrieved—by any means necessary. This is your last warning.”

Goosebumps covered my skin, and legs wobbled but I managed to stay calm.

None of this added up. Ravazzani could choose any woman for his son, many would come willingly. “Why me?”

“Your family’s name carries weight. You and your sisters are legends. Your mother—she was a vision, famous across continents. The stories of her daughters have spread far and wide.”

I swallowed hard, my throat was dry as dust. Mama never wanted this for us. Be your own woman, Ana. Never give yourself away.

I looked like her—everyone said so. I’d scoured her old modeling photos online, the resemblance was clear.

This was too little of a reason to let my life shatter. To give up. No.

I finally forced my eyes to open completely and there he was. Ravazzani.

His framed face, he was handsome and had this cruel dangerous smile dancing on his lips as if my capture was nothing but an entertainment to him. A movie scene to satisfy himself.

I stared back, unflinching. “I will never marry your son.”

The dangerous smile is replaced with a cold expression instantly. “Never say, Anastasia.”Remember, you’re in my hands. Don’t make an enemy of me.”

The threat rolled off his tongue like silk—but I didn’t doubt it. Still, I wouldn’t bow. He could try to break me, force me into a life I refused, but I’d keep fighting. “What then? Threaten me with a gun? Torture me?”

“That depends on you, monella. Refuse, and the debt remains unpaid. I’ll retaliate against your family. Is that what you want?”

Brot. That word cut through me, one I’d heard before from Papa’s men. “You won’t hurt my sisters.”

A brow lifted sharply. “No?”

We locked eyes. I searched for any flicker of bluff, but he was a fortress. Yet even if he spared Mira and Luna, what about Papà?

“And your wife—what does she say about you kidnapping a woman for your son?”

“My wife died long ago.”

A knot twisted deep in my gut.

Had he killed her? Or was she a victim of some bloody vendetta?

The mafia was a merciless beast—why Mama fought to keep us safe.

“I'm sorry about that.. I didn't mean to.” I said in a hush low tone.

He didn't say anything and deliberately avoided eye contact as he stood up and arranged his suit.

“It happened long ago. Nico is my only son—that’s why he deserves the finest wife, the daughter of the renowned Sophia Romano Mancini. A woman to make every other man green with envy.”

“And if I refuse to marry him?”

“Don’t make me answer that, Anastasia.” He turned toward the door. “We land in two hours. You should try to get some rest.”

Kidnapping clearly wasn’t his strong suit if he thought I could sleep right now. “Where's my stuff? I need them."

He pointed to a door at the end of the room. Just a small door. “Over there.”

“I expect the hostess will bring you a tray soon. I imagine you must be hungry.”

I wasn’t about to thank him. “And my bag? Can I have them?”

“No, Aña. Your bag will be handed back to you only if you obey and stop resisting.”

My back straightened and with a face twisted in disgust, I shot back. “You sick fuck. I need to let my people know that I'm safe. I have people that would be worried sick.”

“Liam?” His sneer froze me like ice. “He isn’t worried, Anastasia. You mean nothing to him now.”

“Oh God. Did you… kill him?”

He raised a condescending brow. “You watch too much American television. He’s alive and well—for now. By the way, you'll never see him again.”

When he got to the door, he stopped, landing a cold stare straight towards me that made my bones weak.

No mercy. No sympathy. Just a man accustomed to bending the world to his will.

“Oh, and don’t bother looking for a weapon. I made sure there isn’t one.”

The moment he left, I ignored his warning.

I jumped from the bed, looking around the room, searching for anything I could defend myself with once we landed.

Being a Mafia daughter means you get the privilege of having self defense class and karate class. I remember the teacher telling us that everyday objects serve us as weapons if handled correctly.”

The bathroom held nothing.

The cabinet was empty, and the bathroom had nothing but just used plastics.

I passed out urine, washed my face with cold water to clear my mind, went back and saw a tray of food set on the table.

I looked at it for weapons but nothing. Just a plastic plate, plastic fork and spoon. Even the tray was plastic.

I ate fast. I needed food for strength, fear made me lose my appetite and the food tasted like water in my mouth.

I kept searching. The desk was bare except for sheets of blank paper.

The nightstand drawer opened to reveal only condoms—extra-large, naturally. I slammed it shut, disgusted, before crouching to check under the bed

I saw a nightstand cabinet, I forced it open and found nothing useful. Just packs of condoms—with all sizes.

Gross.

Under the bed. Nothing.

Wait.. Yes.

There it is. Just resting on the carpet, almost out of sight was a pen. Without hesitating, I grabbed it, slipped it into my pocket.

It wasn't exactly what I had in mind for a weapon but it'll do just fine. I just had to wait for the right moment.