Nine

Audrey's POV

I burst into laughter clutching my stomach as tears threatened to spill from my eyes.

"You are so funny" I continued laughing, totally ignoring the large scowl on his face at my reaction. I guess Mafia men don't like their jokes being laughed at...but they are jokes for a reason, aren't they?

"I am just a twenty-year-old girl waiting to finish college, get her business degree, and get a job and you are asking me about marriage. Really?" I managed to say.

"The perfect age," He said, his voice dead serious.

That's all been picked? These Mafia men have a big problem, I am sure of that.

"You are serious aren't you?" I mummured blinking blankly at him.

"I am glad you have realised that"

"You want me to get married to you?" I asked before I could stop myself. I have always read about such types of marriages but never in a million years, did I think I would find myself

His lips curled in a smirk causing my heart to drop...it has to be him right? At least he is nice compared to the creepy guy, I can live.

"No Audrey, I want you to get married to Dante, he will keep you safe" he dropped, his words ringing in my head.

Hell no.

There is no way I am getting married to someone as creepy and crazy as Dante...not even in my dreams.

"Before you say no, be assured it is just for that show. Nothing serious, nothing real. No vows to keep or anything, you are still going to be single, just married" he shrugged like he was saying something so normal to him.

"Still single but married? How does that even make any sense?"

Amusement danced in his eyes as he watched me which only grew my frustration. This is just like some sick game to them and somehow I am in the middle of it all.

"You are smart, you can answer that. This is the best option to keep you safe except you don't want to be alive till your next birthday" he tossed out, a lingering warning in his voice that made me uneasy. I don't know why but I am sure he isn't out to hurt me but the opposite, although that doesn't make it any easier. Especially not when his dear assistant would kill me without even blinking if given the chance.

"I don't want to get married to Dante"

He chuckled...but it was anything but one of amusement.

"I think you are getting me all wrong here, Audrey. I didn't say you had an option. You are in my house, my kind, and under my protection so you will do exactly as I have with no questions or you will hate the consequences"

The calm, collected, and nice Ivan I had met earlier had vanished, replaced by the real deal, cold merciless Don of the Italian Mafia. His eyes watched me as if waiting for me to challenge him or argue with him but I know better. I would rather be a prisoner than dead.

I gulped before speaking, each word poking my heart as they came out, "Okay Fine I will do it"

His face suddenly changed back, a smile now gracing his face but if I have learnt one thing today...Ivan's smiles mean nothing, if he wants you dead, you are dead.

"See wasn't so hard wasn't it hard?" He asked in a calm voice if he didn't just threaten me to marry one of his own and submit myself to a life of constant worry, blood, and a hopeless future.

"Don't worry, it is going to be fake and will come to an end once everything is sorted which I can assure you of. You just have to play your part and Dante and I will play ours" he smirked.

"Please just don't try making it sound like it is not so bad. Everything about it is bad" I whispered, blinking back tears that threatened to fall from my eyes. Is this really going to be my life now?

The heaviness in my heart grew as he straightened himself ready to leave, a proud look of satisfaction on his face. You threatened someone to do your bidding and then acted like it was all by choice...sick bastards.

"I will talk with Dante and get back to you and when everything will be finalised but in the meantime rest up. I will send someone to call you when it's time for lunch" I had so many things to say to him but I picked one that tugged at me most.

"You want me to come out for lunch?"

If the books didn't lie, the men who lived in the mafia house with the Don usually ate together all on the same table with the Don at the head. I am barely surviving just Dante and Ivan. There is no way in hell I am meeting the rest of them, I would rather die here of hunger.

"Why do you sound so scared?" Amusement danced in his eyes as he watched me.

"Nothing but I think I am good," I answered immediately.

He laughed...like really laughed which only got me even more scared. This man has serious bipolar issues.

"Come down for lunch Audrey, it will just be you, me, and Dante, or it may just be both of us even," he said more like a command than a request straightening himself like nothing happened.

When he didn't get a response from me he nodded curtly and headed for the door, my heart leaping in joy at the thought of finally being left alone...time to escape plan two.

"And Audrey" he called from the door "I apologize for what happened with your meal earlier, I can assure you I will look into it just to be sure no one actually tried to poison you". There was no reason to believe he would go through such stress just for me but somehow I totally believed him.

"Thank you" I beamed although being couldn't see the little smile on my face as he backed me.

"And whatever it is you were planning on doing last night would advise you to abort the mission because Dante would not be lenient with you if you try anything funny. He isn't a fun guy when messed with, trust me"

His words lingered in the room even as he walked out. Dante found me in the kitchen, they couldn't have known I was trying to escape... Are there cameras in this room? I wouldn't put anything past these sick bastards.