Chapter 3: Trapped

Genna's POV

I strolled through the garden, enjoying the serene atmosphere. Suddenly, I heard sniffling. A little girl, no more than eight years old, sat on a bench, her face buried in her hands.

"Hey, kiddo, what's wrong?" I asked gently, approaching her.

"Leave me alone!" she snapped, wiping her nose with her sleeve.

"I'm not going to hurt you," I said softly. "Want to talk about what's bothering you?"

The girl glared, her lips pursed. "No."

I waited patiently, letting the silence comfort her. Slowly, her rigid posture relaxed.

"You don't know Uncle Leo," she muttered, her voice laced with venom.

My curiosity piqued, I asked, "Uncle Leo?"

She nodded, tears welling up again. "He's always busy. Never plays with me. Never allows me to go out with my friends."

My heart ached for this little girl. I took her small hand, and to my surprise, she didn't pull away.

"Sometimes grown-ups have to work a lot," I explained.

She looked up, her expression skeptical. "You don't know anything!"

I smiled. "Maybe not, but I'm listening."

I remembered the stern expression on Leonardo's face, and it was hard to imagine him as a caring uncle.

"I'm sure Uncle Leo loves you," I said softly.

She shook her head vigorously. "No! He loves his work more!"

I smiled. "Sometimes, grown-ups have to work a lot to take care of their families.”

Her gaze lingered on mine, and for an instant, I saw a glimmer of vulnerability.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Denise," she whispered.

"I'm Genna," I replied.

Denise's face remained stern, but her eyes softened.

As we sat together, the tension eased. We chatted and laughed together, and I discovered we shared a love for flowers and ice cream.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the garden, Denise's tears were replaced with giggles.

Just then, Leonardo appeared at the garden entrance, his expression softening as he saw Denise smiling. My God, he was strikingly attractive. His black hair shone in the sunset and his lips curved into a little smile.

He wore a tight fitted shirt, revealing his biceps. He had a masculine body with a trimmed waist. I struggled to keep my gaze away from his lips as he walked closer.

"Denise, amore," he called out, striding toward us.

Denise's face fell, and she whispered, "Here comes Uncle Leo."

I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Hey, Uncle Leo!" Denise said, her voice dripping with sweetness.

Leonardo raised an eyebrow. "What's going on here?"

Denise grinned mischievously. "You didn't tell me we had a guest. Genna and I are friends now!"

Leonardo's gaze shifted to me, his expression unreadable.

"That's good," he said finally.

Leonardo's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.

"Denise, let's get you to dinner," he said.

Denise skipped ahead, leaving Leonardo and me alone.

As Denise disappeared into the mansion, Leonardo's expression transformed, his brows furrowing into a little frown.

"Genna," he began, his voice low and authoritative.

I stood, brushing off my skirt, preparing for a confrontation.

"You'll remain here, in my estate, until your memories return," he stated, his tone expecting no argument.

I laughed, incredulous. "You think I'll just stay here, doing nothing, while my brother's out there, possibly in danger?"

Leonardo's expression remained impassive. "You're in no condition to search for anyone. You're safest here."

"Safest?" I echoed, anger rising. "You know nothing about me or my life. I won't be trapped here."

Leonardo's jaw clenched. "You don't understand. This estate is the only place you're secure. Outside, you're vulnerable. Besides, I need to be sure that you're not a spy."

"I'd rather take my chances," I spat, crossing my arms.

Leonardo's eyes flashed with warning. "You're refusing my hospitality?"

"Hospitality?" I snorted. "You're holding me prisoner."

Leonardo's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "You'd do well to remember who I am. I am Don Leonardo Sorrento. Nobody refuses my orders."

A shiver ran down my spine as he stepped closer, his presence intimidating.

Sorrento? That name seems to ring a bell.

"You're scared," he observed, his eyes glinting. "You should be. My protection comes with a price: obedience."

My heart pounded, but I stood my ground. "I won't be intimidated."

Leonardo's smile was cold. "We'll see about that."

The air seemed to thicken, heavy with tension.

"What's to stop me from leaving?" I challenged, trying to sound brave.

Leonardo's eyes locked onto mine. "My men. The gates. The walls. You won't leave this estate without my permission."

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. I was trapped.

For a moment, I considered surrender, but the thought of Clinton, possibly hurt or worse, propelled me forward.

"I won't give up," I vowed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Leonardo's expression didn't change, but his eyes seemed to bore into my soul.

"We'll see how long that determination lasts," he said, turning to leave.

As he disappeared into the mansion, I felt the weight of his warning settle upon me. I was trapped, at the mercy of a Mafia Don.

*****

When night fell, I waited until the household grew quiet, then slipped out of my room, determined to escape.

I wafted through the shadows, avoiding the occasional guard that patrolled the yard. My heart pounded in my chest, but I pressed on.

I pushed the side door open, and a cool breeze carried the scent of freedom.

Just as I stepped out, strong arms grasped me from behind.

"Got you," a rough voice whispered.

I struggled, but they held me firm.

"Let me go!" I demanded.

The men dragged me back into the mansion, through the winding corridors, and into Leonardo's study.

He sat behind his desk, his eyes blazing with anger.

"Genna," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I warned you."

"You can't keep me prisoner!" I spat.

Leonardo's expression turned icy. "You're a guest in my home. Act like it."

"I won't be held captive!" I shouted.

Leonardo's face darkened. "You dare to disobey me?”

He rose from his chair, towering over me.

"Lock her up," he ordered his men.

My stomach dropped. "No!"

The men grasped my arms, pulling me away.

"Where are you taking me?" I demanded.

One of them replied, "The dungeon."

Dungeon? Fear clawed at my mind.

As they dragged me down into the darkness, I realized the true extent of Leonardo's power.

The air grew colder, the shadows deepening into an abyss.

A heavy door creaked open, revealing a damp, dimly lit cell.

They thrust me inside, slamming the iron door shut behind me.

I stumbled forward, my hands outstretched.

"Let me out!" I screamed.

Only silence replied.

I slumped against the cold wall, tears streaming down my face.

How could I escape now?