4. Dangerous Man

"I couldn't care less about my needs, as if you have any concern for them!" I swiped at his hands, determined not to reveal my fear.

He chuckled, a seductive sound that seemed inappropriate coming from someone so obviously dangerous. "I don't believe we need to resort to insults, do we?"

The audacity of this person was truly astonishing.

I adjusted myself to sit upright, cradling my throbbing head. "What have you done? Why? Money? Power over my father? What?"

"All your questions will be answered in due time." He moved towards the foot of the bed.

"Fine. Perhaps you don't truly understand who I am or the influence of my family. Borgata." I emphasized the last word, spitting it out with disdain.

He took a deep breath, his gaze intense. "Madeline Alessandro, daughter of Antonio Alessandro, a well-known winemaker. On paper and to the unaware authorities, that's who you are. But the truth is, your family holds significant power in the Italian mafia, strategically aligned with the formidable Massimo Borgata. Your father is...very dangerous."

He seemed to relish in this revelation, and I trembled.

"You attended Yale, studying business administration, and while your grades weren't exceptional, you secured an impressive job with a financial firm in Chicago. Your recent move to Los Angeles was at your father's request. Shall I continue?"

"Why not? I must say, I'm impressed with your investigative skills, whoever you are."

He paused briefly before continuing, his voice mocking. "You shy away from your family's business, preferring to live a life like any other young woman, forging your own path despite being born into privilege. In the world of commodities, where wealthy and beautiful women are often seen as mere assets, you are a highly valued possession. Some might even say, priceless. The Italian princess. The marriage you were coerced into would solidify the family's position within the Massimo organization, bringing the Satoris into the fold as well. I can only imagine the fame, the glory, not to mention the influence over multiple countries."

He appeared quite satisfied with himself, grinning before continuing. "These are just facts that anyone with a keen eye and knowledge of the mafia could easily uncover. Let's move on to the juicy details, shall we? You enjoy red wine, occasional horseback rides. Your favorite food is pizza. There's a small restaurant near your apartment that you visit at least three times a week. They've even created a special Sicilian pizza in your honor, resembling what your mother used to make. I must say, your new job is beneath your social status, but I suspect you took the assistant position just to have something to do. If I know Ernesto, and sadly, I do, he wouldn't have allowed you to work. He's quite old-fashioned in a twisted way."

I glared at him, my whole body trembling. He knew intimate details about my life that no one else did. He had been following me or somehow obtained this information.

"How accurate am I so far?" he asked, flashing his white teeth.

"You're a complete jerk."

"And the insults keep coming. As I've already acknowledged, I am many things, Madeline, and you will discover different aspects of my life in due course, provided you learn to obey."

"You're insane," I couldn't stop shivering.

He had changed, now dressed in a fitted t-shirt and jeans that accentuated his rugged good looks and well-built physique. Suddenly, his eyes hardened, as if the time for amusement had passed. He glanced at the bucket and sighed.

"As I said, you will learn many things under my roof, Madeline, including obedience."

"To hell with you!"

He scoffed and shook his head. "And there will be no cursing. You're supposed to be a lady. Your crude language would appall your father, a very proud and sophisticated man. I suggest you learn to conduct yourself more like him."

I was shocked, utterly stunned by his insinuations, as if I cared about anything he had to say.

"So, I believe it's time to discuss a few very important rules." He moved to sit on the edge of the bed, seeming quite at ease in his surroundings.

"You are indeed my captive. You will not do anything without my approval. You will be provided with clothing, food, and even the wine you seem to adore, but they will be given to you as you learn to obey. When you defy me, the punishment will be swift and severe. I am a reasonable man, Madeline, but I won't tolerate any disobedience."

"How dare you treat me like this!" I exclaimed, ready to claw out his eyes. He reminded me of a scoundrel from years ago, a despicable man who believed he could use and discipline me. This guy had another thing coming.

"How dare I?" He laughed and shook his head. "Youshould know that I am your only means of survival. I suggest you learn to submit."

"To hell with you!" I snapped, desperately trying to push him away.

"And the punishment begins today. Make no mistake, I am a dangerous man." Gripping my hair, he forcefully pulled me closer, and I continued to struggle.

"Over my dead body."

He growled as he drew me nearer, his body radiating heat.

A string of profanities hovered on the tip of my tongue, but I knew this was just the beginning of many trials. "What else? Are you ever going to release me?"

"Your release depends entirely on your behavior and, of course, the different stages of our business relationship."

"You're absolutely insane if you think I'm going to engage in any business with you. I don't even know who you are."

He tilted his head, leaning in until his face was only inches from mine. "You made a deal in exchange for my help in escaping your wretched marriage. I expect you to fulfill your end of the bargain."

"And if I refuse?"

The same seductive smile was followed by the man standing up and producing a key. He unlocked the chain slowly, rubbing my ankle for a few seconds. When our eyes met, I could see straight into his cold, dark soul. He was far more dangerous than Ernesto could ever be.

"I don't think you want to find out."