The Rossi Brothers I — Luciano

Luciano. My heart raced as pain surged through every limb in my body. I groaned loudly and attempted to sit up, only to curse and fall back against the cold, damp floor. My palms pressed against the concrete as I closed my eyes, grimacing in pain. I wanted to cry, but I quickly pushed that thought aside. Crying would mean every single one of those bastards had won. Crying would mean I was weak, and weakness was not something I intended to show them. "Brother." I craned my neck to the other side of the room, opening my eyes to adjust to the darkness. You would think I would have gotten used to it after spending years here. My brother. He’s the only thing keeping me sane in these four cold, empty walls. He’s the only reason I look forward to the day and plan our escape. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice shaking slightly from the cold. I gritted my teeth and let out a sigh. "I’m fine. Just a slight pain." I bit my tongue to avoid making another sound. "You sure? The torture

Maria. A smile graced my lips as I watered the flowers in the garden, this has become one of my favorite part-time. That's if I wasn't at the hospital. My head snapped up when I heard a low giggle from the other side of the garden, my smile brightened seeing my sister running around while trying to catch a butterfly. I waved my hand catching her attention before saying, “You know it won’t stay if you keep pursuing it.” She frowned and looked at the butterfly that kept on flying. “But I want one.” She said, pouting her lips. She looked like a child, a cute one to be precise. “Then stay still and wait, it will perch on the flower soon,” I told her. She stared at the flowers skeptically before walking towards me. She sat on the small bench beside me and rested her head on my shoulder. “I hope I can catch it soon.” You will. I went back to tending to the flowers, and soon I heard a low gasp from her. “Look at it, Mari,” She happily tapped on my shoulder as I looked a

Luciano. I held the knife tightly in my hand as we walked out of that dreadful place. It felt good to breathe in fresh air again, instead of the contaminated air inside. This was the first time in years we had stepped outside. My brother had spent so much time cooped up inside, that he seemed indifferent to leaving. But I knew staying in that hellhole was just as suffocating for him as it was for me. “I thought they would be here, waiting,” Adriano said beside me. I looked around but said nothing. I had thought the same, but it seemed he hadn’t gotten the memo. I glanced at Adriano, ready to speak, but stopped when a car drove in—three black SUVs speeding into view and stopping in front of us. Adriano and I exchanged glances, and I straightened my back, preparing for whatever was about to unfold. We stared at the cars, waiting for someone to step out, but my brows furrowed when I realized he wasn’t in any of them. Even with the tinted glass, it was clear he wasn’t there. The

Maria. I have no idea how long I was up all night but I knew I could only sleep when I heard fathers car pulling in. He was safe. This morning I did nothing meaningful, while Emilia focused on her reading. I tried as much as possible to search the internet for something catchy. I was busy scrolling through every news, feed and video before a knock came on the door. I got up and went to answer since anyone out there can’t come in until I say so—and that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. I opened the door to find Juan standing there looking all bulky and tall as he is. “Your father wants to talk with you in his office.” He said. His office? He has never called me or Emilia to his office because that is where he does most of his business. That is where he has his most important documents and he wouldn’t let any of us go there. So why does he want me now? I raised an eyebrow inquisitively at Juan whose face didn’t change its expression. “I don’t know why he called yo

Maria. I stood in front of my mirror staring right back at myself, I looked beautiful but not happy. The black satin dress was pretty and I love the slit at the side, my hair was let loose allowing it to fall on my shoulders and my makeup was perfect. Everything was perfect except for my feelings. I do not want this but like my father said I have no choice, this is my life now and I have to live with it. I took in a deep breath, before looking away from the mirror. I can hear the low sound of music playing downstairs, it wasn’t loud but I can tell what music was being played. This was it. Tonight is the night everyone will know me as Luciano Rossi's fiancee, everyone will know that I belong to him and no one else. My stomach twisted and churned, gosh I can’t still get over the fact that I’m being auctioned to a killer. What if something happens while I’m with him? What if I do something wrong and he kills me? What then? “Mari..” I quickly wiped the gloomy look on my face and