003

RAINEY

“Mister, what do you think you're doing controlling me like this?” I shot at him, my arms crossed over my chest.

How foolish of him to believe he could bring me down here and dictate that this was my new home.

He paused, glancing over his shoulder without turning around. “Don't argue, Ney. It won't end well.”

My blood boiled as I watched the smirk curl up his lips. He must have thought his words would silence me, but that was just a lie he told himself.

“Why should I follow you? I don't even want to be here.” I shrugged, stamping my feet stubbornly against the marbled floor.

“Rainey.” He called my name, the sound slipping from his mouth like a haunting song.

I took a step forward as he approached me.

“Don’t come close.” I raised my finger to warn him, but he simply shook his head.

“This is my mansion, and I call the shots here, Rainey Wyatt, not you. Don’t be a jerk; it didn’t end well for your father.” He cackled, each step reminding me that I needed to figure out a way to escape.

My breath trembled as I replied, “My dad wasn't a jerk; you’re the one who killed him just because he stood for the truth.”

“Being pure doesn’t guarantee safety, Mamacita.” He said, his eyes locked onto mine, “Whether you dance to my tunes and do what I want will determine whether you live or die.” His voice was bold and clear.

“Tell me why you killed him. Why did he deserve death like that?” I sniffled, fighting hard to stop my tears from falling. “He was my world—my only family—but the knife you thrust into him took him away. You killed him, Silas! Why?”

He grinned, seemingly unbothered by my words. “Silas... Mmm, I like the way you call my name, Rainey. Do it again; call me—this time, in my ear.”

I froze when he grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer. I couldn’t look away from his gaze; it captivated me, leaving me stunned by how mesmerizing he seemed.

“Are you shocked that I’m so handsome, and you can’t seem to take your eyes off me?” He asked, his finger brushing against my curls. “Just confess, Rainey. I promise I won’t blame you for being so open about your desires.”

I clutched his shirt tightly, almost tearing it. My teeth ground together. Why was he so infuriating?!

“Shut up! I can't believe how ruthless and unforgiving you are!” I screamed in his face. “Can’t you just bury whatever my father did to you and move on? It’s been twenty years, and you’re still holding on to a single grudge?”

He snorted, lifting my chin so I would meet his eyes. “You really think this is child’s play, Rainey? You call what killed fifty men a mere grudge? Unbelievable!”

“What is it then? Tell me!”

Our noses were almost touching; he was so close I could even hear his heartbeat.

The scent of his cologne drove me crazy, and numerous thoughts about his control over me lingered in my mind.

Why was he so domineering and possessive, as if I were something he owned?

“Your father had something I wanted—something precious. Even when I held a damn knife to his throat…” He laughed bitterly, “he never handed it over. He never gave me the power to own it.”

I frowned deeply, confusion clouding my thoughts.

How did my father meet him in the first place, and what business did they share?

“W... what...? That's a lie.” I argued. “My father would never keep anything illegal.”

His nails dug deeper into my skin, and I cringed at his grip.

“St... stop.” I groaned, but he wouldn’t let go.

He laughed as he saw the pain in my eyes. Was he truly enjoying watching me break like this?

The questions in my head were overwhelming. What possession was he talking about? Did Dad keep anything from me?

“The blood key. Do you know how much it meant to me? It isn’t just a tool; it’s the crown, and possessing it means I own the whole empire.”

I mocked his words with a twisted grin.

None of this made sense.

My father maintained a clean and straight record; he was never involved in shady deals, let alone the Mafia.

Maybe Silas wasn’t telling the truth. I shouldn’t trust him.

Above all, Dad was my priority, and I would fight for him even now that he was gone. I wouldn’t let this man’s words get to me; they were all lies.

“No,” I shook my head defiantly. “I won’t let you deceive me.”

He scoffed, the sound dripping with contempt and dark humor. “You really think this is deception?”

“Why am I even here? It was my father who owed you, as you claim, not me! Please, with all due respect, Mr. Silas Valetti, I would like to leave now. I have a lot of orders to deliver.”

A raspy croak slipped from his lips, and his brow arched at me. “The orders I arranged?”

I stepped away warily, unable to stop shaking my head.

This man had been in control of my life for a long time—much longer than I realized—he truly did call the shots.

“I want you, Rainey,” he said, drifting closer. “I’ve come to realize my mistake. I shouldn't have left you twenty years ago; I didn’t know you were this precious. It was never my intention to bring you here. I just loved watching you from afar, admiring your strength. But now, you’re mine, and you’re going nowhere.”

“No, you—”

“Capo!” A wary voice called from behind us, causing him to stop and turn around.

“Tell me, Gianni,” he replied.

“She is the hidden child! The one we’ve been searching for forever!” Gianni exclaimed, his excitement palpable.

I inhaled sharply, panic rising in my chest.

What did he mean?

I trembled as Silas’s footsteps grew louder, cold amusement flickering in his eyes.

“M… Mister!” My voice shook as he grabbed my waist firmly, his body pressing against mine.

He never tore his gaze away, holding me captive with just his look.

“The wait is over, Rainey. Now that you’re mine, I’ll break down every wall of restriction holding you back.”