Deadly Vows

Chapter Four

The knock was soft, but firm.

I groaned, burying my face into the unfamiliar soft pillow. For a moment, I’d forgotten where I was and forgotten the madness of yesterday. Completely forgotten the man who carried me like I was some sort of bag of flour and dumped me in this place like I was part of the furniture.

I checked my phone and it was 8:30am, by now I’d be at my coffee shop job, living my low and peaceful life. But, the knock came again, followed by the sound of the door creaking open.

“Miss Montilli,” a soft voice called.

I sat up instantly, pulling the duvet up my chest like a shield. A woman stood in the doorway, dressed in a sleek black trouser and white silk blouse. She looked sharp and neat.

“I’m here to assist you this morning. Mr Ricci sent me.”

Of course, he did.

“I don’t need help,” I replied flatly.

She smiled politely. Clearly used to resistance. “I’ve brought a few essentials. Clothes, skincare, shoes. You didn’t come with anything, and the boss thought it best to make you comfortable until we head out.”

I opened my mouth to argue , but paused.

Comfortable?

There was absolutely nothing comfortable about this situation.

Still, I dragged myself out of bed and followed her as she wheeled in two lovely looking leather suitcases and opened a box filled with more products than I’d ever seen in one place. Lotions, serums, body scrubs, perfumes, designer tags, expensive everything. On top of one of the boxes, a small white note in neat, bold handwriting.

“My Sweet E,

Try not to be late. Breakfast in an hour.

We’ve got things to do.

~Your adoring husband.”

I rolled my eyes so hard it started to hurt. “He’s insufferable,” I muttered.

The woman, what was her name again? She hadn’t said, only chuckled softly.

“If there’s anything else you need…”

“There isn’t,” I cut in.

She nodded. Bowed slightly and left.

I took my time bathing, deliberately using the most expensive sounding products just to spite him. Although, I knew it wouldn’t have any effect on his bank account. So he thought money would impress me? Please! I came from wealth. Not as much as his, but I knew the game. But, beneath the defiance, I couldn’t lie to myself, this wasn’t just about money. This was power. Luca Ricci power.

And I hated that it smelled so good.

When I walked into the dining room, I expected to be ignored or at least tolerated. Instead, I walked into a feast.

The table was set like a king’s banquet. Pancakes, croissants, omelets, fruits carved like art. Juices, teas and something that looked like imported honey in a crystal jar.

Luca sat at the head of the table, flipping a page of the morning paper like he hadn’t destroyed my life a day ago.

“Decided to show up,” he said without looking up.

“I considered starving, but that would give you too much satisfaction,” I said, taking the farthest seat from him.

A slight smirk formed on his lip. “Always so dramatic.”

“Always so arrogant.”

He finally looked up, his eyes doing a slow sweep down my body and back up. That dress suits you.”

I crossed my legs. “I’d rather burn it. How did you even know what size I wear?”

“You’re my wife, of course I do,” he said in a mocking tone.

“In your wildest dreams,” I replied sharply.

Someone stifled a laugh.

That was when I noticed him. A tall man stood just behind Luca. Sharp jaw, laid back hair, dressed in all black. Watching me, calm, composed and a little amused.

“This is Enzo,” Luca said. “My right-hand man.”

Enzo gave a small nod. “Pleasure.”

I offered nothing back. I stabbed my fork into a grape like it had offended me.

Luca leaned back in his seat, watching me with that unreadable expression of his again.

“Charming, isn’t she?” He said to no one in particular. “With her attitude.”

“And it won’t change just because you fed me.” I shot.

The tension at the table crackled, but Luca seemed entirely too entertained. “Good, I’d be bored if you did.”

Ariana cleared her throat lightly. “Miss Montilli, I’ve arranged a few boutiques. We’ll leave after breakfast for your wardrobe fitting.”

“I don’t need your help.”

“Eva,” Luca said smoothly, “ not everything has to be a fight. She’s going with you.”

“Whatever,” I said.

I stood up, the chair scraping against the cold marble floor. “I’ve lost my appetite,” I muttered.

“Didn’t realize you even had one to begin with,” Luca said without even looking up from his cup.

I didn’t bother replying. I just turned and walked out, making sure the door shut just loud enough behind me in some sort of “I’m not done with you” way.

The moment I was gone, I could only imagine him smirking to himself like he had won something. Let him enjoy it.

Back in the dining,

Enzo waited a beat before speaking, arms crossed as he watched the doors swing shut.

“Well,” he said under his breath, “she’s something.”

Luca said nothing at first. He was still staring at the door like he could still feel her in the room.

“She’s fire,” Enzo added. “And you, my friend, just walked into one hell of a storm.”

Luca finally looked at him, calm and amused.

“If you say one more word, I’ll have your head blown off.”

Enzo chuckled. “Yeah, yeah. Just saying this one won’t be easy.”

A slow smirk began to form at Luca’s lips.

“She doesn’t have to be easy. She just has to be mine. Soon, she’ll be on her knees begging.”