Under his protection

Chapter 4

Aria

After pacing for about twenty minutes I finally decided to try the door, only to be met by one of the men who took me earlier.

"I am sorry miss, you can’t leave right now"

I slam the door shut and let out a frustrated scream.

At this point I was beyond pissed

I move to the window. Try prying at the edges.

"I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” An amused voice said from behind me causing me to whirl around so fast I nearly fall.

A man leans casually against the wall, amused. “It’s reinforced glass. Even if you managed to break it, you’re on the third floor.”

“You wouldn’t survive the jump”

“Maybe hitting the ground would be better than dealing with you people.”

He laughs, actually laughs.

"Hi, I am Adriano" he said and extended his hand. I gave him the scariest expression I could manage. From the look on his face he was more amused than intimidated.

"I want to go home" I said flatly.

"I am sorry. I cannot help you with that. I am only here to give you a tour of the house” he offers smuggly

I hated that he found this entire situation funny, so I picked up a plate and threw it at him. He ducked easily, his grin still intact.

"Ah. Now I understand Victor’s broken nose. I will be back when you calm down".

His expression grew serious. "A word of advice. The Don is not letting you go anytime soon. Might as well make the best of the situation”

He walked out and closed the door before I could throw anything else. I felt like I was going insane. What did he mean by Don?
Was I taken by the Mafia?
Is that who the other guy was?
What would the Mafia want with me?

This is completely insane

I had more questions than answers. Now I wished I had not thrown the plate at him. To be honest he seemed much nicer than the others. I lay down on the bed and waited.

After some time the door opened again. I immediately sat up. Adriano was back. As if sensing that I did not want to fight again he simply smiled.

"How about we start over. Hi. I am Adriano."

"Aria."

"Good. Now how about I give you a tour of the house."

"Where am I?"

"You are in one of Don Morreti’s homes" he answered casually, as though this was normal.

"Don Morreti as in the new Don of the Italian Mafia?" I asked. When he nodded my suspicions were confirmed.

"Yes."

"Alright but why am I here? What could the Don possibly want with me?"

"I am sure the Don will provide that information himself. But You are under his protection now."

I said nothing.

"Shall we?"

I nodded and followed him. Maybe if I knew my way around I could escape.

"As I said earlier, this is the third floor. The Don’s office and his rooms are on this floor. You are not allowed in any other room here except your own."

Great. I was on the same floor as the devil himself.

"My room and the rooms for Victor and Carlos are on the second floor. They stay there when they are not guarding you. Please note that all the men in this house are heavily armed, so do not provoke anyone…anymore" he added with a smug grin.

I glared at him but he continued.

"Imelda and Aida come around three times a week to cook and clean."

• The house was beautiful. Simple but very well designed. Everything felt intentional and expensive. After about thirty minutes he had shown me the entire house, including the kitchen, living area, balconies I’m apparently forbidden from, and a small but well-stocked library that shocked me into silence for a moment. The kitchen was huge and spotless. The living area was large and filled with natural light. One thing stood out though. There were no pictures anywhere. I had grown up with photos covering the walls. My parents believed pictures made a home warm.

After the tour, his phone rings.

“You good finding your room?” he asks.

“Probably,” I lie.

I made my way to the third floor and instantly regretted refusing his help. Every door suddenly looked exactly the same. Carlos was no longer outside the doorway, so I had no clue which was mine.

I tried the first door. It was locked. I moved to the next one and it opened. The second door opens into an office.

His office.

Dante Morreti sits behind a massive desk, staring straight at me like he knew I’d walk in.

"I assume Adriano already gave you a tour of the house" he said.

"Yes. I am sorry I got lost" I stuttered and began to turn to leave.

"Wait."

I stopped.

"Do you need anything?"

"Yes. A phone would be nice."

"Nice try."

I rolled my eyes.

"I need a way to tell the time and some books. If I am going to be your prisoner I might as well have something to do."

" You can use the library on the second floor."

"Really?" I asked, instantly excited. He looks almost… thrown by that. He clears his throat.

He did not bother responding and continued.

"I will have a clock placed in your room. Dinner is by seven. You are expected to be in the dining area."

As he speaks, my eyes catch on his left hand.

A wedding ring.

He’s married?

I look around the office again — cold, immaculate, no sign of a woman anywhere.

He notices me staring and tilts his head slightly. “If there’s nothing else, Miss Russo, your room is two doors to the right.”

I nod and slip out quickly