The Captive Heart

CHAPTER 4

CHIARA*

I jump in my seat, accidentally dropping the pancake i was about to shove in my mouth, i didn't hear him come in. He has a small smirk on his face, as if pleased to see that he caught me off guard, fucker!

Before i can say anything, i get distracted, he looks dashing.

He stood tall, his broad shoulders squared, as he stared down at the dishevelled mess that is me, His tailored navy blue suit hugged his muscular physique, the fabric stretching subtly across his chest and shoulders. A crisp white dress shirt, starched to perfection, provided a striking contrast to the dark suit, while a slim black tie added a touch of sophistication.

A sprinkle of gray at his temples gave an air of distinction to his chiseled features, and his dark cold eyes seemed to bore into those he met, as if sizing them up. A sharp jawline and prominent nose gave him a formidable appearance, one that commanded respect.

On his wrist, a sleek black leather strap held a silver watch, its face gleaming in the fading light. A simple gold pinky ring adorned his left hand, a subtle hint at his wealth and influence if the room the I'm in right now isn't enough proof.

As he moved, his suit jacket fell open, revealing a holstered pistol nestled against his ribcage. The glimpse of weaponry served as a potent reminder that, beneath his polished exterior, he is a very dangerous man, if the fact that i am a captive here isn't enough to make that conclusion.

Wait a sec, did i just say he has a gun on him? And did i just say he moved closer to me? Holy f**k! Is he going to kill me now? He is now two feet away from the bed and he looks down at me with a small tilt to his lips, he looks huge and domineering right now, f**k his 6 ft something height. I stand up to match him, I'm also tall and I won't have a man look down at me that way .

As I stood before him, I felt my confidence soar. My 5'10" frame allowed me to meet his gaze without straining, my eyes locking onto his with a sense of equality. I liked that I didn't have to crane my neck to look up at him.

His towering frame seemed to envelop me, casting a shadow over my slender form. But I didn't feel intimidated. Instead, I felt a sense of calm wash over me, as if my height and poise had somehow leveled the playing field.

As I gazed up at him, I caught a glimpse of something in his eyes - a flicker of surprise, perhaps, or a hint of admiration. Whatever it was, it made me feel seen, acknowledged, and respected. And in that moment, I knew I could hold my own against anyone, no matter how tall or imposing they might be, maybe just not this man. He has that smirk again.

"Liked what you saw?", he says with a lazy drawl. Right, i was checking him out less than 10 seconds ago.

"No! ", i sound in control of my feelings, so i added, " Let me go" , Nice work Chiara.

He doesn't bat an eye, just continues staring at me, creepy mf.

"You're not leaving".

"What?", my mouth is hanging open right now, why? He doesn't even seem like he wants anything to do with me! That's a lie, he looks like he wants to do everything to me, but still!

He steps to the side and settles himself on the bed, then leans backwards and rests his weight on his arms.

"You are not leaving Chiara...", he pauses as if getting an idea.

" That's partly because you have not shown any desperation but, if you go on your pretty knees right now and beg for your freedom, then i might consider letting you go".

What?! He must be joking! He doesn't look like it though. I can't and I won't, f**k him. I grit my teeth and turn away.

"No!".

"No? You don't want to go back to mama and Papa? And your little boyfriend?", his voice is taunting but i consider his words. My parents must be so worried and Stefan, Mr kidnapper here said he is alright but can i believe him? Would he let me go after kidnapping just because I knelt for him? I doubt that, but what if he is just an egoistical bastard who needs a female on her knees and beneath him to feel good?

I slowly turn around , fists clenched and a determined look on my face, the bastard looks amused but i ignore it and slowly drop to my knees.

"Please...let me go", just for extra effects, I made my voice small and tried my best innocent and defeated eyes. Is it working?

He leans down towards me and says, "No".

"Motherfucker!", i half yell with frustration and send him what i hope would be a deadly glare, he just throws his head back and laughs like this whole thing is funny, No, i won't cry, I won't cry, I won't cry, it doesn't work though, my eyes sting and my throats as my tears threaten to fall but i blink them back.

"Why are you doing this to me? I don't even know you!!!"

Before the last word completely leaves my mouth, he grabs my neck and pulls me to my feet roughly, he tilts down until our faces are apart by less than an inch.

My breath catches in my throat as his face draws near, our noses almost touching. The proximity is intoxicating, making my head spin.

I'm extra aware of every feature of his face... the sharp jawline, the dark piercing eyes , the gentle curve of his lips. It's as if time has slowed down, and every other thing has faded to nothingness.

My skin tingles with anticipation and fear, my senses heightened as I breathe in the scent of his cologne. I feel like I'm drowning in the depths of his eyes, losing myself in their darkness and intensity.

Every fiber of my being is drawn to him, as if an invisible force is pulling us together. I'm aware of the gentle pressure of his body against mine, the small vibrations from his chest as he speaks going straight to my core.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as his eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in suppressed anger. "We've known each other a long time, Chiara," he said, his voice low and even, but with a hint of menace that made my heart skip a beat.

His gaze bore into mine, his eyes flashing with a cold, calculated anger that made me feel like I was drowning in their depths. I tried to push him away, but his fingers tightened a fraction and his other arm moved to my waist and held me in place.

"Do you ever get the feeling that you've forgotten something important?" His voice was a whispered threat, his words dripping with malice. I felt a chill run down my spine as he leaned in closer, his breath hot against my ear. "Something that could change everything?"

"I don't know what you are talking about! Just let me go please! You have the wrong person", The tears I've been holding back are spilling now, I can't be the person he is looking for, I don't even remember his face from anywhere...or his name. His name! I haven't gotten his name.

" I would never mistake you for anyone else. Your face has been etched in my brain for years, and i have been watching you. You will remember Chiara, I will make sure you remember".

He let's go of me and i fall to the ground. I didn't realize that I had let my body go limp in his arms. He steps away and turns towards the door to leave.

"Wait", he paused mid step and turns his head slightly, "What is your name? Who are you?"

"Massimo... Massimo Scallise", and he leaves without a second glance at me.

Why does that name ring a bell? It feels like a very distant memory, do i really know this man?