Ortensia couldn't understand what he said. He wanted her... what does he want her for? That was the question echoing in her head, round and round till her chest started to feel tight.
"What do you want me for?" she asked, her voice shaky like it was holding onto air.
Vito licked his lips, his dark eyes locked on her. How could she not understand what he meant by that? He had never been a man of many words, but even silence from him carried weight.
"Just know, Ortensia, I can't let you go," he said, his tone calm.
"Why can't you let me go, Vito?" she asked, taking a step back even though her hands trembled. "You said I'm not a captive here, but that's how I feel. I can't breathe in this house, I can't move freely, and you..."
He cut her words short by holding her hand. His
