THE ULTIMATUM
680 Words
The car was a tomb. Isabella sat straight as a board, hands shaking in her lap that she was trying to hide. The city was a smear of lights, each one pulling her inch by inch from her old life.
Next to her, Dante Moretti didn't move a muscle. His quiet was a weight. He hadn't said anything since he hauled her out of that warehouse – away from the dead guy on the floor.
Isabella's mouth was dry, but she spoke anyway. You can't just steal me.
Dante turned to her, his dark eyes finding hers. No anger. No sorry. Just sure. I saved you, he said, cold. You should say thank you.
Her chest hurt. Saved me? You— She stopped, swallowed. You iced someone. An-and now you're... what? Holding me?
His lips pulled up a tiny bit. Not holding. Wife.
Her stomach did a flip. Huh?
It came out like a laugh she didn't mean. That's nuts. I don't even know you.
You know enough. Smooth, soft. Bad. You know what I am. What I can do. You saw what you shouldn't have. You're mine now, Isabella.
Her name sounded wrong in his mouth. Too close. Like he owned her already.
The car slowed and turned into a drive with a gate. Big iron gates swung open to show a huge house, stone and dark windows. Not a house – a lockup.
Isabella's heart went crazy. She tried to get away from him. Let me go. I won't say anything. I promise.
Promises are nothing, Dante said, his voice soft, almost kind, but it made her colder than if he yelled. Words don't stop Greco's guys. They'll cut you for just being there. You're only alive because I said you were mine.
His words were ice water. She shook her head. This is nuts. You think I'll just... what? Marry you? Play house?
The car stopped. Two suited guys stood waiting, faces blank. Dante leaned in close. She could smell his cologne – spice and smoke. You don't have to play. You just have to do as I say.
Her pulse went wild. Something flashed in his eyes for a second – not just cold. But it was gone.
The door opened. One of the suits held out a hand. She got out herself, legs shaky but head up so She wouldn't look scared.
The house was worse than she thought. High ceilings, marble, lights everywhere pretty, rich. But like a gold cage.
Dante sent the guards away. He turned to her. You stay here. Safe.
I don't want you to save me.
His eyes went dark. You don't get a say.
Her fingers dug into her hands. You can't just run my life.
He was close, she had to look up at him. I already am.
They stood like that, her breath short, her fight hitting his wall. Then he spoke, slow, like he was giving an order she'd fight but lose anyway.
You'll marry me. In three days.
Her eyes went big. Are you sick?
Three days, he said, not caring about her anger. Three days to get used to it. Or, Isabella... He waited, the quiet heavy. Your family pays. All of them.
Her chest squeezed. Don't you touch them—
Touch? He stopped her, sharp. I don't lie. I don't joke. If you walk, if you say anything, your mom, your brother, your perfect life... He looked hard at her. I'll burn it all.
Her legs almost gave out. She grabbed the table to stay up. You're a monster.
Dante didn't change. But she saw something in his eyes again raw, almost hurt.
Maybe, he said soft. But I'll be your monster.
The words hung in the air.
She wanted to scream, break things, hurt him. But under the fear, something else twisted in her – wrong, mixed up. A pull. A bad feeling that scared her more than his threats.
You can't keep me locked up, she whispered.
Dante leaned down, his mouth by her ear, his breath hot. That's the plan.
- Writer
