Rosalia's POV
Alessio's hand moves from my palm to my waist, yanking me flush to his side, and I stiffen a little at the action because what the hell?
I look up at him, and that's when I realize he's also looking at my approaching stepbrother. I shift, leaning closer to him because I can't help it ,and he smells so damn good. I also hate how much I love the feel of his hand on me.
Jesus, Rosalia… you're not supposed to be feeling these things.
"Gigante," Alessio's voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
So, my stepbrother's name is Gigante. At least now I know.
"Capo," he nods respectfully, stopping in front of us.
"Your work is done here. You can leave now," Alessio shoots at him with a scowl, his nails digging into my waist.
Okay, what the hell is his problem?
"Please, I just need a moment with my sister before I go," Gigante pleads.
The way he says 'my sister ' it makes my heart break . Because am not his sister . He's Ravens step brother not mine . But unfortunately I have to go with it because I don't want to die .
"No. I said leave." Alessio growls, anger flaring in his voice.
I look up at Alessio, and I do what Raven would have done, considering how Gigante is looking at me with so much adoration. It reminds me of how vante used to look at me . With that big brother love in his eyes .
"Just two minutes… please," I plead, and he snaps his gaze down to me.
Those eyes ,God, those eyes I could get lost in.
He just stares, and I'm certain he won't give in.
"Son, a minute," we all turn to face Alessio's mother.
He moves from me, his hand lingering a little too long on my waist.
"Two minutes," he says before following his mother.
I stay rooted to the spot as Gigante looks down at me, his eyes glossy.I place the bouquet ive been holding all day on the nearest table , my hands slick with sweat . I clench my fists on my dress .
"God, Raven, I wish I could have protected you from this…" his voice breaks, guilt written all over his face.
"He's not hurting you, right?" he asks, concern heavy in his tone.His hand cupping my cheek .
"No… he's not hurting me," I say. Half true.
But my skin crawls when I remember the basement incident. Does that count as hurting?
"I'll find a way to get you out of this, I promise," he whispers, moving closer to wrap me in a hug.
I hum softly because I don't know what to say or how to act.
He sighs, hugging me a little longer before pulling away.
"I'll come for you,I'll convince Alessio to let me see you a few times" he whispers, and just on cue, Alessio returns.
"Time's up. Let's go," he says, grabbing my wrist and dragging me with him. I give Gigante one last look and a small smile; he smiles back weakly and waves.
"Where are we going?" I ask, struggling to catch up with his long strides and in this dress and heels . He looks to be in a hurry. The backyard is now clearing everyone going back to their homes . Only a few people are still around, plus the cleaning crew.
He doesn't answer ,just keeps walking toward his car.
I stop abruptly, and he turns to glare at me.
Am I supposed to be shitting my pants because of that look? Shock on him.
"What?" he asks, glancing down at his watch as if am wasting his time .
"I asked you where you're taking me," I repeat, wiggling my hand free and crossing my arms over my chest.
His eyes drop to my breasts, then back to my face.
I grin internally.
"Honeymoon," he shrugs, stepping closer.
What now?
My eyebrows shoot up because that's the last thing I expected him to say. I scoff because he's gotta be kidding me.
"You're kidding," I say, cocking my head up at him.
He steps closer, and the air crackles between us with tension. I want to step back, but I can't—not when he's looking at me like that. His lips twitch into a sly grin as his hand snakes to my waist, pulling me flush against him.
I gasp, my hands flying to his chest in fists.The backyard and everything fades to background noice .
He leans down, his breath fanning my neck, my cheeks, and then my ear.
"You're my wife, sweetheart… and couples go for their honeymoon after getting married," his voice drops low and deep, teasing.
My breath catches in my throat at his choice of words. Wife? Couples?
I swallow hard, words dying like ash in my mouth.
"Where are we going?" I finally croak out.
He pulls back, his eyes meeting mine our faces mere inches apart, breathing each other in.
"Spain. Our jet is ready. Let's go," he says like it's the most normal thing in the world.
But I don't move.
He suddenly stops when he realizes I'm not following him. Turning around, annoyed, he runs a hand over his face.
"What now?" he asks, his tone sharp.
"Uhm… I need to change into something more comfy. I'm not traveling in a wedding dress," I argue.
He sighs.
"Fine. Twenty minutes. Your bags are already in the car. Don't make me come looking for you," he warns before disappearing back into the house , his phone pressed to his ear and mattering something in Italian.
I speed-walk in moments after him, praying he isn't in our room. I grip my dress, kicking my heels off, holding them in my hand as I hurry up the steps, my heart thudding so loud I can hear it in my ears.
No one stuck around after the wedding everyone just left. No reception. Nothing. A perfect reflection of how cold things are run here.
I turn the knob and step inside. He's not here.
I throw the heels down and sit on the bed, hands over my face. My head throbs, and suddenly, the idea of flying to another country with Alessio makes my stomach twist painfully.
I strip off the wedding dress and throw it onto the bed. I walk to the closet, grabbing a two-piece set of sweatpants and its matching hoodie. I take off the pins holding my hair, letting it flow down in waves, and wipe off my makeup.
Better.
Then I sit back on the bed, thinking. There's something about the way he said honeymoon. Like it wasn't going to be about a honeymoon at all.
To be honest, I was scared until an idea sparks in my head.
Maybe this will be my one chance to actually escape.
Since I came here, I haven't left this mansion. And now, being in another country might make it easier to get away from him.
I stand up abruptly taking in deep breaths . The idea making my adrenaline rush through my body .
I walk out of the door, looking down the corridor it's quiet. I speed-walk to my previous room, shut the door behind me, and quickly move to the drawers near the vanity. My heartbeat drums in my ears as I grab the little box inside the one where I placed the twelve diamond pieces from my birthday dress.
I open it and sigh in relief when I see they're still intact. I slip the box into my hoodie pocket. Those are worth a fortune and they'll get me somewhere once I manage to escape.
The door suddenly bursts open and I yelp, startled. Alessio steps inside.
"I said twenty minutes. It's been twenty-five. W—" he stops when he sees my startled state, and I suck in a breath. I hate how easily he can see straight through me.
I step back. He steps forward , cocking his head slightly assessing me . He kicks the door shut with his leg . And the bang echoes in the room and then silence. I flinch from the loud noice .
He stalks forward, his frame shadowing mine, making me look small and I step back my back hitting the wall . My heart beat is So loud am sure he can hear it . My grip tightens on the box in my pocket.
"What were you doing here?why are you so nervous?" he asks, now a hair away from my face, his voice deep and low.His breath fanning my lips .
My palm inside my pocket moves slightly and he catches the movement. Shit ..!
Please don't look… please… I inwardly pray.