Chained By the Italian Mafioso

house. It was a prison, even if it was adorned with the trappings of wealth. I had tried to count the days since I had

d to break.

d mine. The clock on the wall ticked in the background, a reminder of the time slipping aw

ned, and Máximo entered. He didn't

calm, but there was an undercurrent of

on the view outside the window. The sprawling gardens we

r now. I felt him behind me before I saw his reflection in the glas

est. - "Cooperation? That's funny, coming from a

didn't reach his eyes. - "I take what's mi

ot yours

steely expression. He stepped closer,

ecause I allow it. That makes you mine, Suzete

sed to flinch. Instead, I straigh

w to you, you're mistaken. You can take ever

brewing. For a moment, I thought I saw something in his eyes-so

ve you that. But boldne

his steps deliberate. Before leaving

an hour. Wear some

gone, leaving the room cold

-

t wound its way through the streets of the city. Máximo sat beside me, his prese

he car. I stared out the window, watching as people moved about their lives

oing?" - Máximo's voice brok

xpression guarded. -

have been amusement. - "No. But

spond, and

A celebration of sorts. You'll b

uld only imagine what kind of "celebr

if I

dark eyes boring int

ilding. The kind that reeked of power and money. M

no choice. I placed my hand in his, the contact sendi

handeliers hung from the ceiling, and the sound of muted conversations f

m tightened as he guid

ear, his tone low and threatening.

y along. But the fire inside me hadn't dimmed. If anything, it

he owned me, bu

day, I'd

.

ed for him like water, whispers trailing in his wake. It was clear that he wasn't just a man

want to see their faces, didn't want to feel the weight of their assumptions. Th

laughter cutting through the air like knives. One of them turned a

ticed. His eyes flicked to me, lingering for a mome

ightened slightly, a subt

aid, his tone cool and dis

ere was a predatory glint in hi

gain, and I felt exposed under the weight of it.

grip loosened, his hand sliding down to rest lightly at the small of my bac

aid, his voice deceptively calm. -

mock surrender. - "No offense meant, my

f to stay silent. I was a prop in this game, a pawn in Máximo's wo

word. He guided me away from the group, his hand still resti

- he said, his voice low en

pression carefully bla

keep your m

ad of anger, I felt a flicker of satisfaction. He wanted me to

oached with a tray of champagne flute

commanded, his e

my hand. I didn't trust him, di

, his tone amused. - "If I wanted to hur

down my spine. I took a sip, the bubb

against my ear. - "You're doing well t

ite the storm raging inside me. - "I don't

deliberate. It did

e'll

-

ed me to more people, each interaction laced with unspoken power plays and veile

r his control only st

om quieting as the guests left. Máximo led

etween us heavy with unspoken words. I kept my g

ing for him, my head held high. I could feel his eyes

e door behind me with a satisfying click. For the

d to face the

the chair by the window, a

, his voice calm, almost approving. -

chest, but I refused

nt?" - I demanded

s slow and deliberate,

d," - he said, stopping j