what it felt like to be

tifully decorated prison. She paced the length of her room, mind racing. She had spent hours testi

out.

fists. She woul

pen, and Adrian stepped inside, exuding an air of effortless control. He was dre

a?" he asked, his voic

is is your idea of hospitality, I'd

r. "Your chances elsewhere woul

what? I should be grateful that yo

ed. "I'm keep

d. "I don't need

rkened. "You don

em. Valentina's pulse quickened, but she forced herself to meet

et their hands on you right now?" he mur

ted her chin.

expression. "No, bambolina. But I do have my ow

tened. "What do

her face. His touch was surprisingly gentle, but

way, her defiance burning br

was a dangerous edge to it

st o

t night. The long dining table stretched between her and Adria

us game," he said, swirli

ate but didn't take a bite. "You

ked. "Who s

ession unreadable. The older woman set a fresh dish in front of Valentin

d to Adrian. "H

ything about the people under m

maintain even the smallest piece of control, but her

e bite, locking eyes with Adrian as she chewed. If he thought he

" she said, voice stead

his chair, studying

d, he rose from his chair and walked away, leaving Valentin

n the D

focating, the air too thick with unspoken threats. Valentina

to get ou

ked open, and Rosa stepped inside, her e

him too far," Rosa w

owned. "Why

g. "Because I've seen what h

an. There was something in her

ay?" Valentina

thin line. "Because for s

hat to be her fate as well? A life spent

o

dn't acc

g into Valentina's palm, a small key. Vale

spered. "Freedom isn't

d left, the door c

the key in her palm,

ay

Adrian do whe