Lucy POV

The question "What is it?" His dad enquired.

Luca said quietly, "Give me my mother," and Antonio laughed.

When his father said, "No," Luca quickly reached for a revolver from his waist and raised it to aim at his father's head.

"Old guy, I'm not here to joke around. He said, "I want the girl and my mother or I'll shoot this bullet straight through your skull," and I knew he would follow through on his promise, though I prayed he wouldn't. I was going to murder Antonio.

Antonio clenched his teeth and said, "Fine." He picked up his phone and told the person on the other end to bring his mother in, adding that he understood Italian. I was also fluent in Spanish, German, French, and Russian. I had to pick them up. The majority of mafias were based in such areas.

After some time, a slender old lady with dark chocolate hair was eventually brought into the room. Her kid caught her dark, Luca-like eyes' attention after they had explored the room. She seemed to want to embrace him since her eyes were beaming with happiness, but instead, she went and stood at his side. Her worried expression obscured her features as her eyes met mine and she scowled in bewilderment. I just returned the gaze.

Luca muttered, "Never a pleasure Antonio," and then he took his mother out of the room. I was snatched up and dragged outside by two additional guys who were waiting outside. For the love of God, I could move! When I attempted to accomplish it, my legs gave out. They were already sound asleep. The two guys tugging me made it difficult for me to regain sensation in my legs and move about.

I was forced into the vehicle that followed Luca and his mother as they got into a dark automobile. The two guys dodged my gaze as I frowned at them. I sighed softly as the pain in my shackled wrists increased. A card was poking out of the man's pocket in front of me as I stared at him. My mind had thought. I extended my hand and carefully slipped the card out. I was careful to limit my use of it to situations involving potholes or speed pumps. I had finally obtained the card. I placed it near the ropes securing me, and I gradually began cutting the rope with the blunt edge.

One of the guys advised, "Turn up the radio," and the other complied.

everybody. The time is 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2021. I turned to face the radio. I found it hard to believe. My absence lasted four years. I endured much suffering in the "safe house" for four long years. Now, I was eighteen. I was a grownup. I recalled the times when I craved this period of time. Until I was old enough to feel in charge of my life.

How might my future have changed if my father hadn't sold me? I shook my head in an effort to get rid of the inquiries. They hadn't assisted me in the past, and they won't assist me now. I kept attempting to break free of my constraints. It took a while, but eventually, I was able to cut the rope. I carefully observed the two guys in front of me as I worked to unravel the rope. Fate wasn't on my side since we had already reached our objective at that point. A massive house was revealed when metal gates opened inward. I must admit, I was impressed.

I saw several houses during my time as Andre Grey's daughter, but this one was a gory fortress. I saw a kennel in the far corner of the complex and guards lurking in the shadows, ready to strike. What kind of nasty canines they keep there is a mystery only the Lord knows. To get to the front of the home, we took the long road that was flanked by well-trimmed shrubs. Before one of the guys slid out of his seat and dragged me out of the vehicle when the cars stopped, I saw Luca get out. To make sure the ropes at my writs were secure, I gripped them tightly.

My escape from the ropes allowed me to grasp one of the men's heads and smash it against my raised knee while they held onto my arms and took me up the stairs. Something cracking made such a wonderful sound. I feel as if the other man attempted to strike me and used our combined weight to drag him over my back and down. I turned and attempted to flee as I let him go. That is until my waist was encircled by two powerful arms. My arms were locked in an uncomfortable position behind me as I was dragged toward a firm chest.

I fought against being held by my captor, but I didn't cry out in agony. It had become worse.

I struggled and kicked as much as I could while being carried up the steps. I adored the inside of the stunning home when we first arrived. There were only bright and dark hues, including various tones of gold, grey, and black. The building smelled like freshly made cookies and fireworks, and the chandeliers gleamed from the rooftops. It's an odd combo. I rolled after being tossed to the ground and then turned to look at my kidnapper. Luca was there. He gave me a dead onyx-eyed stare, yet I could see he was upset.

He shouted menacingly, "Non metformin alla prova (Don't test me)," and I realized I had no chance of escaping. Even with three stairs, I wouldn't be able to exit this home. I was imprisoned until I could gather enough knowledge to get out. I brushed off my soiled clothing and rose up. I stood up straight and cast a critical look at Luca. He turned and walked inside.

I turned to face his mother, who grinned at me. I gave her a vacant look. As she followed her son, she didn't seem phased. I also concluded that it was better to comply. It seemed like my stay in this home would be exciting.

As I followed Luca, I pushed some facial hair out of my face. I wanted to pause and take in the ominous surroundings, but I felt this wasn't the right moment. Two doors made of dark cherry were opened by Luca, and we entered a large space. Flat-screen TVs lined the walls, with seats arranged around a large circular desk in the center. I would have assumed that this was a war room if I hadn't known any better. When Luca touched the smooth, black top of the table's head, it lit up. TV on a table? From when?

Lucy POV

Before I left four years ago, I made an effort to recall anything of the type, but I was unable to. Since then, the world has advanced significantly. I wasn't that horrible, really. I had coding and hacking skills. Both my decision to leave the room and that of his mother were disregarded by Luca. She left Luca and I inside. A girl approximately Luca's age soon entered when the door was forced open. She had brown eyes that were identical to mine and long, black hair. She was little and short, and she seemed younger thanks to her heart-shaped face and adorable button nose.

Her boobs protruded from the pastel pink v-neck t-shirt she was wearing as she pumped her chest and murmured, "You summoned me, sir," in a quiet, courteous manner. I immediately despised her. I could tell from a distance how she felt. Snobby a woman of class.

Luca, who was still working on the table TV, said, "Take her to a room," without even giving us a look.

"Which room, sir?"

"Alexa, any room. Simply remove her from this area, Luca said. How gracious.

Alexa turned to me and gave me a thorough inspection. For a brief moment, she wrinkled her nose in disgust. That was it. She kindly responded, "Come on. Despite my strong reluctance, I followed her out of the room. I strolled in a manner that attracted attention as my hips swung. I wasn't purposefully doing it to attract Luca's notice or anything like that. I was taught to stay in character at all times. Be the prey that all predators always wanted. But they had no idea that I was a wolf hiding in sheep's clothes, ready to strike.

We traveled through a number of hallways with Alexa. I believe she was attempting to mislead me as we passed the same picture again. She underestimated my ability to navigate and pay attention to my surroundings, which was unfortunate for her. When we arrived at another dark, cheerful wood door, Alexa pulled it open, turned, and started to stroll down the hallway with an odd, forced swing in her hips. I snorted quietly. I guess she was keeping an eye on me.

Goodbye, I say.

I hate to say it, but as I walked into the room, I fell in love. Any improvement after years in the "safe house" was welcome, and the lovely bedroom in shades of grey and black was no exception. The queen-sized bed's linens were grey and black, and I sat down on them. The nightstand next to me had two further doors, a silver light, and two drawers. I'm assuming it leads to a restroom and a closet. Before grabbing the light and opening the back, I sighed. A few cables and the motherboard in the middle were removed by me. I placed both into my pockets before proceeding to the window. I struck it. The glass must be shatterproof. In case it was really bulletproof and I wanted to shatter it, I didn't want to take the chance of causing a disturbance.

I had underestimated how difficult this would be, however, it was still doable.

When I tagged on the door's handle and it wouldn't budge, I was on my way to opening it. I tagged T once again. God, the blood. I was confined. Well done, Antonio. Clever move. I suppose I was stranded in this space. I searched the area for potential weapons but couldn't find any. They hadn't even provided me with a shaver, which is a really basic item. I let out a sigh and chose to take a shower. I undressed in the bathroom, and it took me some time to figure out how the various buttons and other features operated, but once I did, I had a pleasant, warm shower. It was strange. I was accustomed to drinking unclean, chilly water. They just handed us that. At the time, I made every effort to forget everything. I just wanted to savor this one instance. shouldn't be difficult.

I dried off my black locks after getting out of the shower and then braided them into two tidy French braids that finished at my back. I didn't want to wear the soiled clothing I had just changed out of when I left the restroom. I just took the items off the light and placed them beneath my pillow. Later, they would be useful. I looked around the space for a little object I could use to pick the lock. The comb was the only item that might be useful. I wrapped my towel over myself in a toga-like fashion before breaking off a comb tooth. When I got to the door, it finally opened after a little struggle.

Before I started down the corridor, I grinned triumphantly. This location seemed strangely desolate. I went in the direction of the noises and found a kitchen. Four female cooks were cooking, and there were seven men in suits gathered around the table, including Alexa. She was flirting and laughing like a frantic ex. But as I entered, all the merriment and laughing stopped. All eyes turned to me, especially the masculine ones, who gazed in amazement and longing at my towel-covered figure.

"For the love of god! Are you that desperate that you came in a bathing suit? If I had a gun, I would have shot Alexa in the head twice when she screamed. I flashed her the glare while placing my hand on my hip. She became hot in the cheeks and gave me a fierce gaze.

"Oh there you are," a lady exclaimed as she entered the kitchen carrying a large bundle of folded clothing. She was pale, and her forced grin revealed that she was uncomfortable and apprehensive. I've been trying to find you. You left the room, but don't worry about that. You should wear these garments. She avoided looking at my exposed chocolate-colored skin and said, "I didn't have time to place them in the room before you moved in.

I grabbed the clothing from her and made a point of standing tall as I left the kitchen. Nothing to be afraid about. I was a fresh Lucy. Her pain was little. I took a closer look at the clothing I was given. All-gray sweatshirts and hoodies. I lacked any black to make the shadows merge nicely. Simply wonderful. I returned to my room and changed into some concealed underwear, a sweatshirt, and some sweatpants. The hoodie swallowed me completely since it was a couple sizes too large. It brought back memories of my obsession with extra-large hoodies. That feels like it was yesterday.

I decided to lie on my bed and tuck one of the table accents, a type of plastic ball, under the pillow next to me since I didn't want to be near Luca and his ominous vibe. It would make for the ideal weapon. I was made to sleep lightly in the "safe house." I may be alerted by even the tiniest motions. And only if I slept. I preferred to avoid exposing myself. Never once more. I didn't know what I was waiting for as I remained fixed on the door. Maybe a sign. Simply something.

Anything. I must admit that I was quite bored.

Lucy's POV

The sun is about to rise and it has been hours. I was disappointed when nobody entered the room. I disliked being a celebrity. I wanted to be busy and get my mind off of things. I got sick of simply laying here aimlessly. The door was suddenly opened, as if the cosmos had heard my cries. The manner the individual is fumbling with the lock suggests that they are attempting to pick it. I waited with my eyes closed.

The door was soon unlocked. I squeezed the plastic ball beneath the pillow more firmly. When I felt a touch on my back after hearing footsteps approaching, I sprung to my feet and tackled the oncoming person to the ground. I tightened my legs to keep them in place as I sat on their thighs. As I lifted the plastic ball to strike the victim in the face, I chained their hands together with my free hand. I eventually glanced at the person I had grabbed and froze.

Boy was it. He looked like a 16 year old.

Hello there! There is no damage! Just a note from me, please! He pleaded with me, "Please," but I had no reason to believe him. I sent a tight glare his way.

Last but not least, he said, "The boss sent me to get you!" I gave him a careful look. He had upper lip and brow lines from sweat. His body trembled slightly, and his eyes could not contact mine. He was being sincere.

After leaving him, I threw the plastic ball onto my bed. It would be useful afterward. To accompany me to his employer, I grabbed the lad by the collar and pushed him out the door. He followed me down the hallway, and I could tell he wanted to turn around to see whether I would jump him and attempt to murder him once again by the tightness in his stance and the shakiness of his legs. He was lucky that I wasn't feeling that way.

We spent a long time moving through a maze of passageways while passing the same picture three times. I took care to write down the appropriate text. Amateurs. I understood how all of this worked. I had experienced everything. We arrived at a double-light oak door that stood out in the interior's darkness finally. I put the boy's pattern of knocking to memory. He pulled the door wide and motioned for me to go, so I did.

It was none other than Luca Martinelli, working at a desk made of polished wood. Behind me, the door was locked.

I made an effort not to squirm as Luca gazed up at me and fixed me with his intense stare. Men like vulnerability, therefore I was taught to hide it until necessary. He approached me after gathering a stack of papers from his desk. I perused the documents he gave them to me. My signature, or the one I had when I was 14 years old, was at the bottom of the document. Although I now have many for various circumstances, this was my first and only one.

"This is the agreement that you endorsed. The terms are plain to see, as you can see. Antonio paid three million for you. You therefore became his property, and as a result, the mafia's property. Luca surrounded me and said, "You vanished for four years and, shockingly, he brought you back, offering you to me as a present. You are the property of whomever Antonio had decided to deliver you to, according to the deal.

I took in what he said while I reviewed the contract on my own. He was accurate. I was now his and his mafia's property.

Selling you would be simple, but I'm curious as to what makes you unique. My father surreptitiously received millions from the mafia, and he put those funds on a project he named the Jade Scythe. I made an effort not to retaliate at that point. "Is that you, then? Why would he spend millions of dollars on you? Where have you been for the last four years, and why are you back? It took me a while to realize that.

The final question I honestly couldn't It took me a long to understand answer, but I knew the rest of the answers, and there was no way I was telling him anything. I didn't say anything. He stopped moving, and I could see him now. His body heat was audible to me. He was right there.

He replied, "I was hoping you wouldn't talk," and then turned to return to his work. I felt like I could breathe again after he stopped literally breathing down on me. "I'll give you a new contract," I said.

My focus began to pique. I couldn't help but notice how Luca's black aura dominated the space as he reclined in his chair. He has a quality that caught my attention. He moved a stack of papers in my direction.

"I speak in fewer, clearer phrases. For fifteen years, you will be mine. You have to follow my mafia's rules and regulations throughout that period. You'll be released after that, he said.

I gave him the side-eye while picking up the contract. I had no faith in anything he said. I carefully examined the contract looking for gaps before I discovered it. A sly laugh escaped my lips. The contract was smashed on the table by me.

I'm not like your stupid henchmen, you know. I'll be your property for fifteen years, according to this contract. It must have been a pleasant notion. to declare that I am Luca Martinelli's property. It makes no mention of the previous contract becoming void. You'd still own me since I'm mafia property. I'm not gullible. I am aware that leaving a mafia requires dying. I don't need your fictitious contract. With a strong British accent, I said, "I'm leaving here by myself.

We locked gazes as my lifeless eyes met his icy ones. When I turned to go, the door was locked. I saw Luca rising. She says, "Lei parla." In Italian, he spoke.

In my brain, I yelled. I turned to face Luca, who had shifted to take a position in front of me. "You're forgetting that my mob controls this. My home, and naturally, my rules. The new agreement is no longer an alternative. Seems you declined that, Luca murmured.

I felt absolutely no fear as he inched closer until we were just inches away. Think what he must, but worse things have happened to me. I'd seen worse. I wasn't afraid of him."Sei un uccello in una gabbia di mia creazione. Pensi di poter scappare? Certo, vai. Prova ad andartene. Le tue ali saranno tarpate prima di prendere il volo (You are a bird in a cage of my creation. Do you think you can escape? Sure, go. Try to leave. Your wings will be clipped before taking flight)."