Sold to Moretti Mafia

Elena

Three days. That’s how long we’ve been on the island. It’s strange to wake up in such a beautiful place every day and be able to walk right outside and onto the beach, especially after being locked inside a room, and only being allowed to leave when I’m told I can.

Together we have breakfast in the small nook that overlooks the beach. I can hear the waves as they rush toward the sandy shore. This entire place is beautiful beyond words, but like everything else in my life, it is darkness and control hidden beneath a nicely shaped box. I wish there were no restrictions on mine and Julian’s marriage. That I could be free of any chains.

“Are you not hungry?” Julian asks, interrupting my thoughts.

Looking up from my still mostly filled plate of food, I find him watching me. His dark gaze is penetrating as if he can see right through me and into my mind. My eyes catch on the glittering ring that adorns his finger. I still can’t believe we’re married. That he is mine, and I am his. I’m married to a mobster, a criminal that knows how to bend me to his will.

“My stomach has been a little upset,” I say, which isn’t entirely a lie.

Julian frowns. “I have some work to do, but I can always work on it tomorrow or later. I do not want to leave you if you’re not feeling well.” His protectiveness oozes out of him, charging the air around us. Still, I feel like I need to get some time away from him.

“No, no. I want to go for a walk along the beach, check out the island a little bit. It isn’t often that I get to go somewhere alone,” I tease.

A smile graces his lips a moment before he takes a drink of his orange juice. A man as cruel and dark as he shouldn’t be allowed to look so sexy. I find myself always watching him, and my mouth waters at the tightness of his muscles, the way he holds me, his scent, and taste. Everything about him turns me on. I shouldn’t want the man who took everything from me, and yet, I can’t deny my feelings either.

“You’re never alone, no matter where you go, I will always be there. Or at the very least not far behind you.” It’s not just a statement but a warning. He will be watching me, no matter where I go. I’ll never be free.

“Okay, I get it. You’re always watching me.”

“Yes,” his voice drops, and I shiver at the depth of it, feeling the sound deep in my core.

Part of me might be angered how we came together, and while knowing he won’t stop at anything to end my father, I can’t deny the pull I have to him.

It’s like sticking your hand into the flames of fire, knowing it’s going to burn while also knowing you have no other option. With Julian, there is no option, no alternative. He holds all the power, and I am a slave to his every move.

“I’m going to explore the island,” I say, pushing up from my seat.

The chair scrapes across the tile floor, and Julian’s brows pull together. “Are you trying to run away? I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that there…”

“Is no way off the island.” I finish his sentence, trying not to sound mocking. “You don’t have to tell me ten million times. I thought I was your wife. I’m starting to think I’m still a prisoner,” I sass.

Julian tosses his napkin down on the table. “Run along, my queen. Just know I’ll be watching you.”

I resist an eye roll and turn to walk away, but I’m pulled backward, a second later, my back colliding with a firm chest. Julian’s hand sinks into my raven hair, and he tugs my head back, making the muscles ache at the angle. His hold is firm, controlling, and I shiver at the power he holds. His teeth skim my ear, and his intoxicating scent surrounds me. Danger and cinnamon, that’s what he smells like.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“I hope you plan to change your clothes before you leave this bedroom.”

Something inside of me makes me want to tempt the beast, to push back against the steel bars that keep me caged. “And what would you do if I said I wasn’t?”

In the blink of an eye, he’s released his grip on my hair and twisted me around to face him. The air rushes from my lungs as shoves me against the wall. The smile on my lips fades when his large hand circles my throat, and our gazes collide. His grip is like that of an iron shackle around my neck. Anyone else would be pissing their pants by now, begging for forgiveness, but somehow, I stand my ground and remain composed. I remind myself that I am his equal, not a doormat he can step on.

Like a feral wolf, his lips curl back, and he snarls his next set of words.

“I would chain you to my side, and never let you out of my sight. That’s what I would do.”

“Don’t you already do that?” I counter, looking him right in the eyes.

Zeroing in on me like I’m prey, his lips nearly graze mine as he says, “You’re fooling yourself if you think I’ve been treating you that badly. Now, change, or I will lock you in this bedroom for the rest of the day. We might be on an island, but my men are still here, and if they see even an inch of flesh they shouldn’t, I will put a bullet between their eyes. Do you want to be responsible for someone’s death?”

“No,” the word squeaks past my lips.

“Then change and get out of my sight before I fuck you until you beg me to stop, and believe me, I won’t be gentle.”

As badly as I’m tempted to see him do it, I want to explore the island. His lips flutter against mine, and it’s the softest kiss, gentle, kind like he is telling me a secret with his lips. I’m frazzled and confused, and my knees tremble, barely holding me up.

“Okay,” I mumble, and a moment later, he releases me like I’m a hot branding iron on his skin. Lifting a hand, I rub at my throat while my heart thunders inside my chest. I can still feel his grip there. My lungs burn as if I’ve been holding my breath, and I sigh loudly into the room.

“One of the guards took Celeste to the mainland for supplies. Only Clyde and Marie are here right now,” Julian explains. “If you need anything, I can still text them to pick it up for you.”

“I don’t need anything,” I say, my voice still breathy.

With one last lingering look, I dart across the room and over to the foot of the bed where my suitcase is. It’s not like I’m wearing anything overly revealing, a pair of sleep shorts, and a spaghetti strap top, but I’m not going to push him or give him another reason to shackle me to the bed because he will. I have no doubt in my mind that he will do everything possible to remind me of the power he holds.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see him turn away from him. He pulls out his phone, giving the device his undivided attention. Quickly, I change out of my PJs and slip into a pair of shorts and a dressy tank top. Momentarily, I pause and consider putting on a bathing suit but decide against it. I’m not going to be going into the ocean alone, especially not when I can’t swim.

Julian has his nose buried in his phone, so I slip out of the room without notice. I’m bubbling over with excitement as I walk through the house.

The island isn’t very big, but I plan to search every inch of it. I enjoy being with Julian, but I want more freedom, and I need to see my father. To warn him of what’s to come. Eventually, Julian will forgive me for escaping.

The mansion is set right on the beach and is the focal point of the island. Julian claims there is only one way on and off the island, but I don’t believe him. What if there were an emergency? With the placement of the house as it is, there is nothing but open concept throughout. Every window you look out of, there is ocean and beach. It’s peaceful, and part of me wants to stay here in this bubble of perfection forever.