Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
I do as I’m told, and it blocks the noise from the helicopter.
When the aircraft begins to lift into the air, there’s no stopping a shriek from bursting over my lips, and this time, I grab hold of Damiano’s thigh.
I duck my head and curl into myself while it feels like my stomach is free-falling to the ground below.
Once we’re in the air, I hear Damiano’s voice clearly through the headset as he orders, “Let go.”
I pull my hand away and wrapping my arms around my middle, I dare to open my eyes. I’m met with a magnificent view of the city lights below and swallow hard, hoping to all that’s holy I don’t throw up.
The queasy feeling passes, and staring at the buildings as we fly over them, I wonder where we’re going.
Soon, the view of the buildings falls away, and I notice the landscape changing.
My lips part as we fly over a lake, the water dark and smooth in the moonlight and the shores lined with tall trees.
Wow.
We approach a mansion, warm lights shining from the windows and the grounds lit with outdoor lights.
I’m overwhelmed by the beautiful sight, then notice the heavily armed guards scattered all over the property.
There will be no escaping my new prison.
My eyes dart to the mansion that looks as imposing as its owner. The three-story is easily five times the size of my parents’ house.
When the helicopter starts to descend, I hold myself tighter to stop from grabbing Damiano.
We land on a helipad, and guards come to open the doors.
With a relieved sigh, I quickly take off the headset and place it on the seat before I climb out of the cabin.
It’s freezing, and I shiver my butt off as I glance around. Nerves spin in my stomach, and unsure of what is expected of me, I look at Carlo.
He tips his head toward the entrance. “The guards will bring your belongings later.”
I nod, and swallowing hard on the scratchy feeling in my throat, I follow Damiano and Carlo to the back entrance of the mansion.
I expected a cold penthouse somewhere in the city, not this beautiful property.
Approaching double French doors, Damiano walks in first before I follow. My eyes dart around, taking in the white walls, the art, and expensive décor.
Damiano doesn’t spare me a glance as he breaks away from us, heading in the opposite direction.
I’m relieved when central heating chases the chill from my body as I follow Carlo up the grand staircase.
When we reach the third floor, I’m taken down a hallway where he opens a door and once again tips his head, saying, “You’ll stay here for the time being.”
I step into the room, and my lips part when I glance over all the luxury.
My family isn’t poor, but I’ve never had so much space for myself.
A massive bed stands by a wall, the bedding white and welcoming. Floor-to-ceiling windows give me a stunning view of the trees and a lake. The view must be so much more beautiful during the day.
Unable to ignore Carlo, I lock eyes with him and ask, “What is expected of me?”
“Don’t cause trouble, and you’ll be fine. Get some sleep, and we’ll talk in the morning,” he mutters before leaving the room.
When the door shuts behind him, I let out a relieved breath while I lock it.
Finally alone, my unsure reality sinks in, and I worry about what will happen next.
Exhaustion creeps into my bones, and sucking in a deep breath, I look through the bedroom, a small sitting area, the empty walk-in closet, and a stunning bathroom.
The exhaustion keeps growing in my bones. Not knowing when my belongings will arrive, I decide to take a quick shower before trying to get some sleep.
Luckily, I find a bathrobe in the bathroom. I don’t take my time and instead rush through my routine, using the products provided.
Leaving my dirty clothes and underwear in the bathroom, I shrug on the bathrobe. I place my handbag on the dressing table and dig out my cell phone.
Crap. I hope the guards packed my charger.
Checking the device, I realize I have no Wifi. I hope Damiano will let me have the password for his Wifi service.
I’ll probably have to get a US SIM card.
Noticing my phone automatically adusted to the new time zone, I set my alarm for six am before I crawl beneath the soft covers.
I notice a remote control on the bedside table, and picking it up, I glance over all the functions. Seeing buttons for the curtains, I press one.
When the curtains start to slide closed, my eyebrows lift.
Wow. Fancy.
Placing the remote control back on the bedside table, I snuggle into one of the pillows and close my eyes.
It’s already past midnight, and usually, I’m fast asleep. At home I had to be up at six in the morning and in bed by nine pm. There were so many rules and I’m sure Damiano has his own. I wish I knew what they were.