Chapter 58: PLANNING A SURPISE

DANTE

“I'm almost done.” The contractor said.

Everything was coming together nicely as I looked around the unfinished concrete room in the basement. I had bought the entire building so I could do what I wanted and this part of the building had been restricted for years because the previous owner wanted to build an underground parking garage but never got to it.

Now, it was the perfect spot for what I wanted which no one would ever find out.

It was wide enough not to be claustrophobic, had good lighting and other facilities coming along very well. The walls were thick but I had them reinforced with soundproof foam and drywall so that no sound would come out. The door was made from a heavy, steel slab with a biometric lock which gleamed under the light.

Only one person had access to it and that was me.

She’ll eventually understand.

The contractor wiped sweat from his brow, stepping back from the small kitchenette he had just built. The compact fridge hummed softly in the space, already stocked with essentials.

I took a step closer to Inspect everything and there was a two burner stove, a sink, a bathroom in the corner that I tried my best to make as luxurious as possible for this space. It had a shower, tub, toilet and vanity.

A full sized bed took over one wall with her favorite things around it. This wasn't a prison but a sanctuary I was curated for her. To protect her from the world that had nearly torn everything apart.

“Perfect.” I whispered with a smile.

Marco lingered near the entrance, looking more tense than usual as he glanced at the walls as if he was expecting them to close in which made me roll my eyes. Ever since I told him about my plans, he had been acting very strange.

Marco was a loyal man who had been through thick and thin with me. Blood and water and now this was bothering him? I could almost laugh.

"What's this for?" the contractor asked, his voice echoing slightly despite the padding. He was a grizzled man in his fifties, hands callused from years of work.

He had come recommended and I paid him triple the normal rate plus another bonus to get his silence.

I hated being asked questions but I was in too good of  a mood to kill anyone so I said, “A private studio for some photography work. We need a dark setup where we can control the lighting. You know how artists get.”

I watched his eyes flicker to the reinforced door then to my too wide smile. I knew he didn't believe a word I was saying but knew better than to ask plus the stack of cash in his pocket was heavier than his curiosity.

“Right…” he drawled out. “Photograpy. Whatever you saw Mr. Allen. We are on track with the progress so we should be done in a week or two completely. All the furnishings and seals, I will have my crew out by the end of tomorrow and finish up the rest myself.”

I had also given him a fake name because he didn't need to know anything else.

“Make it in five days.” I said, tone leaving no room for negotiation. “I’ll add more to the bonus if you can pull it off.”

The contractor nodded eagerly, gathering his tools. “You've got yourself a deal.”

I almost laughed. Money sure did make the world go around.

He didn't ask anything else. Smart man. He left without so much as a backward glance, the heavy door thudding shut behind him.

That sound was like music to my ears and I found myself smiling again.

Silence filled the space as I ran my hand along the cool wall, feeling the soundproofing beneath the surface and nodding. Just perfect.mia would be safe here and no one would get her.

After Lin’s stunt, I now have a problem of old rival families sniffing around  for her. Such a hassle they had caused.

Not only had she caused chaos but she just had to keep running her mouth meddling in things she didn't understand because of her pussy brother rotting six feet deep.

She had almost caused me the one thing I had ever wanted in this empty world. Mia. All I had built with her had been sent crumbling but I would work on that.

I knew she still felt something for me, it was just a matter of time for her to forget the ideas Lin had put in her head. She was just being stubborn right now, pushing back and testing my boundaries.

She had that fire in her that I found sexy.

Marco suddenly cleared his throat then asked, “You're really going to lock her in here?"

I turned slowly, meeting the gaze of my oldest friend and saw that he was pale and had a look of worry etched on his face. This was odd for Marco.

“I am just protecting what is mine.”

Marco laughed bitterly, stepping closer. “No you aren't. This is kidnapping, Dante. I know we aren't good men but I have never seen you like this and it's concerning for you and her. Call it whatever pretty word you want—protection, love, whatever the fuck—but it's a cage. With a bed and a fucking kitchenette.”

I clenched my jaw.

“It is not a cage.” I gestured to the room. “Look at it. This is comfortable and has everything she will ever need. Books, movies, music, food— everything. In here there would be no distractions and she would be able to think and see this clearly away from the noise and people who want to use her against me.”

Marco rubbed a hand over his face. "She's not going to see it that way. You know that, right? This isn't some romantic gesture. This is... Christ, Dante, you've lost it."

I smiled. My dream life with her was so close and I had to make it happen by any means necessary. I know she loves me, she just needs to remember.

“Leave your concerns to yourself.” I told him. “The world is too dangerous and Lin is also out there—yet to be handled which is your job to do Marco. Instead of questioning my judgement.”

Marco's expression hardened. "And what happens when she wakes up in this room? lock on the door, no windows, no way out except your say-so? You think she'll thank you?"

Dante walked to the center of the space, imagining it furnished and adding soft lighting. Her clothes in the small closet. A desk for whatever creative whims struck her. "She will. Or she'll learn. I have time and patience."

"What if she fights?" Marco asked quietly, his voice cracking just a fraction. "What if she tries to escape?"

I turned to look at him, smile dropping in irritation. “She won’t.”

He didn't flinch. “But what if she does?”

I held his gaze, the tension thick between us. “That is not your business, Marco. We may be friends but do not forget your place before I remind you.”

Marco opened his mouth then closed it, shaking his head. Face mixed with defeat and disgust as he turned on his heel and stormed out, footsteps echoing up the stairs and fading away.

Peace, finally.

My smile returned as I took a deep breath. I could already picture her here. I knew she would be angry at first but I will talk to her and show her that the world out there is the real prison and my love was freedom.

I pulled my phone out and sent a text.

“I have a surprise to show you soon.”