Chapter 98 Escape Plan 001
Dante's POV
Her words infuriated me more than they should have.
Considering all I've spent and all I've lost over this period, the least I expected was a bit of gratitude.
So as she stepped aside and attempted to bypass me, everything just kind of ticked.
I reached out and pulled her back immediately, getting her so close that I could see her little necklace hanging between her cleavage.
“Don't you dare forget who you are,” I muttered angrily at her.
She surprised me further by yanking her hand free from me.
“I want out, I'm sick and tired of everyone dying cause of me,” she replied.
“How honourable, but you don't get to choose at this point,” I replied through gritted teeth.
“It's my life,” she replied.
“Your rights ended the day you sold your life to me at the church’s courtyard. You belong to me,” I said firmly in a way that made her stand still.
She didn't say anything immediately, she just stared back at me, like she was forming the right words.
“I can't believe this,” she finally muttered.
“You better,” I replied. “And don't you for a second think I haven't noticed the way you've been on your phone all the time,” I added.
Her body tensed up before she quickly covered it up.
“Just normal social media,” she said with a shrug. “Or am I not permitted to go online again?” She asked with a raised brow.
“When I'm ready to visit that, we'll know exactly what you mean by going online, and what it is you aren't telling me,” I said firmly.
This time, she couldn't mask it quickly as her body tensed up the more and she bit on her bottom lip.
“Now, you would do yourself a world of good by staying put in this house while I go out there and answer questions you'll be too scared to answer.”
“What are you talking about?” She asked in a softer voice all of a sudden.
“The elder of a family won't die without any fuzz, and the least I can do in memory of him is pay the remaining family a visit,” I explain with an edged voice. “Besides, if you had signed the damn papers when he first brought them out, Luca would be dead or captured by now,” I added.
“I couldn't let my children suffer what I'm suffering now,” she muttered so weakly I nearly didn't get it.
“Now see where that got us,” I replied, turning to leave.
“Wait,” she called back and I stopped. “I want to come with you,” she offered.
“Not a chance,” I replied squarely. “The last thing we want is turning all the attention to you.”
“I deserve to pay him some respect too,” she argued further.
“Do that in your room,” I said firmly, turning to leave at once.
And this time? She didn't stop me.
I stepped out of the penthouse and marched down towards the car, jumping into the backseat.
Nico joined me at the back while we hit the road in barely 5 minutes.
“How did she take it?” Nico asked and I turned my head to him sharply.
“This is not about Serena and I would appreciate it if you talk about her less,” I said firmly.
Nico's jaw ticked a couple of times, but he flashed a smile nonetheless and raised his hands in the air.
I stared forward again as we cleared a checkpoint.
I picked up the tab from my side and ran through the list of possible questions I could be asked.
Everyone knew who murdered the elder, Luca didn't exactly make it a secret.
So I wasn't invited for any questioning or investigation, but it wouldn't be out of place to expect some questions to be asked, especially regarding the depth of our conversation.
I couldn't also deny the fact that stepping into a territory that was now fully under Luca's charge was a big risk.
But not paying the elder my last respect felt like a bigger risk, I just had to.
And as we exited our territory, I gripped the tab tighter as anything could happen from here.
Serena's POV
I couldn't believe it.
I refused to believe it.
I knew this was what it was about all along, but saying it to my face that way hit differently.
I couldn't help but feel betrayed by hearing the truth so directly. I knew we didn't mean much to each other and everything about us was built on a sort of contract.
But the touches, the kisses, they were all beginning to feel real. Like this could be more.
I immediately shook off the thoughts and made my way back to my room.
Dante had already teased knowing about the unknown number, the more I stayed here, the more I risked everything.
I stormed into the room and immediately undid the gown I had on. I tossed it away and pulled out my phone.
“What's the best way to get out of here now?”
I typed and sent it to the unknown number.
I then found one of my ash leggings and a good top. Then I matched it with a pair of sneakers.
I sat back down on the bed and picked up my phone, it had replied.
“Your best shot is to go out the back, find a way through the secluded areas.”
I read over the text again before taking a deep breath and stepping out.
I walked carefully through the hallways before stepping into the elevator, going to the ground floor.
I maneuvered my way to the back, avoiding all the guards and anyone that didn't look friendly.
I had to go past the kitchen to get to the back door.
I silently prayed that there would be no one in there as I stepped through it.
But such is my luck these days, a maid greeted me the moment I came into view.
“Good morning, Mrs. Moretti. Can I help you with anything?” She asked.
I acted as casual as I could. “No, I actually came for a glass of water,” I replied.
“Oh, so sorry about that. Don't tell Mr. Russo please,” she begged. “I should have brought something for you by now,” she added.
I smiled warmly, seeing an opening here.
“No, no. I won't tell, Mr. Russo,” I said softly.
Then I walked over and poured myself a glass of water.
After taking a long sip, I looked over to her again.
“But I need a favour from you though.”