Chapter 67 Ornamental, not functional.
CHAPTER 67
Ornamental, not functional.
SCARLETT – POINT OF VIEW
I walk into the cabin, aware of Eve behind me.
She doesn’t speak, but I know she has questions. She waits until Elena is in the restroom to ask.
“You went to Oxford?” She frowns at me.
“Yes, I did. I really don’t want to talk about it, though, so can we not?” I whisper, shame clinging to my words.
“Why’s Roman so excited by the idea, though?” She doesn’t understand.
I don’t want to scare her, but I’m not supposed to hide anything from her, so I shrug, “I think he’s investigating me. He knows I’m hiding something, so he wants to find out everything.”
She pales, eyes wide with fear, “Wh – what?”
“It’s fine. He’s not going to find out anything. Let’s not talk about it. Your oblivion will come in handy. Soon, he’ll shift to you and try to get information out of you. Just don’t tell him my former name. Play dumb, Eve.” I whisper, feigning nonchalance as my heart pounds.
She nods and whispers, “What’s the worst that’ll happen if he knows?”
I scoff and mull over it. Roman knowing about the Cartels will ruin me, ruin everything my parents did, and their ultimate sacrifice. The Cartels are so intertwined with every aspect of the world. They could be anywhere, everywhere, and I can’t risk it.
Eve is still waiting, so I answer, “Roman and I are getting married. He protects me with his resources. In a way, he keeps them from getting to me. He protects me and makes me untouchable. He can’t know, at least not now. I hope he doesn’t find anything, but if he does, that’s fine. For now, I’ll hold onto my past as long as I can, and when it finally slips away, then it does.”
She nods, not satisfied, and still worried, “You’re trying to run from monsters, and somehow, you found yourself married to one. I’m sorry, Scarlett. Let’s hope Italy will be a respite.”
I don’t respond because Elena walks into the cabin, smiling excitedly, “Who’s ready for a marathon of How I Met Your Mother?”
We spend hours watching the first two seasons, then we fall asleep. I don’t get out of the cabin because I know Roman will be waiting. I count down to touchdown. I am exhausted by the time the jet starts to land. Jetlag wraps around me like a noose. I just want to sleep on a bed, not an elevated one.
Unfortunately, I don’t get the respite I need because Roman grabs my hand and leads me to the car waiting for us, splitting me from my friends.
It’s past four in the morning, and everywhere is still dark.
“Hi, hi, I’m Alessandro Valentino, Luca’s cousin. He asked me to bring you home.” The dark-haired, blue-eyed, Italian man speaks with a strong accent.
I smile and nod at him.
Roman keeps his hand on my lower back as he leads me to the waiting car. I ignore everything his touch ignites in me because it’s not real, and neither is he.
Milan is beautiful. My chest aches with a longing I cannot explain. Goosebumps break over my skin as we drive past the tall buildings, cathedrals and old stone streets. There’s something strangely familiar about this place, but I can’t place my hand on it.
Thankfully, we drive into the grand estate. I smile as we drive past the tall trees, swimming pools and other luxury.
I’m aware of Roman’s penetrative gaze, but I don’t look at him.
The home is a Mediterranean Italian Villa, splurged in luxury and even a helicopter landing. It’s beautiful and surrounded by armed men and women. Security is top-notch. I will be safe for the week, but I know my greatest fear is not the Cartel, but the man beside me.
The cars come to a halt, and I reach for the door, but Roman stops me, crowding me.
“We need to talk,” he states, and I shrug, not looking at him.
“Luca’s family are respected, but they are also mourning. You’re here to be ornamental, not functional. You’re something to be seen, not heard. So, keep yourself in line. Do not make friends with the men. Do not go anywhere alone. I need to know where you are, every second. Do you understand?” He demands, and I do not respond.
“Scarlett, I’m not in the mood for your bullshit right now.” He seethes.
“Look at me.” He orders.
So, I look at him, smile, and nod, “Of course, sugar. Anything you want.”
His face grows redder, and his eyes darken. I brace myself for his next words, but I never seem to prepare enough.
“Tell me something, Scarlett. Did I break your little icy heart? Was it hurtful to hold you against the door and make you cum all over me? Did it sting when I pulled the words I needed out of your mouth?” He grins, but his eyes remain dark.
The words hurt because, yes, he did break my little heart, but this is war, and no one wins wars by admitting defeat.
I smile, performative, “Of course, not, sugar. Are we done here?”
His left eyelid twitches. He exhales and nods, “Sit. Be a perfect little dove. Be absolutely in love with me. The people here are not as easy to fool as the ones back at home, so be a good girl, and maybe I’ll throw you a bone.”
“Maybe you’ll choke on it first.” I counter, with a smile, keeping my rage locked firm.
He clenches his jaw hard, but steps out of the car. Then, he walks around and opens the door for me. I step out, and his hand fixes on my lower back.
He leads me to the grand door. Eve and I share a look. Her worry is palpable. I ignore it and focus on my job.
We step into the mansion, and I try to pretend I’m blown away. I’ve seen more money than this. More luxury than this.
“Welcome to the Valentino Mansion,” Luca announces as he walks down the floating stairs.
Our gazes connect, and my heart pounds. He is now the Don of the La Cosa Nostra, which means he can smell bullshit from a mile away, and might be able to recognise the daughter of a Cartel boss pretending to be a dutiful wife.