“Am I?” I leaned across the table, breaking the space between us, and placed a hand on the phone, pushing it toward her. “Do you really want to find out if it's a bluff, or would you rather obey and prevent innocent people from losing their lives because of you?”
I don't think punching her in the stomach would have gotten that reaction out of her. She flinched and jumped back, turning her face away from me, trying to hide her teary eyes.
“They won't believe it,” she said in a trembling voice. “No normal person gets a job out of nowhere and leaves without telling their family. It doesn't make sense. They'll be suspicious.”
“For their sake, and yours, they'd better believe.”
She looked at me. The insubordination of a moment ago was gone from her expression, replaced by fear that reduced her features to a rag and left her on the verge of tears.
I leaned back in my chair, a sudden pang of guilt that I very much disliked crossing my stomach.
“Can't we wait a few days? I'd go back and convince them and—”
I laughed. “I'm not an idiot, Signorina Parker.” I retorted. “I'm not going to create opportunities for you to warn your little friend.”
She shrank in that chair as if I were stoning her. “But theywon'tbelieve me.”
"Then be creative. Make them."
Chapter 21
Daisy Peonia Mary Parker
July, 2025
Silver River, South Mississippi, USA
Isaw the certainty of his intentions in his jade eyes, and I couldn't shake the memory of Senator Jones' lifeless body. I imagined Aunt Lizzie, Oli, and Liv in the same situation, and it twisted my gut into a knot. I remembered Lester, who had died because of me too.
I couldn't let history repeat itself. I couldn't let those I loved suffer the consequences of my actions. However, I wasn't lying to Camillo Vicari when I insisted that they would never believe that far-fetched story. No one in their right mind would buy it.
Call my family and go, ‘Bye, bye, I got a new job and I’m moving to Italy!’ Yeah, very believable.
Still, that's what that mafia idiot expected. He stood there, on the other side of the table, staring at me with a predatory look, waiting for me to pick up the phone and agree to his demands.
I scanned the room, paying attention to the kitchen with its white cabinets and black marble countertops, its stainless-steel appliances that looked way too expensive, and the depressing absence of any sharp utensils close enough to be used.
He seemed to read my thoughts. He flashed a wicked smile that further accentuated his well-defined jawline and revealed perfect teeth, his expression saying, ‘try it, and you'll see’.
I shifted uncomfortably in those oversized clothes. His musk scent was ingrained in them and now spread warm across my skin, closing the distance between us in all the wrong ways.
Was I already suffering the first symptoms of Stockholm syndrome?
I held my breath.
My inappropriate thoughts about the man's scent, however, gave me an idea that might actually work. That might be enough to convince Aunt Lizzie and Olivia that there was a valid reason for me to go to Italy, but I would need him to cooperate.
“Alright.” I agreed, sucking in a breath. “But we’re going to the bedroom, and you're going to have to take your clothes off.”
His olive skin took on a tone that was too yellow to be healthy.
“Scusa...?” he asked me, his huge eyes wide open.
“You'rescused” I replied, too amused by my kidnapper's horror. “You want me to convince my family, right? My friends?”I reminded him. “They won’t buy a work contract. But if I tell them I met a hot businessman and I’m going away with him…”
“And how exactly does me being naked help, Signorina Parker?”
“Relax! Your dignity’s safe, sugar. I just need my aunt and my friend to see you in the background while I FaceTime them. Like you’re asleep. It’ll make everything more believable.” I explained, seeing his unconvinced expression. “Or would you rather they think I got kidnapped by some pervert and I’m calling them at gunpoint?”