The morning light entered into the lavish suite forcing me to up even though I had slept in bits last night since the Don's words still haunted me.
"She has no idea what she's really worth, does she?"
A soft knock at the door startled me. I sat up quickly. My heart raced as I feared that it was the Don or even his second in command.
The door creaked open and a woman in a neatly pressed uniform stepped inside, bowing her head slightly as I gave her a very confused look.
"Adrian is waiting for breakfast," she announced as her voice was very gentle but still managed to be firm, I gave her a confused look. "I'm a maid here."
I blinked, there was a way she said his name as if Don DeLuca was not some kind of king criminal who had taken me as collateral. I bit back the urge to scoff and forced a nod.
"Give me a moment," I said, pushing off the bed as I stood on my feet
She simply nodded, I freshened up quickly, splashing cold water on my face to shake off the exhaustion.
As I studied my reflection, I almost didn't recognize the girl staring back at me. Gone was the Sienna Romano who had lived in her father's world of fine dining and charity galas.
Now, I was someone else—a pawn in a game I didn't understand.
With a deep breath, I followed the maid through the estate. The hallways were long, lined with towering windows.
Finally, she led me into a dining room where he was already seated at the head of a long, dark mahogany table.
A platter of food was spread out before him—fresh fruit, eggs, toast, and steaming coffee.
He didn't look up immediately. He simply took a slow sip of his coffee before motioning to the seat across from him, he barely even acknowledged me.
"Sit."
I hesitated before sliding into the chair. As much as I hated the situation, my stomach twisted with hunger because I hadn't eaten since last night.
For a few minutes, we ate in silence. He was casual as if nothing had happened like he didn't know that I had broken his first rule.
My pulse pounded as I studied him, searching for any sign that he knew but there was absolutely nothing.
He ate like a man with nothing on his mind except breakfast.
Was I imagining things? Did I actually get away with breaking his rule?
I gripped my fork tighter, trying to suppress the nerves.
When he finished, he wiped his mouth with a napkin and leaned back in his chair.
"You're dismissed."
I stared at him, caught off guard. That was it? I wanted to laugh. Was this a movie? Was I really dismissed like some employee after a business meeting?
I pushed my chair back slowly, studying him one last time before turning to leave.
But the moment I stepped out of the dining room, my mind spun with a new thought.
Why wasn't I being punished?
If I was just collateral, why didn't he care that I had left my room? Maybe he didn't even notice.
Because from the way he spoke about me last night, the way Elias had treated me like an object rather than a person none of it made sense. I needed answers and if he wasn't going to give them to me, I would find it from the only person that could give me answers.
My father.
***
I waited until the estate grew quieter and then I made my move.
I didn't know the full layout of the estate yet, but I had memorized key exits on the way to breakfast. The biggest challenge was just the security outside.
I needed a vehicle.
Slipping down the hall, I kept my steps light, listening for any signs of movement, since most of the guards were stationed at the front it was easy but the garage entrance was less guarded.
My heart thundered as I spotted a sleek, black car parked near the back exit. I wondered if he only owned black cars.
I checked my surroundings before slipping inside. The seats were cool against my skin as I scanned the controls. The keys weren't in the ignition, but the Don wasn't stupid enough to leave them there.
Luckily for me, my father had taught me a few tricks.
With shaking hands, I reached beneath the dashboard, yanking out the wires. I twisted them together, my breath caught in my throat as the engine rumbled to life.
Yes!
Adrenaline surged through me as I shifted into gear, gripping the wheel. I barely knew where I was going, but anywhere was better than here.
I hit the gas, my pulse racing as the car rolled toward the gates. I was free!
Or so I thought.
The moment I reached the gate, the engine sputtered and then, it died. Panic flared as I touched the wires again and again but nothing. The car wasn't moving.
Then, I saw him. Adrian DeLuca stepped into view, his hands in his pockets, his head tilted slightly as he watched me from the side of the driveway.
His lips curled into a slow, knowing smirk.
"What did I tell you about trying to escape?"