Chapter 3 - The Ghost Returns
I spent the next three days locked inside a luxurious bedroom on the top floor of Dante's fortified estate.
The intense pain in my back faded to a dull ache, but the terror in my chest only grew stronger.
Every single door was guarded by men carrying concealed weapons beneath perfectly tailored suits.
The only bright spot in my terrifying gilded cage was little Leo.
The sweet boy would sneak into my room every afternoon, carrying his plastic dinosaurs and demanding I play with him.
His innocent, joyful laughter was a stark contrast to the blood-soaked world his father ruthlessly controlled.
Dante rarely visited my room, but I could constantly feel his intense, heavy gaze monitoring me through the security cameras.
On the fourth night, a violent, raging thunderstorm rolled over the sprawling private estate.
I was sitting by the reinforced glass window, watching the jagged lightning tear across the dark sky.
A sudden, incredibly sharp knock at my bedroom door made me jump out of my seat.
Nobody ever knocked on my door after midnight.
I walked over slowly, my bare feet remaining completely silent on the thick Persian rug.
When I pulled the heavy door open, the dimly lit hallway was entirely empty.
The armed guard who was supposed to be permanently stationed outside my room had completely vanished.
I looked down and noticed a plain white envelope resting conspicuously on the expensive carpet.
My trembling fingers reached down and tore open the wax seal.
It was not a formal threat from a rival mafia family.
It was a handwritten note from David, my abusive ex-boyfriend who had ruined my life two years ago.
May you like
The note read, "I know you are hiding in the Salvatore mansion, and if you do not bring me the boy tonight, they will kill me."
Before I could even process his impossible, insane demand, the lights in my bedroom completely shut off.
