Content warning!

Camila

I've never felt so helpless, betrayed, and weak in my life as I did last night. Finding myself being controlled by a lustful human being. A man who has no respect for women. A man who only cares about his selfish desires. I hated myself for allowing him to touch my body, for allowing him to see my vulnerability, for letting him have his way with me. Because I couldn't do anything. How I wished I could turn back time and change my fate. Erase the memories of last night from my mind. But no matter what, I knew they would be etched in my heart.

If my father hadn't pushed me into this arrangement, none of this would have happened. If he hadn't sought help from Antonio, I wouldn't have met that wicked man. We wouldn't be married. I would have been living my life peacefully. But now, everything has changed. My life was never going to be the same.

It was still very early in the morning, the darkness surrounding the room was evidence enough. I hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. I couldn't bring myself to close my eyes. My body was still weak and shaking from the memories of what Antonio did to me. I saw nothing in his eyes but a monster hunting its prey. A dangerous and dark heart beneath his façade. In that moment, the fear of him swelled inside me. I had wished for nothing more than a miracle to somehow save me from him. And it did. He left without carrying out the terrible plan he had in mind.

Only I know the amount of relief that washed over me when he left the room. But then again, it wouldn't erase the memories in my brain. I had cried my eyes out last night, blaming everyone - my parents and myself - for allowing him to torture me.

I didn't know how long I had been sitting on the bed, with nothing but the bed covers wrapped around my body. The bed was still a mess, my dress was still on me, and my body felt sore and pained all over.

The sudden jolt of the bedroom door made my body quiver. There stood the man behind my pain - Antonio. His dangerous eyes attacked me like piercing needles, bringing back all the memories of last night. I shifted on the bed, covering my body even more. What was he doing here early in the morning? Was he going to torture me again?

The question swirled in my head when Antonio began walking towards me with all his authoritative posture. "Did you get enough sleep?" came his voice, which undeniably sent shivers down my spine for some unknown reason.

I didn't know if he said it as mockery or if he truly couldn't differentiate the pain I was in. Remember, Camila, he's a man without a heart; he won't be able to know. I said nothing and kept my eyes focused on the floor, his shoes to be precise.

The next thing that escaped my lips was a wince when my body was yanked up by Antonio. The spot where he had struck me with the belt last night hurt like hell. "I am talking to you, woman!" he seethed. His dangerous eyes burned with fury, and I feared the outcome.

"Let go of me, please," I managed to crack out, barely recognizing my own voice. I didn't have the strength to fight him when my brain could barely think straight. Antonio's lips danced with what I would label as a smirk - one I hated with all my being, and one I also feared because I knew what would come after the smile wouldn't be good.

His hand lightly loosened around my arm, but he didn't let go. His eyes shifted to my lips, which I was sure had swollen up. "I like your behavior this morning. Your lips are as plump as last night," he whispered, brushing his thumb over my lower lip, but it quickly dropped down to my waist. A gasp escaped my lips at the action.

"I should've spanked this pretty round ass last night," he said, squeezing my behind. I shifted in his hold, determined not to let my body react to Antonio's touch in any other way.

I choked on my saliva and my eyes widened as Antonio sunk his fingers into my folds. Goosebumps immediately covered my skin, and a heat I couldn't explain spread through my body. "This spot..." Antonio husked, his voice sharp. He sunk his fingers in again, and I gripped his shirt tightly. "Is mine to pleasure." My eyes almost closed on their own as Antonio's fingers teased my sweet spot. My body was instantly aroused.

I braced myself for his next move, but he withdrew his hand, and I let out a heavy moan. "Go clean yourself up. We're leaving for Italy in an hour."

If it weren't for how close he was to me, I might have thought I hadn't heard him correctly. The throbbing heat I had been feeling between my legs disappeared, replaced by confusion. "Italy for what?" I found myself asking, my voice coming out as a shout. I had finally found my voice.

Antonio sat up and slipped his hands into his pockets. Those dangerous eyes focused on me again. "Because I said so. Don't make me repeat myself. You have thirty minutes to get yourself ready," he said in a warning tone, then turned to walk towards the door.

"I'm not going," I declared, halting him in his tracks. "You can't just come out of the blue and decide my life," I continued.

He was still standing with his back to me, but I knew the expression on his face would be one of anger. And when he turned around, I could swear my heart almost stopped. He moved quickly, leaning close to my face, and I could almost feel his breath on my skin, sending more goosebumps down my body. "I own you, Camila. I'm going to decide your fucking life. Whether you're alive or dead. So do yourself a favor and get that through your fucking skull," his words dripped with danger, threats, and malice.

As he stormed out of the room, I let out a scream and ruffled the bed. "I hate you, Antonio. I fucking hate you so much I want to kill you!" I yelled, not caring if he heard me through the door or if he'd return and exert more torture on me.

**

Bruised lips, swollen cheeks, puffy eyes. A different woman stared back at me in the mirror. I saw a defeated and weak Camila before me, in pain and vulnerable. I couldn't believe my life had taken such a drastic turn, from being a carefree woman to becoming someone's possession. Not just anyone, but the wife of a heartless Mafia leader. I brushed away the tears that threatened to escape. "Let's stay strong, just like we've always been, Camila," I assured myself, though deep down, I knew that would be a challenge.

I had no idea what Antonio's plans were for the sudden trip to Italy. I can't go with him. I had my own life, my job, my family. I had to find a way to escape boarding that plane. Maybe I could fake an illness. Pretend to have a heart attack? Or act like I needed to use the restroom and then make a run for it.

Camilla, do you think Antonio doesn't have everything under his control? A voice in my head said. He can literally track you down anywhere. He's Antonio Di Salvatore.

I hadn't realized I hadn't reached the bottom of the stairs when I almost lost my balance. Only to hear Antonio's voice atop me. "Whatever scheme you're planning won't work. Even if you run to the end of the earth, I will find you." I didn't hide my shock at his outburst. Could he read my mind?

He seemed to notice my state of shock as his lips suddenly curved into a smile. "Let's get moving. We'll grab breakfast on the way," he announced, but I didn't budge an inch.

"As I said, I am not going with you," I said, mustering the strength to speak up. My eyes remained fixed on him, even though my heart was pounding within me.

"Let's not revisit that topic, Camila. Start moving or you won't like the consequences," he warned. Still, I stood my ground. I was determined to stand up for myself again. He might have succeeded in making me submit last night, but Camila's strong spirit would always remain within me.

"I am not your toy."

He strode swiftly towards me, and in a quick reflex, my back collided with the stair railing. "You are betrothed to me, you bitch! You are mine to please and mine to control. You belong to Antonio Di Salvatore." His eyes were clouded with nothing but pure rage.

I saw nothing but pure evil in his eyes. However, even amidst that darkness, I found my voice. "You don't have a heart, Antonio."