The Mafia's Pet: Pawn Of The Ruthless ( A Dark Romance)

Chapter 37: Is This Peace?

After that day, Evangelina didn't hear much from Aemilio or his brother Erico. Neither of them called for her, and she hadn't seen them since. Erico mostly stayed locked in his room, and Aemilio had gone away on business. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of peace, a quiet relief that washed over her days. The constant fear of being forced into something she didn't want seemed to ease, knowing they were not close by. The absence of their presence was like a weight lifted off her chest.

Evangelina had been able to spend her days in a kind of solitude. She wasn't forced to attend to anyone's needs or endure their disturbing advances. She could finally breathe. Though the memories of past days still haunted her, the silence brought her a small slice of safety, even if it was temporary. Her mind no longer raced with fear every time she heard a door open or someone's footsteps echo down the hallway.

Days passed like this, in calm isolation. One morning, after resting and enjoying a quiet breakfast, she heard a knock on her door. Evangelina froze for a moment, her heart speeding up slightly. No one usually knocked. Most people barged in without permission, treating her space as though it belonged to them. For a brief second, she wondered if it was Bruno. He was one of the few who showed her any decency in this house. Despite being Aemilio's right-hand man, Bruno had never mistreated her like the others. He had a way of speaking to her that didn't make her feel small or worthless, though his presence still unnerved her.

But as she stood up from her bed, she realized it wasn't Bruno. The knock was softer, hesitant. Evangelina opened the door to find one of the maids standing there, her eyes darting nervously from side to side. The maids in this house were often treated as she was, subjected to the whims and harshness of the men they served. That's why Evangelina never truly saw them as free, even though they weren't locked away like her.

"The boss wants to see you in the garden," the maid said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Evangelina's stomach dropped. Aemilio? When had he returned? Her thoughts began to spin, anxiety creeping into her bones. She hadn't seen him in weeks, and part of her had hoped he would stay away longer. Now, the reality of facing him again made her skin crawl. Memories of his cruel words, his hands gripping her, and the cold stare he gave when things didn't go his way flashed in her mind.

The maid looked down, sensing Evangelina's discomfort. "He's back... and he's waiting for you."

Evangelina closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady her breath. She couldn't avoid this meeting. Aemilio summoned her, and not going could mean punishment—punishment that might be worse than facing him in the garden. But what would he do? Was he angry with her for something? Had Erico told him something, or maybe Bruno? Was he upset that she had been left alone for so long?

Her mind raced, imagining all the ways this encounter could go wrong. Aemilio wasn't someone who showed kindness easily. In fact, she doubted he knew what kindness even meant. He was unpredictable, capable of being calm one moment and violent the next. Every encounter with him left her feeling bruised, both mentally and physically.

"The boss... he's asking for you," the maid mumbled, , again, her voice barely audible, repeating herself.

Evangelina's heart sank. "Aemilio?" she asked, her voice tight.

The maid nodded quickly. "Yes, he's back. He wants you to meet him in the garden."

Evangelina's mind raced.

When did Aemilio return? Why hadn't she known?

Her thoughts spun in a panic. She had dreaded the moment he would come back, but she had foolishly hoped she'd have more time—more time without having to face him again. Now, the reality of it hit her like a wave of cold water. She would have to see him, speak to him, and endure whatever torment he had planned for her this time.

Her mouth felt dry as she tried to swallow down her anxiety. "Did he say why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The maid shook her head, still not meeting her eyes. "He just told me to come and get you. You should come now. He doesn't like waiting."

Evangelina knew that all too well. Aemilio hated being kept waiting. Any sign of disobedience or delay would only result in more punishment. Her stomach twisted in knots at the thought of what could happen if she refused.

But as she stood there, her mind drifted to the abuse she had already endured at his hands. The way Aemilio would grip her arm so tightly it bruised, his voice harsh and commanding, leaving her feeling powerless. And then there was Erico, who was no less cruel in his own quiet way. While Aemilio's abuse was loud and direct, Erico's was like a shadow creeping over her, a silent torment that made her feel constantly on edge.

Evangelina's hands trembled as she ran them through her hair. 'Was she truly ready to face Aemilio again? What did he want this time?' She could only imagine the worst.

The maid fidgeted nervously, clearly afraid of delivering Aemilio's summons. Evangelina knew the girl was just as terrified as she was. No one in this house escaped Aemilio's control.

"Are you coming?" the maid asked, her voice shaking now.

Evangelina closed her eyes for a moment, trying to gather the strength to move. There was no choice. She knew that. She couldn't hide in her room forever. Aemilio would come looking for her himself if she delayed, and that would only make things worse. With a deep breath, she opened her eyes and nodded slowly.

"I'm coming," she whispered, though every fiber of her being screamed to run in the opposite direction. "But I'll like to take my bath first,"