Sam's POV:
I slowly blink my eyes open, disoriented. Vincent and Joey are cuddled up on either side of me, their arms draped possessively across my body.
I glance down and realize I'm wearing Vincent's pajamas again. Joey's sporting his skull print PJs, while Vincent lies shirtless, his muscular chest rising and falling. Scars and tattoos mar his skin.
They both stir, nuzzling into me. Vincent trails kisses along my neck, murmuring Italian phrases I don't understand. His grip tightens.
A glint catches my eye - the chain. Tethering me to the bed. To him. Panic rises in my throat.
"Buongiorno, amore mio," Vincent purrs. "Did you sleep well, mi tesoro?"
I can only manage a small whimper, clutching the pillow. His dark chuckle sends shivers down my spine.
"Don't worry, Sammi. We have all day together..."
I slowly open my eyes, blinking away the lingering remnants of a restless sleep. The warmth of Vincent's muscular chest against my cheek is both comforting and unsettling. Joey's small form curls up on top of me, his soft breaths tickling my neck. I dare not move, fear gripping my heart as the weight of the chain binding me to the bed becomes apparent once more.
A sharp knock at the door shatters the fragile silence. Vincent stirs beside me, his arm tightening around my waist in a possessive embrace. With his free hand, he reaches for a cigar on the nightstand, lighting it with a swift flick of his lighter.
"Come in," he commands, his voice laced with authority.
The door creaks open, and Antonio's imposing figure enters the room. "The limo is ready, boss."
I furrow my brow in confusion, my gaze flickering between Vincent and Antonio. "Limo? For what?"
Vincent exhales a thick cloud of smoke, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. "For our family outing, of course." His lips curl into a smirk as he reaches over, deftly unlocking the chain that bound me to the bed.
My stomach drops, and I instinctively clutch Joey closer to me. "F-family outing?"
"Don't act so surprised, Sammi." Vincent swings his legs over the edge of the bed, his tone a mixture of amusement and warning. "You didn't think I'd let you spend our first day as husband and wife cooped up in here, did you?"
I open my mouth to protest, but the words catch in my throat as Vincent levels a dark glare in my direction. "I... I can get dressed myself," I manage to squeak out, desperately clinging to any semblance of control.
Vincent chuckles, a low, rumbling sound that sends a chill through my bones. "And risk you trying to escape? I don't think so." He rises to his feet, towering over me with a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Now, be a good girl and let me help you get ready."
Swallowing hard, I nod meekly, too terrified to defy him. With practiced efficiency, Vincent selects an outfit from his walk-in closet, laying it out on the bed beside me. Joey stirs, blinking sleepily as Vincent gently scoops him up and deposits him on a nearby chair.
"Daddy's just helping Mommy get dressed, bambino," Vincent croons, ruffling Joey's hair affectionately.
I can't help but shudder at the twisted domesticity of the scene unfolding before me. Vincent's hands are firm but gentle as he helps me out of his oversized pajamas, his touch leaving a trail of fire on my skin. I avert my gaze, unable to meet his piercing stare as he dresses me in a simple sundress and flats.
Once I'm fully clothed, Vincent steps back, admiring his handiwork with a satisfied nod. "Beautiful, as always." He leans in, his lips brushing against my ear. "And all mine."
A shudder ripples through me at his possessive words, but I remain silent, too afraid to provoke his wrath. Vincent turns his attention to Joey, swiftly dressing the young boy in a crisp polo shirt and shorts.
"Antonio, keep an eye on things while we're out," Vincent orders, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Antonio nods sharply, his stoic expression never wavering. "Of course, boss."
With a firm grip on my hand, Vincent leads us out of the bedroom and towards the waiting limo. Joey skips ahead, oblivious to the tension that hangs thick in the air. As we approach the sleek black vehicle, my heart pounds in my chest, the reality of my situation sinking in deeper with every step.
I am well and truly trapped, a prisoner in a gilded cage, forced to play the role of a doting wife and mother to a man whose very presence instills a primal fear within me. Yet, as I steal a glance at Vincent's chiseled features, I can't help but wonder if there's a glimmer of humanity beneath that cold, ruthless exterior.
With a resigned sigh, I slide into the plush leather interior of the limo, bracing myself for whatever twisted plans Vincent has in store for our "family outing."
