The sleek black limo glided smoothly through the city streets, its tinted windows masking the sinister world within. Inside, the air was thick with tension and the scent of Vincent's pungent cigar smoke.
I shifted uneasily on Vincent's lap, his muscular arms wrapped possessively around my waist. The sound of Joey's giggles cut through the silence as the young boy bounced excitedly on the plush leather seat, taking occasional swipes at the stone-faced guards assigned to watch over us.
"Sit still, you little monster," Vincent growled, his deep voice rumbling against my back.
Joey stuck his tongue out defiantly, but a sharp glare from his father caused him to freeze mid-bounce.
Leaning closer, Vincent nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck, his stubbled cheek scratching my skin. "Isn't this cozy, my Sammi?" he murmured in a sickly-sweet tone that made my stomach churn.
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to nod even as my body trembled with fear. Vincent's grip tightened around me, his large hand sliding up to grip my thigh in a clear warning against any attempt to escape.
"Where... where are we going?" I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.
Vincent chuckled darkly, his warm breath tickling my ear. "Somewhere fun, amore mio. A day out with my beautiful wife and son."
The word 'wife' felt like a knife twisting in my gut. This was no marriage - just a twisted game of possession orchestrated by a madman.
Joey's eyes lit up at the mention of their destination. "Are we going to the park, Papa? The one with the mini golf?"
"Of course, piccolino. Anything for my little prince." Vincent's lips curved into a smirk as he caught my gaze, daring me to protest this mockery of a family outing.
I averted my eyes, swallowing back the bile rising in my throat. The limo slowed to a stop, and Joey scrambled to the window, pressing his face eagerly against the tinted glass.
"We're here!" he squealed, bouncing on the seat once more.
The door opened, and one of the guards stepped aside, allowing us to exit. Vincent slid out first, tugging me roughly after him until I stumbled onto the sidewalk. Straightening my sunhat, I blinked in the bright sunlight, taking in the garish neon sign that proclaimed 'Mel's Funway Park' in flashing letters.
"Isn't this exciting, Sammi?" Vincent's voice dripped with sarcasm as he looped his arm through mine, pulling me flush against his side. "A day of family fun."
I couldn't help but shrink back at the malicious glint in his dark eyes. This was no innocent outing - it was another twisted game, and I was merely a pawn caught in Vincent's sadistic web.
Joey danced ahead of us, chattering excitedly about the various games and attractions. Vincent followed at a leisurely pace, his grip on my arm like a vise, the smoke from his ever-present cigar swirling around us.
As we approached the mini-golf course, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was all part of some larger plan - a cruel joke designed to torment me further. But with nowhere to run and no one to turn to, I had no choice but to play along, praying for a chance at escape that might never come.
I clutched Vincent's gloved hand tightly as we stepped out of the limo, my knuckles turning white from the sheer force. The hot summer sun beat down on us, but a chill ran through my body at the sight of the armed guards surrounding us like an impenetrable fortress.
"Easy there, Sammi," Vincent purred, giving my hand a firm squeeze. "No need to be so tense."
I swallowed hard, unable to meet his piercing gaze. "I... I'm not tense."
A low chuckle rumbled in his throat. "You're a terrible liar, cara mia." He leaned in close, his breath tickling my ear. "But that's what I find so endearing about you."
Joey skipped ahead of us, oblivious to the tension crackling in the air. "Come on, you two! I wanna play mini golf!"
Vincent dragged me along, his grip unrelenting. "You heard the boy. Let's have some family fun, shall we?"
As we approached the miniature golf course, people gawked and scurried out of our way, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and fear. I couldn't blame them-Vincent cut an imposing figure in his tailored suit, his bodyguards trailing behind like menacing shadows.
"Why are they all staring?" I whispered, leaning closer to Vincent.
He chuckled darkly. "They know better than to disrespect me, cupcake." His fingers trailed along my jawline, sending a shiver down my spine. "But don't worry your pretty little head. As long as you're with me, you're untouchable."
We reached the counter, and the poor teenager behind the register looked like he was about to faint. Vincent slammed a wad of cash on the counter, his voice laced with authority. "Three for mini golf. And make it snappy."
"Y-Yes, sir!" The kid fumbled with the money, his hands trembling.
Joey bounced on his heels, already clutching a putter. "Can we play now, Papa?"
Vincent ruffled his son's hair affectionately. "Of course, piccolo. Lead the way."
As we stepped onto the course, I couldn't help but notice the other patrons giving us a wide berth, their eyes flickering nervously in our direction. Vincent, however, seemed unfazed by the attention, draping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me close.
"Relax, Sammi," he murmured. "This is supposed to be fun."
I tried to force a smile, but it felt more like a grimace. "Right. Fun."
Joey lined up his first shot, his brow furrowed in concentration. With a mighty swing, he sent the ball rolling across the green, veering off course and landing in the nearby water hazard.
"Aw, man!" he pouted, stomping his foot.
Vincent laughed heartily, ruffling his son's hair again. "Nice try, figlio. Here, let me show you how it's done."
He stepped up to the tee, his movements fluid and confident. With a smooth swing, he sent the ball sailing through the air, landing perfectly on the green and rolling straight into the hole. He turned to me with a smug grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Your turn, bella."
I gripped the putter tightly, my palms slick with sweat. Taking a deep breath, I tried to focus on the shot, but my mind kept drifting to the armed guards watching our every move. With a shaky swing, I sent the ball rolling across the green, missing the hole by a mile.
Vincent tsked, shaking his head. "Tsk, tsk, Sammi. You're supposed to be having fun, remember?"
Joey giggled, his laughter like tinkling bells. "Mama can't putt!"
I flushed, embarrassment flooding my cheeks. "I... I'm just a little rusty, that's all."
Vincent stepped behind me, his hands sliding down my arms to guide my stance. "Let me help you, cara." His breath was hot against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. "Relax your shoulders. Bend those knees a little more. Yes, like that."
I tried to focus on his instructions, but his proximity made it difficult to concentrate. The scent of his cologne enveloped me, a heady mixture of spice and musk that made my head spin.
"Now, follow through," he murmured, his hands guiding mine as we swung the putter together.
The ball sailed across the green, rolling smoothly into the hole. Vincent chuckled, his grip tightening around my waist.
"See? You just needed a little guidance."
I swallowed hard, acutely aware of the heat radiating off his body. "Y-Yeah... thanks."
Joey cheered, clapping his hands. "Yay, Mama! You did it!"
Vincent pressed a kiss to my temple, his lips lingering a little too long. "That's my girl."
As we moved on to the next hole, I couldn't shake the feeling that this "family outing" was more than just a game of mini golf. Vincent's every touch, every lingering glance, felt like a subtle reminder of the control he held over me. And as much as I tried to ignore it, a part of me couldn't help but wonder what else he had in store.
