Submitting To The Devil - The Devil's Snare - Book 2

Chapter Four

Bianca

Niko didn't come to bed last night, nor did he find his clothes dumped haphazardly all over the bed as I had hoped. But that was yesterday, and I've woken up with a new perspective today. And that is, I shouldn't be pushing away the one person placed here to protect me.

When I woke, I felt terrible, but only enough to fold them all and pile them against the wall on his side of the bed. After leaving his room, I hoped I'd find Niko in his office or perhaps the kitchen, where I found Anna making breakfast. She smiles warmly, greeting me with a quick hello before she pushes the tray she intended to bring to me.

I study it and then look at her with confusion.

"Thank you," Anna.

"No problem."

"Where's Niko?" I ask shyly.

"Attending to business, I believe. Luca, Emma, and he will be leaving for work soon."

"Oh! Okay then."

"It's okay, Bianca. Time heals all wounds. Emma will find it in herself to forgive you..." she tells me stoically.

I'm not sure I asked for her opinion, and I'm not sure it's needed, but I nod, devouring the food she's assembled for me: fruits, nuts and granola-covered yoghurt. I'm famished. Honestly, I didn't eat at all yesterday, and I'm unsure when I last ate a full meal.

I must eat like an animal, but Anna doesn't comment as I shovel food inside my mouth quicker than I can chew and swallow. I'm not sure why I don't go to Niko's room; it would probably be advisable with how I'm acting, but I remain in the kitchen until every crumb leaves the tray.

"Thanks, I guess. But I don't need her forgiveness," I shrug finally. I'm unsure if I can trust Anna; after all, she is the enemy, but that doesn't stop me from oversharing.

"We all need forgiveness, Bianca. It's good for our soul."

"It's shocking you presume I have a soul, Anna..."

She looks to me with fear, her eyes bulging like insects eyes. I push back as the awkwardness enlarges between us. Anna seems speechless; it seems I've shocked her.

Smiling, I wave a little goodbye just to make a statement, and I head out into the hall, which leads me back to Niko's bedroom. On the way I look through the doors to the garden, movement catches my eye as I see the men in uniformed lines combating against one another.

Floating to the door, I watch, mesmerised for a moment, being taken back to a simpler day when my father's men did much the same. I had watched them routinely from childhood. Each man gaining in strength and agility. I used to fawn over a number of them. I used to be scared of a few of them. But mostly, I wanted to be them.

A man in this life owns more proprietary than any woman does. Well, except for my sister. Of course. She's always stood on a pedestal while I lay at her feet on the dirty floor. I suppose Mafia leaders expect much the same, but Luca's men seem different.

They are tighter than my father's men ever were, though looser in their movements. I find my interest well and truly piqued.

Looking down at my body, I note my clothes are still of Niko's; smirking, I know it'll piss him off to see me dressed in his clothing and fighting alongside his men.

A moment of clarity has me pushing open the patio door, sauntering barefoot outside. I float somewhat quietly to the men, gathering less than a few stares, which upsets me.

I'm just as invisible here as I were at home.

"Niko's in Luca's office," Mass, the brute, murmurs to me as I come to stand beside him. He's staring between the men before us, obviously the one in charge of their training session.