Captured by the King

Chapter 5: Trust and deception

Monday drags by in a boring blur, and without Izzy around, everything feels off. She's off in Greece with her family, enjoying the sun and sea while I'm stuck here. I wish she were here; it's like I'm missing my right hand without her. The hallways, the classes, even lunchtime—it's all so dull and lonely.

Tuesday, though, that's when things get interesting.

A new guy shows up at school. His name's Matteo, and he walks through the halls like he's always belonged here, flashing an easy smile at everyone he meets. During lunch, he makes his way over to me, casually leaning against the locker next to mine.

"Hey, Lilia, right?" he says, looking at me with a smile that seems way too charming. "I'm Matteo, the new kid. Mind showing me around a bit?"

I nod, keeping my guard up but not wanting to be rude. "Sure, I can do that."

We walk around the campus together, and he's throwing questions my way about the school, classes, and even asking what people do for fun around here. He's friendly—almost too friendly—but somehow, it's nice to have someone to talk to. It's been a while since anyone new has come into my life that isn't connected to the mafia.

Throughout the week, Matteo keeps finding reasons to hang out with me. He sits with me at lunch, walks with me to my classes, and every time, my bodyguards are there watching from a distance, barely paying him any attention. They don't see him as a threat, just another student trying to make friends.

By the time Friday rolls around, he's managed to worm his way into my routine, and I'm starting to think he might actually be a decent guy. He's funny, he makes me laugh, and for the first time since Izzy left, I don't feel so alone.

As the last bell rings, Matteo and I walk out of school together. He suggests grabbing a coffee, and I think, why not? It's been a long week, and a bit of normalcy might be just what I need. We turn the corner to a quieter street, and I notice my bodyguards hesitating a few steps behind us.

"It's fine," I say to them, waving them off. "I'll be alright. Just this once, can you let me have a normal moment?"

They exchange looks and then glance at Matteo, who's smiling at them like he's just an ordinary guy. "She's safe with me," he says smoothly, and to my surprise, they actually nod and step back, letting us go.

But as soon as we're out of their sight, Matteo's demeanor shifts. The friendly smile I'd grown used to disappears, replaced by something darker, more sinister. His grip on my wrist tightens, and he pulls me closer to him, his eyes glinting with something cold and cruel.

"Matteo, what are you doing?" I ask, panic rising in my chest.

He smirks, and the warmth I thought I saw in him all week evaporates. "You didn't really think I was your friend, did you, Lilia? Giovanni sends his regards."

Giovanni. The name hits me like a cold slap to the face. I've been so stupid. I trusted him, and he was playing me all along.

"Let go of me," I shout, yanking my arm, but his grip only tightens.

"Oh, come on, Lilia," he taunts, leaning closer. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be."

Something snaps inside me. I bring my knee up hard, hitting him square in the stomach. He doubles over, letting go of my wrist, and I don't waste a second. I shove him back and run as fast as I can, my heart pounding, adrenaline racing through my veins.

I don't look back until I'm at my front door. I burst into the house, slamming the door behind me, my breath coming in ragged gasps. Lorenzo is there in the hallway, his eyes widening the moment he sees me.

"Lilia, che cosa è successo?" he asks, rushing over to me, his face a mix of concern and anger.

"It was Matteo," I gasp, my voice trembling. "He's with Giovanni. He tried to take me."

Lorenzo's expression hardens instantly, his jaw clenching as he pulls me into his arms. "Tu sei al sicuro adesso," he murmurs, holding me close. "You're safe now. I won't let them touch you."

I bury my face into his chest, feeling the warmth of his embrace, my whole body shaking. I'm safe here, in his arms, where the world outside can't hurt me.