Bound to the Don

chapter 12

Salma

I couldn't believe I was in Italy. One minute, I was at school, making friends and feeling happy outside my home. Now, my life had changed forever.

The plane ride was exhausting. Constant fear of crashing kept me awake. Louis said I wouldn't get rest in Italy either. His words echoed in my mind as I followed him out of the plane.

Darkness surrounded us, making me wonder what time it was back home, it was as if I just registered that I was far away from my family, from home.

A tear escaped, followed by another, and soon I was sobbing uncontrollably. My shoulders shook, and my body trembled.

Louis paid no mind to me, picking up his phone to make a call.

I managed to calm down just a little before a car pulled over.
A man in all black alighted from the black sleek Mercedes and walked towards Louis."buonasera sottocapo" the man said bowing slightly towards Louis and he only responded with a slight nod.

I followed behind walking towards the car and settling inside. The whole car was filled with a discomforting lull and I leaned back against the plush leather seats staring out the side window as I watched the Italian country side blur by.

...
An hour later, after taking countless turns and passing through hills, we arrived at a secluded mansion. I felt paranoid, my mind racing with unpleasant scenarios as I wondered why the house is in such a secluded area as if to make sure no one knows if it's existence.

The mansion's grandeur intimidated me seeking to be surrounded by a dark aura and I felt uneasy.
The luxury it composes seemed out of this world and I felt completely out of place here.
My face pressed against the side window bewildered by the luxury that encompasses the mansion grounds.

My gaping stare was cut short by Louis harsh grip as he dragged me out of the car and the abrupt movement sent my head spinning, leaving me lightheaded and disoriented. After I regained my balance I caught sight of the magnificent mansion. It screamed wealth but lacked a homey vibe. I felt like a prisoner.
That's because I was. My subconscious added.

I took in the designs of the mansion, my eyes widening as I absorbed the stunning texture of my new, albeit unwilling home.

I'm not even supposed to call it home.

Louis firm voice pierced the gaze of my reverie, yanking me back to the harsh realities surrounding me. "I want to set some things straight to you..." he declared eyes burning with an unshakable conviction , their bright intensity illuminating the unyielding resolve etched on his face. "Once inside, maintain a submissive posture: your head down, hands clasped behind your back and under no circumstances are you to make eyes contact with anyone." He ordered, his voice firm, commanding and laced with a gravity that sent shivers down my spine.

I attempted a silent nod, my voice stuck in my throat due to nerves that were starting to invade my body , but my tremulous gesture only seemed to infuriate him, his piercing gaze intensifying as he demanded.
"Speak! Confirm your understanding."

"Yes, sir" I managed, my voice shivering like autumn leaves, the sound barely audible but he seemed somewhat satisfied by my answer.

"And one more thing,when you enter, kneel and fold your hands behind your back. The more you submit the more your chances of survival... Vieni avante" {come along}
He ordered, pivoting sharply on his heel and striding towards the mansion's imposing facade, my feet moving in obedient silence eyes downcast.

My heart pounded.

The path to the mansion's grand entrance was lined with guards, their faces impassive their and their eyes gleaming with deference as they inclined their heads to Louis as a turn of respect.

I entered and my eyes widened at the stunning sight ; lion's head statue stood sentinel at ever corner, poised at every turn, infused the space with an air of venerable grandeur and unspoken power.

Louis ushered me into a deluxe chamber, its sparkling tiles mirroring the majestic portraits that lined the walls. The room's luxurious furnishings contradicts the dark aura that lingered, like a shadow, I caught glimpses of suited figures from the corner of my eyes seated across the expansive, cushioned chairs. Their gazes, studiously avoiding the mafia lord, seemed to hold a collective breath, awaiting his cue. At the room's head, The mafia lord occupied a throne-like chair, commanding attention with an unspoken authority.

Louis stood directly in front of the boss bowing his head slightly to show respect , "Capo, sono arrivato" (Boss, I've arrived). Louis said, voice calm and cautious.

I positioned myself discreetly behind Louis broad frame, seeking refuge from the intimidating presence of the mafia lord which imposing stature seem to fill the room.

The boss questioned Louis about the job, and Louis explained, "I brought her as a gift. Her brother will suffer knowing she's gone. All because of him"

Armando's dark laugh terrified me. "Step forward, little one," he said, his voice dripping with malice.

I obeyed , taking hesitant steps stopping directly in front of him. kneeling before him. He seemed pleased by my submission.

"I like how submissive she is, Louis, but she's not my type. Weak and innocent girls bore me," Armando said voice calm with an authoritative tone which immediately sent unpleasant shivers down my spine.

I found myself curious about the face that accompanied such a profound tone but I refused to life my gaze from my lap fearing the consequences of meeting his eyes.

He rose abruptly, his strides purposeful eating away the distance, his imposing shadow enveloped me.The uneasiness grew as he got closer, my nerves fluttering like trapped birds as I shivered.
As if noticing my fear , he Chuckled darkly stopping just a few feet from me "Why are you scared, bambina? I don't bite... unless provoked."{little girl}

His words did no justice to me as I felt myself growing nervous by the second seeming to be in the the brink of a panic attack.
I have never been this terrified of someone before.

His piercing gaze made me more nervous. I felt trapped.

Louis intervened, "Capo, perhaps-"

Armando raised his hand, silencing Louis. "No, she's useless to me. You may keep her."

Louis's expression changed from interest to possession. "Don't worry, piccolo coniglio. I'll treat you fine."{little rabbit}

I shot him a hard glare, fighting back tears.

Louis chuckled. "Well, isn't it my lucky day?"

His smirk made my skin crawl.

Armando ascended the stairs, leaving me with Louis.

I stood up, shaky legs supporting me.

"Follow me," Louis ordered.

I trailed behind him, lost in thought.

What life awaited me?

Would I survive this?

Only time would tell.

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Edited: 26/10/2024- 3:30am
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