Twisted Loyalty

Chapter 7: Shackles in Silk

Sienna

The night feels endless, stretching on in heavy silence as I move through my room, shedding the weight of the evening piece by piece. The dress, so perfectly tailored, feels like a prison as I peel it away and let it fall to the floor. The monstrous ring Enzo placed on my finger—gaudy and cold—sits on the nightstand, a reminder of the future I'm being forced into.

I slip into a soft robe, pulling it tight around my body, and sit at the edge of my bed, my mind racing. The party downstairs may have ended, but the chaos in my mind hasn't. Dante's words still echo in my head. You're not his yet. And the text he sent... it's been hours, but my skin still tingles every time I think about it.

I know. But you don't. Do you?

I'm not sure what I'm more afraid of—that I don't trust him, or that I don't know if I want to.

A knock on the door startles me, pulling me from my thoughts. My heart jumps, expecting it to be one of the guards, maybe even Enzo. But when the door opens, it's worse.

It's my father.

"Piccola," Luca's voice is calm, almost soft as he steps inside, closing the door behind him. He looks me over, his eyes taking in the discarded dress, the tension in my posture. "You're all right?"

I blink at him, unsure of how to respond. He hasn't called me that since I was little. This isn't the tone I'm used to from him. My father has never been one to check on me, to show any real concern for my well-being. Yet, here he is, standing in the middle of my room, his brow furrowed like he's actually worried.

"I'm fine," I say, my voice coming out more uncertain than I intended. "I just needed some time alone."

He nods, his eyes scanning the room as though checking for any signs of trouble. "It's been a long night." He steps closer, his presence filling the room with that familiar, overwhelming sense of authority. "I wanted to make sure you were safe, especially after what happened at the casino."

I feel my heart rate pick up slightly at the mention of the attack. Dante's hit. I've been trying not to think about it, trying not to connect it to the man who keeps invading my thoughts. But now, with my father standing here, the weight of it presses down harder.

"Nothing's going to happen to you," Luca says softly, his eyes meeting mine. "Not while I'm here."

For a moment, there's something almost tender in his words, like a flicker of paternal concern that I haven't felt in years. My father has never been the kind of man to show vulnerability or affection, but in this fleeting moment, he seems different. Human, almost.

But then, just as quickly, it's gone.

His expression hardens, the warmth in his eyes fading as his lips press into a thin line. "This is why I've made these decisions for you, Sienna," he continues, his voice taking on that familiar, controlling edge. "You may not see it now, but Enzo will protect you. He's strong. He knows how to keep you safe from men like Dante."

I clench my fists in my lap, my fingers twisting nervously as the tension builds. Dante's name cuts through the air like a knife, sharp and unforgiving. I swallow hard, knowing better than to argue, but the urge to fight back simmers beneath the surface.

"Father..." I start, trying to keep my tone calm, but he cuts me off with a sharp look.

"No," he snaps, his voice firm and unyielding. "You don't understand the world the way I do. You're young, naive, and in a world like this, that's dangerous." He steps closer, his hand resting on my shoulder. His grip is firm, not comforting, as if he's reminding me of the weight of his control. "I know what's best for you. Enzo will give you stability, protection, power. He'll make sure no one touches you."