Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Am I allowed to leave the bedroom?
What about food? Do I have to ask permission like I had to do at home?
What does Damiano plan to do with me?
“Dio, I’ve been taken by the Capo dei Capi,” I whisper as the shock hits once again.
What will become of me?
My mind is preoccupied with the predicament I find myself in, but eventually, exhaustion wins, and I drift off into a restless sleep.
Chapter 6
Gabriella
Even though I went to bed late, I wake up before my alarm. I press the button to open the curtains, and climbing out of bed, I adjust the bathrobe I’m wearing while walking to the windows.
“Dio,” I whisper when I see the breathtaking view of the sun rising over the lake.
Noticing a balcony, I find the door and unlock it. When I push it open, a cold breeze sweeps over me. I step onto the balcony, drinking in the exquisite sight of the tall trees on either side of the vast backyard.
It’s the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen.
I take a seat on one of the wrought-iron chairs by a small round table and pull my legs up so I can cover my feet with the bathrobe.
Crap, it’s much colder here than in Palermo.
I don’t think my clothes are warm enough for the snowy winters New York experiences.
Staring at the scenic nature and the guards scattered over the property, I suck in a deep breath as I try to gather my thoughts.
Everything that’s happened over the past twenty-four hours fills my mind, and I’m once again left worrying about my uncertain future.
Hopefully, Carlo will give me some answers today.
I hear someone knocking, but they don’t wait for me to answer, and instead, they try to open the door.
I dart off the chair and rush to unlock the door. When I open it, I’m met with several guards who carry my belongings inside, dropping everything in front of the bed.
Not bothering to acknowledge me, they immediately leave again.
I shut the door behind them, relieved to have my belongings.
“I’ll get dressed before unpacking,” I whisper to myself.
Should I unpack?
I have no idea how long I’ll stay here.
I’ll ask Carlo when I see him.
With my parents not here to control what I wear, I search through the bags until I find a matching set of lace underwear and one of my warmer outfits.
The stylish pant legs flare around my legs, and I match them with a cashmere sweater that fits like a second skin.
After getting dressed, I slip my feet into a pair of cream heels before searching through the bags for my makeup supplies. A smile stretches over my face when I also manage to find my hair and skin care products.
I let out a sigh of relief when I see none of the products were damaged when the guards packed them.
Thank God for small mercies.
Heading to the bathroom, I brush my hair and teeth before going through my skincare routine.
Feeling much better, I take a seat at the dressing table and carefully apply my makeup.
Once I’m happy with the final result, I straighten the covers on my bed and search for my phone charger. Just as I plug the device in, there’s another knock at the door.
I quickly open, and when I see Carlo, I feel relieved that I don’t have to wait any longer.
Smiling politely, I say, “Morning.”
He just nods at me then gestures down the hallway. “It’s time for breakfast.”
I step out of the bedroom and shut the door.
We start to walk, and I shoot him a cautious glance. “Can I ask questions?”
“Yes.”
“How long will I stay here?”
“Until Damiano decides otherwise,” he mutters.
Feeling brave, I ask, “Do you know what he plans to do with me?”
“You’ll find out soon.”
Not liking the answer, I frown at Carlo.
“Can I use the Wifi?”
“I’ll get you the password.”
Gazie a Dio.
“Am I allowed to leave my bedroom?”
“Yes.” We stop at the top of the stairs, and Carlo locks eyes with me. “Stay away from Damiano’s suite and office. You’re not allowed to leave the property without permission.”
I nod quickly. “Okay.”
We head down the stairs, then Carlo mentions, “There is an elevator if you get tired of the stairs.”
I nod, and sucking in a deep breath, I ask, “Am I allowed to help myself to food?”
“Yes. I’ll show you where the kitchen is.”
When we reach the first floor, Carlo says, “You’ll meet Damiano’s mother and mine. Mrs. Falco is blind. You’re not to mention anything about her disability.”
“Okay.”
We walk into a state-of-the-art kitchen, and Carlo takes a few minutes to show me where everything is. I actually start to relax around the man.
A woman dressed in a black and white uniform comes into the kitchen with an empty tray in her hands.
“Martha,” Carlo says. “This is Miss di Bella. She’ll be visiting us for a while.”