Gio POV:
"She's asked to come to us?" I was stunned, she was smart I knew this had nothing to do with any feelings for me and only fear of her father, but if she trusted me to protect her It was good enough for me.
"She's determined not to return home, and she said she'll tell you everything she knows, considering she's the number girl I do believe she'll know a bit," Luca told me over the phone as I heard him ripping through town.
"Open up the second master give her whatever she want's have the maids draw a bath for her, double the guard, let her know she's free to go anywhere in the house, and make sure the cook prepares something nice for her," I demanded, I didn't want her to think we had anything to hide, or that she was a prisoner.
I did my best to focus on my work, to make sure that I had my bases covered. I had provoked the beast in a horrible way, hoping disrupting his supply would keep him busy, instead, it made him snarl and snap. He had decided the best way to punish me was to punish her, I should be better by now about hiding my feelings I was at war with the devil after all, looking at her though I had no choice she was fierce and strong. I admired her with my whole heart, wanting to see her come out of this unscathed. It seems any attempts at that had only made her more entangled in the vines of this fight.
I went home if I was a more foolish man I'd have bought her flowers but even in my admiration, I knew how she felt, not just about me, but her circumstances. Only a villain would attempt anything with her now, I would keep my distance provide my protection, and keep my desires to myself.
I entered the house and came upstairs knocking softly on her door, no answer. I tried again I wouldn't bother her if she was upset but there are things we must get straight. She may not like it, but she had chosen a side. Her father won't take kindly to that so come what may I had to watch over her, which meant men with her at all times. She wouldn't like it, not someone so independent, but she needed safety. My men would do what needed to be done to keep her father's greaseballs off of her, DOmenico employed men who were the lowest of the low, and I had no doubt they would take their time bringing her home. I clenched my fists thinking about it and knocked again this time a little too forcefully. I heard some shuffling on the other side, and a moment later the door opened.
She had just woken up her face still pale with sleep and her eyes heavy, guilt shaking me and I swallowed. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were sleeping," I turned to leave.
"It's alright, I know that I've invited myself here," She called to me. "You must have something to say,"
I nodded, and she opened the door allowing me to come inside. I felt uncomfortable all of a sudden in my home I felt like an intruder. I sat down on the armchairs as she cuddled up onto the sofa. I didn't let my mind wander to what if we did this every night.
"I must admit I was hoping that I wouldn't have to see you again," She smiled softly at me making light of the situation we were in.
"I didn't want to see you either, I'm sorry I didn't distract him well enough. All I did was provoke him, making him determined to snag you back," I knew she had surmised this already, but I had to be upfront with her.
Like a witch commanding the truth from me with her eyes and her smile. "Well I didn't allow that to happen, and I believe I've made it much worse than you did,"
I crossed my arms and quirked an eyebrow. "You aren't wrong, he will take this as the deepest insult. He won't stop at anything to get you back and I'm worried he'll make an example of you,"
She squirmed slightly at the thought of it, she saw him as he was. The snake would do whatever it took and kill whoever got in his way. She knew the pain she'd have to endure if he ever got her back.
"I know that you'll hate it but you need a guard. You'll be free to go where you want but you have to have men with you at all times," I explained and she wrinkled her nose but agreed.
"I suppose I should be grateful," She didn't say it snidly, but thoughtfully.
"You are free to turn the room into whatever you wish, make it your own. I know you know but this isn't going to go away overnight, I've been picking at your father for years and he doesn't leave many loose threads or open holes. The closest I've gotten is the business deal, but that's gone to shit now," I told her she wasn't happy, doing her best to hide it.
"I don't have all the money in the world to redecorate and I won't spend any of yours either," She told me.
"You should I have more than any man needs, besides you may not go crazy if you feel at home," I attempted to make her feel better.
"This isn't my home," She snapped and quickly held up her hands. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I know you're trying to help me. I am so very grateful that you have stepped in on my behalf especially considering the things I have said to you and how I have judged you,"
I bit back a smirk oh yes, the playboy she thought me to be how I was luring her to my bed. If she could see inside my head would she still hold this same impression, or would she see me as the lovesick schoolboy I had become?
I remember her haughty face and her snappy remarks when she thought I was trying to pull one over on her at the wedding venue. In all reality, I had only cleared my schedule that day to spend more time with her and see if she truly was as refreshing as I had found her. I knew she had been initially attracted to me and what only plunged me further was her stand on principles when she thought I had crossed hers. Defending her family and stating her disdain, she didn't know the monsters she upheld or the fact that I was telling the truth but she still held me at arms bay. She had been lied to by everyone her entire life I didn't blame her for being mistrustful.
In fact, I wanted desperately to make her trust me, to teach her gentleness and loyalty once more. I almost wanted to slap myself for being such an imbecile, she was just a woman. Then she looked at me daring me to say something goading me into our game, the battle of wits we had so briefly shared.
I stared at her stunned she could be so coy after the day she'd had. I wondered if it was her way of blowing off steam, more devious thoughts entered my mind and I shook them off.
"If you don't get things I'll just buy them for you," I warned her. "I'll make it the most sparkly pink thing too,"
She grimaced and shook her head. "Please I don't want it,"
"It will help you," I spoke earnestly. "Making something of this place will give you something to do, I'm not suggesting you play house but I am saying that having a spot of your own will help you feel safe,"
"Alright," she relented. I think a part of her still wanted to fight, not just my help, but the idea of this nightmare continuing. Making a space for herself here meant time, time she didn't want to spend.
"I'll let you get back to sleep in the morning there'll be breakfast what's your favorite?" I buttoned my jacket and she gave me a smirk.
"I already told Luca I'd tell you everything, you don't need to lavish me to get me on your good side," She adjusted herself.
"One of these days you will believe my kindness has no ulterior motivation," I laughed before heading out of the door.
Even if it wasn't true my intentions still had no ill will, yes I did want her all to myself but if she looked at me and told me she never wanted to be with me I'd listen. I would do everything I could to keep her happy and safe. That wit of hers sharp and her smiles coy.