XXXIII. Welcome.
. . . . .
Moving on few hours later, we finally arrive in our destination after moments of silence during the flight.
Actually. . . I dozed off throughout the whole flight.
The cabin lights flickered on as the pilot announced our arrival, and I rubbed my eyes, shaking off the remnants of sleep.
Glancing over at Dakari, I found him still seated, his expression unreadable as he stared out the window at the sprawling cityscape coming into view.
'Was he awake throughout the flight?. . .' I wondered as I blinked, 'Wait- I shouldn't care!'
That's right.
Let him be until he dies from natural causes brought on by sleep deprivation.
The thought was almost amusing, a small smirk tugging at my lips as I imagined Dakari, ever so confident and bold, finally succumbing to exhaustion.
As the plane rolled to a stop and the seatbelt signs flickered off, he finally turned to look at me. "Darling, how was your sleep?"
I raised an eyebrow at his casual tone. "I dozed off for most of it. What about you? Were you awake the whole time?"
"Of course," he replied with a grin, leaning back in his seat. "Someone had to keep an eye on you."
I only pouted.
"Now now, my little bride, let's go."
The term caught me off guard. I shot him a sideways glance, half annoyed and half intrigued by his boldness.
"You really need to stop calling me that." I retorted, trying to maintain my composure.
We're not even married yet.
Without waiting for a response, he pulled me up from my seat and held my hand tightly as he led me outside the plane.
As usual, the airport was deserted. Which I assume, is another private terminal reserved for them.
From a far distance, I can already see his soldiers and close attendants already waiting for us.
Dakari's grip on my hand tightened slightly as we approached them, his demeanor shifting to one of authority.
"Boss~" It was Aiden who rushed towards us with his ever-so-bubbly attitude. His gaze then shifted to me and he greeted me with a wide grin plastered on his face. "Ms. Viviana, welcome to Russia~"
I only scowled.
"Whoops—" Aiden immediately shut his mouth, he smiled and only hummed mischievously.
Dakari's grip on my hand remained firm as he exchanged a knowing glance with Aiden, clearly accustomed to his antics. I couldn't help but feel slightly out of place amidst their camaraderie, but I also felt a flicker of curiosity about this world I was stepping into.
"Let's get moving," Dakari said, pulling me gently along as Aiden fell into step behind us.
We walked ahead of everyone as they followed the two of us out of the airport. I then noticed a sleek Lamborghini Huracán waiting for us just outside.
'That must be our ride. . .' I thought.
As usual, we got in and Dakari's men boarded SUV's.
I can't help but remain silent as we drive away from the airport, the sleek Lamborghini Huracán gliding smoothly along the road. Russia is vast, and Dakari has a lot of connections in this continent. Will I ever be able to escape here?
Well. . . Maybe not on my own. In this cases, I need help from outsiders.
Right now, I'm raising my bets on Dia Dimitri. Lucius Maeve was also willing to help, but given the fact he only had connection with the Russian Mafia all because of Eloise Maeve Dimitri. . . A mistress. . . Well, he won't be able to help me much. But I'll consider. Then there's my younger brother. . . Not even sure if he can whisk me away from here, but he obviously has contact with our father.
If father helps me, I will forgive him for his betrayal, but if not, hmm. . . I don't know what I'll do.
More importantly. . . How will this devil beside me react if I'm actually successful with my escape?
I glanced over at him who has been admiring my face ever since we got in the car.
The questions swirled in my mind as I studied his profile- strong jawline, focused eyes, and the faintest hint of a smile playing on his lips.
What's going on inside his head really?
No one knows.
I averted my gaze from him and looked outside the car window.
As we passed through the city streets, the scenery shifted from sleek modern buildings to charming old architecture, each turn revealing a new facet of Khabarovsk.
For a second, I could swear I saw a familiar figure walking beside a petite young woman. My heart raced at the sight, but before I could confirm it was him, they immediately turned right and disappeared from view.
"Did you see something?" Dakari asked, breaking the silence as he noticed my sudden stillness.
I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "Just thought I recognized someone." I said vaguely, trying to mask my surprise.
His brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't press further.
Fortunately.
A few more minutes passed in silence.
Then, as if he could no longer take it, Dakari suddenly pulled me toward him and embraced me.
I could only stare up at him, confused by the abrupt shift in his demeanor.
His eyes were narrowed, focused intently on me as he brought my knuckles to his lips, kissing the back of my hand with a tenderness that caught me off guard.
"What are you doing?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Yet, he did not respond. He just kept kissing my hand tenderly, which, somehow, made me feel flustered and embarrassed by his actions.
His eyes though. . .
His gaze remained locked on mine, unwavering and intense, as if he were trying to convey a message that words could not capture.
"Dakari. . ." I began, but the words caught in my throat. What I wanted to say to this guy was. . . Jerk! Stop being random as fuck!!!
Why was he even doing this?
"Can you not?" I finally managed to say, pulling my hand away gently but firmly. "This isn't the time for. . . whatever this is."
He raised an eyebrow, a hint of mischief flickering across his face. "And what exactly is 'this'?"
I rolled my eyes, trying to regain my composure. "You know what I mean! We're in a complicated situation here, and you're acting like we're on some romantic getaway."
"We are."
"We're not!"
I then glanced at the driver in front of us, who seemed to be doing his best to ignore our exchange.
His hands were firmly on the wheel, eyes focused on the road ahead.
It was almost comical how he was trying to maintain professionalism while we were caught up in our own little drama.
"See?" I gestured toward the driver. "Even he knows this isn't a vacation!"
Dakari chuckled softly, breaking the tension just a bit. "Maybe he thinks we're just getting to know each other better."
"Or maybe he's just trying not to eavesdrop on his boss and his. . . whatever I am," I replied, crossing my arms defiantly. 'Captive? Prisoner? Seems about right.'
The driver cleared his throat, and I caught a glimpse of his reflection in the rearview mirror. He quickly averted his gaze, but not before I saw a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"Whatever you are? You're going to be my wife, my other half."
I narrowed my eyes but I did not respond any further.
After noticing our close proximity, I immediately scooted over to my side of the seat once again, creating a clear distance between us.
Dakari watched me with an amused expression, but I could sense the undercurrent of seriousness in his demeanor. "You don't have to distance yourself." he said, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "I'm not going to bite."
"Maybe not," I shot back, trying to keep my tone light despite the tension swirling inside me. "But that doesn't mean I want to be all cozy with you right now."
"I'm going to be your husband, can't my wife grant me my wish?"
"I just lost the bet. Don't get ahead of yourself."
He chuckled. "Right, you both lost the bet and failed to escape. My goddess was truly unfortunate."
He's annoying isn't he?
He may have been nothing but gentle and kind towards me but it doesn't justify the fact he kept me confined back in Italy and will probably do the same here in Russia.
I sighed inwardly, knowing I had to keep my wits about me.
If I wanted to escape this life, I needed to stay focused and not get sidetracked by his charm or playful banter.
. . . . .
"Welcome to my estate, darling." Dakari said, his voice smooth and inviting as he opened the door for me.
I stepped out into the expansive driveway, taking in the grandeur of the estate that loomed before us. It was a stunning blend of modern architecture and classic elegance, surrounded by manicured gardens that seemed to stretch endlessly.
But only one thing came to mind. . . 'Who among these servants were sent by Lucius Maeve?' I glanced at the people bowing down as we walked towards the entrance.
The fact that Lucius would probably help me with my escape made me feel somewhat hopeful.
I also knew that any servant sent by him would have to be discreet to avoid getting caught by Dakari Dimitri.
As I scanned the faces around me, I focused on memorizing the routes and layout of the estate. Each hallway, doorway, and staircase could be crucial if I needed to make a quick exit.
Who knows?
Maybe I'll be able to escape from here before we proceed to Dakari's main house, mansion, castle, whatever his domain was like.
I know for a fact that his domain was heavily guarded.
I might even stumble upon his father during my stay there. Which, I hope not.
It's the Dimitri's territory after all.
Hmm. . .
. . . . .
We got into the bedroom upstairs with Dakari leading me there. He leaned closer and whispered, "Don't think about escaping, Lucrezia. I'd hate to chase after you and have you pass out on me again."
I shot him a menacing glare.
Geez. Does he really have to remind me of that?
"Escape from this place? Impossible. And where am I going to escape to if I ever did leave the estate, hm?" My voice dripped with sarcasm.
"Who knows. You're quite unpredictable. You might have someone to help you without my knowledge."
I narrowed my eyes at him, feeling the tension in the air thicken.
His words hung between us, suggesting that he was aware of more than he let on. 'Did he suspect that Lucius had sent someone?' The mere thought alone sent a shiver down my spine. "Someone helping me? Oh please, as if I'm not aware that everyone that surrounds me is your personnel."
"You think I'd let just anyone near you? I'm trying to keep you safe, Lucrezia."
"Why not? You allowed Lev, Mikhail, Laxei, Aiden and Mira near me back in Villa del Dimitrius."
Dakari's expression hardened slightly at my words.
Dakari's expression hardened slightly at my words. "Mira is the doctor assigned to assist your ailments. As for those four, they are my loyal subordinates. Yes, they're also assigned to keep an eye on you. They will do the same thing. And that is to prevent you from escaping. I have eyes everywhere, darling."
I rolled my eyes. "Oh how comforting." I sarcastically replied. "Don't you think you're being unreasonable? Were you merely intrigued by me that you chose to push through a decade contract signed by our families?"
Thinking about it, it's true, the damned jerk just became obsessed with me out of the blue.
Love at first sight perhaps?
Or love at first fight?
"Perhaps. If you're wondering if I'm doing this to keep you safe or controlled, I'd say both."
"You're so shameless that it's so annoying. . ."
"However," he continued, undeterred, "if you think I'm just some lovesick fool who pushed through the contract for fun, you're mistaken."
"Lovesick? Hardly. You're just obsessed with the idea of owning me."
"If I own you, I'd give you endless freedom. I'll give you everything you could ever want. Everything you could ever wish to have. I'd give it to you."
I blinked, taken aback by his words. "Endless freedom? Is that what you call this?" I gestured around the lavish room, filled with opulence that felt more suffocating than liberating. "Can't you see Dakari?? You're limiting my freedom!"
He stepped closer, his gaze intense and sincere. "You don't understand the lengths I would go to ensure your happiness. If I had my way, you wouldn't feel trapped. You'd have the world at your feet."
"I can have those things I wish to obtain myself." I replied firmly, refusing to let his words sway me. "I don't need you to give me anything. I want the freedom to pursue my own dreams and desires, not have them handed to me like some spoiled princess."
Dakari's expression shifted, a mixture of frustration and concern etched on his face. "But you're in a position where those dreams could be taken from you at any moment. Your position as the Italian Mafia heir is still unstable. You have no allies, you're barely known yet in the underworld."
His words struck a nerve, and I felt a wave of anger rise within me. "So what? I'll find my way! I refuse to be coddled or controlled because of some so-called dangers."
I know for a fact what he said was true.
I still have no power that can compare to his or to my younger brother.
I only returned months ago and my reappearance as Silvestre Viviana's daughter is still widely questioned by other mafia factions.
"Do you really believe that?" he challenged, his voice steady. "You're walking a dangerous line, Lucrezia. The underworld is ruthless, and without support, you could easily become a target."
Without warning, he walked toward me and lifted me up in a bridal style.
My heart raced as I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck to steady myself, shock coursing through me.
"What are you doing?" I exclaimed, surprise was evident on my face. "Put me down!"
Dakari ignored my protests, his grip firm but gentle as he carried me across the room, making his way toward the bed.
"Seriously, Dakari! This isn't funny!" I struggled slightly, but he only tightened his hold, determination etched across his features.
Crazy guy.
"By staying by my side, you're already doing your father a favor." He said, a hint of amusement in his voice as he settled me down on the bed.
I raised a brow, trying to process his words. "What do you mean by that?"
"Remember when I told you I suspect your father as a traitor? Hm?"
"Of course."
"I'd spare his life and pardon his misdeeds if you just remain here." He said, grasping my chin gently to make me look up at him. "Here with me, Lucrezia. . . I want you to become my madam."
I scowled. "You're lucky. . . You're lucky as fuck that I keep my promises and is always true to my words."
I would've refused if it weren't for the fact that I lost the wager he proposed.
He didn't respond to my words and added, "Besides, Lucrezia, he was ready to toss you aside when he knew you were kidnapped."
"You think I don't know my father?" I snapped. "He's always had his own interests at heart but I—. . ." I still held onto the hope that he still cares enough to drop everything in a heartbeat when he knew his daughter was captured and confined.
Thinking about it once again is both saddening and infuriating.
Dakari's gaze softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm. "Exactly. He would sacrifice you without a second thought if it served him. By staying here, you not only protect yourself but also gain more power."
I did say before that if father turned out to be a traitor. . . I'll still side by him. To support him as family.
Family was everything to me who was sent away for nine years by her own family in the pretense of it being helpful to her younger brother.
But. . . Can I truly say the same thing once I knew the deeds my father did?
The thought was both painful and confusing.
For some reason, I can feel my eyes watering.
The realization that my father might not have my best interests at heart shattered the illusion I had clung to for so long, once again.
I already knew it the moment he hung up the call the first time I woke up in Dakari's villa.
He obviously could dismiss me when it suited him. He still has Lorenzo to return back as the heir.
The man I had idolized, the father I had longed to return to, was now a stranger whose actions left me questioning everything I believed about loyalty and love.
"Lucrezia," Dakari said gently, breaking through my spiraling thoughts. "Darling. . . Don't cry." He leaned in and kissed my lips. It was gentle and very. . . odd.
I blinked rapidly, trying to stave off the tears threatening to spill over. The kiss felt foreign, yet there was a warmth in it that both comforted and confused me.
How could I accept affection from someone who keeps me to himself?
But alas, I just let him push me down the mattress. His presence was somewhat comforting.
It shouldn't be.
He held my face gently, brushing away the tears with his thumb. "Lucrezia," he said softly, his voice low and soothing. "You're a strong woman. . . You'd understand soon why I'm keeping you here. You're not safe with your father."
I did not respond and only sobbed, my hands making their way to my face as I covered it.
"I hate you Dakari. . ."
I can feel someone laying beside me. "Ssh. . . You'll learn to love me soon, it may not be now, but soon."
"Why do you think I would ever love you?" I choked out, turning my head slightly to meet his gaze. "You're keeping me here against my will."
"I know that you're feeling something for me." After saying that, I can feel him shifting his position. He now loomed over me.
"And that feeling is hate." I spat, slowly sitting up, but he placed both his arms on either side of my body, effectively trapping me in place.
"Hmm. . . Better than nothing." He said with a hint of a smile, as if he found some comfort in my anger.
"You're amused by this aren't you? You think this is a fucking love game, Dakari?"
"It's not a game," he said, his tone shifting to something more serious. "You're angry because you feel trapped, but that doesn't mean you can't also feel something else."
He was right but I honestly don't give a shit right now. "Like what? Affection for my captor?" I shot back, my voice laced with sarcasm. I honestly don't want to explore any feelings for him. Not now, not yet. "That's twisted. Hahaha— Hate is the only thing keeping me grounded in this madness, Dakari. I feel like I'll lose my shit if I don't feel this way, it's the only thing that keeps me sane, Dakari."
"Or it could be blinding you." Dakari countered softly.
At that moment, I couldn't hold back the sob that escaped me, bitterness bubbling beneath the surface. . . not directed at him, but at myself.
A wide grin was plastered on my face but tears continued to drip down my eyes.
Yet, Dakari remained silent, his blue eyes fixed on me, devoid of expression.
Hahaha—. . . This is stupid. Why am I suddenly crying out of the blue? Get a grip Lucrezia. . .
I sniffled, trying to regain my composure while the laughter that escaped my lips felt hollow against the backdrop of my tears.
I surely look pitiful infront of him huh?
I, for some reason, always feel vulnerable when he's around.
But I know one thing for sure. Everything that is happening to me is all his fault.
Dakari's fault.
Every single misfortune that came my way is his fault!
His!
Meeting him was a mistake.
I wish we never met.