Elena could feel the weight of Luca's words settling over her like a cage.
You belong to me.
Her stomach twisted, but she forced herself to stand tall, meeting his gaze with quiet defiance. If he expected her to beg or break, he was going to be disappointed.
Luca studied her, his gray eyes unreadable. "Good. You learn quickly." He turned away, picking up his whiskey glass again. "Matteo will explain your duties. For now, you'll be staying here."
Her heart lurched. "Staying here?"
Luca's gaze flicked back to her. "You owe me fifty grand, Elena. Until your debt is paid, I want to keep a close eye on my investment."
The way he said it—like she was nothing more than a possession—sent a wave of anger through her.
She clenched her fists. "I have a life. A home."
Luca's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "You lived in a run-down apartment, working nights at a bar to keep food on the table. That's not a life. That's survival."
Elena's jaw tightened, shame creeping in. How did he know that?
Luca turned to Matteo. "Show her to her room."
Matteo gave a small nod and motioned for her to follow. Elena wanted to argue, to fight, but deep down, she knew it was pointless. With one last glare at Luca, she spun on her heel and stalked after Matteo.
The mansion was massive, a labyrinth of dark hallways and cold luxury. Matteo led her to the second floor, stopping in front of a sleek black door. "This is you."
Elena crossed her arms. "Am I a prisoner?"
Matteo sighed. "You're not in a cage, Elena. You're in a contract. You work, you pay off the debt, and you walk away."
She hated that it almost sounded reasonable. Almost.
Matteo opened the door, revealing a stunning bedroom—high ceilings, a massive bed, a balcony overlooking the city. It was beautiful, but it didn't feel like hers.
"Elena." Matteo's voice softened. "You don't have to make this harder than it already is."
She turned to him, fire in her eyes. "You're wrong. I don't belong here. And one day, I will leave."
Matteo didn't answer, just gave her a look that said he'd heard it all before.
As he closed the door behind him, Elena exhaled shakily, her chest tightening.
She was in the lion's den now.
And Luca Castellano never let go of what was his.