Seraphina Ross
Stepping out of that black car, I knew my fate was sealed!
The smell of rain was mixed with the scent of blood and power.
The cathedral stood before me with its towering stained glass and window casting a cold color onto the marble floor.
Men on every side, guarding me—my father's men, to be precise.
They kept me on the trail —to my wedding or funeral—no difference.
I clenched my fist hard, that my fingers were actually digging into my skin as I forced myself forward.
The ivory gown they stuffed me into felt like a huge problem…..I was suffocating, with the heavy layers of lace and silk.
My veil draped down my waist, a thin barrier between me and the world.
It was useless anyways….as I was already a prisoner.
My father, Vincent Russo, entangled his arm in mine as he walked with pride to deliver his most prized possession to the damn highest bidder.
His eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
"Do not embarrass me tonight, Seraphina." He whispered to me, his tone sounding like a warning, urging me to put on my best behavior.
"Dante Moretti is a powerful man and you will do as you are told."
A powerful man—that was an understatement.
Dante Moretti is the devil incarnate.
He was ruthless, cruel and his name alone sparked fear into the heart of even the biggest mafia gang in Italy.
That's who I am getting married to!
I felt a sharp ache across my ribs as I tried to force my anger down, "and what if I refuse?"
His grip on my arms tightened, "Then be ready to face the damn consequences, figlia mia ( Daughter of Mine)"
A cold shiver ran through my spine.
Refusing was not an option neither was escape.
And believe me, I had tried—-God damn, I had tried.
Last night, I had hidden a knife under my pillow. I had my escape plan all ready to go, but my damn father already anticipated my plan.
His men found me before I could even breathe the air of freedom.
The punishment was swift—a hard slap across my face, his thick silver rings having a huge impact with my skin.
That was a warning.
Now my face was covered with thick makeup, hiding the bruises as I walked down the aisle to meet the man who would strip me of my last remaining freedom.
The cathedral doors were pushed open and a hushed silence fell across the room.
I could feel their eyes on me— hundreds of them. Mafia lords and ladies all dressed in expensive clothes—-like it could cover up their sins.
They all gathered to watch me being sold like a cow.
I looked up and there he was.
Dante Moretti.
He looked ruthless, cold and damn tall but also handsome.
He stood at the altar with a black suit which fitted like a glove, his cold eyes on me as I walked down to meet him.
I should be afraid, I should be trembling but I lifted my chin up—with a little pride in me.
If I was going to be his prisoner, I would refuse to let him break me.
His gaze darkened…..something unreadable flickered through his face and the very next min it was gone, replaced with ice.
I stood before Dante, my veil covering my face and the priest began the ceremony but his voice was distant.
My heart was pounding hard against my chest as I stared at Dante.
"I do," he said, his voice cold.
It was my turn to say the words and silence stretched far and wild in the cathedral. My fingers trembled as every part of me wanted to scream and run.
Then I remembered my father's warning echoing deep in my ears.
I had no choice.
"I do" I whispered, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.
Dante's lips curled up into something but it wasn't a smirk—-satisfaction? I couldn't tell.
He slipped a diamond ring on my finger and the cold band letting me know about the sufferings it brings with it.
The priest pronounced us husband and wife and just like that I was bound to a monster.
Dante grabbed my wrist, his grip tight, like he was punishing me as he led me down the aisle with the crowd watching.
My father stood at the side as he nodded in approval, raising a glass of whiskey as if he had just closed a lifelong deal.
My stomach turned with disgust.
I had barely had time to process what was going on when Dante shoved me at the back of the car.
Slamming the car door shut.
Dante's presence filled the space, his scent wrapped around my nose. He did not look at me as his face was fixated on the window while the driver started the car.
Minutes turned to hours and without warning he turned to me.
"Whatever foolish idea you had about this marriage," his voice low and cold, "cancel it."
I was taken-aback.
"You are mine, Bella (pretty). Mine to break, command and do whatever the fuck I wish to do."
I clutched my dress tightly, "I will never be yours."
A slow, cruel smile crawled up his lips, "you already her."
*******************
The car slowly entered the estate and it was massive with thick iron gates and guards everywhere that promised me no escape.
I was really trapped with the lion.
The car stopped in front of the house, the door opened as Dante got down, stretching his arms towards me but I refused.
His gaze darkened.
I swallowed hard and immediately placed my hands on his. He pulled me inside the mansion, his grip on my arms tighten.
As we got to the living room, he spun me around to face him.
"You will learn your place, Seraphina." he said, his fingers bringing my chin to meet his gaze.
His eyes were dark—-it had no atom of light in them, like the souls he killed were swimming inside that dark ocean.
I forced myself to hold the stare, "and what if I refuse?"
His grip tightened around my neck, "I do love a challenge."
A little gasp escaped my lips.
Dante's thumb brushed over my lower lips for awhile before he drop his hands, "Welcome to your new life, moglie mia (my wife)"
He turned and walked away leaving me in the grand estate which was now my prison.
I took in deep breaths as I tried to calm myself down. This was not the end.
I would escape one way or another—-even if it means I die.