The Mafia Dons Pet (Masha and Luciano) novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Caught in his web.

I shook my head vigorously, the action almost instinctive. But before I could voice my refusal, his fingers tightened around my chin. “Then answer my fucking qiuestion! How many men have you been with?” he pressed, a challenge lacing his tóne.

I finally gave in, my voice trembling. “Only one,”

He murmured something incoherent, and then he leaned down.

His nose brushed past my cheek, and I could feel the gentle graze of his lips on mine, teasing and electrifying, as if he, enjoyed this game of cat and mouse. “I wonder what you’re like in bed.”

His words brought me back to my senses and I finally found my voice. “Luciano, you’re my stepbrother. We’re family.” I couldn‘ t believe what was happening.

I didn’t think Luciano was attracted to me that way, it was impossible.

Luciano’s fingers were warm and commanding as they touched my chin, tilting my face upward until I had no choice but to look him square in the eyes.

“I don’t give a fuck about the damn title.” His lips dropped to my neck, emphasizing his point. “You can choose to treat me as your big brother, or as an enemy.

But know that you would definitely submit to me. It’s only a matter of time.‘

I flinched as he bit my skin lightly, bringing his head back up.

I wanted to protest, to say something defiant, but the moment I saw the look in his eyes, all the resistance in me died down.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, the words spilling out like a soft confession.

“I promise it won’t happen again.” My voice trembled with an unfamiliar vulnerability.

I could see the satisfaction in his eyes; I’d finally given him what he wanted.

Without a word, he leaned down and kissed my forehead, in a possessive manner. “Good girl,” he murmured.

I watched him turn away.

It felt like I’d just played the most important game of my life, and I’d lost.

Once he was gone, the bathroom felt impossibly small and

Chapter 7: Caught in his web.

suffocating.

I curled up on the tiles, my arms wrapping around my knees, as my body began to shake.

I covered my face, tears streaming down my cheeks.

Memories of Alice’s cruel words flooded my mind, “You’re so weak. No one can ever take you seriously because you have nothing to offer.

Her taunts about my worthlessness and inability to stand up for myself filled my mind, weakening the remnants of my defenses.

All cried out, I pulled myself to my feet. I turned on the tap, splashing water on my face.

I stopped for a moment to stare at my reflection in the mirror. It was obvious that I’d been crying, but I was determined to deny it if asked.

I hadn’t felt such severe anxiety in two years, and the resurfacing of these feelings was all because of Luciano.

After a moment, I wiped my face dry and smoothed my dress. I‘ d been gone for too long and I knew Mom would worry.

I took another deep breath, steeling myself, and stepped out of the bathroom. I made my way to the tent, fighting with everything in me to keep a smile on my face.

I must’ve failed, because the moment I entered the tent, my mother’s gaze snapped to me, her brow furrowed in concern. She quickly made her way to where I stood by the entrance, gripping my shoulders tightly. “Masha, are you okay?” she asked, her voice laced with maternal instinct. “You look pale. Are you having an anxiety attack?”

I finally managed to force a smile, even though it felt like a mask. “No, I’m fine, Mom. I just… I think I had a bit too much whiskey,” I lied. “I don’t feel so good. I think I should leave.‘ Her expression softened, but I could see the worry still flickering in her eyes.

She believed my fabricated story, just like she believed that my anxiety attacks were caused by the loss of my father.

She didn’t know the truth, and it was best to keep it that way. “Alright,” she said, turning her eyes to the crowd, waving at someone. “But let Luciano take care of you.‘

No, I wanted to say. Please don’t let him come near me. But because I didn’t want to increase the worry lines on her forehead, I nodded, and waited for Luciano to join us.

My mother explained the ‘situation‘ to him the moment he reached where we stood, not knowing he was the cause of my current state.

Chapter 7: Caught in his web.

She seemed relieved to let Luciano take care of me, believing that he would ensure I made it home safely.

I bid farewell to Emma, and the few guests that I actually knew and turned to leave with Luciano.

But as I stepped out of the tent, ready to breathe in the cool night air, I felt his hand wrap around mine. “Come on,” he said, pulling me gently toward the exit.

Just outside, two guards stood at attention, their expressions serious.

Luciano nodded toward them. “This is Matt and Tyler,” he introduced, gesturing to the taller guard with a buzz cut and the shorter one with a friendly grin.

So, Jimson had gone through with it after all. I now had two hefty men that would probably follow me everywhere. Luciano leaned down and kissed my forehead for the second time that night. “See you at lunch tomorrow, little girl.”

I was getting ready to protest, but one look from him, and the word “but” lodged itself firmly in my throat.

It was as if he could read my thoughts, as if he believed that I would quickly learn to love him, to love how he referred to me as ‘little girl.‘

“Goodnight,” I managed, forcing a smile.

As I turned to leave with Matt and Tyler flanking me, I swore I heard Luciano’s laughter behind me, reminding me that he was in control, not me.

Chapter 8: A Girl and Her Camera.