46. Camila

46

It's hard not to pull at the soft silk ropes binding my wrists, feeling almost sensual against my skin. Elio and Renzo lead me into the grand foyer of the Barone family mansion, their strong hands guiding me with gentleness and possessiveness. Dante follows behind closely. My heart races with a potent blend of fear and anticipation as we cross the threshold.

Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, a strange sense of calm washes over me. I trust these men, my men, with a depth that surprises me. Elio catches my gaze, his dark eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness that makes my breath catch. Renzo's grip on my arm tightens, a silent promise that he'll never let me go.

The lies and schemes that once shrouded our every interaction have fallen away, leaving only the raw truth of our connection. We're on the same team now, united against a common enemy. The knowledge fills me a sense of empowerment that thrums through my veins like liquid fire.

As we make our way deeper into the mansion's heart, I hold my head high, drawing on the courage of the men beside me. Whatever challenges we face, whatever dangers lurk in the shadows, I know we'll face them together. Elio, Renzo, and Dante, are my anchors in this storm.

The ropes that bind me feel like a symbol of our unbreakable bond, a physical manifestation of the ties that link us. I'm not just Camila Aguilar anymore, the sheltered princess of a cartel empire. I'm something more, something stronger. I'm a woman who has faced her fears and emerged victorious, who has claimed her place in this dangerous world beside three dangerous but powerful men.

A man approaches us, smiling, but it doesn't reach his eyes. Instantly, I know it's Amerigo Barone because of his similarities in looks between Elio and Renzo.

My heart races as he draws closer, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that makes my skin crawl. Elio and Renzo tense beside me, their bodies coiled like springs, ready to snap. Dante's hand rests on the small of my back, a silent reassurance of his presence.

"Ah, the infamous Camila Aguilar," Amerigo drawls, his voice dripping with false charm. "I've heard so much about you, my dear. It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

I force myself to meet his gaze, refusing to be cowed by his intimidating presence. "I wish I could say the same, Mr. Barone," I reply, my voice steady.

Amerigo chuckles, a dark and menacing sound that sends shivers down my spine. "Feisty, aren't you? We'll soon beat that out of you, won't we boys?"

Elio's jaw clenches. "Yes, sir," he says, playing along.

I feel a flicker of panic as Amerigo's dark gaze rakes over me, his lips curling into a cruel smile. Elio and Renzo remain stoic beside me, their expressions carefully neutral. But I can sense the tension radiating from them, the barely contained fury simmering beneath the surface.

"Well done, boys," Amerigo says. "You've brought me quite the prize. The daughter of Santos Aguilar delivered right to my doorstep."

Elio inclines his head, his jaw clenched tight. "As you commanded, Father."

Amerigo steps closer, his fingers trailing along my cheek in a mockery of a caress. I flinch away from his touch, bile rising in my throat. "Such a pretty little thing," he murmurs, his breath hot against my skin. "It's a shame we'll have to dispose of her once we get what we need."

Renzo's hand twitches at his side, and for a moment, I'm terrified he'll lash out. But he remains still, his gaze fixed straight ahead. "Of course, Father," he says, his voice devoid of emotion. "We live to serve the family."

Amerigo chuckles, a dark and sinister sound that sends shivers down my spine. "That's my boys," he says, clapping Elio on the shoulder. "Loyal to the end."

I can feel the weight of Elio's gaze on me, the silent apology in his eyes. I know this is all part of the plan, that they're only pretending to go along with their father's twisted scheme. But the fear is real and the danger all too palpable.

Amerigo turns to me, his eyes glinting with malice. "Now, my dear," he says, his voice dripping with false sweetness. "Why don't we chat about your father's business dealings? I'm sure you have all sorts of interesting information to share."

I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest. I know I must play my part, to act the terrified captive. But the thought of what lies ahead, of the horrors Amerigo has in store for me, fills me with a dread I can barely contain.

Elio and Renzo exchange a glance, a silent communication passing between them. I can see the determination in their eyes and the unwavering resolve to see this through to the end. And in that moment, I draw strength from their presence, from the knowledge that they'll stop at nothing to keep me safe.

And Dante's hand remains firm and reassuring on the small of my back.

Amerigo grips my arm tightly as he leads me down a narrow, dimly lit staircase. The air grows colder with each step, and a heavy, oppressive silence settles over us. I can feel Elio's, Renzo's, and Dante's eyes boring into my back, their presence a comfort.

As we descend deeper into the bowels of the mansion, a sickening stench assaults my nostrils. It's a nauseating mix of blood, decay, and something else I can't quite identify. My stomach churns, and I fight the urge to gag.

The basement is a cavernous space, the walls lined with shelves filled with ominous-looking tools and instruments. In the center of the room stands a metal table, its surface stained with dark, rusty splotches. I shudder at the thought of what horrors have taken place here.

Amerigo shoves me forward, and I stumble, my knees weak with fear. He chuckles a cruel, mirthless sound that echoes off the concrete walls. "Welcome to my playroom, princess," he sneers, his eyes glinting with sadistic glee. Hearing this evil and cruel man call me by the same nicknames as Elio is jarring.

I can hear Elio and Renzo's sharp intakes of breath behind me, and I know they're struggling to maintain their composure.

Amerigo circles me like a predator stalking its prey, his gaze raking over my body with a hunger that makes my skin crawl. "You know, I've always wondered what it would be like to break someone like you," he muses, his voice a low, menacing purr. "To watch the light fade from an innocent girl's eyes as I strip away every last shred of your dignity and self-respect. I normally have men in here."

I clench my jaw. "You'll never break me," I spit, my voice trembling despite my efforts to keep it steady.

Amerigo laughs, a harsh, grating sound that sends shivers down my spine. "Oh, but I will," he promises, his fingers trailing along the edge of the metal table. "And when I'm finished with you, you'll be nothing more than a shell of your former self—a broken, empty husk, fit for nothing but my own twisted pleasure."

I know that we're close now, that the plan is about to take a sharp turn, and that I trust my men can keep me safe. So I stare into his eyes, feeling empowered by the three men standing behind me. It's four of us against one of him. And the thing is, we're fighting for love, while he's fighting for himself.