Keeping his bride

PROLOGUE

Aria Vitale

BLOOD RUSHES IN my ears as I huddle in the corner of the concrete cell. My teeth begin to chatter uncontrollably, and my jaw clenches painfully as another violent tremor takes over my body.

I’m cold. So cold.

The past several hours feel like a living, breathing nightmare. One that I cannot escape from. I keep willing myself to wake up, but to no avail. This is real. This is really happening to me.

I hear a woman whimpering loudly from the corner of the room, and my eyes snap up to meet hers. The last girl who made a commotion, who called out for help, was pulled from our little group and brutally assaulted. She was made to be a message to the rest of us – do what you’re told, and you won’t get hurt.

Slowly, I raise my tied wrists and hold a trembling finger to my lips, silently shushing the woman. She gives me a shaky nod in understanding before huddling into a ball on the concrete floor, self-soothing herself by softly humming an unfamiliar tune.

My eyes bounce from girl to girl in the room, taking in their faces and unique features. We couldn’t be more different, varying widely in age and race with a kaleidoscope of hair and eye colors. But we all have one thing in common – we’re all about to suffer the same terrible fate.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I try to block everything out, but instantly memories of him flood my mind. And, suddenly, it feels like all of the air in the room has been sucked out. Gasping for breath, I open my eyes and search the room for any sign of him.

Constantine Carbone.

Satan himself in an expensive Brioni suit.

He’s the reason I’m here right now. He stole me like a thief in the night, willingly handing me over to these criminals to sell my virginity to the highest bidder. Traveling by boat, then plane and then by vehicle, we finally ended up on what is simply known as The Island. I’ve only ever heard rumors about this place, but now I’m about to experience firsthand everything that happens here.

As I look around the room at the group of women, I can’t help but wonder where we’ll all end up after tonight. Who will ultimately own each one of us.

Bile rises in the back of my throat, but I quickly swallow it down. God, I can’t even think about it, let alone believe I can actually survive all of this.

Suddenly, the heavy, metal door flies open, causing my muscles to lock up in anticipation. One of the guards steps inside the room, holding an assault rifle in plain view with his finger resting precariously on the trigger. He’s tall and muscular and looks menacing in his military-style clothing with a black mask covering most of his face. “It’s time for the auction,” he announces, motioning with his gun for us to get up and walk out. “Stay quiet or die. Those are your only two options,” he says, pointedly looking at me.

I stand slowly, my entire body bruised and aching. All of us fall in line, our footsteps forced and slow, like animals being led to slaughter. It certainly feels that way at this point; because after we’re paraded around, we’re going to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

As we’re led down a dark hallway, I hear one of the other guards say, “Smile and look pretty, girls. It’s almost showtime.”

And, ever so slowly, my mouth stretches into a roguish grin. They want us to put on an act for those sick perverts? Well, then I’m going to give them one hell of a show.

1

Aria

Two days earlier…

MY FEET POUND against the wooden floor of the hallway as I run as fast as I can. I abruptly turn a corner, pressing my back against the wall and holding a hand over my heart, which is currently threatening to beat out of my chest. Butterflies take flight inside my stomach as anxious anticipation takes over my entire body.

I can hear his heavy footsteps getting louder, closer. And then, suddenly, they stop. I hold my breath, desperately trying to anticipate his next move.

“You can’t hide from me, princess,” Renato says right before he lunges around the corner and grabs me.

I yelp in surprise, and then a giggle escapes me as he plants kisses all over my face and down my neck.

When he finally pulls away, I’m completely breathless. Reaching up, I touch a light brown lock of hair that’s currently swaying in front of his mischievous, green eyes. His eyes remind me of the forest behind the compound where I used to play as a kid. They remind me of home.

“I’ll always find you,” Renato promises, a smile gracing his full lips before they seek mine in the near darkness.

Moaning, I finally concede to him as he pulls me closer, his hands roaming all over my body and kissing me until I’m lightheaded. I know his lips better than my own. I have kissed him more times than I can count. The first and only boy I’ve ever kissed.

A walkie-talkie goes off nearby, making us both freeze. I can feel Renato’s ragged breath on my lips as he blocks me from the hallway with his body, his muscles tensing around me on high alert. When we hear the guard finally walk away, both of us instantly relax.

God, we’re always playing this dangerous game. Seeing how far we can test our limits before we end up getting caught or in trouble. It’s been this way with Renato and I for years. Every chance we get, we sneak off somewhere in my parents’ compound, tuck ourselves away from prying eyes and make out like our plane is going down.

Renato and I are risking a lot by fooling around, especially in public. Mostly because I’m the daughter of a very powerful mafia boss – Lucas Vitale. And because of the little fact that my father pays him to be my bodyguard, not my make-out partner. If my dad ever found out what actual duties Renato is doing to me almost every night, let’s just say he wouldn’t exactly be pleased.

And so, when Renato’s hands begin to wander, squeezing my breast through my shirt and then venturing lower, I stop him right as his fingertips graze the waistband of my shorts. “We can’t,” I gasp.

There’s something else holding me back from going past second base with Renato, and it has nothing to do with my father and everything to do with our friendship. I’ve seen too many couples break up and never speak again. And just the thought of not having Renato in my life, the one and only true friend I have, guts me. I definitely don’t want to lose him over a stupid fight or breakup. I simply couldn’t bear the thought of never talking or seeing him again. Most of the time Renato is the only person I have to talk to or to vent to. He’s my rock. My person. Honestly, I just don’t know what I’d do without him. And I never want to find out.

So, for that reason, even if it is selfish, I slowly withdraw from him.