Chapter 4: Falling Back.

CHAPTER 4- CELESTINE

That was the same voice I’d heard just minutes ago—fierce, terrifying, and commanding.

Everyone, myself included, froze as he stepped in.

And when he did, I finally saw his face. His eyes burned with intensity, and his face—unquestionably flawless—held my gaze hostage.

“Capo,” one of them murmured, bowing his head in respect.

“How dare you? Did I tell you to tie her up?” he asked coldly with a rich Italian accent, his eyes never lifting from the tip of his polished shoe. The room seemed to shrink under the weight of his dark, suffocating presence.

“I apologize, Capo,” the man replied instantly, trembling within.

Carlo’s face darkened with fury as he lifted his eyes to the man.

“Were you trying to escape?” he asked me, his gaze locking on mine.

Those eyes!

They were the same eyes I’d stared into last night—and I was losing it already.

They were dangerous,and...

Come on, Cel, you're standing before Carlo Moretti!!

“I— I… I…” I stammered, too dazed to find my words. My tongue tripped over itself, and I started jabbering.

Not now, please.

“I see you know how to lie, don’t you?” he said, his aura dark and unreadable as he bent toward me, lifting my chin gently.

The room was silent. Everyone stilled for him.

The power of dominance he carried was far more than I’d imagined.

But how could I explain that I wasn’t even trying to escape?

In cosa mi sono cacciata?!

I tensed, avoiding eye contact.

Just then, someone entered and whispered something into Carlo’s ear. He stood straight and smiled then proceeded to adjusting his shirt like nothing had happened.

“Stay with her,” he ordered, then walked out.

Fine!!

I was just admiring the garden—and now, thanks to that, I’d earned bodyguards.

Those who stared at me without taking their gazes off for a second. I was choking that I had to let my hair down.

“Can I get my food please?" I asked him, the Chef who stood bezide the food cart.

He'd gotten me in this trouble and now what?? He's been shaking for a while.

Porca miseria!

A tray with a cornetto, small frittata slice, a cup of espresso, and a small bowl of fresh fruit would be perfect.

My tongue tingled and my mouth wagered at the sight of my dish.

Oh wow!

*************

CARLO'S POV

While I addressed that girl, Larrio my right hand man walked in.

“Sono qui, Capo”

He whispered into my eyes.

Dio mio!

I was expecting the Brigos bastard to be here but not this soon. I smiled and left the room where the girl was.

Brigos was such a funny old man who'd stoop to any level for whatever he wants and the sweetest part of dealing with him, was leaving him clueless.

It's been just one night since she escaped and they were already here searching for her everywhere.

I walked to my living room where him and his right-hand man were.

‘Che cazzo ci fair qui’ which literally meant “Why the fuck are you here?" Was all I asked him, my hands in both pockets.

" My daughter, Carlo.”He asked and for the first time in my life, I heard him speak that way. "Do you have her?” He asked again.

For minutes,I was silent as I only examined my finger tips. I knew what I was doing—it was what he hated the most and I was doing it on purpose.

“Answer me and just don't ignore me. Carlo!!" He barked in frustration.

“How many daughters do you have?" I asked him, smiling from ear to ear.

“Does that matter? Look, Carlo. I have to find her and I have to do the necessary" He explained, bringing his voice back to normal again.

“And….how is that my concern?” I smirked, intimidating him with my gaze.

Well, I didn't.

It was really fun to watch him act like that— frustrated and angry.

“Carlo" He muttered my name darkly.

"Ga…Brielle”I said his name mockingly, as I chuckled.

"Do you think you're doing the right thing?” He asked me, his lips forming a thin straight line.

"I've never been wrong, Gabrielle” I smiled, knowing I was hurting him. I was getting to the point I wanted.

The fact that we're enemies made it more interesting.

“Leave, your daughter isn't here" I said to him, void of emotions.

His eyes tilted to look at his right-hand man Paolo before he smiled.

“Make use of the door now," I said, standing from the chair I'd earlier crashed in.

“Let's cut a deal then," He said sweetly.

A deal? Over his daughter?

"Voffanculo!"—(fuck off!) I said, signaling to Lario as I attempted to walk out.

“A word should be enough," I stopped body movements as I said to him. "You know you've been on my black list. Get out of here before I send your corpse to your family” I added.

I stared at him with anger, hatred and fury. I don't know why but the fact that he attempted to cut a deal with me over his daughter angered me.

How could he try to put a price over that beauty?

The poor thing would probably think she had a Father!

Just as I was done with what I had to say, she crept out of the room and I saw her standing. My men ran after her but, it was too late already.

She trembled as soon as she set her eyes on her Father.

I clenched my jaw and fists immediately he—Gabrielle saw her.

He laughed like he was drunk and for a second, I was ashamed.

“I never lie. Come to Daddy, daughter" He said to her.

“N..no" Her bottom lip shivered as she forced it to stop, tears filling her eyes..

“Get her,” He said to Paolo who immediately went towards her. My men tried to stop him but, I lifted my hand, ordering them to stop.

She tried to struggle but his grip on her was too strong. He dragged her towards her Father and her eyes locked on me.. She looked helpless, weak and feeble.

“C…”She tried to call my name but, he knocked her out with a hit on the back of her neck.

No!!!! I tried to stop him but, something in me wouldn't lift a finger.

I watched as they took her away like the girls he'd usually sold.

She was his daughter for fuck’s sake!

My eyes couldn't watch as one of them dangled her over his shoulder like a lifeeless doll.

“Boss," Larrio muttered, barely masking his anger.

What?

Why was I pitying her??

“She's his, after all" I said to Larrio, masking the guilt.

“Boss," Larrio bowed his head, struggling to stay respectful. “You know what he intends to do with her, and you have the power to stop him" Lario begged.

"Boss, take our life” The three guards I'd left with her chorused.

I looked at them in their knees but ignored them as I walked away.

My mood was bad as it was and I had no damn reason.

My mind recalled how she looked at me with desperation in her eyes.

No! I couldn't interfere. Even though I wanted to use her against him, I knew it wouldn't work that way!

Blood was still thicker than water.