Luca's POV

I expected defiance.

I anticipated her screaming for help, begging her mother to save her.

I expected her to kick me where the sun does not shine.

I expected her to run away, without looking back.

But none of that happened.

What I didn't expect was Jade to get into the car meekly, sit beside me and look out of the window, without a fuss.

She did not stab me.

She did not try to strangle me.

She just sat there, staring out of the window of the Limousine, silent.

I never saw that coming.

And the silence was eating me up.

“Are you okay, Princess?" I attempted to break the ice.

She did not even blink.

Minutes passed, the hum of the engine beneath us doing the talking.

“Ask me anything you want, Princess. What is on your mind?" I tried again.

The Ice defrosted. That was all it took.

“It was all planned out, right?" Jade asked, her voice hoarse, still looking out of the window.

“What do you mean?" I played dumb. Now that she had found her tongue, I didn't want her to stop talking.

“You were not a random taxi driver. You were lying in ambush at my house," she said.

“That is obvious," I shrugged, my guard up.

“Your parents didn't die in a plane crash. Your little sob story was all fake," she muttered, her eyes never leaving the window.

“I never met my parents," I replied truthfully.

“Save it," she held up a manicured finger. “I don't give a bloody damn."

“This ring was never your Mom's. You knew my ring size, and bought it in advance," she twiddled the diamond band on her finger.

“Exactly," I confirmed, surprised. She wore my wedding ring to another man's wedding?

She pulled out the ring, lowered the window glass, and tossed it out into the street, effortless.

I smiled. This was the Jade I knew.

“How long have you been stalking me?" She continued her interrogation.

"Three years.”

"Were you aware of my existence when you made a deal with my father?”

I inhaled, my lungs expanding against my ribcage. Was this how it felt to be interrogated? I have never been on the hot seat, under scrutiny, like this in my life.

“I need an answer, Tony," her voice interrupted my thoughts.

“It's Luca," I corrected. Where the hell did Tony come from?

“Answer my question," she demanded.

“I wasn't aware of your existence," I replied.

"How did you find out about me?”

"I attended you first lavish birthday party.”

"Oh,” she breathed, her lips pursed.

"How long do you intend to keep me?” She asked, her voice reflective. "My contract with you lasts for a year.”

"I don't do divorce, Princess,” I whispered, turning her face to look into her eyes. "You are mine to keep. Forever.”

"Don't you dare touch me!” She snapped, eyes blazing. "Keep your filthy hands to yourself!”

I chuckled, running my hand over my face. I don't remember the last time someone screamed at me.

“You found me at my most vulnerable stage and made me fall for you. You tricked me, Luca," she said, her voice breaking.

“I didn't force you to marry me, Jade. For crying out loud, you brought it up. I didn't force you to sign the papers," I stated.

“Oh, you are throwing it back on my face?" She snapped, her voice and octave higher. "You are blaming me now? What other option did you give me?”

I stayed silent.

"You killed my dad…."

“I didn't kill your father, Jade," I warned, my voice stiff. “I told him to hand over my company."

“You killed my father. You threatened my mother. You posed as a caring taxi driver. You accepted my proposal without a fuss. You took the wedding certificate, so I couldn't see your signature. You laid out the trap for me to waltz into, didn't you?"

“I didn't ask you to run away from the Man your greedy father chose for you. I asked you to return the company to Luca, but you refused, Jade. How am I the bad guy here?"

“You manipulated me!" She screamed, tears rolling down her cheeks. “You manipulated everything, you left me no choice than to run into your arms! You knew the reason I ran away from Bernard Veritas, and you promised me protection. I never knew you were just like the rest of them!"

I knew better than replying. I looked away, letting her cry, allowing her lift the weight from her chest.

She was right. I was manipulative.

But I was not sorry. Not now, not then.

I always did anything and everything to get what I wanted.

Her desperation and impulsive decision had handed me everything I needed on a platter of gold, and I never regretted it.

Not when I get to own her, to claim her as mine.

I chuckled.

There is a reason I am called the Devil.

*******

The entourage slowed down in front of the metal gate of my mansion, and the gates opened on its own, letting us in.

The rest of my men who didn't come to the wedding lined up on the front porch, eyes dark, hands on their holsters, ready to swing out guns.

The front door opened and Jane headed out, leading a procession of all the domestic assistants, their heads bowed in submission, ready to welcome us.

Carlos gave a signal, and everyone stepped out of their cars, ready for me.

“Welcome home, Princess,” I said with a smile.

"Shut up," she snapped, giving me a death glare.

A second time.

I smirked, got out and rounded the car to open her door for her, my hand extended, ready to take her’s.

She slapped it away and scrambled out.

Her hands fisted her dress as her eyes fell on the people standing on the porch, ready to welcome her.

I guided her slowly towards them, my hand on her waist. And surprisingly, she didn't fight it.

“Everyone, I present before you my bride, Jade De Santo. She would be your new mistress, the Mafia Queen. I expect you all to accord her the same respect you give me. It would be better if I pull out your heart from your chest than for you to disrespect her. Is that understood?" I asked calmly, like I didn't just spew out threats.

“Yes," everyone chorused.

I turned to Jade, my charming smile wide and dimpled. “Say hello to everyone, wife."

"I am not your wife!” She roared, her eyes shooting daggers at me.

"Our wedding certificate would disagree,” I reminded her.

She stepped in front of me, too close for comfort, her eyes defiant.

She reached up and slapped me across the face.

My head whipped to the side, cheeks stinging, my dark sunglasses skidding across the interlocking marble like they couldn't believe what happened either.

“Don't you dare call me your wife again," she hissed.

I rubbed my jaw, tasting blood and humiliation on my tongue as my eyes settled on her face.

I could hear the loud gasps from my men.

I could hear Jane whimpering.

Jade slapped me in front of all my men and my staff, without giving a damn.

She didn't care that I am Luca De Santo, the most feared Mafia Don.

She didn't care that I can end her life and that of her family now, this minute, with just a snap of my fingers.

She slapped me, without a thought that she belonged to me now, at my mercy, with no one to save her from my fury.

She stood there, chin raised in pride, challenging me to do my worst.

I chuckled evilly.

The last man who attempted this is now six feet under.