Violet's Pov
Tranquil and chill ran through me, the floor, cold and smooth against my skin.
I recognized the make of the floor immediately —
Marble.
I blinked against the dim lights like I had done the first time I woke up here — my vision was hazy and my body was stiff.
Was I drugged?
I realized I had been lying on the hard floor.
I tried to sit up but my wrists ached.
I was still tied up.
A sharp tug had confirmed it.
I scanned my surroundings, my head pounding like someone hammer to my skull.
I wasn't in the dimly lit room.
This time, I was in a grand room.
The windows were quite tall and covered with heavy-looking curtains.
There was a massive desk in the center with papers stacked on one side.
Several bookshelves lined the wall, the expensive artwork hanging between them.
My location became clear to me.
I was not in a warehouse or a dungeon.
I was in someone's freaking study.
And that someone was —"You're awake. Finally."
The voice sent a chill down my spine — smooth, deep, and void of warmth.
I turned back so fast the room tilted and nausea rolled through me. Sitting on a chair with his fingers steepled together as he watched me was a man whom I needed no introductions for —
Don fucking Romano.
A slow smile spread across his face, the kind that told you your life is in danger before it even began.
"You're here for it, aren't you?"
I don't know why but I had to ask.
Our previous conversation flashed through my head and I shivered at the thought of him finding whatever "secrets" he assumed I had.
"Smart girl,"
Romano smirked.
"Your papa, heaven rest his soul, must have taught you a thing about survival."
Papa.
My fingers curled into fists.
Papa was dead.
The last time I had seen him, he had seen him, he had said he was busy.
I had been upset, annoyed at him for choosing work over my birthday.
If only I had known that was the last time I'd see him, If only I had said goodbye.
A lump formed in my throat and I forced it down.
"I'm sorry but I don't have what you want."
I said in a semi-defiant tone.
Semi because my voice came out hoarse.
Romano shot to his feet, moving with the kind of grace only men with power had.
He was formally dressed like he had been earlier.
He stuffed both his hands in his pockets, a hint of annoyance flashing across his face.
"You, Violet Fernandez, are a problem,"
he said through gritted teeth.
"And one I intend to solve."
He completed it.
I didn't need an extra brain to notice that he was annoyed.
But why was he annoyed when I was telling the truth?
I am innocent.
"I don't know anything."
I said quickly this time
"No, you don't,"
he said, leaving me stunned for a reply.
He knew yet he—
"That's the problem, isn't it?
Your father knew something."
he said and suddenly, the air in the room shifted.
Wait, what?
Romano smiled.
"Your papa was a liar."
My eyes went round.
What?
Romano continued.
"And he was a very good one.
The old man played us both — feeding secrets to the cartel while whispering in the ears of men like me.
"I shook my head.
"No.
That doesn't make any sense.
Papa would never —
he wasn't —"
"A criminal?"
Romano took the words right out of my mouth, giving me a cold chuckle.
"Oh, mi querida, he was so much worse.
Your papa lived a double life.
He not only rose to become an underboss within the ruthless Mexican cartel, but he also played spy, covertly gathering intel to trade with me.
A man can't have many masters, no?"
I couldn't breathe.
"You're lying!"
I screamed.
"Oh really?"
He tilted his head and I froze.
I wasn't sure anymore.
I wasn't sure of anything anymore.
I had always known papa had secrets.
But this?
This was a total nightmare.
Romano continued nonchalantly like he hadn't just ruined my life.
"Your papa kept dangerous company and… let's just say, his high-wire deception caught up with him at your birthday party. The cartel wants the information your papa died protecting and in exchange, they want you."
Blood drained from my face.
"What?"
"Carlos Fernandez is very eager to get his hands on you," he mused.
"You're your papa's only daughter and the perfect leverage."
The realization hit me like a slap across the face.
"You're… going to hand me over?"
It was a question.
But Romano's silence was not enough.
"Why keep me alive when you'll send me away?"
I asked in a whisper.
He smiled a slow, controlled smile, and my breath hitched.
"Because, Violet, I am not a fool.
Your father was careful.
Too careful.
And before I make any deals, I need to be certain you know where he hid those files."
I swallowed hard.
This again?
"I don't know."
"Sure but…"
he stopped right in front of me.
"I need time to be sure in case you're lying.
And while we wait for Carlos to make a fair trade…
"Where is he going with this?
"You will earn your keep."
he completed.
"Earn my keep?"
I frowned.
"What does that even mean?"
"It means, you my dear, are now an employee of the Romano estate."
"Excuse me?"
I stared, blankly.
"A maid,"
Romano clarified as if speaking to a toddler.
"You will serve me until I decide what to do with you."
My stomach twisted.
Me, a maid?
I couldn't bear to imagine it.
All my life, I had grown up in luxury, never having to clean or serve anyone.
Now, I'm expected to work like a servant in the home of the man who held me captive?
He wants me to serve him?
Serve…Rage sparked a flame in my chest and I spat out before I could stop myself.
"You're disgusting!"
Romano chuckled, reaching out a gloved hand to tilt my chin up.
"Disgusting?"
He smirked.
"No darling.
I'm merely practical."
I tightened my jaw, forcing myself to pull away.
"Enjoy your new life, darling Violet," he said with a soft laugh.
"After all, it might last longer than you think."
And with that, he turned on his heels and walked away, leaving me kneeling on the cold, marble floor, my hands still tied and my life turned completely upside down.