ILLICIT DESIRES: CRAVING HIS SON’S BRIDE.

Natalia’s POV:

My heart thumped rapidly against my chest, each beat echoing in my ears as I shoved a hoodie into my duffel bag. Sweat beaded on my forehead with each fast movement I made. I needed to escape. It was now or never.

BANG!!

My heart skipped a beat as a shiver ran down my spine at the sound of the living room door being slammed. I knew what the sound was, it was HIM again. No doubt already drunk even though the day was just starting.

Quickly, I pushed my little sister, Ava, into the closet. “Don’t come out until I come to get you, okay?”

She nodded, her big brown eyes glistened with tears as the fear on her face mirrored mine.

I placed a kiss on her forehead. “I won't let him hurt you. I promise.”

Liar, you can't even protect yourself. The voice in my head mocked and I quashed it, shutting the closet door, and hurried to the living room as my heart raced with a familiar dread.

He wasn't supposed to be home, he was usually off at some bar drinking until evening. So I planned my escape properly, it had to be during the day, and I’ve been planning this for years. I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans as I approached the living room. If he found out what I was up to… I’d be dead meat.

My stomach churned at the memories of dad beating me up simply because he felt like it. When I was much younger, he’d lock me in the closet and starve me for days… If I cried while he beat me up he'd say, “It doesn't even hurt! It only hurts because you think it does, you've always been an annoying child.”

One time, he broke my arm because I ‘cried’ after he had starved me for three days. I've lived in nothing but pain since I was old enough to walk. My skin was littered with bruises and scars from over the years.

Several times, I've tried to escape but I knew I’d end up in foster care. And then, Ava came along. My monster of a father got a teenager pregnant and the girl had dumped the baby with him.

I’d started rebelling for Ava’s sake, he could use me as his punching bag all he wanted as long as he didn't go near her. I had been waiting for the right time to escape with Ava. I had just turned eighteen and it was my high school graduation ceremony today. I knew today was the right time to escape. Or so I thought, fate was hardly ever on my side, I always felt like I was cursed…

I moved cautiously into the living room, expecting another round of beating like last night when he used his special belt on my back, but my fear quickly morphed into terror and confusion when I got to the living room.

The man before me looked battered beyond recognition.

“Dad?” I gasped.

He was on his knees. Blood oozed from his temple, his lips, and his nose—which seemed broken. He seemed to be in pain ‘cause he was clutching at his middle.

But he wasn't alone. Three men stood over him and one near the doorway they had just broken into. But it was the man seated in the armchair that caught attention and not in a good way.

He was handsome, no doubt. I don't think I've ever seen a man as handsome as he was. But he seemed… dangerous. His aura gave off immense power like he was in control of everything and everyone else. It was clear he was in charge of the other men and they were probably his guards.

Dad groaned in pain and I tried to rush to his aid but the men glared at me, causing me to flinch.

“What is going on here?” I asked when I finally found my voice. “Look, if my dad owes you… I'd hate to break it to you, but we don't have any money,” I said, hoping my voice was firm and not shaky like I felt on the inside.

The leader’s eyes drifted over my face and down my body as if I were a product he was considering purchasing.

Tingles broke out along my skin wherever he looked, but I couldn't tell if it was from fear or… or something else.

“She’s perfect. She’ll do.”

His accent was thick with an unmistakable Italian accent and my heart thumped in my chest.

These men weren't from here.

Wait… She’ll do?

Unease settled in my gut as I turned to dad who kept groaning in pain.

“What is he talking about, dad?”

My father lifted his eyes to mine, they were filled with fear. “I’m sorry…” he said.

I felt like I was in another world. Dad has never apologized to me, not when he starved me, beat me, or forced me to pay his debts, and certainly not when he'd broken my arm.

Something was terribly wrong.

Dread pooled in my stomach. “Why…why are you sorry dad?”

“I—” he started.

“Enough!” The man said in a low growl, cutting my dad off. “Get your things ready, we leave for Sicily tonight, the wedding is in four days.”

Sicily? As in Italy?

And wait…

“A wedding?!” I yelled before I could stop myself. “Who the hell is getting married?”

“Go and get your things ready, you have a few hours to get whatever it is you need.”

“No,” I shook my head, suddenly feeling brave and furious in equal measures. “Is this some sort of sick joke? You broke into my house and now you're demanding I leave with you? I’m calling the cops.”

Why hadn't I thought to call them sooner? Well, never too late.

I turned to get my phone when I heard a strangled gasp from dad.

When I turned back to them, the man was standing now. With a gun pointed at dad’s forehead.

My eyes drifted to the man—the devil, who had my dad’s life at his mercy.

His grey-blue eyes were cold and hard.

“You move an inch and I put a nice hole through this bastard’s skull.”

My heart nearly dropped out of my ass.

“You… you can’t do that!” I yelled.

The man’s index finger curled around the trigger. “You underestimate me, piccolina.” His deep voice was cold and void of any emotion.

My blood ran cold as I broke out in cold sweat. I was glued to a spot.

What kind of mess did dad get himself into now? How did he meet these bloodthirsty monsters???

Just moments ago I could almost taste my freedom and dreams. I worked my butt off for years to be awarded a fully funded scholarship. Everyone else was going off to college in a few weeks. I couldn't possibly follow a stranger across the continent to get married.

War raged inside me at his threat. I can’t let this man ruin everything for me. I won’t back down. I have to call the cops.

As if dad heard my thoughts. “Na… Natalia…” Dad breathed as tears rolled down his cheeks.“Plea… please do as he says. Don Carlo’s going to kill me if you don't.”

Don Carlo?

He's with the mafia?

Shit.

“Please,” dad begged again. “Please, save me.”

My heart squeezed painfully at his plea. He might have been an asshole to me all my life but he was still my father and my family.

I exhaled shakily. “Fine. I will come with you as long as you don't hurt my dad.”

Don Carlo dropped his gun at my words. “I’ve changed my mind. Go get dressed, we leave for Italy now.”

My eyes widened. “What? No! You can’t do that. You just sprung this whole bullshit on me, at least give me time to come to terms with it.”

He took several steps until he was standing toe to toe with me and my blood ran cold.

Yes, he was handsome but one look at him and you could tell he was dangerous.

“You only have an hour, piccolina.”

His tone left no room for argument as his cold eyes bored into me, daring me to try something stupid. But I won't, he was armed and I certainly didn't feel like dying today.

“Fine,” I muttered and stormed back into my room.

I almost jumped out of my skin when Ava tapped me. I'd nearly forgotten about her. “Why did you leave the closet?” I hissed.

“I got scared, Natty. Are you okay? Did dad hit you again?” She looked frightened.

My heart sank as I pulled her in for a hug. If I go with those men to Italy, what happens to Ava? Dad can't look after her, hell, he can't even look after himself, he got us into this mess in the first place.

Do I really need to go with them? Isn't there a way out?

An idea lit up in my head, making my lips curl in a small smile.

I will not be going with them.

I pulled away from her embrace. “Ava, do you trust me?”

She nodded.

“Good. Just stick close to me, okay?”

“Okay.”

Satisfied, I pulled out my phone and quickly dialed my best friend’s number—she was the one who had helped me secure a place in Michigan where I'd be schooling. It was her cousin’s apartment.

On the third ring…

“About damn time,” Tanya hissed as soon as the call connected. “I’ve been texting you all morning. My cousin is here at school waiting for you.”

“I won’t make it,” I informed her. “I don't have much time but I need you to tell your cousin that I’ll head to the bus stop from here instead of meeting her at school.”

“What?! Why—”

“There’s no time, Tanya!” I snapped. “My dad got into trouble with some really bad guys and now they are here for me. Apparently, I'm supposed to marry someone.”

“Oh shit. This is insane, what the fuck? I’ll inform her right away,” She reassured. “Please, be safe, Natalia.”

I exhaled deeply to calm my racing heart but it didn't help.

“I will, thank you. I’m sorry about the sudden change of plans.”

“It’s fine, you deserve so much better and this is the only way I could help. Please call me when you arrive. I love you.”

“Love you.”

She hung up. And I grabbed the bag I’d packed earlier. I listened for any movement that could be coming from the living room and when it was all clear. I picked up our bags and led Ava down to our basement.

No one knew about the hidden door-like window a few feet above the ground in the basement because I made it.

When I was younger, I had thought of running away but never really had the guts to do so.

I held Ava’s hands tightly. “You have to be quiet, okay?”

She nodded, eyes wide with fear.

Quickly, I threw our bags out of the window and I lowered Ava next. At the top, I threw my legs over and held on with both hands so I could jump the rest of the way down and join Ava.

Except fingers wrapped around my legs, startling me. They didn’t let go. My heart dropped to my stomach like a lead and it felt like I was about to shit myself from fear.

Fuck. We’ve been caught.

I kicked—hard. But it did no good. The hands only tightened.

“Gotcha, piccolina.”

No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening.

How did Carlo find me here?

It was impossible.

Oh no! Why can’t I hear Ava’s voice?!

I panicked and my hands slipped, forcing me to let go of the window. I fell into a hard, male chest, arms folding like steel bands around me.

“Get your hands off me!” I thrashed against his hold. “Where’s my sister!” Using all my strength, I bucked against him. “Get off!”

Suddenly, he let go and I landed hard on my knees and hands. I jumped to my feet, eyes searching for Ava.

Carlo grabbed my arm as if sensing my thoughts, “My men have the little girl.”

I gasped. “You—”

“I don’t harm little children,” he said calmly.

I felt my body sag in relief

“… but my men have no problem doing that.”

My jaw dropped. “You’re an animal!”

“I’ve been called worse, bella,” he smirked as he pulled my arm, dragging me along to the front of the house, ignoring my insults and screams.

When we got to the front, dad was already out there, two guards holding him back, roughly. His cheeks were stained with tears, his red-rimmed eyes stared ahead.

I followed his line of sight and—

No, no, no!

“Ava!”