I don't get the chance to process Matteo's words, as we abruptly stop at our destination, and I am quickly ushered out of the car by Dante.

My mouth falls open at the sight before me. A large mansion bigger than I could ever think possible. It is lit up by strong lights that beam up on the structure, as well as scanning over the property, like in prison movies.

It looks like a cathedral, with its large dome structure, as well as many pillars that keep it upright. It's honestly breath-taking. And the garden that it's framed by is picturesque.

Alice would love the garden.

I try to push back all thoughts of home and familiarity. I can reminisce when I've escaped. Then I'll be safe, and I'll be free to do whatever. I can find Dad and see Mum...

Oh god, Mum. How did I forget about my own mother, and the threat that had been so clearly laid before me by Matteo just a week ago? Am I really that selfish, that I would dare even entertain the idea of putting my mother in danger?

Now all thoughts of escape are beginning to drift, far, far away.

If I could get in possession of a phone, I could contact Mum, and let her now of the dangers.

That seems like a viable plan, if it works...

Matteo slips my arm into his once again, as we begin towards the large front door, guarded by many men, who don't look like they are all Matteo's. "There are other very important people at this ball, protection is required. Like I said, you don't need to worry." Matteo says, as if reading my thoughts.

I nod, though this doesn't make me any more at ease. This just makes my escape harder. There's no way I'll be able to get past all of these people without being caught.

Matteo squeezes my arm, as we enter through the doorway into a very large and beautiful entryway. Their walls are painted cream and lined with gold fringes, while from the ceiling hangs a crystal chandelier.

I look around and notice groups of people mingling about, with drinks in their hands. The sound of chatter flows through the halls, like the crackle of a fire.

Everyone is dressed highly fancy, and look like they are the wealthiest people in society. People of all nationalities gathered around to discuss business and their illegal dealings. Dad probably goes to these things often.

"Stay close to me, principessa. These people are dangerous."

I hold back a snort, and become very conscious about his skin on mine.

We saunter down the hall towards a large ballroom. And when i say there are no words to describe it, there really are. All I can say is that it looks like something out of the Great Gatsby. There's waiters running around with drinks and snacks, as well as dancers who parade around the flood, almost naked.

I wonder if they are here willingly...

"Ah Matteo, ragazzo mio! Come stai?" (Ah Matteo, my boy! How are you?) A loud masculine voice booms over the chatter of people. I turn around to see a large old man approach us, with his hands outstretched. He embraces Matteo before he can react, which thankfully disconnects us at the arm.

"Stefano, I am doing well. How are you?" Matteo's grits out with a fake expression of pleasantness across his face. Gosh, he doesn't look like he's enjoying this at all.

"Perché non parli nella tua lingua madre?" (Why don't you speak in your native language?) Stefano chuckles, holding his big round belly. He looks like he wouldn't be able to run a metre without passing out, what the hell is he doing here? "Oh, chi è questo con te?" (Oh, who is this with you?) He asks, suddenly turning his attention towards me.

My eyes widen like a deer in headlights, and I look at Matteo who looks bored as ever. "This is Mia." He states.

Stefani holds his hand out and shakes mine jollily, as if he is ever so excited to meet me. "Bellissimo esemplare, molto bello." (Beautiful specimen, very beautiful.) He says to Matteo.

"Sono una persona." (I am a person.) I state with venom. "Non un esemplare." (Not a specimen.)

Matteo's hand instantly reappears on my arm, warning me. I look up to his eyes and he shakes his head ever so subtly, with that bland expression on his face.

Sefano's face falters ever so slightly before reappearing with that large smile. "E la ragazza sa parlare italiano! Perfetto! Dimmi bella, dove ti ha trovata Matteo?" (And the girl can speak Italian! Perfect! Tell me beautiful, where did Matteo find you?)

I look back up at Matteo. "Don't answer that." He says to me, then looking back up to Stefano. "It has been a pleasure seeing you again, but unfortunately I have others I must speak with. If you'll excuse us."

Before the jolly man can say anything in return, I am dragged away by Matteo, who scans the room with his eyes, finding people who I guess he needs to talk with.

This is going to be a long night.

***

The night progresses painfully slow.

The cash stashed within my bra is burning a hole in my chest, the longer it remains there, and the only thing I can think about is escape.

Matteo has dragged me along to talk with many of his colleagues, but I automatically switch off when they discuss business talk, and begin looking for exits. So far it's been unsuccessful, but I'm still hopeful.

"Hello Matteo." A woman's voice purrs from behind us.

Matteo turns, just as I do.

I'm instantly drawn to her dark, almost black eyes. They are so familiar, they remind me so much of someone...

She's about my height with shoulder length, black hair that is straightened perfectly. She wears a blood-red gown that syncs at the waist, then pulling out at the bottom. She's very beautiful.

"Katerina." Matteo drawls, his face looking as bland as ever, though I notice his eye twitches slightly at the sight of her. Oh shit, what did this woman do to Matteo?

"I didn't expect to see you here, and especially with a little pet." She says.

"I could say the same thing for you. I didn't think you enjoyed gatherings such as these."

I look back and forth between the two, there are so many similarities between them, are they-

"Oh come on, big brother. You know how much I love a good party."

Oh shit.

I can see Matteo clench his jaw, while his hands ball into fists. It looks like he's about to beat someone up. He looks infuriated. Now I really want to know what happened between these siblings.

"Why don't you introduce me to your arm candy." Katerina suggests, though it seems more like an order. Even she seems to radiate power, just as Matteo. The similarities between them is unparalleled.

"This is Mia." Matteo grits.

"Mia." Katerina says, as if tasting the name. "I have a suspicion that she is here against her will, big brother. Am I right?"

I don't even know what to think at the moment. All I know is that Matteo is very uncomfortable, and I'm loving it.

"Shouldn't you be getting back to your pretty wife?" Matteo spits, squeezing my arm even more.

"Matteo, be a gentleman and get me and your pretty friend a drink." Katerina smirks, avoiding Matteo's command.

I think I like this girl. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of her." She says, taking hold of my arm, while Matteo holds the other.

"Stay right here." Matteo growls into my ear, before taking off in a storm of anger through the crowd, to go get drinks.

Wow, I didn't think he would actually leave me with her. Maybe this is my chance I need to escape.

Katerina watches as Matteo fades away before looking back towards me. Her lips melt into a smile that would make anyone drop to their knees. "He really is a handful." She remarks.

I nod my head, not sure what to say, and if she'll report it back to him. Though it seems she won't, I can't trust anyone these days.

"Alright, let me get straight to it." Katerina says, her smile long gone. "I'm guessing that you hate him almost as much as me, so I have a proposition."

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