"What?" I almost shouted. I clutch my mochi boxes tighter to my chest, and stare up at Matteo in confusion. "W-why?" I stutter.

"Because I said so." He plainly states.

What the hell is he up to? Why does he want me going to a ball with him? I thought he was hell bent on keeping me locked away. What's to keep me from running away, from escaping his grasp?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, though it's just too strange, just too odd. Of course, I'll take the opportunity. I'd be dumb not to... But, what if this is some sort of trap? What if...

"... So your dress is hanging in your room, be ready by seven tonight."

I pretend that I didn't miss half of what he just said, and nod at his words. I nod, my head, as Matteo stares at me, with a deadpan expression. He probably knows what I'm thinking about. Of course he's aware that I'll try and escape.

And then what? Another punishment?

"Good." He says before leaving me alone in the pantry, once again trying to wrap my brain around what Matteo's playing at.

***

I pull the sleek, dark green dress over my legs, and slip into it easily.

When I had seen it hanging up in my bathroom, I couldn't deny that Matteo had good taste. The dress is beautiful, sophisticated. It's not too revealing, yet it's structure makes it look elegant and regal, with it's neckline only being a slight V-neck.

I'd made sure to have a shower before getting changed, and checked that the dress was suitable for a bra. After all, I need somewhere to hide the large amount of cash I need to escape this place.

Thankfully I've had the whole day to plan my escape. And while it has its faults, it's the only option I have. And it's definitely better than staying put here, hoping to be found.

I stare at myself in the mirror.

I look sad. My cheeks are sunken in and beneath my eyes are dark circles, which give me a ghostly appearance. My complexion is pale and I look like a walking corpse. Captivity is taking its toll on me.

My eating habits have become less scheduled, I now either binge eat, or don't eat at all. I know it's unhealthy, but I can't seem to find a rhythm when all the days blend into one, and I'm constantly trying to hide in my bedroom from my captor.

I've done what I could to my hair, there was nothing but a brush and hair ties in the bathroom, so I've prepared it into a high bun, wrapped with braids. Even my milky, brown hair seems darker, now that it hasn't seen the sun in forever.

I huff, as someone knocks on my door. "I'll be one second." I say.

Slipping into some nude heels, I head towards my bed and lift the mattress, to reveal the cash I had stolen from Dante. Stuffing it down my bra, I quickly check in the mirror that nothing looks out of place, then head to the door, opening it.

I'm greeted by Dante, dressed in a black and white tux, looking handsome as always. Though, instead of wearing a tie, he has on a bowtie.

His eyes widen as he looks over me, and I notice how he sucks in a small breath. Under any other circumstance, I'd be flattered. "You look..."

"Beautiful." Matteo finishes Dante's sentence, and moves him out of the way from the doorframe, giving Dante an aggravated look. Looking back down at me, his eyes graze every inch of my body, taking me in.

I try not to let the way he looks at me, get to me, but it's so hard. So I bite my tongue, and give him a bland expression, indicating something like boredom.

"Let's get going then, shall we?" Dante asks, as he stands awkwardly while Matteo continues to take me in. Thankfully, he nods, and moves from the door, letting me exit, which I do on shaky legs.

Damn these stupid shoes. If it's not Matteo who stops my escape plan, it'll be these stupid heels.

Once I'm out of the room, Matteo firmly grasps my arm and links his with mine, in some weird possessive gesture. I try not to seem disturbed, but it's clearly written alone in my face.

After a silent ride down to the ground floor in the elevator, we exit, and are instantly bombarded by at least a dozen of Matteo's men, from what I can see. Oh gosh, how could I have forgotten about the attempt on my life?

This is going to make my escape a lot more difficult. If I do manage to escape, what's to say I won't be tracked and shot down? "Stay close to me, and don't even think of running." Matteo whispers calmly into my ears, leaves tingles down my neck.

We head towards a black SUV, which is surrounded by a convoy of other black cars. Not very inconspicuous.

I enter the car, after Matteo opens the door for me.

What a gentleman.

He sits beside me, while Dante sits in the front. I notice that in both their hands, they have a gun held firmly in their grip. How did I not notice that until now?

I clench my jaw, and stare out the window. I hope this night plays out in my favour. I really do.

We travel out of the city, and head towards fields of grass, though it's hard to see if there's anything else due to the darkness.

"Are you alright?" Matteo asks, and I turn to see him staring at me.

"Yes." I grit.

"You don't need to be scared, I have my best men patrolling the venue, keeping you safe, you don't need to worry about another attack."

If only Matteo knew that was the least of my worries.

I nod my head, hoping that he'll just end the conversation there, but unfortunately he doesn't. "You need to eat more." He says, with concern. "You're getting awfully thin."

I let out a hum.

"Things are going to change, Mia. I realise now my mistakes, and I want to make it up to you. When we return home, back in the US, you'll be able to go outside, and have privileges, you otherwise did not have."

How generous of him.

"That is not equivalent to being free." I mumble under my breath.

There's a strange pause, as Matteo sighs. "I know." He says, almost as if he understands my pain.

But he doesn't. He could never.

"Matteo..." I begin.

"Yes?"

"You know I can never love you. Not in the way you want to be loved."

The atmosphere within the car is cold, and tense, and not even the driver seems to breathe.

"I know."

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