CHAPTER FOUR
Anna's PoV
As I regained consciousness, I found myself in an unfamiliar, luxurious room. Confusion quickly gave way to alarm as I recalled the events of my last session with Don Vincenzo.
The memory of a bloodied guard entering the room was the last clear image I had before everything went dark.
Carefully, I left the bedroom and entered a long hallway lined with many doors. As I walked, I heard laughter coming from the far end. Seeking answers, I made my way toward the sound.
"You have not changed a bit, Leo," I heard Don Vincenzo's familiar voice as I approached the door where the laughter was coming from.
"You needed that break, boss. It has clearly done you good," replied a voice I assumed belonged to Leo.
Looking through the keyhole, I saw Don Vincenzo with what appeared to be his inner circle. Leo was on his phone while others talked among themselves.
"Boss, we need to address the pressing issues at hand," one member spoke up.
"If I had not sent Leo to protect Doctor Sinclair, she would be dead by now." I gasped, realizing I was the subject of their discussion.
As I stepped back, I collided with what felt like a wall. Turning, I found myself face-to-face with a towering man who looked very similar to Leo.
"Trying to be sneaky?" he smirked, gripping my arm and pushing open the door. "Found her listening in."
Don Vincenzo rose from the couch, his gang members watching closely as he approached me, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Glad to see you are awake. I was starting to worry Justin had hit you too hard," he said, glancing at the man who had caught me.
"Why am I here?" I demanded.
"I figured if I was leaving prison on my terms, why not bring along someone who interests me?" he shrugged.
"This is insanity. You should be in prison. I should not be your captive!" I exclaimed, stamping my foot in frustration.
"Whoa! She has got a temper," Justin commented. The memory of him knocking me unconscious fueled my anger.
"Oh, I have a temper? How about you keep your mouth shut unless you have something useful to say?" A moment of stunned silence followed, then the room erupted in laughter. Even Don Vincenzo joined in.
"What is so amusing? I will have you all arrested!" I threatened, my foot stamping again.
"You just insulted Justin, and you are still being feisty about it," Don Vincenzo chuckled. His amusement only made my rage worse. I fantasized about getting revenge for this situation.
"Boss, maybe you should talk to her privately," Leo suggested, seemingly the voice of reason in the room.
"Let us take a walk," Don Vincenzo proposed, taking my hand in his larger one.
We walked down the hallway to a balcony that offered a breathtaking view of a city I did not recognize.
"Will you answer my question now?" I pressed.
"This is Rome. It is where I was born and where I come to relax." I gazed at the impressive architecture spread out before us.
"Why did you bring me here?" I asked again.
"You are beautiful, Anna. Of all the women I have known, you seem perfect for what I have in mind."
"What are you talking about?" I began, but was interrupted as the door burst open. A young girl rushed in, throwing her arms around Don Vincenzo.
"I missed you, Daddy!" she exclaimed, clinging to him tightly.
I was taken aback. I could see the resemblance between Don Vincenzo and his daughter - they shared the same curly hair and piercing eyes.
"Do not worry, sweetheart. I am not going anywhere this summer," he assured her.
Seeing Don Vincenzo interact lovingly with his daughter made me realize that even someone I had considered a monster could have a softer side.
"Is she my new mommy?" the girl asked innocently. I felt my cheeks flush and looked away.
"No, sweetie, but I think you will like her," Don Vincenzo replied.
The child reached out to me, and Don Vincenzo passed her into my arms. My heart melted as I held her. She was adorable, with her long curly hair and bright eyes.
"What is your name?" she asked.
"I am Anna. What is your name, little one?" I replied.
"Sofia," she answered, her gap-toothed smile impossibly endearing.
"She seems to like you," Don Vincenzo observed.
Before I could respond, the door flew open again. An older woman entered, brandishing a wooden spoon.
"Idiota!" she yelled, charging at Don Vincenzo. He quickly moved me in front of him as a shield.
"I did not mean to leave, Mama. It is just business," he explained hastily.
I stood there, stunned, as I realized I was face-to-face with
the woman who had given birth to one of the most notorious crime bosses in the world.