As I headed down the hallway, I cringed for the first time from hearing the savagery of the life both Cruz and I had been born into.
I’d spoken about salvation to an innocent creature who’d never expected to fall into the clutches of a monster.
I’d told her that I’d never lie to her, but that had occurred within the first few seconds of our first phone call.
There was no salvation for a man who’d been born without a soul.
CHAPTER15
Sierra
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder who allows the rays of sun to filter into their minds.”
It was something my mother used to say many years before. When I was little, I’d believed she was an angel sent from the heavens to watch out over me. The day I’d turned twelve, I’d started believing her place on earth was to drive me insane.
I resisted laughing as I thought about how much she’d taught me over the years, even if I hadn’t been receptive to most of her advice. I tried to imagine what her thoughts would be at this moment. First, she wouldn’t believe I’d agree to such a preposterous plan, especially given the level of danger. Then she’d frown in such a manner that I’d know she was peeling away all the protective layers I’d formed around me, digging for the real reason why I’d agreed.
“Marriage is a commitment that isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s not like a lease on a car that you can trade in once it expires. It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever be involved in.”
The day she’d shared that tidbit of knowledge with me was the moment I’d stopped believing in fairytales.
A million dollars for six months of pretending.
But would I be living a lie or merely indulging in some crazy fantasy that I could change the man I… craved? There was no other rational response. I couldn’t love him. He didn’t want to be adored or cared for. He certainly wasn’t the kind of man who could tolerate a doting wife and three perfect kids.
A chuckle finally erupted, the sound making me self-conscious. I threw a glance over my shoulder and gazed into the eyes of one of Alessandro’s soldiers.
Matteo.
I hadn’t learned his last name and if I had to guess, I’d say asking the nice-looking brute any questions wasn’t allowed. That only made me want to bombard him with them. I stared out the window at the incredible colors crisscrossing the afternoon sky and felt a twinge of strong emotions.
Fear.
Anxiety.
Uncertainty.
While all three were justified, the fourth continued to perplex me. Excitement. I’d expected to be faced with a gorgeous but sterile view of New York City. Being sequestered in a stunning, oversized Cape Cod in the Hamptons had been an unexpected delight. While the house was large by typical standards, it paled in comparison of size to the others in the neighborhood. That made me adore it that much more.
What the structure lacked in size was made up in the incredible location. Nestled a hundred yards from the ocean, the rocky shore was curved, allowing for a spectacular view. The location was also extremely private, the long, gated driveway complete with security cameras. There was also a six-foot-tall iron fence enclosing the house and a good portion of the grounds. While I wouldn’t call his home a fortress, Alessandro would know if anyone was attempting to gain access.
He’d been gone a good portion of the day. Although he’d never mentioned I’d be locked in the house, having a guard stand by me if I changed rooms was a clear reminder that I was still considered a prisoner. Only instead of the bleak cinder block walls he’d been caged in, mine was a gilded cage with posh surroundings.
“Is it alright for me to go outside?” I wasn’t entirely certain the stoic man would answer me. When I’d been formally introduced, he’d said nothing, but his stare had been ice cold.
“As long as I’m with you.”
“Does Alessandro honestly think I’m going to run away?”
Matteo eyed me carefully, obviously uncertain how to respond. “I’m not privy to the status of your relationship. What I do know is that Mr. Montenegro has many enemies.”
“Meaning what?”
“Meaning they would stop at nothing to inflict pain.”
The man’s words weren’t as disturbing as the warning laced in his voice. I took a deep breath, unlocking and opening the door. As soon as I walked outside, I inhaled. The salty air was breathtaking, the chilly light breeze refreshing. I gripped the railing with both hands, digging my fingers into the wood. The sand shimmered from the reflection of the sun, casting a colorful hue across the surface. The water seemed agitated, although it was a perfectly calm day with only a light breeze stirring the trees lining both sides of the house.
I felt Matteo’s presence behind me and stiffened. “How can you stand this life?”