With that thought in my head, that’s exactly what I did. The sun was out today, but it was a little fresh. Every time the breeze hit my face it would sting a little. Still, I accepted it as I was just happy enough to be outside for a little—even in the cold.
I walked around for about half an hour taking in the view of the Kentish fields ahead, and the expanse of trees around. On my journey, I bumped into my gardener, Thomas. He was young and a little easy on the eyes. My girls all had a field day watching him in the summer with his top off.
I said hi and went through a few pleasantries before I thought it was time to head back inside. Just before heading in, though, I spied something in the distance. It looked like a fleet of cars were heading this way. I didn’t know why, but something was telling me this wasn’t right.
On full alert, I ran back into the house and screamed at all the girls to head for their rooms.
“Why? What’s happening?” Samantha’s face mirrored my own.
“I don’t know, but there are people coming, and I don’t think they’re friendlies somehow. Everyone, please go to your rooms and stay there until I say it’s safe.”
They all nodded, and I turned to go back out the door. The cars were coming closer, and I managed to spy the identity of one of the passengers straight away. I should have guessed it—Mr. Belatoni.
Instinctively, I bolted the doors shut and stood to attention upon the steps. It wasn’t long before a loud banging sound erupted around the house. Then, all became quiet inside as everyone went off to hide. I had never seen or heard it that quiet before. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention.
“Clara, I know you’re in there. Just be a good girl and open the door for me. You have sixty seconds.”
My eyes widened in panic. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t let him in; he had his henchmen with him, and there was no telling what they were here to do. My girls’ safety was my number one priority.
I stood—panicked—just waiting and hoping he would eventually give up and go away. I didn’t truly think that would be likely, however. He soon proved me right when I heard them bash through my door. It took them several attempts to get the door open, but they managed it. As soon as they all broke through, in walked Luca. It was almost as if everything was happening in slow-motion. Again, he commanded the room like a giant bull about to charge.
He took in his surroundings, but before long, those steely, sparkling, caramel eyes bored into mine like a man possessed. And boy did he possess me. I couldn’t move; I couldn’t even breathe. I also couldn’t take my eyes off that man.
He came to halt with a few men standing directly behind him. He stood still and leisurely raked his gaze over my body. I wasn’t sure, but I thought I heard a low growl escape from him. With the room being so big and without another sound to be heard, the vibrating rumble in his throat was amplified.
Then, that sexy smile curved his lips up, and I knew he was coming for me. Without hesitation, my legs took flight. I ran up the stairs like a bat out of hell, turning only once to see Luca very slowly and casually walking up the stairs behind me.
Before I could breathe, I was in one of the upstairs bathrooms. I chose this one in particular as I knew I could escape and find another way out. I needed to get to the girls. I was worried for them. They would be scared and anxious, so the sooner I got to them, the better.
My heart went straight to my throat as I heard a tapping on the door. “As much as I love chasing you up the stairs, you’re only avoiding the inevitable. I told you I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.”
“Piss off!” That was all I could think of to say. I was angry that he had just invaded my home.
I heard a rumble of laughter through the door. “Come on, Clara. Don’t be like this. If you open the door, then maybe I can fuck you against it. You won’t be pissed off with me then. I can guarantee it.”
My legs turned to jelly as the force of his words hit me like a bulldozer. I so wanted him to fuck me up against the bathroom door, but I hated him at the same time. I even hated him for making me want him.
I stood silent for another few seconds, trying to calm my breathing. I knew I needed to get out of there and fast. If his men could break down my front door, then they would be in here in next to no time. I had to act fast.
Opening the bathroom window, I gazed down at the floor. I went dizzy at the dual prospects of having to be outside in the cold and having to climb down the drain pipe. I couldn’t even believe I was actually considering doing just that, but the thought of getting the hell out of there and seeing to my girls was my number one aim right then.