I bit my lip. “They’re at the lodge.”
“Yes, I know.” Her look was mischievous, causing my suspicions to rise.
Mia dug in her pocket and pulled out a small walkie-talkie. “Mia, no. You shouldn’t have done that. What if they catch you with it?”
“It’s fine.” She looked over to the door and then back at me. “I’ve spoken to Belinda, and she said everyone is okay. They’re all going ballistic over you, though. They all want to know you’re safe.”
I smiled so she would know I was okay. “I’ve been fine. Despite Luca’s heavy-handed manner with my home, he’s been good to me.”
She looked down at my mouth and winced. “Not if he did that to your lip.”
I shook my head. “He didn’t do it. The guy who did wished he never had, though. I’ve found out rather quickly that Luca doesn’t take too kindly to men hitting women.”
Mia quickly looked at the door again. “What are his plans?”
I sighed. “To take over my business.” I looked away and sighed again. “To take me.”
Her head snapped to me quickly. “What?”
“I’m to stay in here until I give into him.”
“Give into him?” She frowned a little. “He can’t do that.”
“Oh, he can … and he will.”
She started looking panicked. “But that’s … that’s almost like rape. He can’t force you to have sex with him.”
I looked away sheepishly before replying. “You see, the thing is—I do want him, and he knows it.”
Mia’s eyes widened like saucers. “You’re fucking shitting me?”
I shook my head. I couldn’t believe I was actually admitting this out loud. “I shit you not. I hate him, and I want to fuck his brains out all at the same fucked up time. Call me insane.”
Mia smirked. “I’ll call you human, as that’s exactly what you are. I’ve never heard you say that about anyone since I’ve known you. He must be special … and lucky.”
She winked at me and I smiled. “I don’t know why I’m smiling. There’s nothing to smile about.”
She bit her lip, trying hard to hide her wide smile. “Don’t worry. I’ve spoken to the girls, and we’re going to try to get you out.”
I shook my head. “Oh, no you’re not. I’m not putting any of them in danger. It’s bad enough that you’re here. I won’t see them being held here against their will as well.”
Mia huffed. “Clara, come on. You’ve just said he won’t hurt any of us.”
I frowned for a moment. “I know. I just—”
Mia placed her hand on mine, interrupting me. “Just nothing. We’re getting you out. It won’t be today, but we’ll try tomorrow. For now, the girls want to make sure you’re okay.”
Taking the walkie-talkie from her other hand, I quickly hid it away in my drawer before turning back to Mia. “I’ll speak to them the next time I get a chance.”
Mia smiled and squeezed my hand. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
I nodded. “I’m fine. I’m worried about you, though.”
Her cheeky grin lit up her face. “I’m having a ball. Some men may be tough, but they’ve all got one thing in common.”
“Oh yeah?” I said, knowing full well where this was going.
“I’m wrapping them all round my little finger. I even had one make me a cheese sandwich earlier. Talking of which, Luca said he was coming up with some food for you shortly.”
Nodding my head, I realised just how hungry I was. I did have my own kitchen and could make my own food, but eating had kind of been the last thing on my mind.
“Alessandro is my favourite in particular.”
Looking back up to meet Mia’s eyes, I found them glinting with pleasure. “Yes, he is rather handsome, isn’t he?”
“Oh, yes. I think I may have to work my magic on him. He looks delicious.”
“Who looks delicious?” Luca was standing by the door with a tray of food in his hands.
I sighed loudly. “Don’t you ever knock?”
“Why should I knock when this room—and what I have inside of it—is mine?”
Shooting up from my bed, I looked at Mia and pointed to Luca. “Do you see what I have to put up with? He’s a menace.”
Luca chuckled and Mia smiled. “This is not funny, Mia.”
“No, of course not. Sorry. It’s just… You were doing so well, and then you called him a menace. It just didn’t sound … serious.”
I rolled my eyes and turned my attention back to a smiling Luca. “I’m not eating that. It could have cyanide in it.”