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20. Asylum
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ENTRAPPED BY THE DEVIL 21. Vermin
[VECTOR] “Enough is enough!” Roberto Sandri, the septuagenarian leader of the Sandri empire, slams his cane against the pristine marble floor, demanding the rapt attention of those gathered around the expansive circular table. His eyebrows furrow in frustration and his voice booms through the room, commanding respect and authority. It’s clear that he’s reached the end of his patience, and his sharp words leave no room for argument or negotiation. My eyes roll for what feels like the hundredth time since this meeting began. I’m struggling to keep my boredom under control, but Roberto is quick to notice my lack of interest. If I were anyone else, he probably would have thrown me out or worse. But he’s aware of who I am and who I represent - the Perazzos. So, it’s no surprise when he scrunches up his face, purses his lips, and avoids making eye contact with me as if I wasn’t even there. I scoff. I like this man. “Gentlemen,” he continues, his aged voice still holding the command that
ENTRAPPED BY THE DEVIL 22. Broken World
[LIZZY] It’s been two days since Vector returned home and I’m not sure if I’m more bothered by it or relieved. With the way he swept me back to Venice and struck a deal for an heir in exchange for allowing me to keep Joey, I half-expected him to loom over my head like a menacing storm cloud, waiting to pounce on our agreement at the first opportunity. But nothing like that had happened so far. In fact, he’s been so consumed by his work that he hasn’t had a single meal at home in almost a week. I shouldn’t be worried about him, considering the circumstances of our arrangement, but my mind keeps wandering back to him no matter how hard I try to focus on other things. It’s like his absence only fuels my obsession with him, and I find myself constantly wondering what he’s up to, what he’s thinking, and if he’s plotting something sinister. I know it’s ridiculous, and I hate myself for it, but I can’t help the way I feel. The whole situation is maddening, and I can’t wait for it to be ove
ENTRAPPED BY THE DEVIL 23. Tempting Me
[LIZZY]I woke up to the sun’s warm rays streaming through the windows, feeling the hot and tingly breath of another person on my neck. I realized that an arm was tightly wrapped around me, just below my breasts, and my legs were tangled with someone else’s.For a moment, I simply stared at the window, my mind blissfully blank. It was as if the grogginess of the morning had seeped into my very being, or maybe it was just the fact that I had slept so well after such a long time. I felt refreshed and invigorated, and the thought of getting up and leaving this cozy cocoon was almost unbearable.Well, instead of getting up and facing the daunting task of wrangling a group of kids, which would have been the responsible thing to do, I decided to throw caution to the wind and just go back to sleep.I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? The kids could set the house on fire, sure, but at least I’d be well-rested when the fire department arrived. So, I snuggled into my pillow like it was
ENTRAPPED BY THE DEVIL 24. Slow Motion
[LIZZY]I was his, and he was mine, at least for now….Well, until someone started banging the door as if the house was literally on fire.It required an immense amount of effort to pull away from the fiery embrace, as if every fiber of my being was screaming to stay locked in that moment.The intensity of the moment had left us both gasping for air, with Vector’s chest heaving and his eyes glistening with a lustful desire. His lips remained slightly parted, as if he was willing to hold his breath for an eternity, just to keep them connected to mine. I could feel the struggle within him, the same one that was tearing me apart - the insatiable desire to stay connected, to explore and indulge in each other’s passion.It was as if the world around us had ceased to exist, and all that mattered was this moment, this tantalizing kiss that held us both captive in its spell.But then he frowned, the expression that had become all too familiar among the undead crept back onto his once-handsome
ENTRAPPED BY THE DEVIL 25. Invitation
[VECTOR]As soon as the car screeched to a halt, I eagerly jumped out and made a beeline straight for the basement. Even if there were any prying eyes in the Perazzo mansion’s living room or kitchen, I paid them no attention. My sole focus was on the scumbag trapped within one of the basement’s chambers, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on him.Without a moment’s hesitation, Marcus trailed right behind me as I descended down the creaky stairs and into the dimly lit, cramped hallway. The musty scent of mildew and rot filled my nostrils, sending a shiver down my spine. It was as if I had been transported back to the beginning of this twisted journey, where everything had started.In one of these dark, damp chambers, I recall a ten-year-old boy standing in the corner, frozen as he watched two men viciously beat and torture a helpless man strapped to a chair. The sight was etched into his memory forever.Years later, as a twelve-year-old, that same boy held a gun for the first time, bu
ENTRAPPED BY THE DEVIL 26. Stand Up
[HAZEL] “Attention, soldiers! Here’s the plan,” I declared, marching around the room with purpose like a penguin on a mission. My miniature army was eagerly awaiting my next move, and I could sense their excitement building. But then little Nico started to venture towards his nostrils, and I shot him a death stare that could make Medusa flinch. He quickly retreated back to his military stance, and I couldn’t help but feel proud of my discipline training. “So, troops, I just saw Lizzy sprinting like her pants were on fire—” I began, but of course, Angelo had to interrupt. “She was on fire?!” he exclaimed, looking like a deer caught in headlights. I rolled my eyes in dramatic fashion. Ugh. “No, you knucklehead. It’s just an expression. Get your head in the game!” I resumed pacing back and forth, my hands locked behind my back in deep thought. “As I was saying, Lizzy was rushing to her room, and it appeared that tears were streaming down her face—” “Lizzy was crying?” came the voic
ENTRAPPED BY THE DEVIL 27. Can't Lie Anymore
[LIZZY] After an entire day of shopping, where we spent every last cent on Vector’s card, we finally leave the upscale mall and make our way to our boats. I must admit, I had my doubts when we boarded that plane and flew straight to Venice. However, returning here isn’t so bad. While I still have some unpleasant memories associated with this city that occasionally haunt me, I can’t ignore the fact that I also have some wonderful ones. I remember mom taking me to one of those gondolas. I remember her dancing in the rain when sickness hadn’t claimed her health. I remember how my dad used to bring candies and toys from various foreign places he used to travel to due to his work with the mafia. And then there was Rose. Zarina. Hazel. And Vector, too. Though he did end up hurting me in the worst way possible, I cannot deny what we had—what I felt for him once upon a time. A gentle tug on my hand jolts me back to the present, reminding me to focus on the here and now rather than getti
ENTRAPPED BY THE DEVIL 28. Absolutely Nothing
[VECTOR]After Lizzy falls asleep, I roll over on my back and stare up at the ceiling. I don’t know what it is—but it’s obvious that something is eating her from the inside. Is it only the guilt of lying to a kid about the death of his parents, or is it something entirely else?Something tells me there is more to the story than what’s in front of my eyes.I turn on my side and look at Lizzy’s sleeping form. She is curled up facing me, her eyes gently shut, the leftover tears glistening on her lashes. I move some curls that had fallen on her face and put them behind her shoulder.I still remember the day I saw her for the first time after she ran away from Venice. It was years later, when she was crossing the road, holding a kid close to her chest. She had a bag on her back, her dark-as-night hair floating behind her as the wind blew in the opposite direction to where she was heading. Even with so many changes she had made to herself, it didn’t take me a fraction of a second to know it
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