MY CASANOVA MAFIA CHAPTER 3

The sun blazed in the sky, its golden rays streaming through the open balcony doors, warming the room, despite Valentine's sullen rage. Her stomach growled loudly, an unwelcome reminder of her hunger and helplessness. She bit her lip, trying to push aside the gnawing feeling, but it was impossible to ignore. And sizzling spices and seared meat wafted into the room, such tempting aromas that her mouth began watering.

Her head turned instinctively toward the delicious smell, through the slats of the door, she saw Arnulfo standing in the open kitchen. He was shirtless, his broad, muscular back glistening faintly with the sheen of the midday heat. The curve of his shoulders and the ridges of his six-pack muscles were impossible to ignore, and for a fleeting moment, Valentine felt an unwilling twinge of admiration.

Ruggedly handsome, she admitted to herself begrudgingly. Too bad he’s a monster.

She ripped her eyes away, feeling shame wash over her for noticing him. Instead, she focused on the ropes that were tied at her wrists and ankles. She pulled against the ropes. They wouldn't budge. Again, frustration brewed inside of her.

I am so hungry. Please, tummy, do not make a sound," she whispered to herself. At that very moment, the stomach growled loud in response and echoed in the silence of the room, causing her face to flush crimson red from embarrassment.

Minutes passed, and Arnulfo entered, holding in his hands a plate loaded with steaming hot preparation. The smell wafting from it was rich in aroma, causing her to churn with desire. Putting the plate down beside Valentine on the table, his face remained neutral as he lowered himself beside her level.

"Do you want food?" he asked, his voice flatly calm but dripping with foreboding.

Valentine glared at him. She could not give him that reaction.

Arnulfo leaned closer his sharp features and piercing eyes sent a shiver down her spine. "Do you want me to untie you, my ever sweet Valentine or you want me to feed you?"

Valentine's breath caught in her throat. She hated being at his mercy, but the thought of eating with her hands free was too tempting to ignore.

"Promise me you won't try to escape," he continued his tone shifting to one of command drenched in obsession. "Or else. I'll punish you."

There was no mistaking the dark intent in his voice, a warning that he wouldn't hesitate to follow through.

Valentine stared at him, her mind racing. She could agree, play along, and wait for an opportunity to outwit him. Or she could refuse, keep her dignity intact, and suffer through her hunger.

"Why should I trust you?" she spat, narrowing her eyes.

A smirk pulled at the corner of Arnulfo's lips. "You don't have to trust me, dear" he said, his voice low and taunting. "But you should fear me."

Valentine's heart pounded in her chest. Every fibre of her being wanted to rebel,to fight, and to throw his control back in his face. But the gnawing ache in her stomach reminded her of her limits.

"Fine, Arnulfo!" she said finally, her voice clipped. "Untie me."

Arnulfo's smirk deepened. He leaned in close, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Good girl."

Her skin crawled at his words, but she refused to show weakness. As he moved behind her and began to loosen the ropes, her body tensed.

When her wrists were finally free, she rubbed them, the sensation of relief tinged with bitterness. She stood unsteadily as Arnulfo motioned toward the table, where the plate of food sat steaming.

"eat," he commanded, his tone softening slightly, as though trying to mask his obsession with gentleness.

Valentine hesitated, but her hunger proved stronger. She made herself walk to the table, legs shaking but her spirit not broken. When she raised the fork to her lips, she was acutely aware of the weight of Arnulfo's eyes on her.

"You are beautiful when you are stubborn," he murmured low.

Valentine's frozen muscles and tightened grip on the fork turned on him. "And you're pathetic when you think you own me," she shot back.

For a moment, silence hung between them, thick with tension. Then Arnulfo chuckled darkly, a sound that made her skin crawl.

Arnulfo's words hung in the air like a chilling vow, a toxic mixture of obsession and control. Valentine felt her chest tighten, her hands gripping the fork until her knuckles turned white. Every muscle in her body screamed to retaliate, to throw the plate at his smug face and show him she wouldn't be tamed.

But she forced herself to stay calm. She wasn’t going to let him win by giving him the satisfaction of her rage.

"You talk like you’re invincible," Valentine shot back, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "But even kings can fall, Arnulfo."

He stopped dead in his tracks, then turned around to her. Dark eyes glinted there, a dangerous combination of amusement and warning. Slowly, he walked toward her, deliberate and unyielding movements, like a predator circling its prey.

"You think I'm just a king, little one?" he said, leaning in close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off him. His lips curled into a sinister smile. "I am the storm that washes kingdoms away. And you— he touched a finger under her chin, lifting it to force her to meet his gaze "—are caught in my tide."

Valentine's jaw tightened. "I'll drown before I let you control me."

His smirk faded, replaced by something darker, more primal. For a moment, he simply stared at her, the weight of his presence suffocating. Then, as though regaining his composure, he straightened and stepped back.

"You’re stronger than most," he admitted, his tone almost. admiring. But then his voice dropped, sharp and cold. "But strength can be broken. We’ll see how long yours lasts."

And with that, he turned and left the room, the sound of his footsteps dwindling into the hallway.

Valentine's heart pounded as she watched him go. The ropes may be off, but the weight of his control still lingered like a shadow in the room. Her fingers trembled as she finally lifted the fork to her lips. She had to stay strong, had to play the part he expected—just long enough to find his weakness.

Because no matter how unshakeable Arnulfo Vegas thought he was, Valentine silently vowed, he'd learn what it meant to underestimate her.