The Monster, Dante.

Vanessa's POV

I blinked awake, disoriented by the dim light filtering through heavy curtains. Pain lanced through my side, and I gasped, the memories flooding back —Vincent’s gun, those rough hands grabbing me, the terror of being dragged away. 

Panic surged within me as I tried to move, but the harsh tug on my wrist says I was tied. I was tied to a chair, the cold surface digging into my back.

“Help!” I cried, the sound barely escaping my lips. 

" Where am I? Help!!! "

My throat felt dry and raw, as if I hadn’t spoken in days. I twisted my wrists, testing the ropes, but they only tightened against my skin.

The door creaked open, and my heart raced. A man stepped into the room, his silhouette sharp against the soft light behind him. He wore a  suit, exuding an aura of power and confidence. As he approached, my breath caught up in my throat.

“Good, you’re awake.” His voice was almost soothing, yet it sent shivers down my spine. 

He stepped closer, and I could finally see his features: dark hair slicked back, a sharp jawline, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to read my very soul.

“Who are you?” I managed to ask, forcing my voice to be steady despite the fear coiling in my stomach.

“Dante,” he replied, the name dripping with authority. “Dante Romano. You’ve caused quite the stir for my friend, Vincent.”

I blinked rapidly and the memories came flooding back. After I shot Vincent, there was another shooter. Did he shoot my dad? Did he save me? 

My heart raced at the mention of Vincent. “What do you want with me? Why did you take away after I had killed Vincent? ” I demanded, trying to keep my tone defiant.

He stepped closer, his gaze focused on the necklace I wore—the one Marcello had given me for my birthday. I could feel his eyes tracing the delicate chain, the way it caught the light. “This little trinket? It’s quite precious to you,” he mused, reaching out to trace a finger along the chain. His touch sent a jolt of fear through me, and I instinctively recoiled.

" I killed him but you had to bring me here and tie me up! Take me back" I yelled.

He cackled, " Of course, you killed him but you didn't kill his 50 other men. Who knows? They might have all taken turns raping you which will eventually kill you! "

My gaze fell on the floor.

" Cat got your tongue, sweetheart! I own you now!"

“Please, just let me go,” I begged, desperation creeping into my voice. “I haven’t done anything wrong. My sister is out there alone. I need to get to her”

“Wrong? Not yet, perhaps.” He leaned down, his face inches from mine. “But you’re caught in a web of chaos now. You spoiled my plans. Who did you think owned the gun you saw on the floor? .”

He removed a small nylon from his pocket, holding it up to me. “I was close to getting a trailer full of this special drug but I only got one from his men. I need to duplicate it. If I fail, well…” He traced the gun along my collarbone, a chilling smile playing on his lips. “You’ll be dead! ”

I swallowed hard, fear clawing at my insides. “What do you want me to do?”

" What do I want you to do? No....why did you spoil my plans? I had Vincent where I could have shot him. My men were around his men , they were armed as they could have led us to the drugs but you had to spoil my plans by taking the shot! "  

" I didn't know, I'm sorry. I was running for my life, you would have done the same thing! " I said defiantly.

" No....if I was a tiny girl like you, I wouldn't be caught up with men like him. So what did you do? How did you get entrapped with Vincent? " He asked.

I had to make up a lie in order to get out. 

" I.....bought some drugs from Vincent and owed him some gambling fees. My dad who owns a conglomerate won't give me any money again so I....."

 He stood up straight,  interrupting me. “ I don't think that's why he needed you. Honey, you’re a pawn in a dangerous game, and right now, I hold all the cards.”

Before I could respond, a maid stepped into the room. “Take her away,” Dante ordered.

As I was led out, I felt a strange mix of dread and defiance. I refused to show weakness. Just as I turned the corner, I bumped into another figure, a woman with an unsettling smirk on her face. 

“Who do we have here?” she asked, her voice dripping with amusement. 

I straightened, trying to mask my fear. “Get out of my way,” I snapped, but she stepped closer, blocking my path.

“I don’t think so, darling, A maid in a pretty torn dress. My bro has no taste at all! ” she replied, grabbing my chin and forcing me to meet her gaze. “You’re in our territory now. You better fuck him well!”

“Let me go!” I yelled, panic rising in my throat. 

She responded with a slap that stung my cheek, and I stumbled back. “You need to learn some respect, little girl,” she said, her voice low and threatening. 

I glared at her, fighting back tears. “You won’t get away with this. You bitch!”

“Oh, but I already have.” she laughed, the sound cold and cruel. “Now, let’s see how tough you really are. Get her out!”

The maid shoved me forward, and I stumbled, barely catching myself. I was taken down a narrow hallway, my heart pounding in my chest. I didn’t know where they were taking me, but I felt the grip of fear tightening around me.

After what felt like an eternity, we reached a small room. The maid tossed me onto a bed. “Get dressed,” she said, her tone impassive. “Dinner is soon.”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. After a moment, I nodded, watching as she left the room. The door shut behind her, and I hurried to the bathroom, desperate to collect myself.

After splashing cold water on my face and having my bath, I wore the dress that was placed on the bed.

As I stared at my reflection, the weight of my situation crashed over me. I was at the mercy of these men, but I wouldn’t let them break me.

When the maid returned, she gestured for me to follow her again. My heart raced as I entered a lavish dining room, the air thick with tension.

 Dante sat at the table  looking more dangerous than ever. He watched me with a dangerous gaze, and I could feel fear rising in me.

“Sit,” he commanded, gesturing to me to sit on his lap, and I hesitated only for a moment before agreeing. I could feel his eyes on me, and it sent a thrill of fear through my veins. 

I sat on his lap, forcing myself to appear calm as I studied the lavish spread before me—rich foods that I hadn’t had the pleasure of tasting in a long time. Dante’s gaze never left me, and I could sense his amusement as he observed my struggle to maintain my composure.

“Do you like what you see?” he asked, a smirk playing on his lips. 

“Not really,” I shot back, my voice laced with defiance. 

“Ah, a feisty one,” he said, his expression darkening. “I appreciate that.”

He gestured for his servant, and they brought over a plate high with food. I glanced at it nervously, wondering if I could trust anything that was placed in front of me. The tension in the air was palpable, and I had a feeling that something was off.

“Eat,” Dante commanded, a dangerous edge in his voice. 

Reluctantly, I picked up my fork and took a bite, chewing slowly. The flavors exploded in my mouth—rich, savory, and delicious. 

But as I swallowed, a sudden wave of panic washed over me. My throat felt tight, constricting around the food. I gasped, struggling to breathe as my chest tightened. 

“What’s happening?” I said, my eyes wide with fear. 

Dante leaned forward, a satisfactory look in his eyes. “Is it too much for you?” he asked mockingly. 

“I can’t breathe!” I choked out, the panic rising in my chest like a tidal wave. 

Suddenly, I felt his hands on my back, but they were too rough, too strong. I gasped for air, desperately trying to push the food down, but it felt like it was lodged in my throat. I looked around, my vision blurring, and all I could see was Dante’s cold smile, watching me struggle.

“Someone help!” I screamed, my voice barely a whisper as I fought for air. 

Dante’s smirk widened. “Perhaps you’ve been poisoned,” he said casually.

The room swirled around me, darkness creeping in at the edges of my vision. I was going to die here, at the hands of a monster.