Chapter 4 Four

Sophia POV

As I regained consciousness, I found myself in an unfamiliar, luxurious room. Disorientation quickly gave way to alarm as I recalled the events of my last session with Damian.

The memory of a bloodied guard entering the room was the last clear image I had before everything went dark.

Cautiously, I left the bedroom and entered a long hallway lined with numerous doors. As I walked, I heard laughter coming from the far end. Seeking answers, I made my way towards the sound.

"You haven't changed a bit, Marco," I heard Damian's familiar voice as I approached the door where the laughter originated.

"You needed that break, boss. It's clearly done you good," replied a voice I assumed belonged to Marco.

Peering through the keyhole, I saw Damian with what appeared to be his inner circle. Marco was on his phone while others engaged in conversation.

"Boss, we need to address the pressing issues at hand," one member spoke up.

"If I hadn't sent Marco to protect Dr. Carter, she'd be dead by now." I gasped, realizing I was the subject of their discussion.

As I stepped back, I collided with what felt like a wall. Turning, I found myself face-to-face with a towering man who bore a striking resemblance to Marco.

"Trying to be sneaky?" he smirked, gripping my arm and pushing open the door. "Found her eavesdropping."

Damian rose from the couch, his gang members watching intently as he approached me, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Glad to see you're awake. I was starting to worry Barry had hit you too hard," he said, glancing at the man who'd caught me.

"Why am I here?" I demanded.

"I figured if I was leaving prison on my terms, why not bring along someone who intrigues me?" he shrugged.

"This is insanity. You should be in prison. I shouldn't be your captive!" I exclaimed, stamping my foot in frustration.

"Whoa! She's got a temper," Barry commented. The memory of him knocking me unconscious fueled my anger.

"Oh, I have a temper? How about you keep your mouth shut unless you have something useful to say?" A moment of stunned silence followed, then the room erupted in laughter. Even Damian joined in.

"What's so amusing? I'll have you all arrested!" I threatened, my foot stamping again.

"You just roasted Barry, and you're still being feisty about it," Damian chuckled. His amusement only intensified my rage. I fantasized about exacting revenge for this situation.

"Boss, maybe you should talk to her privately," Marco suggested, seemingly the voice of reason in the room.

"Let's take a walk," Damian proposed, taking my hand in his larger one.

We walked down the hallway to a balcony that offered a breathtaking view of a city I didn't recognize.

"Will you answer my question now?" I pressed.

"This is Rome. It's where I was born and where I come to unwind." I gazed at the impressive architecture spread out before us.

"Why did you bring me here?" I asked again.

"You're beautiful, Sophia. Of all the women I've known, you seem perfect for what I have in mind."

"What are you talking about?" I began, but was interrupted as the door burst open. A young girl rushed in, throwing her arms around Damian.

"I missed you, Daddy!" she exclaimed, clinging to him tightly.

I was taken aback. I could see the resemblance between Damian and his daughter - they shared the same curly hair and piercing eyes.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I'm not going anywhere this summer," he assured her.

Seeing Damian interact lovingly with his daughter made me realize that even someone I'd considered a monster could have a softer side.

"Is she my new mommy?" the girl asked innocently. I felt my cheeks flush and looked away.

"No, sweetie, but I think you'll like her," Damian replied.

The child reached out to me, and Damian passed her into my arms. My heart melted as I held her. She was adorable, with her long curly hair and bright eyes.

"What's your name?" she asked.

"I'm Sophia. What's your name, little one?" I replied.

"Isabella," she answered, her gap-toothed smile impossibly endearing.

"She seems to like you," Damian observed.

Before I could respond, the door flew open again. An older woman entered, brandishing a wooden spoon.

"Idiota!" she yelled, charging at Damian. He quickly maneuvered me in front of him as a shield.

"I didn't mean to leave, Mama. It's just business," he explained hastily.

I stood there, stunned, as I realized I was face-to-face with the woman who had given birth to one of the most notorious crime bosses in the world.