Chapter 6 Punishment

CHAPTER SIX

Carlo's POV

Stunned.

That was my first reaction.

A throbbing pain shot through my skull, and I could feel the warm trickle of blood mixing with wine, running down my face.

For a moment, everything froze. I took in the woman in front of me, the one who'd dared to hit me, her face had gone pale and her eyes wide with horror. I blinked as my vision swam.

My men-brutal, ruthless men-stood like statues. Equally stunned speechless. Eyes wide, jaws slacked.

In seconds, shock morphed into blinding fury, it boiled inside me, I could suffocate from it. She had just disrespected me , in front of my men.

Drew blood from my head and made me look weak.

Almost in the same breath, Enzo-my right hand man-moved first. His face twisted with rage as he lunged for her, grabbing her arms as he pressed the barrel of his hand gun against her temple.

Natalia let out a sharp gasp.

"Enzo, don't!" Caterina yelled.

I wiped the blood from my face. "Easy, Enzo," I said calmly despite the rage brewing within me. "Let her go."

Enzo's grip on his gun tightened. "She disrespected you!" He protested. "She doesn't deserve to draw another breath."

"Leave her to me." My voice is a low, deadly growl.

Grudgingly, Enzo let her go and almost immediately, I grabbed her neck, squeezing tightly.

I felt her pulse quicken beneath my fingers as her eyes widened in fear. She let out short gasps, her hands flying up to claw at my wrist. "I won't apologize," she said, like a petulant child.

A low chuckle escaped me, "Good, because I am really looking forward to fixing that bratty attitude of yours." I released my grip on her neck, shoving her.

Natalia staggered backward. "You... you animal," she said hoarsely as her hand snaked up to her neck, massaging the red marks my hand left on her skin. "I... I just wanted to see my sister!"

Ignoring her, I turned to my men. "Bring her to the dungeon."

"What-" Her words were cut off as Enzo hauled her on his shoulder and I led them toward the back entrance that led below ground.

She began thrashing, her legs kicking frantically. "No! Stop, please!"

Her cries went ignored as we neared the dungeon.

"Please, don't take me down there! I'm sorry, please!"

Did she sound really sorry? Yes, maybe a little frightened. But I was way too upset to think rationally. The Dungeon was solely for business and by 'business' I meant where I tortured and killed people who crossed me.

Natalia could spend the night in one of the dark cells, then she might be more respectful and pliant.

"The keys." I stretched my hand as one of my guards, Marco, handed it over. By the time I threw open the heavy door, she was weeping.

Perfect. Perhaps this would help teach her a lesson.

"Stop... please." It was a strained plea.

I strode to the nearest cell. The iron bars were impossible to escape, though many had tried. Chains were embedded into the wall, but I didn't think those were needed for her. Not yet, at least.

Enzo set her on her feet. Tears tracked her cheeks and her eyes

were wild as she clutched at my jacket but Enzo slapped her hands away. "Please. Don't do this. I will freak out."

I stepped back, my intention clear. A capo never changed an order once it was made. We never showed weakness or remorse.

Enzo swung the heavy metal door shut before she could slip through it. When it closed, she shook her head, panic causing her to shake. She clutched the iron bars."Please, Don Carlo. Don't do this. I'll do whatever you want. I'll be good. I swear!"

The words made my cock twitch as I imagined her on her knees

being very good for me...

Cazzo!

There had to be a special place in Hell for a man who had impure thoughts about his son's fiancée.

With a furious twist of my wrist, I locked the door. "Perhaps this will teach you who holds the power in this house piccola monella."

~ ~ ~ ~

Natalia's POV:

A pained sob escaped me as I rattled the bars. I screamed until my throat ached, raw from the strain. It was useless. The heavy metal door remained closed, darkness all around me.

I was trapped.

Dread pooled in my stomach as panic surged up so fast it felt like I took a punch to my chest. I stumbled back, hands flying up to the cold stone walls, fingers scraping against the rough surface.

The walls were moving, closing in on me and I felt dizzy.

Help!

The words couldn't come out, my throat was constricted from lack of air. I gasped over and over, desperate for air that wouldn't come.

No. Not again.

I pressed my back against the wall, every muscle in my body shaking, my heart pounding so hard it hurt. The floor gave way, my legs buckled, and I collapsed to the floor.

All the years of being locked in a closet as a child had made me claustrophobic.

Grow up! It's not the closet, Natalia.

I told myself over and over. But my mind wasn't listening. The darkness was the same. Everything. No light. No windows.

"Let me out, please..." My voice was barely above a whisper. I hated it. I hated how weak and scared I felt. But I couldn't stop it.

Tears stung my eyes, hot and angry. All I wanted was to see my sister, she was only a child. How could they take her away?!

Fuck you, Carlo.

My eyelids grew heavier. Any moment from now, I'd pass out.

A sound...

I strained my ears, despite losing a battle to unconsciousness.

Tiny claws skittered across the stone and I froze. Oh, my God. What was that? A rat?I curled up as tight as I could, holding my shaking knees to my chest.

My brain must have checked out for a moment, because I don't remember anything else until strong arms lifted me off the ground. A warm muscled chest met the side of my face and I didn't fight. I couldn't. I clung to my rescuer, desperate for escape.

"I am so sorry, bella."

The voice was new, one I didn't recognize... And it wasn't Carlo.

My eyes locked with my rescuer's. "Who... are you?"