CHAPTER 62: THE VILLA FOR THE CAPTIVE

–Damon–

Sleeping? Nah. But my wife needs rest. So I make sure the room’s dark, windows shut, curtains drawn. I help her with her eyedrops, tuck her in, and once she’s settled, I head downstairs—only to find my best soldier, Francis, face-to-face with Sophia.

"Francis," I called. He turned sharply, crisp as ever, stepped forward, and saluted. I gave him a nod, and he pulled a letter from his coat pocket, handing it to me.

"Our trackers found traces of the snipers," he reported. "They’re working for the Madrigal. Mexican mafia."

"Madrigal?" I tilted my head. There’s always someone called Madrigal in this game. But this one? Big enough to send snipers after us—in our hotel room? Maybe they caught a glimpse of us fucking and thought it was a good time to pull the trigger. A little voyeurism before the job? Classy.

"I want those snipers alive," I muttered.

Sophia sighed loudly beside him.

"Sophia?" I looked at her. "What would you like to add?"

"We had a transaction with the Madrigal about two years ago," she said, crossing her arms.

"And?" I waved a hand to prompt her.

"They deal in machine guns. Your ex-fiancée dated the Madrigal heir a while back."

"How do you know that?" I asked, smirking, arms now crossed.

"I keep tabs on everyone we’ve ever dealt with."

"Of course you do." I narrowed my eyes. "I’m also curious why we were doing business with a syndicate that builds machine guns."

"That’s confidential, Damon."

She squinted at me.

"You hate me," I said flatly.

"Absolutely," she replied with the sweetest sardonic smile.

"Why?"

"Why not?"

I shrugged and turned to Francis, who only gave a helpless shrug in return.

"So, what’s the play?"

"Either Madrigal’s targeting you and Livana directly... or someone’s pulling their strings."

"So we’re playing a child’s game now?" I scoffed. "How old is their heir? Sixty?"

"He’s thirty," Sophia deadpanned. "I think Tyrona wants Livana dead now. I’ll leave the rest to you."

"You look tired," I told her as she turned to leave. "You should get some rest."

She rolled her eyes and walked off.

"That’s it for now, Francis. Tell your men to stand down for now. We’ll deal with this later."

I turned and made my way into the kitchen, where Kai was at the grill, flipping... something.

"What are you doing?"

"Burgers. Grilled patties," he grinned.

"Give me some, please." I sat on the stool and leaned on the mini bar.

This villa... I’ve always kept it here in Italy for business, but in truth, it was for her. I used to dream of kidnapping Livana and locking her away here—just to keep her close. But I didn’t. I didn’t want her to hate me more than she already did. So I held back.

After she lost her sight, I had the entire interior redesigned for her safety. Carpet trails, anti-slip mats in the bathroom, no sharp furniture edges, no fragile vases to knock over. Everything’s minimal. Clean. Safe.

"Oh, Sophia!" Kai called out as she entered. "Have some burgers!"

"Sure, thank you."

I watched him fix her plate—lettuce, grilled onions, his weirdly famous secret sauce.

"Kai~~" I called.

He ignored me and served Sophia instead. She gave him this adorable smile and patted his arm.

"Kai, that one was supposed to be mine."

"What?" he replied, feigning innocence.

Sophia bit into the burger right in front of me, just to spite me.

"Are you flirting with Sophia?" I asked him.

"Why not?" He grinned. "She’s adorable. Seductive. Femme fatale."

"Hm."

He finally handed me my burger—with fries.

"Another one, please. For my wife."

"Coming right up!" Kai sounded unusually chipper.

She just fell asleep, but she hasn’t eaten well lately. I carried the burger upstairs and placed it gently at her bedside. She sniffed and turned her back.

"Don’t eat here," she mumbled.

"Don’t like the burger? It’s fresh meat..."

She sat up slowly. "I don’t eat much meat."

"How about the fries?"

She extended her hand. I grinned. Sweet potato fries—her favorite. She took one and popped it into her mouth.

I took a massive bite of the burger. "You can try just a bit."

"Maybe a bit," she murmured, and took a small bite.

I smiled, watching her. She never really eats stuff like this, but everything in it was fresh—organic, even. The patties were made from high-grade meat.

"Mmm... this is good."

"Of course it is."

I shifted closer. "My love... how would you like to stay here with me? Just us?"

She was quiet for a moment.

"I built this villa for you," I said. "The thought of kidnapping you and keeping you here never really left my head."

"I like it here," she said softly. "It’s peaceful."

"See?"

"Perfect for your captive," she added with a teasing tone.

I laughed. "Let’s eat on the sofa."

"Okay."

I picked up the plate and moved it to the couch. Drew back the curtain just a little to let the light in. She traced the carpet trail toward me, and I met her at the elbow, gently guiding her over my lap. She leaned into me like she belonged there.

"Maybe we stay a week or two?"

"Perfect," she whispered.

Damn. If we stayed here longer, I’d be the happiest bastard alive.

This villa? It was always meant for her.

No one—not even my family—knows this place exists.

And I plan to keep it that way.

–Laura–

I’m a little curious why my sister suddenly had to leave for over a month. She rarely calls me. But then Damien assured me that she’s fine. And now, finally, she called and told me she’s with Damon. Relieved doesn’t even begin to cover it. Super relieved.

Still, I’m stressed. Our company’s being attacked left and right with rumors and drama. But don’t worry—I’ve got it handled. PR’s working overtime, and the CEO is doing just fine. We’re solid.

"I’m craving pizza," I said out of nowhere, glancing over at Damien.

He was lounging in my office—the big office in the company. He works for Damon’s empire too. I don’t really know what his exact position is, but considering he managed to get me an Hermès bag (my favorite one, by the way), he’s clearly powerful enough.

"What kind of pizza?" he asked without missing a beat. "There are a lot of choices. Are you on your period?"

"Maybe," I shrugged, though deep down... I had a sneaking suspicion I might be pregnant. Dang! I couldn’t wait to act all dramatic and see the look on his face when I tell him. Or maybe I’m just hungry. That’s always possible.

"Carbs, babe," he warned. "Carbs will make you sleepy. Want something else instead?"

"Ohhh," I paused, tapping a finger on my chin. "Sashimi or sushi!" I grinned.

He stared at me for a good while.

"How about sex?"

"Hmmm." I gave him a teasing grin. "Maybe. But not in my office, dummy." I laughed, shaking my head.

"I always imagine having sex in this office, though," he said, smirking. "But alright—pizza it is. Sashimi or sushi can be dinner on our way out."

"Great!"

He stood up and came over to me, phone in hand. I scrolled through the restaurant options lazily, and he leaned closer, slipping one hand right onto my boobs.

"Are you wearing something with an underwire?" he asked, giving them a squeeze.

I grinned and leaned back a little, letting him have a better view. "Look—it gives the perfect shape!"

"Yes," he agreed, eyes still on me while tapping something on his phone. "Since you can’t decide, I know a place."

"Surprise me then," I said playfully. He leaned in and kissed my lips before heading back to his seat.

I turned back to my reports, barely two minutes in, when my phone rang. I answered without checking the caller ID.

"Hello?"

"Miss Laura, it’s Sophia."

"Oh, girl!" I perked up.

"Don’t leave the company until Logan arrives," she said, voice serious.

"What is happening?" I asked, my smile fading.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Damien stand up. He moved around the office, drawing all the curtains shut.

"Damien?" I called out, a twinge of nerves in my voice.

He didn’t answer. Instead, he flicked off the main lights.

"Your safety is a must. Goodbye for now," Sophia said before hanging up.

I stood frozen, phone still in hand. My stomach twisted into tight, anxious knots.

What the hell is happening?

I stood up and walked over to Damien, who was still on the phone. Without a word, he pulled me onto his lap, wrapping his strong arms tightly around me. I leaned into him, heart pounding. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was scared.

From his phone, pressed against his ear, I caught a woman’s voice—soft, calm, commanding.

It sounded like Livana.

"I don’t think you’ll need to head to the residence now, Damon," she said. "Stay inside the company building. Logan will be there shortly."

"I don’t understand, Livana," Damien murmured, his brow furrowed.

"It’s complicated. But this is connected to the company."

I froze.

A chill ran down my spine as realization crept in.

This company... Mom built it from the ground up. She poured her soul into it. And when she passed, she didn’t hesitate to place its burden on Livana’s shoulders. She knew Livana could protect it.

But protect it from what?

That’s the part I never understood.

And now, whatever it is... it’s starting.

And I’m right in the middle of it.