22 Chapter 22

Poppy looked into Roman's eyes, noting he didn't believe a word she was saying. In that moment she realized, all her lies and deception over those past weeks had gotten her into this mess, and it quite possibly could cost her the new life she had made for herself. Closing her eyes, she hoped he would at least show some pity.

"I just want to go home to Indiana and see my family. I lied about being Claudia to get my store off the ground. I couldn't go back home and let people think I failed. The truth is, I don't expect you to believe me now. I made this mess, now I guess I just need to accept my fate. Mr. D'Amico, I really don't think Luke is lying. I can't explain why, but I think deep down he's a good person, just trying to get by. Same as you. He's been thrown into taking over his father's affairs and he's got a lot resting on his shoulders. Luke didn't kill your brother, that I know for sure. I don't think he's perfect, but I do think he's telling the truth about this. He really seemed upset by the news, and he went to the funeral to pay his true respects to him. Call me a liar all you want, but Luke isn't who you're looking for."

"Well, then you don't know your fiancé as well as you may think. I want you to take that phone and call him."

"But—"

"But nothing. Do it and I'll see that my men put you in one of my guest rooms to make you more comfortable until this thing is settled. Under strict guard, of course. I understand you haven't been feeling well and I'll have my staff doctor look at you if need be."

Hearing him say that she was a little taken back. Was he really showing his prisoner some compassion? What sort of mafia boss would allow his captor comfort?

"I… I wouldn't have to sleep on the cold cement floor anymore?"

"No. We'll place you in a real bed with a bathroom for you to wash up. But for that to happen, you must give me what I want. If you're not going to talk, this will at least be a start some negotiations between us."

"So… If I call him, you'll let me out of this dungeon?"

"Yes. And it's not a dungeon. I have a dungeon and this is not it."

"I can smell the blood here. You've killed men in this room. It's where you take them for…" Poppy took a deep breath as her head dropped at the idea of what most likely happened in this place. "You've tortured them here, haven't you?"

"No. I'd never do that in my home. I don't bring my work to where my family sleeps, and my nieces and nephews come to play. If I planned to kill you, we would have taken you off the property by now. I have ways of making people talk, but not here. The blood you smell is from those who were already hurt when they arrived, but we sent in our medical team in to patch them up. I have only used this room for captors who I intend to let go, so you should count yourself lucky," he said, raising his head to look down his nose at her. "Why do you ask?"

"If that's true, why didn't you just take me off property to make me talk? Is it because you have feelings for Claudia and don't want to hurt her? Is that why you look at me that way you do? You're attracted to her."

Roman just laughed as he paced the room with his high-dollar dress shoes clicking across the cement floor. "Feelings? For a cold-hearted woman who tried to run a scam on me? Hardly sweetheart, you're not worth that much to me."

"Then why?"

"Because I was raised that you have respect, even for your captors." He took a breath of pause to reflect. "Women and children are not on my kill list."

Poppy narrowed her brows. "That's a lie. You hesitated. You may not have killed children, but you've killed women."

"Actually, I haven't. My sister takes care of those things when it's needed and only regarding women who are our enemies. She's more ruthless than I am, darling. You can bet your money on that. If she was here, you'd be a hell of a lot more scared than you are now."

"She'd kill me?"

"That's up to you. Do as I say, and we will make sure your safety is a priority."

Letting out a breath she was holding in, Poppy nodded in agreement as her stomach started to twist. Holding her belly, she winced as a sting of pain hit. The pain she was feeling in her stomach was starting to take its toll, so maybe she wasn't thinking clearly. Days of being in this cold dark place, while lying on the damp floor, was too much. Therefore, she relinquished all her pride for a moment of relief.

"Fine, I'll do it. What do you want me to do?"

"Call him. Tell him just as I instructed. You were in New York for a shopping trip. You're known to go missing for days on end, doing God knows what, so this would be no shock to him."

"All right. Give me the phone."

Taking the phone in hand, she looked at Roman with a sigh of sadness. "Do you think he really loves her?"

"You mean you?"

"I'm serious," Poppy noted. "Does he love Claudia?"

With a shrug, he gave her a look saying he didn't think so. "Sorry, I don't believe it for second. I don't know why he's marrying you, but my guess is you're holding something over his head. You're doing the same shit to him you did to me."

"You don't think I'm capable of love?"

"I think you're a selfish sniveling brat who always had your daddy's money to get you by. When the money ran out, you started running your game on rich men to pay your way, but I was smart enough to not fall for your bullshit." Pointing at her with a smug grin. "Know what I think, princess? I think daddy dearest cut off your trust fund, and you set up an arranged marriage with his family, so you don't end up broke and on the streets. He would know that Luke is strict with his money and you wouldn't waste the Ricci money you're allotted."

"That's heartless."

"Heartless is what you do, Claudia," he said, handing over the phone. "Now make the call. Luke needs to know you're okay. And make sure to not tip him off that you're with me, at least for now. I may need to play that card later. He's a jealous man and everyone knows it."

Looking down at the phone, a tear dropped on the screen. "I don't want to hurt Luke."

"Then I suggest you make it sound good so lover boy has a little hope that his fiancée is safe and sound."

"Fine. When this is over, you own me a huge apology… and Luke too," she said gritting her teeth.

Roman just chuckled. "Whatever you say, princess. If you're telling the truth, I'll be sure to do that, but somehow I don't think any apologies will need to be made."

Stepping closer, he looked her up and down as he moved a lock of hair from her face. For only a moment he looked remorseful.

"I don't know what happened to you, but if he hurt you, and that's why you're acting crazy, I'll kill him."

Poppy was shocked at the insinuation. "You… you think he's been abusing me and that's why I'm saying I'm Poppy. You think I've lost my mind? No Roman. He's been nothing but good to me."

"You better hope so. One thing I don't give a pass on is men who abuse women. Despite what happened to my brother, I won't let him get by with that. I'll show Luke exactly what abuse is."

"Well, you have nothing to worry about. Luke's a good man, and you're just going to have to accept it. Now, tell me what you want me to say…"