Vanessa
Like I predicted, my week on punishment goes by at an agonizingly slow pace. Danny's a dick to me any chance he gets, smothering me with his overbearing presence throughout the day, as if I might miraculously uncover a way to escape from this hellhole.
When Diego returns home at the earliest hours of the morning, fatigue mercifully robs him of the energy to demand anything beyond the removal of his clothes to sleep. So, nothing else has happened between us. Not that I was hoping it would. It seems as long as I adhere to his rules, he'll leave me alone, and I haven't given him a reason to punish me again.
After Diego falls into a deep sleep, sneaking out of the room becomes my nightly routine when I can't sleep myself. I usually hang out with Alicia or chat with the other men while they lounge around and drink. I've discovered that all of them are related in some way, except for Leo who is Diego's childhood best friend from an allied clan. That explains why his features lean more towards Italian than Mexican.
I'm roused from my sleep by a gentle shaking, and as I gradually regain awareness, I shrink away, realizing Diego is touching me, the scent of his expensive cologne invading my senses. He stands before me, already clad in black slacks and a short-sleeved, black button-up shirt with the top buttons left open. The tattoos on his neck and arms are deliciously exposed.
Because I haven't seen him during the day all week, I assume my punishment is over and I'm finally allowed the freedom to return to the club.
"Is it over?" I ask, my voice betraying a barely contained anticipation. I'm like a dog ready to be let out of my cage. I'm ashamed to admit that at this point, I'll do anything to not be confined in this house again. Even if I have to temporarily put my escape plan on hold for the time being.
Diego chuckles, cupping my cheek. His blue eyes, filled with amusement, lock onto mine. "Yes, Mama. Your punishment is over. Get dressed so we can begin our day."
Relief floods over me, and I don't even flinch away from his touch. I leap out of bed and head straight to the walk-in closet, where another brand-new dress awaits. It's a forest green satin, backless, with a daring high slit. It's gorgeous and I can't complain, especially since it's longer than the gold one.
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I silently take my seat beside him in the sleek black SUV, the luxurious leather embracing me as I gnaw on my lip, uncertainty clouding my thoughts. The hum of the engine seems louder than usual, adding to my anxiety. Why is his driver going so fast and where the hell are we going? This definitely isn't the way to the club. I memorized it last time for future references.
"Where are we going?" I ask, a sliver of fear creeping up my spine. What if he's taking me somewhere secluded where he can kill me without witnesses? I haven't given him a new reason to hurt me, but he's a monster. Monsters don't need reasons.
"You've been a good girl this week. You've earned a reward," he says, not even bothering to answer my question.
As we pull up to an outlet strip adorned with stores like Coach, Michael Kors, and Victoria's Secret, my suspicion intensifies. I've heard of these places from my sister, but I've never stepped foot in them. I didn't even know Dad could afford fancy stores like these until recently.
I eye Diego suspiciously. "What are you playing at?"
"This is your reward, Mama."
"What. Is?"
A ghost of a smile crosses his face. "Anything you want, it's yours."
Anything I want?
The scent of new leather and the subtle aroma of his cologne waft through the air as I survey the expansive, empty parking lot. "Where is everyone else?"
He raises a dark brow. "Like whom?"
I sigh in frustration. "You know, other people who would be here in the middle of the day on a..." Damn it, I don't even know what day it is, but the parking lot shouldn't be completely vacant.
"I just asked my tenants if they could open their stores a few hours later today. I didn't want you to feel rushed or overwhelmed, considering you haven't been around other people much," he replies calmly.
"Oh," I mumble.
That was...thoughtful. I guess he is capable of not being a complete, controlling dickweed.
"We should get going," he urges.
Nervous excitement courses through me as I step out of the sleek black SUV onto the sunlit pavement. Inhaling the fresh air, I relish the warmth of the Vegas sun on my skin. The transition from the dimly lit estate to the vibrant outdoors is almost overwhelming. I make a silent vow not to take this freedom for granted again.
Danny and a man I haven't seen before are standing outside, awaiting our arrival. The unfamiliar man is just as intimidating as the rest, his face ruggedly handsome, with cold and calculating eyes that hint at a dark past I'd probably never want to know about. Danny seems equally relieved to be outside the estate, and I'm certain that if I get in trouble again, he'll actually kill me.