Page 17 of Bound in Obsession
CHAPTER SEVEN
Eleonora
I’m starving.
I regretted sending that first maid away the second my door clicked shut. Especially while I was still trapped in that heavy, suffocating wedding dress. I regretted it even more when the second maid brought food earlier and I snapped at her to leave.
I hadn’t eaten anything all day. Nerves had killed my appetite this morning before we even left for the church. Now my hands are almost shaking as I pick up the fork and stuff my mouth with food, not bothering that Nico is right at the same table.
I’m no longer pretending not to be hungry, I just figured, if I’m going to escape him and his men, I need the energy.
Another bite of warm, creamy risotto hits my tongue and I have to stop myself from moaning. It’s rich, perfectly seasoned, andso good it’s almost criminal. I take another bite, then another, barely chewing before I reach for the balsamic-glazed tomatoes.
I feel his eyes on me the entire time.
I finally look up. Nico is leaning back in his chair, wine glass in hand, watching me with that dark, unreadable intensity that makes my skin feel too tight.
“What?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
He doesn’t look away. “You’re staring.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re the one staring. Didn’t anyone ever teach you it’s rude?”
A faint smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. He takes a slow sip of wine before asking, “Why did you pretend to be Sienna?”
I set my fork down. “Do you have memory problems on top of everything else? I already told you. I did it so my sister could run away with the man she loves.”
He leans back further, looking genuinely intrigued. “And what was your plan when Andrea realized you weren’t the bride he chose? What were you going to do then?”
I shrug, reaching for another piece of focaccia. “I was going to cross that bridge when I got to it.” I guess not anymore.
Nico’s expression darkens. “He would’ve eaten you alive, Eleonora. You know that, right?”
I meet his gaze head-on. “Guess I have you to thank for saving me then,” I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
He raises his glass toward me like he’s giving a toast. “You’re welcome.”
I huff and look away, tearing off another piece of bread. I knew Andrea was dangerous. I dreaded the moment he’d lift my veil and realize I wasn’t Sienna. But I’d been willing to face it for her.
After a long stretch of silence, I ask the question that’s been burning in my chest.
“Why won’t you let me go?” My voice comes out quieter than I want. “I’m not even the sister you wanted.”
Nico sets his glass down, eyes locked on mine.
“Because neither Gallo nor your father knows that,” he says simply. “As far as everyone is concerned, I have Sienna Caruso… and possibly her sister too. And I’m going to let them keep believing it. That way, I’ll get to have your father bend over quicker.”
I stare at him across the candlelit table, the rich food suddenly tasting like ash in my mouth.
I’m not a person to him. I’m leverage. Same way my papa sees me.
“How long are you going to keep me here?” I ask, pushing my plate away even though I’m still hungry.
Nico’s lips curve into a slow, mocking smile. “Missing home already? Or is it Andrea Gallo you’re eager to get back to?”
I blink, stunned. “What?”
“You willingly took your sister’s place,” he says, leaning forward, eyes gleaming with dark amusement. “Why else would you do that unless you had a little crush on Gallo? Maybe you wished he’d picked you instead of Sienna.”
