Lost in thought, I hadn’t noticed the car slow. Wherever it was he had taken me, we were there. Ettore parked in the drive of the stunning waterfront property, turned off the car, and let himself out. I looked up at the enormous colonial. It had to be at least 1700 square feet and the property itself was, at first glance, a couple of acres. I had never seen that many gables on a roof before. The exterior was a subtle in its beauty. Intricate stonework was laid over the walls, the plethora of mixed sized windows were all painted a uniform white, and the yard was immaculately kept. It looked pristine in a way that made me feel bad that it would soon be marred with my blood.

I was so enamored by the house that I got a little spooked when the door beside me suddenly opened. Ettore stood there, patient and waiting, and when he did what I knew he would, I sighed under my breathe and took his outstretched hand.

My heart skipped a beat when his warm fingers circled mine. That meant something, right? It had to. I had never been so affected by a man before. So moved in his presence, floating at a single touch. I wish I had more time to explore these uncomfortable but tangible feelings because they were worthy of discovery.

Really, heart? Of all men, it had to be this one?

My brain let out a bitter laugh and whispered, “Karma’s a bitch.”

I was aware of just how fucked up it was that I would go to my grave quietly and obediently simply because he desired it and I wished to please him.

So, as we began the dreaded descent to what I was certain would be my final resting place, you can understand my confusion when Ettore unlocked the front door, let us in, released my hand with a jerk of his chin and rumbled, “Come on. You get a quick tour.” He paused to look me up and down, desire burning in his eyes, “Ending on the master bedroom.”

Um. What did he just say?

I didn’t dare reach for the ember of hope that ignited then.

What did he mean by that?

He walked on and I followed. Of course, I followed. I was his pet. Docile. Compliant. And – God help me – I wanted to be good for him. Right then, as that pesky cinder of hope lit into something bigger, I silently chastised myself. Vincenza warned me about my naivete. As it so happened, it was a warning I should have heeded.

What is with you, following this guy around like a little lost puppy?

I didn’t know. I didn’t know.

What was happening to me?

I reminded myself that I didn’t love Ettore. I told myself that I didn’t even know the man. He and I were not soulmates. We were simply a consequence of poor fortune.