My Masters' Nightmare Season 1, Episode 7 Connections

by Marita A. Hansen

  “Mi scusi,” I apologized. “I need to answer the door.”

  She nodded, the woman totally clueless to the fact I disliked her.

  My father’s focus shifted to me, giving me a look that told me to sit back down.

  “No one is answering the door,” I said, pointing to it.

  “That is a servant’s job.”

  The bell rang again. “They must be busy, so I better answer it.” I took off before he could stop me, grateful for the distraction. I dashed across the floor and pulled open the door, finding Sophia standing on the other side. Her eyes widened when she saw me.

  “Frano,” she breathed out, those pretty lips of hers parting.

  I stared at them, wondering what they tasted like. They quivered, making me look up. “Is something troubling you, bella?” I asked.

  “Can I please speak to Jagger?”

  “You only saw him a couple of hours ago.”

  “He was upset when I left. I don’t know what I did wrong. I went to the bathroom and when I came back he was having a conversation with your father, who told me to leave. I just want to make sure he’s alright and to apologize for whatever I did.”

  “There’s no need,” I said, remembering what the Padre had told me.

  “Can I still see him?”

  “It’s not a good time right now, he’s still upset. The Padre is in his room calming him down.”

  Her face fell. “I’m so sorry. Please pass on my apologies. I will go.” She went to leave.

  I grabbed her arm, having no idea why I did it, other than I wanted her to stay. She stared down at my hand for a moment, then looked back up at my face with a smile, attraction making her pupils big.

  I quickly let go of her arm. “You should stop staring at me like that, ragazzina.”

  Her smile disappeared. “I’m not a little girl.”

  My eyes fell to her cleavage. “Maybe not in some areas.” I looked back up at her innocent face. “But, you’re not a woman yet, so stop staring at me like I’m some Disney prince. Girls should seek boys’ attention, not men’s.”

  She lifted her chin. “I’m not the only one here with a staring problem, you looked back.”

  I laughed. “You have coglioni saying that.”

  She straightened. “That is a rude thing to say to a woman.”

  “Well, you do have balls for speaking so brashly to me, and again, you are not yet a woman.”

  “Regardless, you were still checking me out.”

  “I like what I see, that’s all. You are a pretty picture, nothing more.”

  “I’m not as naïve as you perceive me to be!”

  “Oh, Jagger chose a girl with bite.” I moved my face close to hers, the girl now looking nervous. She probably thought I was going to kiss her, but regardless, she remained still. I snapped my teeth at her, making her jolt. “You better be careful around this wolf, Red, because I definitely bite back.”

  She shivered, but said nothing, just stared at me with those lovely eyes of hers.

  Taking a hold of her shoulders, I turned her around. “Run back to your grandmother, Red, before I eat you alive.” I placed a hand on her pert ass and pushed her forward.

  She spun around and slapped me across the face. My hand went to my cheek, shocked that she’d hit me. I’d been slapped by many women, but they were women, not a scared looking teenager who was slapping a grown man.

  Her hand fluttered to her mouth. “I’m so sorry; I don’t know what came over me.”

  “No, I deserved it, bella. Still, if you do it again I will return the favor, but on your other cheeks.”

  She took a step back. “Why are you being so rude?”

  “I don’t like the fact a child is looking at me in a sexual manner.”

  “I’m not a child! I’m almost eighteen.”

  “Almost is not good enough. Maybe my father was right for not allowing Jagger to be in a relationship with you.”

  Her face fell. “Is that why Jagger’s upset?”

  “Sì, so it’s for the best that you don’t return.”

  She screwed up her face, looking like she was going to cry, then she spun around and ran down our driveway to her bicycle, which was leaning against the fence. I watched her jump onto the bicycle and pedal off, feeling bad for upsetting her. Though, it was for the best, because the girl was clearly not right for Jagger—or me.

  4

  HONEY

  A soldier escorted me through the second floor passageway, demanding I check on the Don’s condition. I had desperately wanted to search for information on Jagger whereabouts, but my desires were once again overlooked. Alessandro’s assessment of me was accurate: I was still a slave whether I attended to wounds or cocks. My mind drifted to the new slave trainer and the way he’d taunted me, touched me—stalking my every move. It was deeply unsettling to know that he was living in the same house, a place I couldn’t escape. I just prayed he grew bored with me, because I didn’t want to worry about running into him every second of the day. It reminded me of my constant paranoia over Alberto entering my cell. But, at least Alessandro didn’t do anything against my will, not yet anyway. He just terrified me with his hungry stare. Even though I had been fully dressed, he made me feel naked and vulnerable with the way he’d stared at me. God, chills ran up my spine just thinking about it.

  I stopped outside the Don’s room, where another soldier was stationed. He opened the door for me. I entered with my escort, finding the black-haired woman sitting on the Don’s bed, glaring at another soldier standing a few feet away from her.

  The woman’s attention shifted to me. “You’re the nurse?” she said, sounding surprised.

  I nodded and headed for the Don, who was still unconscious. I checked the dressing the soldier had wrapped around his head. The blood flow had been stemmed. Regardless, he still needed to be monitored closely, especially since brain swelling was a major concern.

  The woman started talking again. “If you’re the nurse, then why was that horrid Santini trainer treating you like a sex slave?”

  I looked across the bed at her. “I used to be one before becoming Jagger’s caregiver.”

  “Which means you’re not now, so he shouldn’t be harassing you.”

  “I agree, but I don’t think he’ll quit anytime soon. He ordered me to come to his room on his birthday.”

  The woman rose to her feet, her face showing her displeasure. “Of which you won’t, and if he harasses you again, inform me. I don’t care what he says; I will find a way to get rid of him.”

  “Thank you.”

  Her angry expression fell away, a smile replacing it. She headed around the bed, extending her hand for me to shake. “My name is Camila Donatelli; I’m the Don’s fiancée.”

  “Yes, you mentioned it downstairs.” I shook her hand, nervous over who her family was. They had kidnapped me from the D’Angelos on the way to the airport. But, in a way I should be grateful to them, since they had stopped me from being flown to Spain, and, unlike Alberto, they hadn’t hurt me. All they did was place me in a cell, seemingly forgetting about me until I was returned to the D’Angelos.

  “The engagement is fairly recent,” Camila said, “which means I have numerous things to arrange before the wedding can take place.”

  “Sophia,” the Don moaned, grabbing our attention. He stirred in his bed, but remained asleep, the man appearing to be dreaming. “Sophia,” he repeated.

  Camila’s face hardened. “Do you know anything about Sophia Salvi?”

  I shook my head.

  “What about the woman downstairs?”

  “The FBI agent?”

  “Sì.”

  “Her name’s Rita Kovak. Jagger and her escaped the Donatelli—” I cut myself off, realizing I’d mentioned the woman’s family.

  “Continue,” she said.

  “She said she cares for the Don. They seem to have a connection.”

  “When was she brought into the house?”

  �
��About a week ago, but I could be mistaken. The majority of my time here was spent in a cell, so I rarely knew what day it was.”

  “If it has only been a week, or even two, it seems rather strange that she cares so deeply for my Frano.”

  “I agree, but she seemed genuinely concerned for him. She was shielding him with her body, stopping Jagger from further assaulting him. If anything, her actions and words gave me the impression she has known him for a while.”

  “I agree; there’s something rather peculiar about that woman, which is why I need you to dig up everything you can on her.”

  “I’m not allowed to roam the house freely, so I wouldn’t be of much help to you. Besides, my priority is to Jagger.”

  The Don stirred, capturing our attention. He opened his eyes, appearing disorientated.

  I moved to his side. “How are you feeling?”

  “Where’s Rita?” he asked, bringing a hand to his head.

  Camila shoved me out of the way. “In a cell—where she belongs.” She sat down on the bed and took a hold of his hand. “But, I’m here for you.”

  He hissed.

  “What’s wrong, Frano?” Camila said, looking concerned.

  “My head is killing me.”

  Camila glanced back at me. “Please help him.”

  “I’ll get some painkillers from Jagger’s room.”

  I headed for Jagger’s room, my soldier shadowing me. I retrieved the painkillers, then returned to the Don’s room. I fetched a glass of water from the bathroom and handed it to the Don along with the painkillers.

  He drank it down, then handed the empty glass back. “Get Rita.”

  “You don’t need her,” Camila said. “She can’t help you.”

  Looking pained, he touched his head. “I didn’t ask for your opinion, now get her,” he croaked out.

  “No. You should wait until you’re feeling better, then you can visit her cell.”

  He focused on one of the soldiers. “Bring my slave to me immediately.”

  He nodded, then exited the room.

  The Don returned his attention to Camila. “Leave.”

  Camila stiffened. “You don’t need to be so abrasive; I’m here to help you.”

  “I told you I didn’t want you in my room.”

  “I’m going to be your wife, so this will be my room too.”

  “We’re not married yet. Besides, you should be negotiating your sisters’ release. Now, go downstairs and sort it out with Alessandro.”

  Her face darkened. “I’ve already asked him, but he refused to help. Instead, he insulted me.”

  The Don frowned. “What did he say?”

  “The cretin called me an arrogant troia.”

  He burst out laughing, then grabbed his head, looking like it had pained him.

  “It’s not funny!” Camila snapped. “And, no one calls me a bitch and gets away with it.”

  “I do.”

  Her jaw clenched. “You’re the don; he is not, so fire him.”

  “That’s not going to happen; he already has slaves ready to be sold. He’s a huge asset.”

  “He’s more trouble than he’s worth. I caught him sexually assaulting Honey.

  “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “He was naked and had her pushed up against a wall in the entrance.”

  The Don turned his attention to me. “Is this so?”

  I nodded.

  “He probably thinks you’re still a slave. I will make sure he’s aware that your position has changed.”

  “You’re not listening to me,” Camila cut in. “He was sexually assaulting her. He needs to be punished.”

  The Don exhaled loudly. “Don’t over dramatize things.”

  “I am not, and you shouldn’t allow him to get away with it. It’ll only lead to more trouble, like it did between Alberto and Jagger.”

  “How do you know what happened between Alberto and Jagger?” he said, appearing stricken.

  “Nino told me.”

  The Don’s expression tightened. “Where is Jagger?”

  “He’s run off,” I answered for Camila. “One of the Landi soldiers is out searching for him.”

  “Why did he hit me?” he asked, not looking mad.

  “He thought you were raping Rita.”

  “I wasn’t.”

  “I am aware of that.”

  The door opened. Rita entered, along with the soldier who’d gone to retrieve her. She still resembled a savage with her messed up hair and nudity. Her eyes shot to the Don, a big smile forming across her face. She rushed over, coming to a halt as Camila stepped in front of her. She attempted to sidestep the Don’s fiancée, but Camila mirrored her. Rita shoved her roughly aside and sat down next to the Don. Camila grabbed her by the hair, and yanked her back. Screaming, Rita turned and swung a fist, striking Camila in the face. Camila cried out, then flung herself at Rita, who slammed her with an elbow, knocking Camila to the floor. The soldiers rushed to part them. One of the men grabbed Rita, while the other helped Camila up.

  “Take that bitch back to her cell!” Camila yelled, covering her bloodied nose, her eyes shooting venom at Rita.

  The soldier lifted Rita off the floor.

  “Put her down!” the Don snapped.

  The soldier set her down. Rita instantly went to the Don’s side.

  He placed an arm around her and pulled her to his bare chest. “You take orders from me ONLY, not some puttana. Capito?”

  “Sì, I understand, mi dispiace,” the soldier apologized.

  The Don’s angry gaze moved to Camila. “You overstepped your boundaries, so get the fuck out of here before I change my mind about our engagement.”

  “But, Frano, she’s playing you. I was informed she’s only known you for a week, yet she’s claiming to care for you.”

  “It’s been much longer than that,” Rita spoke up. “I first met Frano seven years ago.”

  “What?” Camila said, lowering her hand, her expression surprised. Blood dripped from her nose, reddening her lips.

  “My birth name is Sophia Salvi.”

  Camila wiped the blood with her hand. “That girl is dead, my uncles…” she stopped talking.

  “Your uncles, what?” Frano said.

  “We’ve all heard the rumor about the Padre,” she replied, looking worried.

  “That he killed her? Sì, but it doesn’t make sense, because Rita claims she was raped by him.”

  “I told you she was a liar. There’s no way my uncle would’ve raped her; women repulse him.”

  “Which is why I’m assuming Christo did it. They looked identical back then, and you mentioned uncles, not uncle earlier. Do you know anything about what happened to her? Because I’m starting to wonder whether they both played a part in her attack.”

  “I’ve only heard the rumors.”

  “Are you sure?” he said, looking like he didn’t believe her.

  “Absolutely. I avoid those two at all cost. They’re both psychotic. I really don’t know which one of them is the lesser of two evils. One likes to rape males while the other takes pleasure in slaughtering and torturing his victims. They should’ve been dealt with a long time ago.”

  “Fine, I believe you, but you still need to get the fuck out of my room. Go sort out your sisters’ release.”

  “But, Frano, you need to do that.”

  “Not if you want to be my wife. I don’t want a woman who claims to be useful, then comes running to me, insisting I hold her hand. Otherwise, our arrangement will be pointless.”

  “I am quite capable of doing things on my own; the problem is the Santini are prejudiced against my famiglia. I already told you how rude Alessandro was to me.”

  “Everyone is prejudiced against your famiglia, and for valid reasons. They terrorized this island for far too long. So, find a means that will make the Santini listen. Also, update me with your progress.”

  She exhaled loudly. “Okay, but what can I barter with?”


  “Ten puttane, no more.” His gaze shifted to Camila’s soldier. “Make sure Alessandro understands this trade is sanctioned by me, but if my fiancée compromises my famiglia, cut the negotiations short.”

  He nodded.

  “Now, everyone, except for Rita, is dismissed.”

  The soldiers directed me and Camila out of the room. “I’ll take up guard outside his window,” my soldier said before heading off. Camila’s soldier indicated for us to move forward, while the third one remained behind to guard the Don’s door.

  I walked alongside Camila, whose back was ramrod straight. As we headed down the staircase, she started mumbling about evil FBI agents, then stopped at the bottom step, her gaze freezing me in place. “I need you to help me get my sisters back. That Santini asshole downstairs obviously thinks I’m a joke, but he seems to have taken an interest in you. So, I will speak to him through you.”

  My face fell. “I can’t go near him; you saw what he did to me.”

  “You will have protection this time.” She focused on the soldier. “Instead of me, you will be protecting Honey during the negotiations.”

  “I will get you another soldier to do that as I cannot leave your side,” the man said without expression.

  “Fine.” She shifted her focus back to me. “Now, you heard what Frano said. You are to offer Alessandro ten puttane from the House of Whores in exchange for my two sisters, and if he agrees,” she leaned in close and whispered into my ear, “I will help you escape.”

  “I don’t want that,” I said, careful with my words, the soldier watching us intently. “I only wish to find Jagger.”

  “Then, I will allow you to search for him.”

  The soldier spoke up. “She will need to be escorted by two soldiers.”

  “That’s fine.” Camila refocused on me. “Do you wish for anything else?”

  Her words about helping me escape returned. Although I didn’t want that, the freedom to do as I pleased was a different matter. “I would like permission to roam freely both inside and outside of the house. I also want to pursue a relationship with Jagger, but as an equal, not a slave.”