The Mafia's Pet

Chapter 59

Vanessa

After Diego leaves, leaving me to be babysat by Danny and two other men, I storm off to my room. I'm pissed the fuck off. Not exactly at him, but at the entire situation. My sister could be getting tortured right now, and though I didn't know Luis well, I knew he spent the most time with my sister. Maybe he actually cared for her, and now they're on the verge of dying together.

I can't lose my sister. She's the only family I have. Diego rescued us from that house together, and it's only fair we both live happy, fulfilled lives. If Viktor kidnapped her because he couldn't have me, how can I possibly sit here and wait for Diego to return? I have to do something.

But what?

I gnaw on my bottom lip, pacing back and forth as my mind races with possibilities. Hours seem to pass before the door swings open and Danny leans against the doorframe. "Are you going to eat?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. "Diego said you haven't eaten since yesterday morning."

I fight back a smile. He really does care about me, although I'm uncertain if it's in more like a friend or older uncle kind of way. Maybe I should ask, but I don't feel like speaking to him or anyone. Thinking about Alicia all night, I feel sick to my stomach. Even if I wanted to eat, I doubt I could keep it down.

However, considering he'll report back to my husband, I decide I should at least make an effort to appear like I'm following his self-care rules.

"Can you ask Abuela to make a yogurt parfait or something?" I request softly.

He eyes me suspiciously for some reason but nods and shuts the door as he leaves.

I sigh heavily and sit down on the bed. I wonder what Diego is doing, or where he's even at. Exhaustion weighs on me heavily like a thick blanket. I haven't slept in over twenty-four hours now, and I know I won't be able to until he brings my sister back home.

My phone suddenly rings. I answer on the first ring, blurting out, "Diego? Did you find her?"

"Nah, I'm working on it though."

I imagine 'working on it' means he's beating the shit out of someone until they talk.

Good, they deserve it.

"I miss you," I confess softly.

"I miss you too, Mama," he replies, "Did you get any sleep? Are you eating?"

His voice carries both concern and weariness. It's clear he hasn't gotten any sleep either.

"Danny's grabbing me something to eat now, but no I haven't been able to sleep. I'm too worried," I admit, biting down on my already raw lip.

"When I find your sister, we're going to finish our honeymoon, okay? Wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do...I'll make it happen. Te lo prometo, mi amor (I promise, my love)."

His words soften something deep inside me, filling my heart to the brim until it feels as if it might burst from emotion. Damn, this man is everything to me.

Is it even normal to feel this much love for someone?

"I love you," I proclaim. I was too distraught to say it back yesterday, but I need him to know. I need to remind him every chance I get.

"I love you too," he responds, and I can hear the smile in his voice. After he hangs up, my phone rings again just a minute later.

Wow, he must be missing me that badly.

I answer it without checking the collar ID. "Diego-"

"Hello, Vanessa," an ominous, deep voice interrupts, with a faint Mexican accent.

My heart plummets in my chest, shivers coursing down my spine. "W-Who is this?" I stammer.

"My name is not important. What's important is that I have your sister, and I'm going to kill her in exactly an hour if you fail to show your pretty face by then. Alone."

Whoever this is must be aware that Diego isn't with me, and that most of his men are currently out searching for Alicia.

"After this call ends, the power and cell phone towers in the area will go out. I will provide you with an address, and you will find a way to reach it, or she dies. Do you understand?"

"Understood," I whisper, my voice cracking with fear.

"Bueno (good)," he replies coldly, "you have fifty-eight minutes."