Chapter 5 - The Velvet PrisonClara was escorted to a guest suite on the third floor of the massive estate.
The room was larger than her entire apartment, decorated in soft creams and luxurious silks.
A fire was already crackling in the marble hearth.
A walk-in closet was stocked with designer clothes in her exact size, a terrifying testament to Dante’s resources.
She walked over to the French doors, attempting to push the handle down.
It was locked from the outside.
She was a highly valued, fiercely protected hostage.
Clara stripped off her damp scrubs and stepped into a scalding hot shower, trying to wash away the nightmare.
When she emerged in a thick plush robe, a silver tray of hot food was waiting on the bed.
She forced herself to eat, knowing she needed her strength to survive.
For three days, Clara did not leave that room.
The severe nanny, Mrs. Gable, brought her meals and completely ignored her questions.
Clara paced the floor like a caged animal, staring out at the stormy ocean below the cliffs.
On the fourth night, the silence of the estate was shattered by a frantic pounding on her door.
The heavy locks clicked open, and Dante burst into the room.
He wasn't wearing his suit jacket, and his white shirt was undone at the collar.
His usual mask of cold control was completely gone, replaced by raw, frantic panic.
“I need you,” he demanded, grabbing her wrist.
“What is going on?” Clara gasped.
“It is Julian,” Dante said, his voice actually trembling.
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“He is burning up, and the estate doctor is two hours away.”
Clara didn't hesitate for a single second.
