Page 7 of His Wicked Obsession
“Sister, hmmm?” She seems to be softening. Is it because she thinks my sister wouldn’t be a threat, whereas a husband would be? She has no idea about who my new family is then. “Well, alright.” She walks around the cart and unzips a phone from a bag. “What’s her name and number?” I give her Bria’s maiden name in hopes my twin understands the importance of not revealing who her husband is.
“Is this Bria Marino?” There’s a pause. “Oh, good. Miss Marino, my name is Marissa Silva, and I’m a nurse at Cortez Mental Health Institution on Pantelleria Island. I have Bella here. She’s quite unwell and has been uncooperative today. Since she’s been compliant so far, I decided to grant her wish to speak to you.” I hear my sister rapidly asking questions, and the nurse rolls her eyes. “Yes, here she is.”
“Bria?” I sob.
“Bella, oh my god. We’ve been searching frantically for you. Are you alright? Are you hurt? Why are you in a mental institution?” I sob as her voice washes over me. Quieter, Bria asks, “Is she listening?”
“No, no, I’m okay; I just needed to hear your voice.” I hope she understands.
“Donato is coming, and he’s bringing hell with him.” Her voice is fiercer than I’ve ever heard it before. “You stay strong, twin. I’ve heard you, I’ve heard your cries, and I will not let you down.” I’ve been calling out to her as often as I can, but I wasn’t sure. Our twin connection has always been so strong.
“I love you, Bria.” The nurse drags the phone away before she can reciprocate it.
“Better?” she grumbles, tucking the device into her pocket.
I nod but ask, “Is that really your name?”
“Yes.” She holds up the cup.
After swallowing the pills and more water, I ask one more question. “Am I really on Pantelleria Island?”
“You are,” she confirms, and I relax into the bed. If she’s not lying, then I can be sure Donato will come for me. And he won’t stop until I’m safe again. I smile as she leaves the room with a confused look on her face.
CHAPTER 4
Donato
Maso and I enter the gates of the institution, and from the outside, it appears welcoming, inviting, even, with potted plants, stone statues, and a fountain in the driveway. Inside, however, is another story. From what we’ve heard over the years, it’s where people from all over the world send those they want to disappear. Which leaves me to wonder what the fuck Bella is doing here. Because, for damn sure, as much as I dislike Lude Vella, he is fond of his wife. I know, in my gut, that he’d never do anything to purposely harm her.
Since we’ve been unable to reach Lude, and his brother, Natan, has no fucking clue where he is, I’m led to believe they’re both here and in a shit-ton of trouble. I’m also now thinking he’s the one who sent the message from Bella’s phone.
“Bria swears she’s been getting these feelings for days. Like echoes of Bella’s voice calling out for help. She thought it was just because she missed her twin.” Maso growls, more aggravated than I’ve ever seen him.
“We’ll get her.” There’s no other option.
Considering the danger our family is in at home, Maso and I opted to come alone. Santi, Domino, and Pace were pissed, but the desire to keep the women and children safe overrode everything else.
So here we are, strapped to the nines, not willing to leave without Bella and information on Lude’s whereabouts. Natan is on his way, as well, but we’re not waiting on him. Not if we don’t have to.
“Here we go,” I mutter as we jog up the steps leading inside to what looks like a typical hospital—signs about mental health and warnings of the dangers of self-medicating line the walls. Windows are large and offer natural light.
The receptionist smiles behind the front desk as she greets us. “How can I help you?”
I hear Maso’s teeth grinding as he stays back a few feet, so I put on a charming smile and lean against the counter. “I’m looking for Marissa Silva; she’s a nurse here.”
Her smile falters slightly as she looks between us. “Can I have your name, please?”
“Donato Cardarelli.” She swallows, and I know she recognizes who I am.
“One moment.” She’s less welcoming now and more apprehensive as she picks up a phone and speaks quietly into it after a few moments. “The nurse is on her way.” She waves over to a few chairs, but I don’t bother. I’m not here to get comfortable.
Joining Maso, I notice his eyes are fixed down the hallway. “There are bars across the doors,” he comments.
Following his gaze, I see it further down the hall. If you weren’t looking for it, you’d miss it. The doors are barred shut from the outside. “There were no windows on that side of the building, either.” Which is an even scarier thought if Bella is locked in one of those rooms.
“Mr. Cardarelli,” a silky voice calls from behind. Turning, I see that the woman is tall, close to six feet, with long dark hair and narrowed eyes. “I’m Marissa Silva. How can I help you?”
I share a look with Maso, and he wanders around the room, pretending to read the posters on the walls. “I’m looking for my fiancée and was informed she’s being held here against her will.”