Escaping the Contract Marriage

Meeting the Don

Darian's POV

She opened her eyes and looked at me before she looked around curiously. Dan opened the door at my side. I slid out first, then helped Ella as she slid to the edge of the seat before I picked her up and set her on her feet. We both looked around in awe, taking in the scene before us. The home was white and red, with an old Victorian-style design. The walk-way had red and white rose bushing lining it. Ella held on to me as we walked towards the double set of doors. Her eyes were darting everywhere, absorbing everything she could. Another thing that impresses me about her is that she's very observant. A group of guards, in black suits, walked out the front door, followed by a larger, older gentleman in a navy blue suit. The guards stood to the side, while the other man stood just a step outside the threshold of the house.

"Ah, you must be Ella and Darian. Thank you for accepting my invitation. But first, a change of clothes and some food", the man in the blue suit said, in a thick Italian accent. I assumed he was the Don. The way that he carries himself, and barks out orders, I have to guess that. "I understand you were shot in the thigh. So, my people laid out clothes that will hopefully be comfortable", he said, looking at Ella. She looked taken aback by his statement, as was I. How did he know that? "Thank you. But, how did you know that?", Ella asked with a questioning look. "A man has his ways", he answered with a smirk. "Now, I assume you don't want to be separated. So, my man, Finn, here will show you to your room", he added. "Thank you, sir.", I said with a nod.

Finn led us up a grand staircase, and down a hall. We passed three doors, before coming to a stop. "Here you go. Someone will be up in twenty minutes to take you to the dining hall", he said, as he opened the bedroom door for us. "Thanks", I nodded with a small smile. Ella let go of my arm and walked to the bed. She's doing really well. You wouldn't be able to tell she was limping, unless you were paying very close attention. Like, I am right now.

I can't help it though, the way her ass jiggles when she walks in her sweat pants, has me hypnotized. Then I started to wonder how many other guys were in a trance because of her ass on our way up here. I'm going to have to pay more attention to that. Ella sighed as she ran her hand over the maroon cocktail dress that laid on the bed next to a black suit.

I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her flush with my chest. "What's the matter, baby?" I whispered in her ear, as I rested my chin on her shoulder. "I hate wearing dresses. This is gorgeous, don't get me wrong. But I really hate wearing dresses", she explained softly. Hmm. That's different. "Why?" I asked curiously. "I just do. I haven't worn a dress since homecoming, sophomore year of high school", she said. "What about prom? You didn't wear a dress?" I asked, turning my head to burry it in her neck. "No. I didn't go. I didn't go to any dances after that", she answered. What? She didn't go to prom? Why? What the hell happened? "Why, Ella?", I asked, my voice pinched. I didn't mean for it to sound that way, but the idea that she didn't go to prom pisses me off a bit. Plus, I don't like where this is going. I can only think of one thing that would make a girl never wear a dress again. "Let's just say, I had the worst possible date ever", she said, turning around and facing me. "What happened, Ella?" I asked calmly. I'm not sure if I want to know, but right now, I need to. "He didn't take no for an answer", she whispered, looking at my chest. My heart tightened at the confession. I leaned my fore-head on hers, "I promise, that will not happen tonight. I will kill everyone in the f*****g place before it does", I said, meaning every word. She nodded her head meekily, "We should probably get ready", she whispered. I looked over her face for a second, then nodded and released her. Before she could pick up her dress, I gently grabbed her face and lifted it, so I could bring my lips down to meet hers. Our mouths moved in sync, in a slow, sensual kiss. I poured my promise into the kiss. She needs to know I would die to protect her. She already means that much to me. When I pulled back, she looked a little dazed and I couldn't help but smirk. "Go get dressed, beautiful", I whispered. She blushed and grabbed the dress from the bed. She walked to one of the two other doors in the room and opened it. She smiled wide when she looked inside. "Cool, first guess", she chuckled. I chuckled and shook my head, then started shrugging off my clothes.

By the time I was half-way through buttoning up my shirt, the bathroom door opened and Ella emerged. My breath hitched at the sight of her, she stopped in the doorway and inhaled sharply. Her eyes roamed my body. From my pants up to the half-buttoned up shirt, over my exposed chest and neck, until her eyes finally landed on my face. I couldn't say anything because, while she was checking me out, I was doing the same to her. My eyes roamed up her smooth tan legs,to the dress that landed mid-thigh, showing the bottom half of her bullet wound. Then over her perfectly round hips, up her flat stomach, to her boobs, that fit snug in the halter-top dress. My eyes roamed over her shoulders and up her perfectly kissable neck, before finally landing on her face.

"Wow, Ella. You look stunning", I said, my voice strained, as I tried to remember to breathe. She gave me the most beautifully radiant smile. "Thank you, Darian. Can you help me?", she asked sweetly, as she turned around and moved her long hair out of the way, revealing a very open back. Making my d**k twitch in my pants. She had a tattoo of a Celtic cross covering the center of her back. The cross had a ribbon draped over it. Written inside the ribbon read 'I.L.M Mary King'. Below the cross were two very defined dimples. It took everything in me not to rip the dress off her, so that I could put my lips and tongue all over her body. I'm curious about the other tattoos she may have or even piercings. I strode across the room in three steps, "Of course", I said softly, reaching out and grabbing the zipper. I started at her shoulder blade and started placing soft, sensual kisses on her back, shoulders and neck, as I slowly zipped up the dress. She let out little mews, making my d**k hard, and me groan. All I want to do is throw her on the bed and ravish her.

When I finished, she turned around and faced me. She had a hint of red on her cheeks. "Thank you", she muttered shyly, as she reached up and started buttoning my shirt. I could get used to this. I could get used to my woman and I taking care of each other in such trivial ways. I stared at her beautiful face as she buttoned my shirt. She shifted her leg slightly and winced. I instantly felt a stab of pain in my chest. I hated seeing her in pain. "El?", I asked softly. "I need to cover my wound. This dress sits right on it and rubs it", she explained, as she finished buttoning up my shirt. I kissed her forehead, then stepped around her into the bathroom. Ella followed closely behind.

I rummaged through the cabinets, until I finally came across a first-aid kit. I lifted Ella and sat her on the counter, getting a small squeal out of her. "Darian", she squeaked. "What?", I asked with a smirk, as I lifted the hem of her dress over the wound. Then I started retrieving the supplies I needed from the kit to make a patch. "A little warning next time", she said with a smile. "But, I like all the noises you make. In fact, I can't wait to hear the other ones you make", I said with a smirk and a wink. She blushed and looked away. "I especially love it when your face turns beet red", I teased. She only turned a darker shade of red at my comment. A deep chuckle resonated from my chest.

As I put my hand on her thigh to apply the patch, she gasped. Her eyes snapped to my hand, then to my face. "Did I hurt you?", I asked, quickly retracting my hand from her leg. She shook her head, "No. Sorry, go ahead". I put my hand back on her leg and she tensed. "Baby, what's wrong?", I asked, as I started placing the patch. "It's just...", she started, shaking her head, "Where your hand is...", she paused again. I finished applying the patch, then looked in her eyes. "What about it?", I asked. I mean, does she like it? Does it bother her? She kept eye contact with me without uttering a word. I took my left hand off her inner thigh, and placed both of my hands on the outside of her thighs. While also, placing myself in between her legs. She gasped and her breathing got heavier. Her body responded by leaning forward into me, as I slid my hands a little further up her thighs. I get it now. It's been a while since she was last touched by a man in this manor. "How long?", I whispered. She gave me a questionative look, "How long, what?", she asked softly, her voice cracking a little. "Since you have been caressed like this?", I asked, sliding my hands further up her thighs and tightening my grip on them. Receiving a mix of a gasp and a moan from her. "Almost four years", she whispered. f*****g hell. How did she do it? I shook my head, as I leaned down and captured her lips with mine. The kiss was soft but hungry, our tongues slid across each other like a ritual. I ran my thumbs across the tops of her thighs, drawing a soft moan from her plush lips.

I pulled away and rested my forehead against hers. I sighed, "If we don't stop now, we won't leave this room", I almost growled. She giggled and nodded at me. I backed up a step and gently picked her up, putting her feet on the ground, then gently smoothed out her hair. Retwirling her perfect curls. We walked out of the bathroom and I grabbed the maroon tie off the bed. "Let me", Ella said, reaching up and taking the tie from my hands. She wrapped it around my neck and started tying it. "You know how to knot a tie?", I questioned with an arched eyebrow. She bit her bottom lip, capturing my attention. "I do", she answered with furrowed eyebrows. "You'd be surprised at the things you are willing to learn being locked in a house for years.", she said softly. "El, I'm sorry. I...", I started, but she cut me off, "It's okay, Darian, really. I'm more free now than I've ever been. And, hopefully, after our visit here, I'll be completely free", she said. She patted the tie, then looked up at me. I leaned down and placed another soft kiss on her lips. "Thank you", I said, touching the tie. "Now, sit, and I will help you with your heels. Are you going to be able to wear these?", I asked, thinking they would add a lot of stress to her leg. "There's only one way to find out, besides, I don't think I have much of a choice", she sighed, as she sat on the edge of the bed. The heels were black and strappy. The straps wrapped around her ankles for support. They looked hot as hell on her feet, and only accenting to her legs.

"God blessed, woman. You look absolutely ravishing", I said, looking over her body, as I shrugged my jacket on. "You look pretty damn good yourself", she smirked. "You think so?", I asked, as I slowly approached her, after slipping on my shoes. She nodded her head, she had the most adorable grin on her face. I continued my approach until I was completely over her and her back was flush with the bed. I looked from her eyes to her parted lips. I captured her lips with mine, in a hungry and frantic kiss. f**k, I want her so badly. A knock sounded on the door, making me pull away from her. "Coming", I called out, as I stood. I helped Ella up and straightened out her dress and smooth out her hair. Then I grabbed her face and placed a chaste kiss on her lips, before opening the door. "I'm here to take you down for dinner", the gentleman said. I nodded and outstretched my arm for Ella to take. Then we followed down the hall towards the dining room.

The dining room was huge. One long, oak table sat in the middle of the room, with at least twenty-five chairs surrounding it. The Don and two of his men stood as we entered. He wore a dark gray tailored suit. "Wow, you both look remarkable", he complimented, holding his arms out wide to show his surprise. "Thank you, sir. As do you", Ella said, with a small nod. I know she's just being polite, but I can't help the wave of jealousy that washed over me, so I had to push it down. "Thank you, sir", I said. "Please, sit, sit", he said, gesturing to the seats next to him.

We took our seats. Me next to the Don, and Ella next to me. The two men sat across from us. "This is my right-hand man, Gerard, and my third in command, Phillip", the Don said, introducing the two men. "Nice to meet you". I said, "I'm Darian, this is Ella". Ella nodded and I could tell she was feeling a bit uncomfortable, so I reached my hand over and put it on the bare skin of her thigh. She tensed for a second before she relaxed. She reached down and put her hand on mine, taking her thumb and running it over my fingers. "I can see you are a bit tense, Ella. I quite understand. I understand you want to be free of your marriage contract. I also understand that Micheal has been running around with my daughter. I will make a deal with you. If you draw him out into the open, so that I can get my hands on him, I'll free you of your contract", he said, picking up a piece of steak with his fork. "That's it? I draw him out in the open and then I'm free?", Ella asked suspiciously. "Yes. You have my word. You will be free", he assured her. "What do you need me to do?", she asked.

"I have it on good authority that Micheal will be attending a fundraiser for trafficked women tomorrow. Ironic really, since he is involved with the American Cosa Nostra, who are responsible for most trafficking in America." the Don chuckled dryly. Is he saying that Micheal is also involved in the Mafia? "Excuse me?", Ella asked. She didn't look up from her plate, a look of pain etched on her face. I squeezed her leg for comfort. The Don furrowed his eyebrows, "Are you telling me that you were married to him for three years and you didn't know what he did for a living?", he asked skeptically. "No. I spent most of my time avoiding him", Ella answered. "Ah, yes. To keep from consummating your marriage. I must say, I have to give you credit. That takes an incredible amount of self-discipline", he said. Her head snapped up and locked eyes with the Don. "How did you know that?", she asked. "Let's just say that your old man is not very happy that you swindled the contract that keeps him out of trouble with the American Mafia. He may have got a little drunk at a bar, and revealed certain things about your 'marriage'," he explained. Her father is such a piece of s**t. "If my father sold me to Micheal to even his debt with the Mafia, why the hell is Micheal going to a fundraiser and not hunting me down?", Ella asked. Her hand was tightly grasping mine, that was on her leg. "I assume that it's because he doesn't want his boss to know you have escaped yet. Probably because he would kill him if he found out that Micheal was sleeping with my daughter. We are enemies", the Don explained, with a wave of his hand. "And, I'm the one with the evidence of it", Ella added, hanging her head. "Yes, he most likely isn't sure how to handle the situation. You are one of a kind", he said. I ran my thumb softly across her thigh in agreement.

"I would like to see your dancing and fighting skills. I do not want to send you out there unprepared", the Don said. "I will not be able to send my upper men into the building, as Micheal will recognize them. So it'll just be the two of you inside, you will have ear-pieces to speak with my men outside. The plan is to find a way to get Micheal outside of the building without raising suspicion of others.", he explained. "Then I'm free? One hundred percent? No strings attached?", Ella asked. I really don't like the idea of her having to fight, even if it is just to display her skills. Her leg is in no shape for that kind of stress. "Yes, one hundred percent,no strings attached,. You have my word", he told her. She nodded her head, "I can fight, but dancing is another story", she chuckled half-heartedly. "Just give me the night with her. We will be ready for tomorrow", I said, looking from Ella to the Don. He nodded, "The fundraiser starts at 5pm tomorrow. You had best get started", he said.

Ella seemed to be in a different world as we finished dinner. She only pushed the food around on her plate, not eating much at all. Anytime I would squeeze her leg, she would only squeeze my hand in return. She wouldn't look up from her plate. The Don told me where I could take Ella to teach her to dance, then dismissed us from dinner.

Ella tried to go back up the steps before I caught her hand and stopped her. "Where do you think you're going? We have a lesson to attend to, love", I said, as I pulled her to my side and wrapped my arm around her waist. "I'm just going to make a fool of myself", she uttered. "Not possible, baby." I said, dragging her alongside me. "Says you, who has never seen me dance", she whispered. I stopped and backed her up against the wall. I put my hands on either side of her, caging her in. "I don't have to. I watched you get a bullet removed from your leg, then that same very sore wound, cauterized. If you can do that, I can teach you to dance, love" I whispered. She shook her head. I could see the tears dancing in her eyes, waiting to fall. "I couldn't even notice what the man I was sold and married to did for a living. It was so obvious. I...", she trailed off, shaking her head. This time a tear escaped and ran down her cheek. I reached up and wiped it away. Then I cupped her face with both of my hands. "Listen to me, Amore. You had so many other things to worry about. Please, do not degrade yourself over that asshat. You needed to worry about your safety and finding a way to get away from him. I'm sure the last thing on your mind was what he did for a living. And that's perfectly understandable. Okay?", I asked softly. Her tears continued to silently fall and her face twitched, like it took every ounce of self-control not to rack with sobs. "You are the strongest, smartest, bravest, most gorgeous woman that I have ever had the honor to meet. None of this is your fault, baby. None of it. Please, don't blame yourself. Please.", I whispered, pleading with her to believe me. She has too. She sniffled and nodded meekly. I placed a soft kiss on her lips, as I wiped her remaining tears. "I'm sorry", she whispered, her face was slightly red from her blush and her tears. I shook my head, "Don't be. It's okay, baby", I said softly, placing another kiss on her lips. "Now, let's go. I'm ready to dance with you, especially with you in this incredible dress", I said, putting my arm around her waist, and looking over her body. She gave me a small smile, her face turned a deep shade of pink. A smile is definitely better than tears, so I'll take it.