53

Marie was helping Dona pack up her things for a long stay at the Borgia palazzo in Rome. Dona wasn’t sure how long she’d have to stay there and was dreading having to go. She could only avoid Rodrigo's touch for so long before he’d become tired of her unresponsiveness. She was biting back tears, as she slowly folded her clothes and carefully placed them in her luggage. She looked around the room, seeking anything that would help her delay the process, as Marie packed the last of her toiletry items.

"There you go, mistress. I think we have everything you need."

Dona looked back at her absently. "What? Oh, yes, of course. Have Mario help you bring my luggage downstairs. Rodrigo was sending a car for me."

Marie nodded. "Si, the car is here already. We will load the luggage in the trunk. Do you know when you will return?"

Dona bit her lip as she shook her head. "No, a week, perhaps? I will let you know."

She left the room and walked down the stairs, feeling like a prisoner being led to their death. How had she let this happen? She watched as her staff loaded the luggage in the car, and the driver opened the door for her. She climbed into the back seat, and laid her head back against the leather, preparing for the long drive to Rome. She didn’t look back at her villa, resplendent now after its recent renovation. She wondered if she’d ever see it again, or if Rodrigo would hold her captive in Rome. A tear ran down her cheek as she quickly swiped it away, not wanting the driver to see her dismay. "Shade, why did you forsake me? I could have loved you as much as she loves you."

She let her mind drift as the car moved through the night, and she was eventually lulled into a light sleep. She woke when the car stopped suddenly, in front of the massive mansion that had been built by the Borgia's. The driver got out and opened her door, as the staff rushed from the mansion to unload her luggage and carry it inside. The butler greeted her and let her know she’d have the same room as before. She was at least grateful for that. She’d worried that Rodrigo may move her into his bedroom. She followed the butler into the mansion, through the long hallways, and up the curved staircase to her room. Her luggage was laid on the bed, and the same maid had been assigned to assist her. Dona stood silently as the maid unpacked, hanging her dresses in the wardrobe, and putting her things in the drawers. Before she departed, she reintroduced herself. “Perhaps you remember, my name is Giada. I have been assigned to serve you. Will there be anything else, mistress?"

Dona shook her head. "No, thank you."

As the maid closed the door, she replied. "I will let master know you have arrived."

***

Giada informed Rodrigo that Donatella had arrived and was in her designated room. He smiled and nodded. "As before, Giada, tell me anything you hear from her. I want to know everything she does and says to you. You are dismissed."

He checked himself once more in the floor-length mirror before making his way down the long hallway to her room. He grinned to himself. She wouldn’t be spending much time in there. He found that her door was shut, and he didn’t bother to knock before he entered. It was his palazzo and he’d do as he pleased. She looked up in surprise when he entered unannounced, and as he approached her, he thought she looked rather forlorn.

"My pet, you have finally arrived. You do look a bit grim. Did you not enjoy the trip here?" He kissed her as if they had been together for years.

She allowed his show of affection, trying hard not to show her revulsion. "It is a long drive, Rodrigo. Perhaps I should rest a bit, and maybe a bath? I know it will be light soon, and you will be drawn to your slumber."

He smiled but he wasn’t happy with her response. "Of course, Donatella, it is a long drive. I can’t say I’m not disappointed as I have been looking forward to your visit." He kissed her cheek softly. "You would smell so lovely bathed in the most luxurious bath products I have supplied for you. Perhaps you would allow me to wash your beautiful hair. I can assist you. Then we can have some time alone, just the two of us."

This wasn’t the answer Dona had hoped for. She thought he’d leave her, but now he wanted to bathe her! "That is most kind of you to offer. But I'm sure you have much more important matters to tend to. Surely, Giada could help with my bath."

Releasing a low growl, he ran his hand through her raven-black hair and gripped its silky strands into a fist. "You play such tempting little games, my pet." He chuckled low and released the grip on her hair. Strolling casually around her in a circle, his eyes bored into her. Standing before her, he roughly gripped her breast and squeezed lightly. "Do not continue to temp me, Dona, for I will only play this game for so long. You rile my blood and my beast." He bent his head forward, as his long tongue slowly licked the ample cleavage exposed by her dress. Sliding his hands up to her shoulders, he pulled the garment free and watched as it dropped to the floor, exposing even more of her breasts, cupped in a black lace bra. His breathing increased and his body ached to fuck her until she was unconscious. "Take it off for me, pet, let me see the temptations you hold from me."

Dona swallowed hard. She couldn’t play his game. She couldn’t find it in herself to play seductress for him. She knew what was coming, and steeled herself to get through it, as she reached behind her back and unhooked the bra, letting it drop to the floor. She fought the urge to cover her breasts with her hands, knowing it would anger him.

He stepped back and stared at her. She was stunning, even more than he’d anticipated. He licked his lips slowly. "Grazie, my pet, you are so beautiful. It has been a long time since any male has admired your treasures."

He delicately took her hand and helped her step from the dress as it lay in a puddle at her ankles. Walking her to the huge mirror framed in gilded gold, he stood behind her, as he slowly fondled her breasts, rubbing the nipples to hardness. "Look at how beautiful and tempting you are, my pet. Look at how we will look together, the master and his beautiful toy." His voice became stern as he noticed her eyes were closed to the reflection in the mirror. "Look! What do you see? Is it not what I see?"

She opened her eyes and stared at their reflection, his hands cupping her breasts. Her body betrayed her as her nipples hardened at his touch. "I see a powerful master and an unworthy mistress. You can have anyone you choose, Rodrigo. I am humbled." She dared not enrage him. His reputation for brutality was well known. Dona had been with enough masters to know, when faced with their dominance, it was best to play submissive.

"Ah, si, my pet, I could be with anyone, but I have chosen you. I am happy that you are humbled, and you remember to whom you speak. It is important that a female always knows her place."

He dropped his hands and walked away from her as if she was suddenly nothing. He wouldn’t force her yet, but he did love to torment her. Her breathing revealed more fear than passion, and Rodrigo found that even more enticing. He poured them both a glass of Midnight and returned to her where she stood. Handing her the glass, he smiled. "Do not play the innocent with me, Donatella, your reputation precedes you. You are known to be a devilish dish in the bedroom."

He raised his glass to her and drank the Midnight straight down. Walking to the door, he spun on his heels. "Tonight, I shall let you rest, my pet. We will have many nights to entertain each other in many fashions. I will send Giada back to you. I suggest you rest well." He walked out, closing the door firmly behind him. His wicked laughter could be heard throughout the floor of the palazzo as he made his way back to his room.

Dona sobbed as she listened to his laughter echo in the hallway. Giada entered, ignoring her distress, as she made her way to the bathroom, and started running the hot water in the tub, filling it with the expensive oils. "Your bath is ready, mistress."