0005.

Sophia's POV.

The air around me grew thick with tension. My breath hitched, chills creeping down my spine with each passing second.

He tilted his head, his lips still inching closer to mine.

"Sophia..." The way he said my name sent twists of nerves to my stomach. "I have no time to waste."

His words snapped me out of the trance I'd fallen into, and I pushed his hand off my chin.

"I guess you aren't ready to do anything, afterall," He said, his voice hoarse and laced with irritation.

"No!" I blurted. "I mean that I'm..."

I trailed off, thinking about his request. He just wanted me to show him affection, right? I doubted someone as heartless as him could ever fall in love. This was just about seducing a man who was romantically deprived, nothing more. I'd seen plenty of romantic movies and imagined countless passionate scene, I also had some experience too. I could use that to pull this off.

Though I'd never seduced anyone before, I could perfect the task if it meant saving my father.

"I agree," I said, my eyes meeting with his intimidating gaze. "I'll seduce you and make you fall in love."

His lips curved into a hollow and devilish smirk.

"Perfect. The deal starts now," He said, his tone serious sending another chill down my spine. "Just know that if you fail to seduce me within that 60 days, It is over for your father."

A hard lump formed in my throat as his words echoed deep in my mind.

"During these 60 days, you'll be staying with me. You're free to do whatever you like, except for escaping or seek help from the authorities. If you try either, I'll slit..."

He paused, his fingers grazing my throat. My breath froze, and my eyes dilated at his touch.

"...this little throat of yours," He finished, his smirk growing darker.

I quickly looked away, fear overwhelming me.

"I won't fail," I let out a sharp breath. "I will seduce you before the 60 days are up. Don't underestimate me..."

Deep down, I was terrified of the man beside me. But I'd to put my fear aside, make him eat his words, and keep my father safe.

"You're pretty confident," He scoffed. "But overconfident people are usually the first to fail."

"Drive faster!" He barked at the driver.

"I need to pack my things since I'm staying with you," I said.

"No. Whatever you need will be provided for you at the mansion," He replied, not sparing me a glance.

I lowered my gaze in disappointment because I hoped to take a few things that held memories of my father.

"But—"

"Another thing I hate is objections. Don't make that mistake again, if you don't want my wrath, "He sneered, his darkened gaze shifting to me.

"I didn't want to question you..." I lied. "I just wanted to know your name."

"I need to know the name of the man I'm going to seduce, right?"

His eyes peered at me for a moment before he replied,

"My name is Alessandro."

"Alessandro," I repeated, his name rolling smoothly out of my mouth.

It was a beautiful name, but he didn't deserve it. This man was nothing but a monster. I just hoped—

My thoughts broke off as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes, lighting one up.

He smoked, too? What else would I expect from an unscrupulous monster like him? But I couldn't help but wonder what more he was capable of...especially to me.

___

As the car drove into the compound, the tinted windows rolled down. A bit of light hit my face and I squinted.

My mouth fell open as I beheld the dragon sculpture in the middle of a fountain. The gardens were filled with neatly trimmed grasses but had many dead flowers. It looked like the flowers had never been properly planted, more like they were used for aesthetics.

But rather than beauty, they gave an eerie sense of death. As I stuck my head out of the window, a dumbfounded gasp left my lips.

I had never seen such a gigantic mansion before. The black paint gave it a dark elegance. It perfectly matched its owner.

"Come out!" I heard Alessandro's growl.

I didn't even realize the car had stopped.

"Sorry," I mumbled, shakily stepping out of the car.

Alessandro began walking toward the mansion, and I followed. As we got inside, I was taken aback.

I had always loved art, but the decor of the sitting room was...unsettling. The furniture was predominantly red and luxurious. The staircase matched, the red-carpeted steps, and the chandelier and center table seemed to amplify this ominous color scheme.

I could only imagine how scary this place would be at night. The paintings on the walls had drawings of hearts, monsters, and hawks. It was overwhelming.

"Welcome sir," a feminine voice said, pulling my attention to a maid who stood with her head bowed.

An idea suddenly sprang into my mind. I didn't know if I could seduce Alessandro alone, with how scared I was of him. But I had to do everything I could for my father.

Sophia, time to put those amateur seduction skills to the test.

"Take this young lady the room next to mine, and ensure she doesn't do anything stupid," He said coldly to the maid.

"Yes sir."

As he was about to leave me, I suddenly jumped onto his huge body. He stumbled back, landing on the sofa as I fell across his chest.

I inhaled deeply, and lifted myself from him. He didn't say a word, only stared at me with something like curiosity in his eyes.

I knew it wouldn't be that hard to get him to fall for me.

"Excuse me sir," The maid said, leaving the sitting room.

With a deep breathe, I began roaming my hands all over his muscular and firm body. Though i was literally shaking, I had to be bold for my father, and besides, I had picked up some skills while dating my ex. That bastard.

Moving my hands to his trousers, I unbuckled his belt. He didn't do anything but kept watching me.

A smirk appeared on his lips as my fingers slipped the zip of trousers down. I thought I was finally making progress until he seized my wrists, flipping me onto the sofa beneath him.

I gasped as he pinned my hands above my head, his hand clasping my neck.

"You won't get me so easily..." He smirked.