Sophia's POV.I was shocked when his hands wrapped around me. I wasn't supposed to be hugging him either, but I was overwhelmed with emotions.I stopped crying for a moment, and looked up at him, "Did you just hug me back?"His eyes deemed slightly, as if he'd realized an error."That wasn't a hug. I just wanted you to stop crying," He responded, his voice holding a strain of warmth in it. I couldn't tell if Alessandro was showing me another side of himself, or if I was just imagining things. "You wanted me to stop crying?" I repeated, a bit shocked. "Stop giving me that look," He snapped. "I don't care if you cry from now until the second coming of Christ. I hate it when people whine. I just wanted you to shut it!" His tone was harsh.I felt offended by his response especially since it was his fault, I almost got killed. But part of me wanted to believe that he comforted me because there was still a bit of humanity in him.I wanted to thank him for still coming to save me. He cou
Alessandro's POV."Please...don't hurt me," She pleaded, her voice trembling as I ensured her wrists were fastened securely behind her.I was well aware of the kind of man I was, a ruthless one, but I didn't need constant reminders of it. Her pleas, however, wouldn't change anything. I hated defiance, and I wasn't about to let her feel special because I had chosen to save her. With one hand, I held her head down against the table, lifting her dress above her waist. Then I pulled down her panties, revealing her love-shaped ass.My cock throbbed at the sight of it. Her skin was so flawless, and her shapely figure only seemed to taunt me. Without another thought, I slapped my hand against her ass."Ahh!" She gasped sharply, her body jerking forward at the sting.I repeated the slap, feeling an intense satisfaction as her soft cry filled the room. The way her cheeks responded to each strike made me want to continue."This is for your defiance!" I growled, giving her another hard slap.S
Sophia's POV.I had been standing in front of the mirror a while after crying for hours on my bed. The bold fingerprints on my asscheeks and sting that came with them caused more tears to form in my eyes."He's a devil," I sniffed, wiping away the tears that fell. "How could he do that to me?"I had never been spanked before, not even my father. How could he smack me so much?But that wasn't the worse part of the whole ordeal. The fact that i had an orgasm was terrible.How could I have such a throbbing orgasm in such a situation?"Sophia, what is happening to you?" I whispered to myself. "Why did you come? What does he think of you now?"He must see me as some desperate bitch, relishing the pain he inflicted. I should really hate him for hurting me, but deep down, I knew I wasn't hurt.I enjoyed every bit of it, there was this rush of heat in me when he smacked me for disrespecting him. Damn! My clit was throbbing at the thought of that moment."I'm so confused," I sighed. "I have to
Alessandro's POV.I glanced around, watching another set of people packing my drugs. Three groups of workers came at three different times of the day.The first group consisted of women who weren’t forced but volunteered for the job. The second group was not children, but weaker men. I had never involved children or teenagers in my dealings. I refused to let any child live the terrifying life I did.The third group was my most trusted men. They took over the night shifts due to previous attacks. The others were too vulnerable for the night."Keep moving or get a bullet in your head!" I snapped, slamming my hand on the table in front of me.I wasn’t joking. They knew better than to take my words lightly."You all have less work than the others in over fifty warehouses across the state, so I don’t expect any of you to be slow."I watched as the pace picked up, and they started working harder."There’ll be a reward for anyone who finishes their job first," I said genuinely.That was an e
Alessandro's POV. His grip tightened around my neck, and I could feel the air thinning in my lungs.Ale...ssandro,"I choked, tears slipping down my cheeks."How dare you..." He growled, blood splashing from his mouth. "You poisoned me."More tears filled my eyes at his words. I hadn't poisoned him. I only prepared the meal because Mary said it was his favorite. I was a bit excited while preparing it. I thought he loved it when he started eating, but then he kept vomiting blood."I...didn't poisoned you," I tried to cry out, but his hands choked me harder."You're lying..." He gasped, his words broken by ragged breaths. "If I'm going to die, you're dying with me."His grip tightened further, lifting me above my feet. I couldn't breathe. Every attempt to pry his hand away failed. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks. Was this how I was going to die, without seeing my father again? Suddenly, he released me, and I collapsed to the floor, coughing violently as I rubbed my hand around my neck
Sophia's POV.Terror gripped me at his words. My father was all I had, I couldn't let him get hurt. "No..." I whispered, barely able to breathe. "Please don't hurt my father. I'm begging you. He's all I have—""Enough!" Alessandro's voice cut through the air like ice. It was much colder and harsher than I'd ever heard.A chill ran through my spine and I felt my entire body shake, goosebumps spreading across my skin.I'd thought Alessandro's past actions were monstrous, but the man staring at me with his eyes empty of any emotion was far worse. "No one in more than two decades has ever tried the fucking stunt you pulled last night," He snarled, leaning close. "You've got nerve, Sophia. But I'll make you regret every part of your plan!"Tears streamed down my cheeks, "There was no plan...I didn't want to harm you. I could never think of hurting anyone.""Really?" He scoffed. "How can I believe the words of a desperate woman? You've tried everything to seduce me...and when that didn't
Sophia's POV.The only response I got was my echoing voice in the room."Alessandro," I cried softly, banging my hand on the door.I glanced around the room and could tell that it was empty. The way my voice echoed made it obvious, and when I attempted to walk around, there were no obstructions like furniture."I already told him the truth. Why does he keep punishing me like this?" I cried, running my fingers along the wall.The wall felt decayed, I could feel bits of debris."There's no window here," I murmured, clutching my chest. "How am I going to breathe when the oxygen runs out? I thought Mary was going to talk to him.""Why has he done worse to me?" I questioned, my heart sinking to my stomach. "If he's doing this to me, does that mean he has hurt my father too?""No," I panicked, rushing back to the door. I began pounding my fists on it, but it wouldn't open. "Alessandro, please...open the door," I begged."I can't stay here. Please stop doing this to me," I sobbed, my heart a
Alessandro's POV.She fell back instantly, her eyes, but then her hand reached out to me again.I could have resisted, but in a split second, I grabbed her hand, pulling her up."Ooh!" She whimpered, gripping my shirt with her other hand like her life depended on it.Her face flushed, her boobs pressed against me. Her chest heaved up and down with each heavy breath that escaped her lips. As she looked up at me, there were traces of tears in her eyes that made her look so innocent, and pure. For a moment, I felt worse than the devil for almost letting her fall. But I refused to fall a second time for her pretense.I released her harshly, pushing her away. She stumbled back, barely keeping herself from falling to the floor."Did you feel scared?" I asked, my tone icy. "How did it feel to have your life almost slip out of your hands?"That was how I had felt when every part of my gut twisted, and my lungs tightened, leaving me gasping for air. I'd never felt anything close to fear before
Sophia's POV. Days passed and Alessandro's condition had improved significantly. I was so happy that he was getting better.I was in the kitchen now, making a delicious meal for him. He had been dreading Sarah's drugged soups. He had tried to dissuade her from adding the medications to the soup, but she refused, saying it was the best way for him to take that kind of medicine.But yesterday, the medications ran out and he could finally eat normal food again."I could smell the sumptuous meal from far away," Alessandro's voice came as he stepped into the kitchen. "Well, I'm not making your favorite, but I promise it's going to be delicious," I replied, smiling widely. "Don't worry about your allergies, I avoided those spices." "Thank you," Alessandro said softly, slowly walking to me. It wasn't just his physique that had improved, but his attitude too. He wasn't cold or mean anymore. He wasn't grabbing me without my permission or acting so uncontrollably. I liked this side of him,
Sophia's POV. He nibbled on my lips, slowly deepening the kiss. He sucked my bottom lip softly, and then bit it gently. I gasped slightly, and he seized the opportunity to slip his tongue into my mouth.His tongue slowly explored every inch of my mouth. I moaned softly, as his tongue danced around my tongue, deepening the kiss.It wasn't as rough or aggressive as before. This kiss was tender, and so sweet. I loved every second of it, moaning with each movement his tongue made.I never knew he could kiss this gently. It was so pleasurable, and sweet.The way his fingers traced lines across my nape sent electrifying currents through me.I kissed him back, making our tongues tangle around each other. I savored his sweetness as it spread across my mouth."Mmm," I moaned between our lips.He parted the kiss, leaving me breathless. He took his hand to my lips, swiping his finger over my bottom lip."Thank you," he whispered, his lips curling into a smile.A gasp escaped my lips at the sigh
Sophia's POV. "What is happening?" I trembled, panic filling my voice. "Alessandro." I watched him convulse, shaking uncontrollably. An alarming sound blared, and before I could call for help, the doctor and Sarah rushed into the room. "Leave," Sarah thundered. The damp cloth in my hand slipped to the floor, and I dashed out of the room. As I got outside, I burst into tears, every part of me trembling. "What have I done?" I cried loudly. "What was I thinking when I kissed him?" I recalled how his heartbeat was dropping so fast, and great fear gripped my heart. What if something happened to him? I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. "Alessandro, please don't die," I cried, my shoulders trembling. "O God, let nothing happen to him." I began pacing back and forth in the hallway, guilt clawing at my heart. Fresh tears flooded my cheeks as I imagined the worst. I shouldn't have done more than just cleaning him. I couldn't resist touching him. I missed hearing his voice
Sophia's POV. "What?" I gasped in shock. "Did you just say a few days?" I asked wondering if I heard wrong."His situation is critical, and unfortunately, he wasn't given the right medical care he needed," the doctor reported."This isn't good. We can't lose Alessandro," Mary muttered, panic evident in her voice."What can be done to save him?" I asked, tears slipping down my cheeks. "Alessandro is important to the people here. If he dies, we'll all be vulnerable to attack.""I have done my best," the doctor said with a resigned tone. "There's nothing more I can do. We just have to be optimistic and wait to see how things turn out. If he recovers, then, great. But if his health deteriorates, then—" "Don't say it," Mary interrupted sharply, shaking her head. "Please..." She staggered slightly, but I was able to steady her. "Mary, are you okay?" I inquired, helping her into a chair. "Mary, how are you feeling?" the doctor asked, checking her vitals. "Does your head hurt?""This is
Sophia's POV. I was horrified by what I saw. Alessandro was covered in blood, his face and body bruised, his clothes shredded and dripping with blood. "All of you get out!" one of the men growled, causing the maids to scatter. "This can't be Alessandro," I sobbed. "Is this him?" They ignored me and rushed to the elevator. I tried to follow them, but the elevator doors closed before I could reach them. "No," I panicked, fresh tears streaming down my face. "Sophia," Mary called, stepping to my side. "Mary that can't be Alessandro. Tell me it's someone else." I urged, my heart racing wildly in fear. That person looked dead. There was too much blood and injuries. It seemed hopeless. "It's him," Mary replied abruptly. "What?" I gasped, shock rippling through my veins. "No..no...Mary..." "It's him," her voice trembled this time, tears filling her eyes. "I had never seen him so vulnerable before. He spoke a bit, but his words weren't very coherent." "What did he say?" I sni
Sophia's POV."Sophia, this is a great opportunity for us to have our lives back," My father said, his voice filled with hope. "We can go to another country and lay low for a while if he returns." "I...don't know," I stuttered, my hands nervously clenching the side of my dress. "Sophia, this may be the only chance at happiness we'll ever get," he urged, his voice growing more insistent. "Let's take it and move on."The idea of returning to a normal life sounded so appealing. I could finally sketch, paint, and live without any restraints or fear. I could finally exhibit my works again like I had always done. Most of all, I could spend uninterrupted, happy moments with my father.I would be far away from the killings, blood, abuse—and Alessandro. But that was the problem. After spending almost two months with him, I couldn't imagine my life without him.I knew it sounded crazy because I had always wanted to escape him. Was this Stockholm syndrome? I had no idea."Sophia," my father ca
Sophia's POV. "Alessandro," I called out but there were only more gunshots rippling through the air."What is happening?" I panicked, my heart racing wildly in my chest. "Did he get attacked? Did he get shot? Why did he say those words?"My heart raced, worry gripping me."Did Rita's family attack him? He said they weren't happy about what happened to those devils?" I said through my clenched teeth. "Oh no."I rushed out of my room and went downstairs. I got to the kitchen but Mary wasn't there. I ran over to the maids' quarters and found her in their kitchen."Mary!" I called, rushing toward her."Slow down," she gasped, holding me before I fell forward. "What is the problem?""Alessandro," I muttered, my breaths ragged. "I think he was shot. We were on the phone when...when...""Sophia, take a deep breath," Mary suggested. "I truly get what you're saying, please calm down."After I took a few breaths, she asked, "What happened to Alessandro?""I don't know...exactly what happened,
Alessandro's POV.I hastened my steps to the garage, and once I got into my car, I let out a heavy sigh.Why was she trying to get close to me again? Didn't she tell me to give her space? She was starting to confuse me. Her complex behaviors were messing with my mind.I leaned back in my seat, shaking my head at the memory. However, I couldn't help but feel like an idiot for declining her offer to watch a movie. She asked twice and I failed to read between the lines."Damn it," I cursed, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "I think I've lost my chance to start something with her," A bitter chuckle escaped me. "But maybe it's for the best. Being celibate for a while hasn't been that bad."I was about to start my car when my phone buzzed. I answered through my air pod."Yes?""Boss, it's Jared," his voice came through. "I'm calling to remind you that we're heading to the new site together. I'm outside, waiting.""I didn't forget, I'll be there in a few minutes," I muttered, ending the
Sophia's POV."Open up," Alessandro urged, bringing the bowl closer to my lips.I reluctantly parted my lips and took a sip of the 'potion'. The bitterness that shot through my tongue was unbearable."Fuck!" I cursed, spitting it out. "This is disgusting. Why is it so bitter?""It's the leaves I used," he answered calmly, urging me to drink more. "Take some more. It won't work if you just take a sip.""Are you sure this isn't going to worsen my cramps or send me to the great beyond? Because this is awful," I spat, clear irritation in my voice."Do you want the pain to persist or not?" he asked, his tone serious, his piercing gaze fixed on me. I clutched my stomach and shook my head."No," I whimpered, hating how helpless I sounded. "Then try to drink it. I understand that it's bitter and uncomfortable, but it'll help you relax and get better sleep," Alessandro whispered, his voice softer now. "Alright," I muttered with a resigned sigh and took the bowl from him. "God help me."I cl