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
Alessandro's POV.I got to my room, but I couldn't stop thinking about everything that had happened. Anything concerning Sophia refused to release its hold on my mind. I kept trying to convince myself, over and over, that I wasn't wrong in punishing her. But a part of me kept doubting it.She seemed almost too innocent, too naive, to attempt poisoning me. Besides, it would have been a foolish move, with so many risks involved. Why would she take such a risk?And where did she even get the poison she supposedly used? She was visibly shaken by what had happened with Micheal's men. I had saved her, and she'd seemed genuinely grateful until she had to ruin it with that sharp little mouth of hers.Poisoning me somewhat made no sense, but no one else had entered the kitchen when she was there. I even recalled her mentioning something about allergies, but I hadn't taken the time to verify anything with my doctor after hearing it was food poisoning. I simply dismissed him."Fuck!" I cursed,
Sophia's POV. My cheeks grew hot at his question. How could he ask something like that?"Answer me," He growled, taking his thumb down my throat.I swallowed hard, my body still shuddering from the intense orgasm. I had never experienced anything like it, and yet, with his presence, I could feel my body heating up again.Why was he doing this, especially after almost killing me earlier? He seemed so irritated at the sight of me this morning. "I...don't know," I stuttered, my lips quivering. "I have...never..." "You've never sucked a man's cock before?" He smirked, clearly amused. "So, mine will be your first.""Yes..."I stammered. "And it'll be your last," He said coldly, his words sending chills down my spine. I couldn't understand him. One moment, he was drawing me into this intense pleasure and the next, he was threatening me. Why was he so confusing?He unzipped his trousers, letting them slide down to his thighs. My eyes widened as I saw his hardness through his boxers. It l
Sophia's POV."Yes, my name is Micheal, and like an angel, I'm here to save you," He uttered, his voice lacing with mischief.My eyebrows furrowed in suspicion."Micheal..." I muttered, finding the name a bit familiar. But I couldn't recall where I had heard it. "I don't know anyone named Micheal. I think you've got the wrong number," I said nervously and tried to hang up."Sophia," His voice boomed through the phone's speaker. "I know you're suspicious and nervous that someone is suddenly offering help. But I genuinely have a way to save you from the hell you're experiencing.""I know what Alessandro is putting you through. That man is a monster," He said, spite dripping from his voice."How do you know Alessandro?" I questioned, refusing to let my guard down."I am a victim of his evil. I know the horrible things he's capable of," The man replied, his voice shaking with anger. "What...did he do to you?" I stammered."He...he killed the love of my life," He revealed, sending shiver
Sophia's POV.A chill ran through my spine at the sound of his voice. When did he get into my room? Why was he even here?"I asked a question," His cold voice resounded, his approaching footsteps now audible.I removed the phone from my ear, quickly swiping the number and deleting it. My fingers fumbled slightly, but I managed to get rid of it in time. I hoped he hadn't seen or heard anything. I turned to him, and his tall, muscular body towered over me. His piercing gaze made my throat tighten. He was so close that I could feel my heart hammering in my chest and sweat forming on my skin. "I...was talking to...a friend," I lied, my voice shaking and unconvincing. "A friend?" Alessandro scoffed, his voice filled with doubt. "Whose phone is that?" I glanced down at the phone in my hand, and stuttered, "It's one of the maid's. But I'm not going to tell you who lent it to me." "What friend were you talking to? And what were you talking about?" His sharp tone made my stomach churn. I
Alessandro's POV.As I left Sophia's room, I paused outside her door, staring.I was certain I'd heard her say Micheal's name. And the only Micheal I knew was that fool who's been a thorn in my side for years. Her excuse about calling a friend was nothing more than a weak cover.Why else would she and Micheal be in contact unless they were plotting against me? Was it revenge for everything I had done to her? Or had he convinced her to help him take me down? A bitter thought suddenly crossed my mind. Had everything that happened at the mall been an elaborate act?With a sharp sigh, I pushed my thoughts aside and headed for the mansion through the back door. My mind raced with questions as I walked. Was she planning to betray me again? How far was Micheal willing to go to see me fall?As I stepped into the house, I spotted Mary stepping out of the elevator."Alessandro, where have you been?" She questioned, her voice tinged with concern. "I just came from your office."We must hav
Alessandro's POV.My fists clenched at her response. I shouldn't be surprised, but I thought that her innocent face wasn't just a front—that she was truly honest."Damn her. I'm going to kill her," I sneered, my hand reaching the door."Yes, I want to poison him," her voice echoed suddenly, shaky. "But I can't. I won't." Her words made me pause, my grip tightening on the door as I listened. "He's been awful to me, to a lot of people. I understand that he deserves to die, but I can't make that decision.""Why? Your little conscience can't withstand the death of that monster?" Micheal retorted, his voice sharp. "Yes!" She snapped, her voice trembling. "I can't bear taking a life. What would make me different from him?""Sophia," Micheal began, his tone almost pitying. "I was once like you. I was scared of challenging him, but when he ended the life of my lover, I lost every bit of—""Micheal, stop..." She interrupted softly, silencing him. "I'm sorry about what happened to your love
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