Chapter 60ALESSIA I thought I was doing the right thing by helping him, but now I questioned if it was worth it. Maybe I misunderstood that look in his eyes, those devilish green eyes that said different things all at once. For a moment there, I had thought I saw a vulnerability in him, but how mistaken I was, because at the end of it all, I was the vulnerable one. I mean, was he not the great Russel Mancini? He always had things under control, even people, including me. And again, I made a fool out of myself in front of him and his brothers. What is wrong with me? Why couldn't I just be normal? Oh please, I scoffed miserably, how did I think I was going to have a normal life after signing my life away. Renzo was right after all. Oh how I miss him! I miss Elletra, I miss my mum! Maybe I miss my simple life at the bar. My chest suddenly felt dry and my throat constricted because of all the crying I had done. I can't believe I was allowing that stupid jerk to get into my emotions
Chapter 61ALESSIA His closeness was suffocating, his scent overwhelming as he loomed over me, a towering presence that seemed to consume the room. Every fiber of my being screamed at me to push him away, to run from his smoldering gaze– and I tried. But there was really no escaping him. His lips curled into a predatory smirk, sending a shiver down my spine. "Prison might be a bit too harsh," he said, his voice low and husky, sending tendrils of desire snaking through my veins. "But I could think of a few other ways to keep you in line.”Oh God, not today. I couldn't tear my eyes away from his, the raw power and dominance emanating from him like a palpable force. It was intoxicating, terrifying, and strangely thrilling all at once."You know, now that I think about it, we still have twenty-nine more days until our deal is done." My throat suddenly went dry again, "Twenty-nine days?! I've been here for over a week!” “And I've only fucked you twice,” he reminded casually. “And h
Chapter 62RUSSEL ~~~°~~~TWO DAYS LATERKegan handed me a glass of wine then took his place beside me. He was saying something, but I was too distracted to pay attention. The hall was filled to the brim, an indication that people will always be available to witness the grandeur of our world.Feeling a tap on my shoulder, I turned to meet Kegan's concerned gaze. "You seem distracted. What's wrong?" “She's still not here,” I replied absentmindedly, “I’ll kill her if—““Chill,” Kegan countered, glancing at his phone, “Luca already informed me that Melissa is helping her get ready. They'll be here in no time.” He glanced to the VIP seat, “Besides, our man is not here yet.”“What the heck is taking her so long? We need to ensure she remembers everything she’s supposed to say and do.”“Don't stress, you know she's not used to these things.” There was a sudden note of interest in his voice when he spoke again, “I'm still trying to figure out how you managed to convince her to agree to do i
Chapter 63ALESSIAThe plan was simple, but the task was not.I returned to the hall, still feeling giddy from Russel's kiss and the adrenaline pumping in my veins like I was a death row inmate. I took a seat on the special chair reserved for me and scanned the room, trying to figure out the nearest exits and counting the hardest, most dangerous faces.I took in the luxurious scenery of the hall and couldn't help but wonder how Russel managed to pull off such a feat in the blink of an eye. It took only a phone call; I had heard them plan the whole thing over the last two days. It goes to show just how much power and control Russel has in this world.After he left my room that night, he had gone back to his study to put some plans in place. I couldn't sleep, so I spent the remaining hours with Melissa, trying to get as much information on mafia parties as possible.I had to do it. Or he would kill me; he made it clear.And now here I am.I knew there was no avoiding the task, so I put m
Chapter 64RUSSEL“The fuck are they still talking about for so long?” I spoke into the earbuds. “She's trying to get him to try it,” Kegan responded. He was the only one listening on Allesia's conversation with Sergio, “But they'll be coming towards you in three… two… one.” I glanced up and found Sergio leading Allesia towards the VIP, “Bloody hell! This is not working.”“Act cool.” Kegan warned, “Don't let your jealousy spoil this for us.”I hissed through gritted teeth, “Knock yourself out. If he pisses me off too much, that nosy officer will have to pick the pieces of Sergio’s flesh from this floor.” “Russel–” I disconnected the earbud before Kegan could complete the warning, then I lit my cigar and watched them approach.Sergio's lecherous gaze lingered on Allesia, and I fought to keep my expression neutral as a wave of anger surged through me. But I couldn't afford to betray any hint of concern, not with his suspicious eyes scanning my face.Reaching me with a calculating gle
Chapter 65ALLESIAI slipped out of the crowded VIP area, dragging the suitcase with me. I needed to cough badly, the adrenaline coursing through my veins was almost suffocating. My emotions were high, a desperate mixture of relief and fear swirling in my chest.I had pulled off the impossible, but at what cost?My steps quickened as I made my way through the dimly lit corridors of the club, my heart pounding in my ears. I was afraid I would die of an overdose, if the coke doesn’t kill me, then the Ketamine certainly would.Perhaps it was better to die peacefully on a bed in Russel’s estate than to have an old man blow my brains out in a club? It was still a wonder to me that I was still walking, that I was able to sniff that much coke without dying.Every nerve in my body was on edge, the effects of the drugs I had ingested beginning to take hold. The world seemed to warp and shift around me as I hurried through the hall, lights flickering like distant stars in a hazy night sky.I stu
Chapter 66ALLESIAI woke up with a splitting headache, the dull ache pounding in my temples like a relentless drumbeat. Blinking against the harsh light filtering through the room, I realized I was lying in my room at Russel’s house. But something was off. The sterile smell, the dizziness, the faint beeping of machines nearby—it all felt too clinical, too hospital-like.I was still in this state of confusion when the door creaked open and someone peeked through the crack. I had to squint and blink several times before I could tell it was Melissa. Just when I struggled to form the words to ask her why she was peeping, she raced back out of the room.My tired head fell back on the bed, and I blinked my heavy eyelids closed once again since the darkness was better. My body felt like all the bones had been torn out of my flesh by a grim reaper.Fucking hell. Was I dead?Once again, the door opened and Melissa peeked in, “If you run out once more, I swear I’m going to kill you.”She chuckl
Chapter 67ALLESIABy evening of the same day, I had freshened up, eaten and regained a great deal of my strength. Dr. Ramola came back to check on me before I could leave the room, she left a pile of medications and advised I stay away from drugs and alcohol as much as I could, although she knew that being around Russel, the chances were very unlikely. I had to apologize to Melissa because I felt shitty about the way I spoke to her earlier. Being Melissa, she readily forgave me and even promised to give me a tour around the garden outside Russel's office window later that evening so I could get fresh air while the maids clean my room; a tour I was desperately looking forward to as I descended the stairs now. Since Russel was off working, I didn't see him again after he left my room and I wasn’t thinking he’ll be back until late in the night. So Melissa had left me sleep the rest of the day away. Right now, I was walking down the stairs to the main parlor, hoping to find Melissa th