Chapter one - The kidnapping

_Emilia's POV_

I stepped out of the coffee shop, sipping on a latte and checking my phone for any messages. It was a typical Wednesday morning, with the sun shining down on the bustling streets of New York City.

As I walked down the sidewalk, I noticed a black SUV parked by the curb. The tinted windows made it impossible to see inside, but something about the vehicle seemed out of place.

Suddenly, the door slid open, and two men in suits stepped out. They were big and imposing, with a menacing air about them.

"Emilia Rossini," one of them said, his voice firm and commanding. "You're coming with us."

I felt a surge of fear as I realized what was happening. I tried to run, but the men were too quick. They grabbed me, holding me in a tight grip as they dragged me towards the SUV.

I struggled and kicked, but it was no use. I was thrown into the vehicle, the door slamming shut behind me.

As the SUV sped away from the curb, I caught a glimpse of the coffee shop disappearing into the distance. I was trapped, with no idea where I was being taken or why.

The men in suits sat on either side of me, their faces expressionless. I tried to speak, but they just ignored me.

It wasn't until we reached the outskirts of the city that the SUV finally stopped. The door opened, and I was pulled out into the bright sunlight.

We were standing in front of a lavish estate, with manicured lawns and a sprawling mansion. I had no idea where I was or who owned this place.

But as I looked up at the mansion, I saw a figure standing on the balcony. He was tall and imposing, with piercing eyes that seemed to bore into my soul.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as our eyes met. I knew, in that moment, that I was in grave danger.

The figure on the balcony was Marco De Luca, the ruthless Mafia don. And I was his captive.

_Emilia's POV_

I was dragged towards the mansion, my feet stumbling on the gravel driveway. The men in suits held me firmly, their grip unyielding.

As we approached the entrance, the massive wooden doors swung open, revealing a grand foyer with a sweeping staircase. The interior was opulent, with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and lavish artwork adorning the walls.

I was pulled through the foyer, down a long corridor lined with doors. We stopped in front of a set of double doors, which swung open to reveal a spacious study.

Marco De Luca stood behind the desk, his eyes fixed intently on me. He was even more imposing up close, with a commanding presence that seemed to fill the room.

"Welcome, Emilia," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I'm glad you could join me."

I tried to speak, but my voice caught in my throat. Marco's gaze seemed to bore into my soul, making me feel vulnerable and exposed.

The men in suits released their grip on my arms, and I stumbled forward, my eyes fixed on Marco.

"What do you want from me?" I managed to stammer.

Marco smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, Emilia. You're going to be staying here with me for a while. Let's just say you're... insurance."

I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized the true nature of my captivity. I was a pawn in Marco's game, a means to an end.

But as I looked into his eyes, I saw something there that gave me pause. A flicker of curiosity, perhaps, or a glimmer of interest.

It was a small spark, but it was enough to make me wonder if there was more to Marco De Luca than met the eye.