Chapter three - The rules of the game

_Emilia's POV_

I spent the rest of the day exploring my new surroundings, trying to get a feel for the layout of the estate. I discovered a beautiful garden, a private movie theater, and even a swimming pool.

But despite the luxuries, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was trapped. Marco's words kept echoing in my mind: "You'll be safe here. I promise you that."

Safe? I didn't feel safe. I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't understand.

As the sun began to set, I heard a knock at the door. I opened it to find a woman standing in the hallway, carrying a tray of food.

"Dinner, Miss Rossini," she said, smiling. "Mr. De Luca thought you might be hungry."

I took the tray from her, feeling a pang of gratitude. "Thank you," I said. "What's your name?"

"I'm Maria," she replied. "I'll be taking care of you during your stay."

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief. Maybe having Maria around would make this whole experience more bearable.

As I ate my dinner, I couldn't help but wonder what the rules of the game were. What did Marco expect from me? And how could I use this situation to my advantage?

I decided to do some digging, to see if I could uncover any information about Marco's plans. I started by questioning Maria, trying to get her to open up about the inner workings of the estate.

But Maria was tight-lipped, refusing to divulge any secrets. I realized that I would have to find other ways to gather information.

As I finished my dinner, I heard the sound of footsteps outside my door. I looked up to see Marco standing in the doorway, a look of amusement on his face.

"I see you're settling in," he said, his eyes roving over the room. "I'm glad to see that."

I felt a surge of anger, but I pushed it down, trying to stay calm. "What do you want, Marco?" I asked, trying to sound neutral.

Marco smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I want to show you something," he said. "Follow me."

I hesitated for a moment, wondering what Marco had in store for me. But my curiosity got the better of me, and I followed him out of the room, into the unknown.

We walked through the winding corridors of the estate, eventually arriving at a large wooden door. Marco produced a key and unlocked the door, revealing a spacious room filled with books and papers.

"This is my study," Marco said, gesturing for me to enter. "I spend a lot of time in here, working on my... business ventures."

I walked into the room, my eyes scanning the shelves. There were books on every subject imaginable, from history to science to philosophy.

Marco walked over to a large desk, pulling out a chair for me to sit in. "I want to show you something," he said, his eyes glinting with excitement.

He pulled out a small box from his pocket, opening it to reveal a beautiful silver necklace. The pendant was shaped like a snake, its eyes glinting with diamonds.

"This is for you," Marco said, his voice low and smooth. "A welcome gift, of sorts."

I felt a surge of surprise, unsure of what to say. "Thank you," I stammered, trying to sound grateful.

Marco smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You're welcome, Emilia," he said. "I think you'll find that this necklace is more than just a pretty trinket. It's a symbol of our... arrangement."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as Marco's eyes locked onto mine. What did he mean by "arrangement"? And what did this necklace have to do with it?

I tried to ask him, but Marco just smiled and leaned forward, his lips brushing against my ear.

"All in good time, Emilia, he whispered" all in good time" 

_Emilia's POV_

I felt a shiver run down my spine as Marco's warm breath caressed my ear. His words sent a thrill of anticipation through me, and I couldn't help but wonder what he meant.

As I pulled back, Marco's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt like I was drowning in their depths. The necklace, still clutched in his hand, seemed to gleam with an otherworldly light.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Marco's smile grew wider, and he leaned back in his chair. "The necklace, Emilia, is more than just a pretty trinket. It's a symbol of our... arrangement."

I frowned, feeling a sense of unease. "What arrangement?"

Marco chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, Emilia. You're so innocent. The arrangement, my dear, is between you and me. You see, this necklace is a... token, of sorts. A reminder of the debt your father owes me."

I felt a surge of anger, but Marco continued before I could interrupt.

"The necklace is also a... tracking device, of sorts. It allows me to keep tabs on you, to make sure you're safe."

I felt a chill run down my spine as Marco's words sank in. The necklace was more than just a pretty trinket – it was a constant reminder of my captivity.

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Marco leaned forward, his eyes locking onto mine. "Because, Emilia, I want you to understand the rules of the game. You see, I'm not just a ruthless Mafia don. I'm also a man of my word. And I promise you, Emilia, that as long as you wear this necklace, you'll be safe."

I felt a surge of skepticism, but Marco's words were laced with a sincerity that made me wonder.

"What do you want from me, Marco?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Marco's smile grew wider, and he leaned back in his chair. "Oh, Emilia. I want so many things from you. But for now, let's just say that I want you to... cooperate. Can you do that for me?"

I hesitated, feeling a sense of unease. What did Marco mean by "cooperate"? And what would happen if I refused?

As I looked into Marco's eyes, I knew that I had to tread carefully. The necklace was just the beginning – I had a feeling that Marco's true intentions were far more sinister.

"I'll cooperate," I said finally, trying to sound confident.

Marco's smile grew wider, and he leaned forward, his eyes glinting with excitement.

"I knew you'd see things my way, Emilia," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Now, let's get down to business. I have a few... requests to make of you."

I felt a surge of trepidation as Marco's words hung in the air. What did he want from me? And how far would I have to go to survive?

As I looked into Marco's eyes, I knew that I was in for a wild ride. And I wasn't sure if I'd make it out alive.

"What do you want me to do?" I asked, trying to sound brave.

Marco's smile grew wider, and he leaned back in his chair. "Oh, Emilia. I want you to attend a little party I'm hosting tonight. It's a... business dinner, of sorts. And I want you to be my guest."

I felt a surge of surprise. A party? What kind of party?

"What kind of party?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

Marco's eyes glinted with amusement. "Oh, Emilia. It's just a little gathering of some of my... associates. Nothing too exciting, I promise."

I wasn't sure if I believed him, but I knew I had to play along. For now, at least.

"Okay," I said finally, trying to sound confident. "I'll attend your party."

Marco's smile grew wider, and he leaned forward, his eyes glinting with excitement.

"I knew you'd see things my way, Emilia," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Now, let's get ready for the party. We have a lot to prepare for."

As Marco stood up, I felt a surge of trepidation. What was I getting myself into? And how would I survive the night ahead?