Chapter 3

Dante

"Enzo, you know how I operate my business. I don't compromise. It's either they give the bag or lose their bag," I warned. Out of all the people I work with, Enzo should be the one not to question me when I start an operation.

"But boss, I got information that the Black Eagle is trying to raise a much higher bid in the competitive market," Enzo countered.

"Damn Enzo! Do I need to be telling you what to do? I don't care what they're bidding. What I want is the result. Get the items on board. I will deal with Paolo myself," I ended the call and threw the phone on the desk. I stuffed my hand into my pocket as I gazed at the bustling city of New York through my study room window.

I found myself stretching my muscles and closing my eyes as my brain brought up the image of Kate's soft hands squeezing mine. I know my fantasy imagination should be on Chloe. I don't sleep with the same woman twice, but Chloe's case was different. She knows how to skillfully give me the damn pleasure.

"She knows I won't go beyond fucking her, yet she kept coming back. She kept coming back for the sex and the money," I muttered to myself, recalling our encounters.

My dick went rock hard just by her touching my hand. She thought she had gotten away because I didn't do anything to her. By the time I fuck the life out of her pussy, she'd come begging me for more. And I intend to make that happen soon.

A hiss left my lips when my shaft bulged inside my pants. "Fuck!" I hissed out again and reached for the glass of beer on my desk. I gulped it down in one go.

A knock sounded from the door followed by Arthur holding Aria in his arms. "Daddy!" Aria exclaimed in her velvety voice.

I gave Arthur a look which he knew what it meant. I always tell him when to show up and not to show up with Aria. Not when I'm in my study room. But then again, I can't get angry at the man. Arthur has been with my family ever since I was a kid. I still remember the day my father brought him to the mansion when I was ten. Since then, he has been part of my family. I thought he'd leave after the catastrophe that befell my family, but Arthur proves to be a loyal man.

"He's the second person I can tolerate after my daughter. Apart from that, no one dares to defy my words and go scot-free," I thought to myself, acknowledging Arthur's loyalty.

Arthur put her down, and Aria ran up to me. I scooped her in my arms. "That's my girl," I smiled, pinching the bridge of her nose lightly.

"Did my baby have a good sleep?"

She nodded her head. "Yes, daddy. When is Mommy coming back?" The smile on my face immediately faded. Arthur and I exchanged looks.

"Aria, my dear, let's go introduce you to your new nanny," Arthur said as he moved forward to take her from my arms.

"No. I want to stay with Daddy," Aria protested as Arthur walked away with her.

"Arthur," I called out as he was about to open the door.

He turned around. "Send Kate over." He nodded his head and then exited the room.

I slumped down in the chair and rubbed my fingers over my temples. I think it's high time I tell Aria the truth about her mom. I can't keep hiding it from her. Although I had been fine taking care of my daughter on my own. I still remember the day vividly. The day that changed my life. The day that made me who I am today.

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." Those words are my motivation and what keeps me going. I trust nobody. Likewise, myself. Anything can happen in the cruel world we live in. It doesn't matter whether rich or poor. Healthy or sick. Man or woman. They all put on a fake façade.

I had learned the hard way after that incident. I would be a fool if I ever trusted a woman again. I poured myself another glass and took a sip. I pulled open one of the drawers and brought out my pills. I chewed on it and rested my head back, closing my eyes.

The sudden knock on the door jolted my eyes open. "Come in," I hoarsed out.

The door opened to Kate's face. Her eyes darted around the room. "No one is going to strangle you," I said, moving my back away from the chair.

I could see her nervousness from the way her hands were clenched by her side. "Have a seat," I gestured.

I fished out the document I prepared for her employment. I had seen far worse maids who pretend to be after the job. In the end, they either steal or try to get into my pants. Kate isn't an exception. I didn't take much action in the past, but it's going to change this time around. She messes up, she faces the consequences. A harsh one at that.

I dropped the white paper in front of her. "Go through it. I have already signed my part," I said, placing a pen by the side of the paper.

I watched as she scanned the agreement terms, her brows creasing in confusion. "I don't understand this agreement," she said, looking up at me.

"I'm very much sure everything that was written there is in English."

"But I'm neither a thief nor a gold digger," she spoke.

My lips curved up. "Time will tell, Miss Kate. Your attitude isn't written on your forehead. If you're okay with everything, you can sign and probably start your job." I gestured to the pen. She hesitated for a moment before reaching for the pen.

"Go on. I'm sure your blood is boiling seeing the amount you'd be paid for your job."

"Not everything is about money, Mr. Dante." I saw a glimpse of determination in her eyes.

"Sex and money, that's all you have to give to a woman to succumb and fall at your feet." Something flashed in her eyes. Like anger.

I continued enjoying the little conversation we were having. "There are certain things I need to address before you start," I said just when she had scribbled her signature on the contract.

"What things?" She asked passing the paper over to me.

I adjusted my sitting position. "You will undergo training for two days first before you start taking care of my daughter."

I didn't miss the chuckle that escaped her lips. "Why would I undergo training just to be a nanny?"

"I don't trust you." The words slipped out of my mouth faster than I had planned to let them out.

"I don't trust you either," she threw back with a roll of her eyes. She's interesting. And smart if I might add.

"It's settled then. At least we know what we both have in common."

Silence prevailed as we ventured into staring at each other.

Her eyes. There was something in her eyes that spoke volumes. Something beyond what she was showing. I released a sigh and intertwined my hands over the desk. "So... Arthur will be your coach. He'd coach you on all there is to know about Aria. From her likes, dislikes, allergies. All of it." If there should be something I don't joke around with, it is Aria's happiness and safety. She's my number one priority.

I could swear I saw a line of frustration over her face, but she was quick in masking it up with a smile. "That shouldn't be a problem. I've already signed the agreement, which means I can tolerate anything. So, if you don't have anything to say, I would like to take my leave. The sooner I start my classes, the better." She said through gritted teeth while lifting her body off the chair. My eyes didn't fail to stare at her long legs. I wonder how smooth her pussy will be underneath.

"Damn Dante! Pull your shit together!" My eyes feed itself with the sight of her ass as she turned to leave. She has a perfect round ass for a young lady. "Wait," I said, stopping her in her tracks.

"What now, Mr. Dante?" She was holding her anger but I enjoyed being in control.

"You have a pretty ass there." Her eyes widened not expecting such a comment from me.

"I guess I need to address some certain rules to you too," she said and suddenly began marching back. I got off my chair, rounded to the front of the desk, and sat on the edge, folding my arms across my chest. "Fill me in," I spoke.

She stopped in front of me, maintaining a reasonable distance between us. But even at that, I could feel my shaft twitching inside my pants. Damn!

"First of all, I'm not a slut. I know what I'm here for. Secondly, I would like we maintain a professional relationship. As employer and employee."

"Oh really? What if you start sex fantasizing over me? You know... I'm a well-built man. You can't resist the temptation. One touch from me and your pussy will be dripping with pleasure." What I said wasn't a lie. It was the truth and fact. A touch from me brings a woman to her knees and wants more.

Her lips parted as if she was about to say something but closed it back. I got off the desk, the remaining distance between us closing in.

In one swift motion, I snaked my hand around her pretty round ass and pulled her towards me. The next thing I did didn't only shock her, it also made her emit a sound. A moan.