Raffael’s eyes narrowed as he observed Chloe’s body language, the nervous shift in her stance that betrayed her confident facade. Something about her story felt wrong—off, even. He crossed his arms, his gaze cold and calculating as he watched her attempt to stand her ground. "So," he said slowly, letting each word drop heavily, "you were with me last night. And yet… you left without getting paid?" Chloe hesitated, her eyes flickering for just a moment. Then she put on a look of exaggerated innocence, hands clasped in front of her like some devoted, selfless saint. "I—I didn’t want to wake you, Mr. Raffael," she stammered, voice thick with artificial concern. "You looked so peaceful, and I… I was worried. You seemed like you needed rest." Raffael’s jaw clenched. "Worried? You expect me to believe you left out of some kind of noble sympathy?" He took a slow step closer to her, the skepticism clear in his voice. "Let me get this straight, Chloe. You saw me passed out and thought to
ERICA I trudged into the mansion early in the morning, every muscle in my body aching from another long, grueling night at the club. All I wanted was to crash into bed, shut out the world, and maybe get a few precious hours of sleep. But as I entered the living room, my steps slowed. Raffael and Clarissa were lounging on the sofa, and the second Clarissa spotted me, her eyes sparkled with malice. “Oh, look who’s finally crawling back,” she sneered, smirking. “Must be so proud of yourself, Erica. How does it feel, living like the trash you are?” I clenched my jaw and tried to walk past them, forcing myself to ignore her. I didn’t have the energy for this. But Clarissa wasn’t done. “Is that a bruise I see?” she mocked, laughing. “What, did you shake a little too hard for those desperate men throwing their pity cash at you?” I swallowed back my frustration, refusing to let her get under my skin. I’d dealt with worse. “Oh, don’t ignore me, Erica,” she drawled, her voice as sickly sw
ERICA I stepped back, my heart racing as Raffael advanced, his eyes blazing with anger. I could feel the cold press of the wall behind me, nowhere to go, nowhere to hide from the fury in his gaze. Before I could say anything, his hand shot out, gripping my throat with a pressure that made me gasp, every breath a struggle. “Good for nothing,” he spat, his face just inches from mine. “All week, and this is what you bring me? This pathetic little pile of change?” I struggled, my fingers reaching up to claw at his hand, but he held tight. My voice was hoarse as I forced out, “I’m not killing myself just to make more” “Goddamit! Were you born stupid or you just love to act stupid huh?!” Raffael growled, pounding his fist on the wall which filled me more with an intense fright. “I can’t do more than this Raffael! Should I force the men to give me money there? Should I put a gun on their head and force them to empty their accounts on me because I am trying to please you?” The words
ERICA I hadn’t even recovered from the shame and humiliation Raffael had put me through when Clarissa stormed in, fury in her eyes. She yanked me up from the ground with a painful grip, delivering a hard slap that took me by surprise and left me in total shock. “Clarissa…” I gasped, clutching the cheek she slapped. Another ear-splitting slap followed, her nails scratching my skin on impact. “How dare you!” Her lips curled in revulsion as she glared at me, my cheeks burning from the stinging pain of both slaps. Tears filled my eyes once again, my emotions a mixture of anger, pent-up frustration, and the sorrow I was drowning in. “Look at you! Filthy bastard! You had the nerve to go naked with my man, huh? Trying to seduce him?” Clarissa growled, gripping my hair and yanking my head back. I clutched her arm, gritting my teeth as I fought to free myself from her hold, but her grip was too tight. “Let me go, Clarissa! I didn’t do anything with your good-for-nothing man!” I’d had eno
ERICA Later that night, as I finally settled into the stillness of my room, exhaustion washed over me. My cheek still throbbed from Clarissa’s earlier slap, and the memory of my confrontation with her lingered, bringing a tight, unsteady ache in my chest. Just as I was about to close my eyes, my phone vibrated against the bedside table, jolting me from my thoughts. I glanced at the caller ID. It was my younger sister, Lilibeth. A surge of worry pulsed through me as I picked up. "Lilibeth?" "Erica," she whispered, her voice laced with tension. “I… I need to see you.” I could hear the quiver in her voice, as if she was holding back tears. “Lilibeth, what’s going on? Are you okay?” I asked with a fright, my mind conjuring the worsts situations my sister could be subjected to. “Not really,” she murmured, sniffling. “I… I just miss you so much. They’re keeping me here, Erica. I feel like a prisoner.” My heart twisted painfully. I knew “they” meant Raffael’s people. He was still keep
ERICA I had woken up early to prepare breakfast and clean the house so I’d have enough time to spend with my sister. I still couldn’t believe it! Raffael actually agreed to let my sister come see me, even after all the chaos yesterday. Of course, I knew it wasn’t without a price. He had made it clear—he wasn’t the type to give favors for free. I wondered what other games he had up his sleeve. Whatever the case, I would do my best to avoid him and Clarissa. It was noon now. The house was spotless, breakfast had been served hours ago, and I’d even prepared lunch, waiting for whenever Raffael and Clarissa decided they wanted to eat. As I sat in anticipation of Lilibeth’s arrival, the door to the living room opened, and Romano walked in, followed closely by my younger sister, Lilibeth. “Erica!” she squealed with joy, rushing past Romano to throw her arms around me in a tight hug. “Lily!” I hugged her back, feeling a warmth I hadn’t felt in a long time. “Oh, my heart,” I said, playf
RAFFAEL I slammed the door shut behind us, and Clarissa barely flinched. She crossed her arms and tried to look innocent, but I wasn’t buying it. “What the hell were you thinking?” I demanded, my voice low but edged with anger. She blinked at me, feigning innocence. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Don’t play dumb, Clarissa,” I snapped. “I know you were the one who started that mess with Erica and her sister. I had to support you out there, but don’t think for a second I didn’t notice what you were doing.” Her face twisted slightly, and then she let out a dramatic sigh, shrugging as if she’d been caught doing something trivial. “I just… I wanted to get back at Erica, okay?” she said, her tone edged with frustration. “She slapped me yesterday, Raffael. Slapped me. Do you know how humiliating that was?” “And dumping fruit over her sister’s head and slapping her back was supposed to solve that?” I took a step closer, glaring down at her. “Clarissa, that’s not getting back
Clarissa stormed into the house, slamming the door behind her with a frustrated huff. Her face was flushed with anger, her jaw set in a determined line. Mrs. Taylor Cutter, her mother, looked up from the magazine she’d been reading in the living room, her perfectly manicured eyebrows lifting in surprise. “Clarissa, what on earth has gotten into you?” she asked, setting her magazine down and giving her daughter a concerned look. Clarissa’s eyes narrowed, and she flopped dramatically onto the couch. “It’s Raffael, Mother,” she said, voice trembling with a mixture of sadness and fury. “I… I don’t even know what to do anymore.” Mrs. Cutter’s brow furrowed. “What has he done now?” Her voice was laced with irritation, though her gaze was sharp. She leaned forward, watching her daughter closely. Clarissa let out an exaggerated sigh, clutching a pillow to her chest as if to console herself. “He’s been ignoring me. He hardly even looks at me anymore, all because of… her,” she spat, pra
ERICA The tension in the air felt suffocating as I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling. It had been over thirty minutes since Raffael had ordered me upstairs, and I had obeyed like a scolded child. Now, thirst clawed at my throat, the dryness an excuse to leave this room that felt more like a prison with every passing second. But I hesitated. What if Raffael was still downstairs? He’d told me to go to my room, and I wasn’t sure how he’d react if he saw me wandering around. I hated the thought of facing him—his dark eyes filled with whatever storm brewed behind them. Still, I reasoned with myself, I couldn’t stay in here forever. It was just water. If he asked, I’d explain. Simple. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I opened the door and stepped into the dimly lit hallway. The house was quiet except for the faint hum of conversation coming from downstairs. As I walked cautiously, the murmur of voices grew louder. Passing by the door to Raffael’s study, I paused. The door
ERICA Days blurred into each other, heavy with an oppressive silence that seemed to cling to the walls of Raffael’s house. I spent most of my time holed up in the kitchen or my room, avoiding him whenever possible. It had been days since that night at the club, and I hadn’t seen much of him since. I should’ve been relieved. Grateful, even. But the memory of his touch lingered like an unwelcome ghost, refusing to fade. I hated myself for how easily I’d given in, for how my body had betrayed me in that moment. What’s wrong with you, Erica? I thought bitterly as I stirred a pot of marinara sauce on the stove. You’re supposed to be smarter than this. Stronger than this. I told myself I was lucky. Raffael had kept his distance, only appearing sporadically in the house, leaving me to my own devices. I prayed it would stay that way. The less I saw him, the better. I was just plating the pasta when I heard the sound of heavy footsteps behind me. My heart jumped, and I froze, gripping th
ERICA The dressing room smelled of cheap perfume and stale cigarettes. It wasn't a smell you ever got used to, no matter how long you worked here. My reflection in the mirror stared back at me, a hollow version of myself I barely recognized anymore. A week had passed since I was discharged from the hospital, and here I was, back to this. Back to dancing for men who saw me as nothing more than a fleeting fantasy. It was another long, soul-draining night. I adjusted the straps of my skimpy outfit, the sequins scratching against my skin. The music from the club thudded faintly through the walls, a relentless reminder of the world I had to step into. "Erica!" Ray, the club manager, poked his head into the dressing room. His face was pinched, his voice sharp as always. "Raffael sent for you.“ My stomach clenched. Raffael. Just hearing his name made my pulse race and my skin crawl with a confusing mix of fear and... something else I didn't want to name. Why would he send for me now
ERICAThe sterile scent of antiseptic stung my nose before my eyes even opened. Blinding white light flooded my vision as I blinked, the steady hum of a heart monitor filling the room. My throat felt dry, like sandpaper, and I swallowed, trying to remember what had happened.I had been kidnapped. Bound. Starved. But I was saved.Raffael saved me. He carried me like I was the most fragile creature in the world.The last thing I remembered was collapsing in his arms, exhaustion overtaking me. Now, I was here in this stark hospital room. How long had I been unconscious? A day? Two? Where was Raffael? More importantly, why had I been kidnapped? I had no enemies—at least none I could think of.Unless… it had something to do with Raffael.Of course it did. He was a crime boss. Someone must have taken me to get to him. Either I was bait, or they planned to kill me to send him a message.My thoughts shattered when the door to the ward burst open, slamming against the wall. I jumped, gasping a
ERICA A DAY LATER The air was suffocating, thick with the stench of mold and decay. I was cold, shaking uncontrollably, my wrists raw from the ropes biting into my skin. The faint light from the crack above barely touched the darkness around me. I had been here for a day already, fed with nothing but dried bread and water. My heart was pounding, and I couldn’t stop the tears sliding down my face. Will I make it out alive? What if Raffael never finds me? God please, just save me. I heard footsteps approaching, slow and deliberate. The door creaked open again, and this time, it was not just the driver. Another one followed him in, taller and broader, with a sneer plastered across his face. My stomach twisted and dread washed over me. "Well, well, look at her," the driver said, his voice filled with cruel amusement. He moved closer, and I tried to back away, but there was nowhere to go. The taller man grinned, his eyes raking over me. "You didn't tell me she was t
ERICA I woke up with a sharp pain in my head. It felt like someone had hit me with a hammer. My body was cold, and the floor underneath me was hard and damp. I tried to move, but something was stopping me. I tugged at my arms and legs and realized they were tied up. My hands were bound tightly behind my back, and my legs were tied too, keeping me in one spot. I blinked, trying to see, but the room was so dark. I couldn't make out anything. All I could smell was the horrible stench of mold and something rotten. My stomach turned, and I gagged, but there was nothing in my stomach to throw up. The air was thick with the smell, and the more I breathed it in, the sicker I felt. Where am I? How did I get here? Then it hit me. I left the club, trying to avoid the drizzle and hailed down the first cab I could see. I just wanted to get home and rest, atleast have a bit of peace before Raffael and Clarissa stirred trouble for me. But then the driver took a different route and when I
RAFFAEL I ambled towards the house, a migraine throbbing at the side of my head. I felt so exhausted and drained. I had spent the entire night in my office, going over countless files and documents that seemed not to end. The port authorities were a serious pain in the ass not to mention the fuckers that hijacked my goods days ago. I still could not believe my capos had not tracked them yet. I give them one job to do and they are being so lazy about it! If not that I had other pressing issues at hand, I'd have killed the bastards that dared to steal from me. Currently right now, I was working on finding who had the audacity to send me a death threat via text message. I wasn't surprised though. This is the mafia and my life is a ticking time bomb. I had numerous enemies but my ability to crush them all was what kept me at the top. And may hell receive the soul of the cunt that sent that message to my phone. I'd make sure he meets his creator. My insiders , though t
ERICA The sound of muffled music from the club’s main floor still throbbed in my ears as I sat on the bench in the dressing room, my fingers fumbling to untie the straps of my heels. My entire body felt like it had been wrung out and left to dry, sore and weak. The hours I’d spent on the stage felt heavier tonight, and the exhaustion dug deeper into my bones. I threw the heels into my bag, the clatter breaking the quiet of the room. For a moment, I sat there, letting my head fall into my hands. The dizziness hadn’t left since Raffael had locked me in that room, leaving me with nothing but my anger and hunger. No food. No water. Just silence and the four walls pressing in on me. He hadn’t said a word when he let me out hours later, his face a mask of cold indifference. The only thing he cared about was making sure I got to my shift on time. I bit my lip, trying to push the memory away, but it clung to me, suffocating and unrelenting. The note he’d sent at the grocery store fl
ERICA The soft hum of the supermarket's air conditioning was a small comfort as I strolled through the aisles, picking up the essentials. We were low on some groceries and dairy products so I decided to venture to the super market this morning but not before informing Raffael by the way. Atleast I could get that done and off my list before I prepare for the night work at that fucking club again. Right now, what I had in my cart was a loaf of bread, a carton of milk, some fresh vegetables. It was mundane, but it felt like a slice of normalcy in the chaotic storm that my life had become. For a few minutes, I could pretend that I wasn’t constantly looking over my shoulder. For some reason I felt being watched. But would Raffael be crazy enough to track my every movement down to the super market? I doubt not. I can’t run away from him that’s for sure, he had left me no choice to do that. I turned into the cereal aisle, scanning the shelves for something cheap but filling.