Chapter 5

I went for a quiet walk outside in the moonlight since the family decided to have a private talk Laura was with me and stayed by my side. As I walked, my heels made noise on the gravelly path. "The son and the parents seemed decent." Talking to KC. "Something was strange about them. Kaden was sincere, but I can't figure out his parents." Laura hummed in agreement as I stated. Something was always there.

I sat down on a bench next to a lovely water feature. I observed water gushing from birds' mouths into a pool below. The full moon was mirrored in the white-shimmering sea. I was lost in thought as I just looked.

I had an absurd amount of work to complete. And I was sitting here idly. Ace failed not appear at all. Maybe he had the same sentiments as I do. Naturally, he did.

The silence was abruptly broken by a gruff voice. I'm come to see my fiance, you say. the idiot. I jolted out of my reverie and turned to find KC pointing a gun at a man. It's alright, I said, and KC put her gun down.

A tall, well-built man approached and sat down next to me. When he did, I immediately caught a whiff of his smoky aftershave. I gave him a cursory glance. He personified being tall, black, and attractive. He brushed his dark hair, which was still unkempt and had a few stray wisps. If I ran my hand through that, I wonder how soft it would be. I could lose myself in his dark gaze and keen jaws coated in clean stubble. and those smoochable lips.

Get a handle, Alessia! "Ace Hernandez here. I apologize for missing the meal, princess." He spoke while looking at me. I tensed up and took deep breaths.

"Please don't call me that." I snarled, my jaws becoming clenched. His gaze briefly left me and then returned. What number should I give you then? He inquired while removing a cigarette from his pocket. He lit it, and he started puffing. I can see it now. How he speaks and how he moves. I've never known a better mafia boss. I am Alessia. I said in a neutral tone.

"Alessia.." His tongue experimented with my name. His eyes sparkled even more as the moonlight hit them. He cocked his head in my direction. That's a wonderful name for a such a lovely lady, I thought. He said quietly in my ear. The hairs on my neck stood up as I felt his hot breath fan my skin. That would be enticing to any other girl, but not me.

Are you interested in one? He posed the question while holding out his ashy, fire-ripe cigarette. I gave a headshake. "No."

I felt tingles in the pit of my stomach when he laughed. Are you a moral young lady? He queried. The eff?

"Why the hell not? Let's be clear about one thing. Being a good girl didn't bring me where I am now. There is nothing more to this marriage than a formal alliance. Do not anticipate me to be any sort of housewife. In addition, if you behave improperly, I will respond and I won't think twice about fucking you up." I gave a deep, expressionless snarl.

He extinguished his cigarette by blowing it out between his lips and throwing it to the ground. He didn't appear to be at all touched by what I said, or he didn't demonstrate it. He hummed as he turned to face me and only focused on my face. "I enjoy you."

My brows were raised. What is the proper response to that? The eff. He attempted to touch my thigh with his extended hand. I say tried because I firmly grasped his hand. I twisted it back, a technique I picked up early.

He didn't even flinch or appear to be in any agony. Rather, he grinned. That jerk grinned. He also had a devilishly good-looking appearance. I released his hand, trying to ignore the tingles I had experienced when our hands had touched.

I watched him as he combed his hair with his hand. He undoubtedly understood what was appropriate. He also isn't a disgrace. "I apologize for that. I merely wanted to gauge your response." He offered a casual apology. I pushed back my hair, which was moving forward in the little breeze, while I narrowed my eyes. "My response?" I snorted. "I would have severed your hand,"

"Good response." He repeated his humming. I turned around to face him. If I touched you, what would you do? I queried. Oh sh*t. My enormous, effing mouth. He smiled, showing off his sparkling white teeth. I'd permit you. He exhaled. As I hoped the blush I was wearing couldn't be seen, I felt my cheeks start to burn. I laughed. "Fuck, I should have anticipated that.

He rose up and cracked his neck while chuckling. He extended an arm to me. I got to my feet and walked away from him and toward the house, rejecting his arm. I also took notice of his attractive guard, who was beside him. I also didn't see how KC's gaze remained on him for an excessively long time.

As we all entered, I sensed footsteps behind me. Father wanted to leave the house as soon as he got home for the evening. We bid them farewell and walked away.

Father sat next to me in the car once more. What are your thoughts about him? He queried. Why are you concerned? I snorted. Fuck. I absolutely must get some sleep, and I detest the man. Fuck, I could see it coming.

Father slapped me across the cheek with a fast forward motion of his hand. I consented. I thought the pain was nothing. The consequences of me fighting back would be devastating. The piece of trash continued to ramble. "Do not address me in that manner. Your father, I am. I expect you to respect me."

I turned to face him. "Pardon me. Just so exhausted... He's nice to me and appears honest." I took a peek at my hands below. Father squealed with laughter at me. "He was decent. You are a true idiot whore. He did not reach his current position by being "decent."" He laughed heartily as he mocked.

I turned my head away and wished I was somewhere else. We eventually made it to a hotel. five standard stars. I admired the opulent view of the penthouse suit I would be sleeping in for the next two days as soon as we were checked in. The wedding would take place in two days. Two whole days. My heart began to beat faster as I once more considered leaving. Would I rather not be compelled to get married and be free? No, I would be a coward.

I'd prefer to fight and die for my mafia than to be branded a coward.

I put on some comfortable clothes and sat down on the bed. Before throwing my phone onto the chair next to the bed, I quickly checked the time on it. I was totally awake and it was just after midnight.

What did you think of him, then? Knowing I wouldn't be able to sleep, KC questioned me as she entered the room. As usual, there were several guards stationed outside my entrance. I tapped the area next to me while grinning. She approached and took a seat. She was still working, so she was dressed in her slim-fitting suit, with her blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail. He is a bastard, as are all males. As I mentioned, I turned to face the bright white ceiling.

"You were blushing, Alessia. That has never been done to you by a man." She grinned. As she went on, I sighed. I have a good vibe about him, and I'm fairly excellent at reading people.

I murmured. What about his guard and you? She did not meet my eyes when I looked at her. "I knew it! You like how he looks." I smiled. I understood why. He was like an enormous glass of screw me.

She grinned as she picked at the bed's invisible dust flecks in an attempt to dismiss it. I slid onto my side and turned to face her. "Truthfully. He has a handsome appearance. If he hadn't been, well, you know, I would have fucked him. It's too difficult." I made a lip purse.

She smiled as she inspected her unpainted nails. "It's not at all difficult. You will soon be officially married, so feel free to screw him."

"KC, it's a question of principle." As I brushed my fingers along the bed sheet, I said. She gave a hesitant nod. "Alessia, I genuinely want what's best for you. So at the very least, try him. Avoid shoving him away."