Giulia's POV “You are quite brave to confront me, Giulia Mancini.” His deep voice echoed in the room, commanding attention.
I had walked into this office with all the boldness I could muster to demand for my father's release but this didn't seem to go as planned.
The opulent decor seemed to intensify my anxiety, and my legs were trembling, but I managed not to show it.
I took a deep breath and decided to say something, “You are holding my father hostage and I want him released.”
A playful smile that disappeared almost immediately curled his lips.
“Oh, yes… Your father owes me a substantial debt.”
My eyes welled with tears as my sweaty palms clutched my small purse containing my last savings. “I'll pay it, whatever it takes.”
“Lorenzo.” He called out.
A man in his late thirties who stood behind his table the whole time watching in silence walked towards him and dropped a file on the table after which he went back to his initial position.
He went through the file for a split second and looked back at me.
“You know…” he began as he leaned back on his chair, steepling his fingers, “what your father owes me goes beyond monetary value.” His gaze caused an unnerving intensity as he didn't take them off me.
“Take me then.” I blurted out even before I could stop myself as I took a step forward. My words felt like a betrayal.
Don Antonio laughed dryly and stood to his feet. “You seem to amaze me young woman”
Why won't I? My mind screamed, but I dared not say a word.
“What could I possibly use you for?” Don Antonio asked as he walked towards me. He lifted my chin, his gray eyes staring deep into mine, burning with a mixture of curiosity and desire.
He immediately left my chin and snapped his fingers. He had an idea. “If you are willing to be my companion for three years, I'll let your father go.”
My eyes widened at the sound of the word “companion”. The word tasted like hell.
“I’m willing.” I knew fully well that I was walking into hell, but did I really have a choice?
Don Antonio put both hands in his pocket and turned, allowing his back to face me, and he took a step forward.
“Your determination seems fueled by desperation, Giulia.”
He turned to face me, his eyes not leaving mine. “ Do you understand what you are agreeing to?”
This was when it dawned on me that I didn't know what I just agreed to. I shook my head as I let the tear that hung on my eyelid drop.
Don Antonio took his eyes off me and walked back to his desk. “ Giulia” He called as he sat down, leaning forward so his elbows could relax on the table.
I felt shivers run through my spine the moment he called my name. My heart began to race.
“Being my companion, means you are going to be my pet. You are to answer to me alone and must obey my commands.”
“And what if I don't?”
“Oh, Giulia!” He laughed, his deep voice dripping with amusement. “Failure to comply risks your father's life… and yours too.”
I was speechless. My father's life and mine were dependent on my decisions.
“What do you say, Giulia?... Are you still willing to be my companion?”
“Yes, I'm willing,” I replied, with my voice barely audible.
Don Antonio's eyes gleamed with triumph and it sent shivers down my spine.
“Excellent! Our contract begins now”
Lorenzo walked towards me with a blue file, handed it over to me, and showed me where to sign. My fingers trembled as I signed on the paper.
“One more thing young woman, you are to address me as master and nothing else.” He added with a sly smile.
“Yes, master,” I muttered
“Good.” He said as he rubbed his palms together before standing up.
“Lorenzo will now show you to your room and as for your father, I have sent words for him to be released immediately.” Don Antonio said and walked out even before I could utter a word.
“I thought I was supposed to go home to get my things?” I asked Lorenzo, who neatly arranged the file on Don Antonio's desk.
He looked at me for a while with a blank expression and began to walk out. “Follow me,” he said, ignoring the question I asked earlier, and I hurriedly followed him out.
We walked through a large passage. After taking so many turns, we arrived at a door, which he opened gently.
A maid who seemed tired walked out after a slight bow to Lorenzo. We walked into the room and it was beautiful. The maid must have done a lot to make the room look like this.
The room was twice the size of the room my father and I shared.
“This is your room.” He said and turned to walk out. He got to the door and stopped, “Don't get too comfortable” he murmured and then left.
What did he mean by ‘don't get too comfortable’?
That didn't matter right now, all that mattered was that my father was free and I had somewhere to lay my head.
I dropped my purse on the table and let myself drop on the bed. I knew I was in grave danger but that didn't stop me from taking a little nap.
I had to prepare myself for the terror ahead.
“Ma'am, ma'am,” a lady in a white apron called as she tapped gently on my legs. I sat slowly and rubbed my eyes.
I looked at the wall clock and realized that I hadn't even slept for an hour. I was about to complain when I turned to see Lorenzo and I remembered where I was.
“You are to freshen up and get dressed in less than thirty minutes. Your master needs you.”
I jumped out of bed at the sound of the word ‘master’.
“ I told you not to get too comfortable”
Giulia's POV“Where are we going?” I asked as Lorenzo led me down a dimly lit alley.“My boss has got a special job for you.” For the first time, I saw Lorenzo smile, and it sent shivers down my spine.The alley led us to a nondescript door. Lorenzo brought out a keycard and swung open exposing us to a stairway.As we descended the stairs I adjusted the annoying short black dress I was forced to wear.We climbed until we reached a door. The bouncers outside gave a slight bow to Lorenzo and pushed the door open.The door revealed a smoke-filled room, and my stomach churned. I had never seen a place like this.“Welcome to Black Heaven,” Lorenzo said as he gestured for me to go in. I was hesitant and my legs felt too numb to take a step.Before I realized what was happening, Lorenzo grabbed my arm and pulled me inside.The clamor of clinking glasses, unpleasant laughter, and shuffling cards overwhelmed me. The air reeked of smoke and desperation.“Follow me,” Lorenzo muttered to my hear
Giulia's POVI didn't turn to look at the door. I was so scared. The aura he exuded was menacing.The maid bowed and rushed out. He must have signaled her to leave.I heard his footsteps as he walked towards me. Soon, he stopped. I could feel him behind me as his warm breath rested on my neck.“Giulia.” He called, his voice deep and fierce.“Yes, master,” I answered, my voice barely audible. I stood still and didn't look back.He walked slowly from behind and stood in front of me. I could see the rage in his eyes.“How dare you disobey my orders?”“I'm sor…” he didn't let me finish. He put his index finger on my lips. He looked at me for a split second and turned his back on me.“I own you now, young woman.” He let out a dry laugh. “ You have no choice but to do as I say.”He turned back to face me. He took a step forward and I took a step backwards. This continued until I got to the wall and he was two steps away.“I asked you to wear a dress Giulia, and you declined.” He paused to l
Antonio's POVI had walked to my room with Giulia trailing behind as I thought of the unbearable things I could do to her just to find Sophia sprawled naked on my bed.“What are you doing in my room, Sophia?” I asked in an angry tone.“I came to see the man of my dreams,” she answered in a seductive tone as she eyed Giulia.“And who is he?” I was running out of patience already.“It's you, my dear Antonio.” she smiled sheepishly.“Get out of my room Sophia!” I roared in anger. Sophia got up from the bed immediately and scrambled around for her clothes.I noticed the cold glare she gave Giulia before leaving but I didn't care. My eyes roamed all over her body. She looked beautiful, but I dared not admit it.“Sit!” I ordered Giulia and she sat on the bed. The innocent and fragile-looking woman sat quietly as she watched me undress.I unbuttoned my dress halfway and stopped.“Why don't you help me undress?” I asked and her eyes widened. She got up and walked to where I stood.Her hands
Antonio's POV_Flash back_“Please let me go.” The lady cried out as she tried to free herself of her husband's grip. Her husband held her tight not wanting to let her go. She looked tired and helpless.My father stood on a spot with a gun in his right hand pointed at the couple. He turned to look at me. I searched his eyes for answers, but his look was cold as ice.I desperately wanted to help the lady. She was in so much pain and anguish. I took a step further, and my father held my shoulders with a forceful grip. “Stay back, son, this is not your fight.”“Let go of the woman, Ricardo,” My father said in a forceful tone. He was angry but was never the type to shout.“Never!” The man yelled as he pulled the struggling woman forcefully to remain in front of him. “ If you pull that trigger, then you are going to kill her first, and you don't want to,” he concluded with a disgusting laugh.“This woman doesn't deserve to be treated this way,” My father said again, with the gun still poin
Giulia's POV “Oh no!” I exclaimed as the raindrops began to touch my skin. The rain seemed to get heavier and I scrambled for shade. I hadn't gotten to the shade when I heard my name.“Giulia.” The voice called in a very harsh matter. I looked around but I didn't see anyone.He called again, and this time, a heavy outpour followed.Jesus Christ! Where am I?That was when I opened my eyes to see that I had been dreaming. The sun rays from the window hit my eyes, and they fluttered helplessly.I managed to open my eyes finally and saw Don Antonio looking down at me with narrowed eyes. He held a huge jug which he passed on to Leonardo the moment he saw that I opened my eyes.I soon realized how drenched I was. The heavy outpour of rain in my dream was Don Antonio emptying a jug of water on me. I stood immediately with water dripping from my body to the ground, I was so drenched.“You sleep a lot.” Don Antonio muttered with a blank expression.“I'm so sorry,” I answered with a bow.He t
Antonio's POV“Baby!!!” Sophia screamed as she threw herself on me. She pressed a disgusting kiss on my lips.“I was looking all over for you until I was told you were in here with her.” she said eyeing Giulia, “ I had to rush over before she kills you.”I didn't say a word. I watched Giulia, who ate quietly; she seemed not to care about what Sophia was saying.“Why is she even eating here with you? She looks very wretched.”“She's eating here because I want her to,” I answered dryly.Giulia raised her head to look at me. Our eyes met and she looked away.Well, Sophia didn't back down, “why then is she dressed like this? It's disgusting.”“I know.”I was honestly tired of Sophia's drama. I told her many times that I was tired of the relationship but she kept coming back.“I want her to leave this place.” Sophia pouted.“I want her to stay, Sophia.” I looked at Giulia who struggled to keep her head at her plate. She wanted to look up at me so bad but she continued to act like she didn'
Antonio's POV “No… wait,” I said before she could take the dress off her head. Something more fun came to mind. Giulia stopped. She seemed to relax a bit, but her eyes were filled with uncertainty; she wasn't sure what I was about to do next, and I loved it so much that she had no clue. Well, she didn't feel relaxed for long. “I'll help you take it off.” Giulia gasped; She sure wasn't expecting me to say that. I took a few steps and covered the distance between us. “Now, where do I start?” I asked, looking her over. I let my hands rest on her shoulders and locked eyes with her. I leaned so close that just a little push could land my lips on hers. She didn't flinch. Of course, she wouldn't. Something similar happened the day before. She just looked back into my eyes, and all they said was, “You can't get me this time.” Poor Giulia! Just as she failed to predict, I placed my lips on hers and her eyes widened. I didn't let her recover from the shock before I ripped her dress ap
Giulia's POV“Good morning ma'am.” The chief maid greeted me as I hurried to the kitchen.“Good morning,” I answered and then stopped. “Who makes Don Antonio's tea?”“Tea?” She asked, surprised, and right there, I knew I was doomed. “Yes, tea,” I answered desperately, hoping that what I had in mind was not true. “He asked me to bring his tea to his room before sunrise.”“Don Antonio has never asked us to bring tea to him in the morning, and he normally makes his tea.”It was at this point I knew Don Antonio had set me up. I felt like crying that instant. I had to think of something.“Are you okay ma'am?” She asked in curiosity. An idea came to mind.“ Do you know what he uses to make his tea?” I asked with anxiety kicking in.“Yes, I do.”“Do you know how he makes it?”“No, I don't. I only give him the beverage, I have not seen him use it.” This wasn't going to be so hard since I knew what he used or so I thought.“Show them to me then,” I said and began to walk to the kitchen hopi
Giulia's POV"You are quite the sleepy head," Lucien said as I took my head off his shoulder.I yawned as I rubbed my eyes with the back of my palm."Are we there yet?" I asked, looking out the window."We'll be there in thirty minutes, ma'am," the driver answered.The plane had landed in Rome and from there we took a rental car which was headed for Viterbo.I had never been there but I heard it was a great place to start a life; the crime rates were lesser here compared to Sicily."I'm so hungry," I said and yawned again.Lucien looked at me, disgusted. Why the heck was he even here with me?I had the address of the place which Vincenzo had sent to me once so we alighted the plane. I could find my way and put things in order without his help."Once we are settled in, we'll find a restaurant to get food," he said when he noticed my disdain.We?The word sounded so cringe coming from him.I didn't care how good looking he was, I just wanted him to be off my neck as soon as possible.On
Antonio's POVI sipped on a cup of coffee as I flipped through the files on my desk.I had my eyes on the files but my mind wasn't there. It kept drifting away.For every line I read, Giulia's name kept appearing.I could have said something to her last night before I walked away. I could have told her how I really felt about her because it seemed to me that she was willing to listen to all I had to say.And even if I couldn't say anything to her, I could have waited to listen to what she had to say.Although I felt betrayed that she chose Vincenzo over me, I also felt a pang of guilt that clung to my chest.I had remained indoors as they left for the airport so that I wouldn't see them.If I did, I would have died of chronic heart attack from seeing the girl I had grown to love leaving with my brother.I thought Giulia had felt things for me too, although we never spoke about our feelings due to the numerous events. Maybe it wasn't my fault that she left me or maybe it was.Yet, a pa
Giulia's POV“I'm not coming with you.”Alessandra's arm dropped from mine in shock. “Why? What's wrong?”“Is it Antonio?” Vincenzo asked. “Are you now bailing on me for him?”Vincenzo had become angry. He must be thinking that I had finally changed my mind to be with Antonio.I shook my head. “No, not at all; it's not Antonio.”“Then what is it?” He asked, it was obvious he was trying to contain his anger.“I want you to be happy,” I said.“What do you mean?” He asked.“I don't want to be with you, neither do I want to be with Antonio… I want to live an extremely normal life.”“Are you being serious right now?” He asked.Alessandra could only watch in awe. I suppose she didn't know what to say.“Yes, I am.”“Why are you saying this now?” Vincenzo asked, his eyes boring into mine.“If I stayed back, you would think I was staying for Antonio and if I didn't come, you would never know how much Alessandra cared about you.”“What are you doing?” Alessandra was surprised.Vincenzo turned t
Giulia's POVI sighed as I put the dishes away, I had lunch in my room as I had expected.My palms were sweaty. I hadn't seen Vincenzo nor Antonio since I left the study and I was glad we didn't have lunch together.Never have i felt this much tension before. I didn't know if I did the right thing by choosing Vincenzo.I may not like him as much as I liked Antonio but I needed a life of peace and quiet, there's been too much chaos in my life these past years.I wanted to live a normal life, a life free from crimes and only Vincenzo could give me that.Soon, there was a knock on the door. I couldn't help but think that it could either be Antonio or Vincenzo.I wanted to be alone, and seeing them wasn't going to help the chaos in my head. Especially Antonio.I was so rude to him earlier, something even the dead could not do except they wanted to die again.I went to the door to open it and I saw Alessandra. I didn't notice that I had been holding my breath until I exhaled.“Oh, Giulia,”
Vincenzo's POV"Vincenzo," she said. "I choose Vincenzo."I couldn't believe my ears. She had looked Antonio in the eyes as she spoke so how did she mention my name?I turned to Antonio who stood there expressionless. It looked like he had seen this coming.I was utterly speechless. She walked closer to me and smiled. "I'm choosing to be a part of your world of strategy and finesse.""Is that what you really want?" Antonio asked."Yes, it is," she answered.For some reason, I wasn't happy as I ought to when she picked me. It was so obvious she had made her choice out of anger.She was still pissed about what had happened with Antonio.I knew this was going to happen. That was why I had asked him to apologize to her but as expected he had refused.Looking at Antonio's made it worse. He was so hurt and he didn't hide it."If that is what you want, then good luck with that... You should know better," he said and walked back to his desk."I think it's enough with the 'you should know bett
Antonio's POV “How did you know that Giulia was having nightmares?” I asked as Vincenzo walked into my room.I still had my eyes glued to the book I was reading.I was a bit surprised that he had come to see me after the fight Giulia and I had.Or maybe he was here to ridicule me and reassure me that I had no hope of having Giulia for myself.I didn't want to give him room for that so I asked him the question that had bothered me since I entered my room.“Is that what you really want to ask me now?”“Yes,” I answered. “How did you know Giulia was having nightmares?” I asked again.“I cared enough to know,” he answered.“Good for you,” I answered, ignoring the rage that welled up inside.I would have loved to strangle him to death but I remained seated with my eyes still glued to the book.I didn't want to start what wouldn't end well.And if I should kill my brother, it shouldn't be over a woman who sees me as a beast.“Why are you here?” I raised my head to look at him for the first
Giulia's POV“You shouldn't use things like this so carelessly,” a familiar voice said from behind, referring to the gun I held.I turned to look at him, and watched as he came to stand beside me. It was my father.“I did not use it carelessly,” I argued.“Oh child, yes you did… you've got blood on your hands,” he said, his eyes focused on my hand.I looked down at my hand and it was soaked in blood, which dripped little by little and I threw the gun to the ground.Lorenzo's body lay lifeless in front of me. “No,” I whispered.“Yes, Giulia, there's blood on your hands,” he took a step closer. “You are a murderer.”“This wasn't my fault,” I cried. “I was made to do it, I didn't want to.”“But you did,” he taunted.“I promise I'm not a murderer,” I cried even louder.I couldn't be blamed out of nowhere for something I was forced to do.“You had a choice,” he continued.His voice had changed and when I looked beside me again, it was Vincenzo; my father was no longer there.“You saw it, h
Antonio's POV“You have visitors,” said the bodyguard I had asked to come in.“I'll be there in a minute. Let them wait in my study,” I replied.He gave a slight bow and walked out.I quickly got dressed and left my room.As I entered my study, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Moretti, Sophia's parents, standing nervously by the window, their eyes fixed on me.“Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Moretti,” I said, keeping my voice neutral. “What brings you here today?”Mr. Moretti, a portly man with a sweaty brow, stepped forward. “Antonio, please... we've come to beg for our daughter's freedom.”I laughed; I had expected this the moment I saw them, but it still amused me.“We know she made a mistake, but we're willing to do whatever it takes to make it right,” he continued.I raised an eyebrow. “Whatever it takes?” I echoed.Mrs Moretti, a petite woman with a pinched face, spoke up. “Y-yes, Antonio.”“What can you offer?” I asked, my brows raised. I was curious about what the couple might have to offer.“We're willi
Antonio's POV"No," I said almost immediately. "Giulia will... she'll do it."A part of me felt like I was making a mistake but I really wanted her to do this.If I was a murderer, then she needed to see what it takes to become one.As much as I wanted to have all the fun torturing and toying with Lorenzo, I had to let her do this one.Giulia looked at me with rage in her eyes. She took one last look at the gun which Roberto held in an extended arm.She then turned to look at me and walked past. I turned to look and saw that she was walking to the door.The guards at the door looked to me for approval to hold her and I responded with a nod.They held her as soon as she got to the door."Let go of me," she screamed as she struggled.Vincenzo stood up to speak but I held up my fingers."You cannot keep-""Shut up Vincenzo, your opinion is not needed."Vincenzo and I held eye contact for a while before he looked away and sat down.His veins were already popping out in anger.I walked to