Chapter 1

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”