She wished he would let her go, but he never did.
Camellia didn't remember how she got to Alejandro's Estate, nor did she remember why she was standing right before his SUV. Everything felt blurry; her memory was scrambled. The only thing she knew was that she was caged and had been caged for over a week.
She had heard that her father knew she was with Alejandro. She didn't expect him to do anything to help her. He was Luca Moretti, of course, the same man who sacrificed a woman he claimed to love.
Very early in life, she swore never to get married to a man like her father.
Here she was, being forced to marry someone worse.She was certain that this was the day, the time she would escape. Camellia had her light gun tucked in her leather trousers.
She could see Alejandro stroll down, his olive skin shining under the rays of the sun.
In a different universe, under another sun, Camellia would have thought he was rather handsome.As he drew closer to her, she brought her gun out, pointing it right at him.
He chuckled softly. He didn't stop moving, and he was moving fast. Soon he stood right before her... Easily, he slipped the gun out of her fingers.Alejandro gripped her hard, his grip bruising as his fingers dug into her wrist.
"Change of plans, Camelia." He dragged her away from the SUV."Leave me alone, Alejandro... You're hurting me." Camellia fought, twisting to free herself, but it was impossible. He was just too strong, too muscular, and too tall.
He threw her against his chest, her back pressed to it. She could feel the heat of his body, feel it searing through her.
"... You never learn..." his voice was lower than a whisper, with a darkness clothing it. "...Always running. Always fighting... But I won't lie, it turns me on." The heat of his breath caressed her nape.Camellia elbowed him hard in the stomach. He didn't budge, didn't even let out a groan. He held her tightly, like her punch had no effect on him. Instead... He flipped her around, pushing her hard against the hood of his car.
His fingers held her chin up, forcing her eyes to his. His gaze was fiery and melting. "Everything. About. You... I own." His words were dragged, as if to place emphasis. His gaze was consuming, devouring even.
"Go to fucking hell." She yelled.
"Ladies first." His smile was dangerous.
Soon, he had her thrown over his shoulders. He walked majestically towards his mansion. All her kicking, cursing had no effect on him. She pounded against his back, thrusted her legs about, yet he still moved, carrying her about like she weighed nothing.
The guards watched him carry her through the halls, not interrupting. They knew she belonged to him. As he took steps further, she could tell his destination – his bedroom.
The doors to his bedroom swung open. His steps were precise, to his bed. She fell on its soft foam. Before she could crawl away, he was on top of her, his body pressing against hers, caging.
One hand pressed both her wrists above her head. His other moved slowly, tracing the curve of her jaw, his thumb pressing against her parted lips.
"You can run, Camellia." His voice was delicate, his eyes steady. "You can fight all you want." The heat of his breath caressed her skin, numbing her entirely. "...But, you can never escape me."
It should have sounded like a threat, but it didn't. Instead, it sounded like a romantic confession. Immediately, she turned away, ignoring him. She hated the feeling of his body on her; just the thought of his body on hers riled her.
With his body pinned against hers, she couldn't move at all. He caught her chin, forcing her eyes back to his, "I need you to be really obedient now, Camellia... Though your defiance is quite... arousing."
"I'll be obedient... In your fucking dreams." She yelled.
His grip on her wrist tightened. Slowly, his lips crashed against her cheeks, placing gentle little kisses. It moved over to her jaw, then, with a hunger so deep, his lips took hers, conquering, consuming.
His mouth burned her, so did his fingers. Every part he touched on her body was on fire. His whisper was slow. The heat of his breath against her ears, teasing.
"I own everything, every part of your body... I. Own. You, Camelia."
Soon, he pulled back, his handsome face barely inches from hers, "Say it, Camelia."
She dug her nails into her palms, her eyes glaring. "Never."
His lips crashed into hers yet again. Each moment it deepened, each movement he made ignited a fire, one she wished she could extinguish.
"I'll just have to make you." When he pulled away, his smile was pure evil.
Camellia's chest heaved as he stood up, leaving her helpless and angry. She wanted to move, but her body wouldn't.
***
Mateo paced about, his eyes traveling around his office. His brain still replayed it, how her face looked when he sold her off. Finally, she chose to call him, and he betrayed her. He didn't want to think much about it, and he wasn't going to.
He took his keys, got into his Highlander, and sped off. As he drove past the speeding buildings, the image of Camellia's eyes haunted him. Her stare was different from the night he first saw her.
He could remember exactly how her black curls pressed against her cheeks, how her slender fingers loosely held onto the goblet. Slowly, she picked it up, her lips caressed its tip.
He moved towards her, his hand extended, his business card in it. "I'm Mat..."
She turned, her huge black pupils gleaming, her red lips parted. "Mateo Greco... I know who you are." She took the card, placing it in her purse.
"I hear you are a very dangerous man..." Her dark eyes didn't stray.
"... And I hear you are Moretti's spoilt Princess..." His bass voice was direct.
She scoffed, "You heard wrong... I'm not Moretti's spoilt Princess, I'm more like their merchandise... their bargaining chip."
He allowed his eyes to travel down her body, travel over her full cleavage, which pressed against the heart-shaped cups of her leather body-hug gown. Mateo had always loved the look of a strapless gown on a woman, but hers drove him crazy.
"I don't really care about anything else, Mateo... I want you to show me how dangerous you really are... Cuff me if you have to." Her smile was dangerous, her eyes dark with flirtation.
His eyes glowed, his smirk widening. "... I wouldn't go near the Moretti's Princess... Are you even legal?"
Her laugh was wild, "Just turned eighteen, tonight's my birthday... Grant me a wish, Mateo... I want you, the most dangerous assassin in the whole of New York, to..." Her next words were whispered, "... show me just how dangerous you really are."
Her eyes came up to his, dark with temptations. Her cherry-red lips parted. Everything about her was seductive.
Mateo drew closer to her, "Is that what you really want?"
She nodded, her chest heaving.
He chuckled, his hands brushed against his nose... What could he do? He was a man of service.
Camellia wiped his kiss off her lips. Hatred bloomed in her eyes as she lay on his bed. "I'll never forgive you for this," she said, her voice laced with anger.Alejandro's eyes looked down at the petite figure on the bed. He leaned against the doorframe, his gaze unyielding. "... For kissing my fiancée?" he asked, his tone icy.Camellia wasn't going to answer him. Her brain raced with thoughts on how she could escape him. She couldn't live with him anymore. She had to leave before her wedding night, before he truly claimed her.He moved closer to her, his fingers holding her chin, forcing her eyes up to his. "Listen, Camellia... You are no longer with your father. After our marriage, you'll become a Ricci."She wanted to spit in his face. "I would never marry a man like you, Alejandro."He laughed. "You aren't marrying a man like me, dear Camellia... You are getting married to me."Camellia let out a sarcastic laugh. His eyes changed, his grip on her chin tightened. "Camellia... Do
Chapter 5Mateo's eyes glittered like strokes of light as he slowly strolled down Camellia's body, over each visible curve. Her gown accentuated her perfect shape, the marine blue complementing the diamonds on her neck. She looked beautiful, so beautiful that he wished she were his.Immediately, he realized the severity of his thoughts and looked away. The Requiem was the most powerful mafia in New York. They were ruthless and bloodthirsty. He knew it would be stupidity to go against them.He dropped his glass on the tray, making to leave the gathering. He needed to get some air; the night felt too hot.Camellia moved taking her last step on the stairs. Alejandro helped her down, his hands wrapped around her waist. Slowly, his mouth brushed against her earlobe."I said black." he whispered, his words like a silent threat.Camellia's lips curled into a smile, her eyes glowing with excitement. "Really? I thought I heard you say marine blue. Clearly, I did... or perhaps, did I mishear yo
"You were just another desperate girl, Camellia."Camelia couldn't believe what she was hearing. Normally, she wasn't the emotional type, she was rather nonchalant but his words pierced into her deeper than she cared to admit. Another Desperate girl? The words rang in, repeating itself over and over again in her head. Obviously she couldn't be nonchalant, she had fucking given him her everything. Her body. Her innocence. Her will... Her virginity. She couldn't bear it anymore, her hands fisted, her eyes narrowed. Before she could stop herself, her fist landed hard against his cheeks, hot and aggressive. Her punch wasn't weak, it left a mark on his cheeks. Mateo did not budge, he stayed still. Normally he would have brought out his pocket knife, the one tucked beneath his jacket. And In a movement so slick, he would have slit her throat...If she weren't Camellia Moretti. A woman who left him vulnerable, acting out of character. "Another desperate girl, right?..." She yelled at
Mateo sat in his executive seat, the darkness clung to the wide space of his office like a ghost in a haunted house.The footsteps were loud, arrogant hitting the marble floor. "El sicario... We have him." He looked towards the figure they dragged.It didn't take long for the figure to advance from the darkness, beaten, bruised.A child less than ten years. "The Capo of Falcón wants him gone."Blood dripped down his face, sweat clung to his immature cheeks. His crystal black eyes stared out into the darkness, hopeless. His head fell down, both of his hands were held by the men, his legs dragged on the floor. Immediately Mateo held his eyes, voices from the past rang in his ears, bombs echoed in the distance. His eyes were like a portal taking him back in time. Back to the past he had long forgotten. His mother held on to him. Her eyes bloodshot red, eyes still flowed out from them. "Mi amor... Close your ears, it would all soon be over." Mateo held his ears, brushing his litt
He was gone. As Camellia's eyes roamed around searching for him, Alejandro watched her. How her pupils dilated, how they reddened like she had tears stored up in them.She was looking for someone. Another man. While he was right by her side.His blood boiled. He spun her around, holding her wrist firmly. His voice dropped to a whisper as he scanned her face deeply. "Camellia... Who are you searching so desperately for?" Camellia felt her muscles stiffen. She had a feeling he knew. Alejandro was a very dangerous, even for Mateo. If he knew she was looking for Mateo, then Mateo would be in a whole lot of trouble. She straightened her back, raising her chin up in defiance. "None of your business, Alejandro." He smirked, "Do I need to show you just how much of...? "his eyes trailed down her body, growing lighter with lust."...'my business' you are? " he stressed. Camellia could sense the danger in his voice, like a silent warning, a subtle threat. His fingers dug into her lean wr
Camellia looked through her netted lashes. The last time everyone was gathered like this, they had fucking sold her off. Ringlets of smoke danced around the dinning halls, the strong smell of liquor, cigarettes and silence filling the room. Alejandro sat at the head of the long table, he was dressed in a fine silk, black sleeveless shirt. His wolf tattoo stretched over his balls of muscles on both arms. His fingers tapped silently again his glass of whiskey. His dark eyes moved around the room, scanning each face like a predator assessing its prey.Camellia sat beside him, her back was pressed against the chair. Her dark hair was curled in waves and her makeup was thick, her face unreadable. Her father, Luca Moretti, sat comfortably, his fingers wrapped around his glass of liquor, his eyes also traveled like Alejandro’s. Lorenzo, her eldest brother, sat right by his side, his jaw tight. He picked up his glass of liquor, taking a little sip from it then he sets it back on the table
---Her Father's words rang in her ears. " Everyone in the Requiem is a wolf and you are the Requiem's Bride." The shadows hugged the corners of the dimly lit din hall. She sat down on the chair alone. Everyone had left. The darkness and silence amplified her rage. She stared into the darkness, her blood boiling, her fist clenched as she scoffed under her breath. The Requiem's Bride. That was a title she never asked for. A life she was going to be forced to live with a man worse than her Father. Even if he hadn't shown it, she knew just exactly the type of man he was. And everyone's reactions to him confirmed it. He was worse than the devil himself. She pushed her chair back, standing up. Then soon she moved, her heels making soft clicks against the marble floor taking steps that led her out of the dinning room toward the balcony.She needed air. The night air was fresh, with the smell of rain, liquor and cigarettes. Her eyes moved around till they rested on the courtyard below
The letter was handed to him by one of his men with the elbelm on it—un lobo. A wolf.Mateo's brows raised, his line like eyes even smaller. A black envelope with the figure of a golden wolf. Everyone knew what that stood for —The Requiem.He took a breath in, tossing the letter on the table. His hands ran through his ebony hair, his lips parted, his teeth nibbling on his lower lip.At the mention of the Requiem, the image of his bride played in his head. How her soft cleavage pressed against the blue cups of her gown, how dark and sexy her eyes looked...She was a territory he couldn't afford to cross. The Requiem's Bride was highly desirable but already claimed.He sat up immediately, trying to push the image of Camellia's smile though it was almost impossible to.His fingers slipped the letter up, finally sliding it open.The content was brief as always. Alejandro Ricci was not a man of many words. He always just left a name and manner of death.But when Mateo's eyes fully absorbed
The letter was handed to him by one of his men with the elbelm on it—un lobo. A wolf.Mateo's brows raised, his line like eyes even smaller. A black envelope with the figure of a golden wolf. Everyone knew what that stood for —The Requiem.He took a breath in, tossing the letter on the table. His hands ran through his ebony hair, his lips parted, his teeth nibbling on his lower lip.At the mention of the Requiem, the image of his bride played in his head. How her soft cleavage pressed against the blue cups of her gown, how dark and sexy her eyes looked...She was a territory he couldn't afford to cross. The Requiem's Bride was highly desirable but already claimed.He sat up immediately, trying to push the image of Camellia's smile though it was almost impossible to.His fingers slipped the letter up, finally sliding it open.The content was brief as always. Alejandro Ricci was not a man of many words. He always just left a name and manner of death.But when Mateo's eyes fully absorbed
---Her Father's words rang in her ears. " Everyone in the Requiem is a wolf and you are the Requiem's Bride." The shadows hugged the corners of the dimly lit din hall. She sat down on the chair alone. Everyone had left. The darkness and silence amplified her rage. She stared into the darkness, her blood boiling, her fist clenched as she scoffed under her breath. The Requiem's Bride. That was a title she never asked for. A life she was going to be forced to live with a man worse than her Father. Even if he hadn't shown it, she knew just exactly the type of man he was. And everyone's reactions to him confirmed it. He was worse than the devil himself. She pushed her chair back, standing up. Then soon she moved, her heels making soft clicks against the marble floor taking steps that led her out of the dinning room toward the balcony.She needed air. The night air was fresh, with the smell of rain, liquor and cigarettes. Her eyes moved around till they rested on the courtyard below
Camellia looked through her netted lashes. The last time everyone was gathered like this, they had fucking sold her off. Ringlets of smoke danced around the dinning halls, the strong smell of liquor, cigarettes and silence filling the room. Alejandro sat at the head of the long table, he was dressed in a fine silk, black sleeveless shirt. His wolf tattoo stretched over his balls of muscles on both arms. His fingers tapped silently again his glass of whiskey. His dark eyes moved around the room, scanning each face like a predator assessing its prey.Camellia sat beside him, her back was pressed against the chair. Her dark hair was curled in waves and her makeup was thick, her face unreadable. Her father, Luca Moretti, sat comfortably, his fingers wrapped around his glass of liquor, his eyes also traveled like Alejandro’s. Lorenzo, her eldest brother, sat right by his side, his jaw tight. He picked up his glass of liquor, taking a little sip from it then he sets it back on the table
He was gone. As Camellia's eyes roamed around searching for him, Alejandro watched her. How her pupils dilated, how they reddened like she had tears stored up in them.She was looking for someone. Another man. While he was right by her side.His blood boiled. He spun her around, holding her wrist firmly. His voice dropped to a whisper as he scanned her face deeply. "Camellia... Who are you searching so desperately for?" Camellia felt her muscles stiffen. She had a feeling he knew. Alejandro was a very dangerous, even for Mateo. If he knew she was looking for Mateo, then Mateo would be in a whole lot of trouble. She straightened her back, raising her chin up in defiance. "None of your business, Alejandro." He smirked, "Do I need to show you just how much of...? "his eyes trailed down her body, growing lighter with lust."...'my business' you are? " he stressed. Camellia could sense the danger in his voice, like a silent warning, a subtle threat. His fingers dug into her lean wr
Mateo sat in his executive seat, the darkness clung to the wide space of his office like a ghost in a haunted house.The footsteps were loud, arrogant hitting the marble floor. "El sicario... We have him." He looked towards the figure they dragged.It didn't take long for the figure to advance from the darkness, beaten, bruised.A child less than ten years. "The Capo of Falcón wants him gone."Blood dripped down his face, sweat clung to his immature cheeks. His crystal black eyes stared out into the darkness, hopeless. His head fell down, both of his hands were held by the men, his legs dragged on the floor. Immediately Mateo held his eyes, voices from the past rang in his ears, bombs echoed in the distance. His eyes were like a portal taking him back in time. Back to the past he had long forgotten. His mother held on to him. Her eyes bloodshot red, eyes still flowed out from them. "Mi amor... Close your ears, it would all soon be over." Mateo held his ears, brushing his litt
"You were just another desperate girl, Camellia."Camelia couldn't believe what she was hearing. Normally, she wasn't the emotional type, she was rather nonchalant but his words pierced into her deeper than she cared to admit. Another Desperate girl? The words rang in, repeating itself over and over again in her head. Obviously she couldn't be nonchalant, she had fucking given him her everything. Her body. Her innocence. Her will... Her virginity. She couldn't bear it anymore, her hands fisted, her eyes narrowed. Before she could stop herself, her fist landed hard against his cheeks, hot and aggressive. Her punch wasn't weak, it left a mark on his cheeks. Mateo did not budge, he stayed still. Normally he would have brought out his pocket knife, the one tucked beneath his jacket. And In a movement so slick, he would have slit her throat...If she weren't Camellia Moretti. A woman who left him vulnerable, acting out of character. "Another desperate girl, right?..." She yelled at
Chapter 5Mateo's eyes glittered like strokes of light as he slowly strolled down Camellia's body, over each visible curve. Her gown accentuated her perfect shape, the marine blue complementing the diamonds on her neck. She looked beautiful, so beautiful that he wished she were his.Immediately, he realized the severity of his thoughts and looked away. The Requiem was the most powerful mafia in New York. They were ruthless and bloodthirsty. He knew it would be stupidity to go against them.He dropped his glass on the tray, making to leave the gathering. He needed to get some air; the night felt too hot.Camellia moved taking her last step on the stairs. Alejandro helped her down, his hands wrapped around her waist. Slowly, his mouth brushed against her earlobe."I said black." he whispered, his words like a silent threat.Camellia's lips curled into a smile, her eyes glowing with excitement. "Really? I thought I heard you say marine blue. Clearly, I did... or perhaps, did I mishear yo
Camellia wiped his kiss off her lips. Hatred bloomed in her eyes as she lay on his bed. "I'll never forgive you for this," she said, her voice laced with anger.Alejandro's eyes looked down at the petite figure on the bed. He leaned against the doorframe, his gaze unyielding. "... For kissing my fiancée?" he asked, his tone icy.Camellia wasn't going to answer him. Her brain raced with thoughts on how she could escape him. She couldn't live with him anymore. She had to leave before her wedding night, before he truly claimed her.He moved closer to her, his fingers holding her chin, forcing her eyes up to his. "Listen, Camellia... You are no longer with your father. After our marriage, you'll become a Ricci."She wanted to spit in his face. "I would never marry a man like you, Alejandro."He laughed. "You aren't marrying a man like me, dear Camellia... You are getting married to me."Camellia let out a sarcastic laugh. His eyes changed, his grip on her chin tightened. "Camellia... Do
She wished he would let her go, but he never did.Camellia didn't remember how she got to Alejandro's Estate, nor did she remember why she was standing right before his SUV. Everything felt blurry; her memory was scrambled. The only thing she knew was that she was caged and had been caged for over a week.She had heard that her father knew she was with Alejandro. She didn't expect him to do anything to help her. He was Luca Moretti, of course, the same man who sacrificed a woman he claimed to love.Very early in life, she swore never to get married to a man like her father. Here she was, being forced to marry someone worse.She was certain that this was the day, the time she would escape. Camellia had her light gun tucked in her leather trousers.She could see Alejandro stroll down, his olive skin shining under the rays of the sun.In a different universe, under another sun, Camellia would have thought he was rather handsome.As he drew closer to her, she brought her gun out, pointin