Camila's POV
Sleep was something that never came naturally unless I was accompanied by mamá.
Knowing that she was going to lay next to me and watch over me until I fell asleep was always what lulled me into a state of bliss.
And so it only made sense that I couldn't fall asleep in this new beautiful room. The anxiety of being in a new place was driving me insane and so when I realize sleep wasn't going to come I sit up in my bed.
I'd spent my day meeting some of the men and getting to know the staff. I'd lived a comfortable life with mamá, but we weren't wealthy enough to have maids, groundkeepers and others working on call.
This was a different type of wealth.
The rest of my night had been spent in my new room where I'd gotten ready for bed.
Knowing I was in the comfort of my room, I slipped on my favorite two piece sleepwear set. It was a white two piece number, a mixture of lace and silk which made me feel cute yet sexy at the same time.
It clung to my hourglass frame, the shirt cropping just below my breasts due to the size of them and the shorts a little on the smaller size but I was comfortable in them nonetheless.
I wasn't wearing a bra, nor did I ever when wearing sleep-wear because it was uncomfortable. Even thought my breasts were on the larger side I needed to let them breath.
Slipping on my pink fuzzy slippers, I walk out into the empty hallway. The cool air hits the bare skin of my arms, stomach and legs making me shiver and wish I wore my robe. But I just needed to quickly grab a glass of water from the kitchen.
The silence in the hallway is eerily unsettling, I glance down the hall towards the black double doors and briefly wonder when I'll meet Alejandro.
What would he be like?
I had yet to find out if the man was truly as great as mamá claimed him to be. Ethan had informed me Alejandro was a very busy man. Always working and on the go, so I highly doubted I would be seeing any of him anytime soon.
My slippers slap against the marble floors as I move down the hall, but I stop short as my head snaps towards the stairs where the sound of footfall echos through the dimly lit hallway.
No one was to be up here but a single glance at the stranger before me, makes me shut my mouth. There was no way I was going to be the one to tell him off.
The man was tall and broad, his dark hair on display as he looked down pulling at his black tie, his other hand undoing the button of his perfectly tailored blazer. His large calloused hands then moved to loosen the top buttons of the white dress shirt underneath, exposing the firm looking tan skin of his chest where a gold chain poked out.
It was only when he got to the top of the stairs and looked up that my eyes widened.
Wow.
Never had I seen a man so devilishly handsome.
He was strong, I could tell that much, and not just in the physical sense. Sure his broad frame and muscular physique was eye catching but his presence was utterly dominating and intimidating.
It was enough to have me sucking in a lung full of air in fear that his presence would swallow it all up.
He had beautiful tan skin, and high defined cheekbones that complimented his strong jaw, where hints of a five o-clock shadow peeked out. His features were so rugged yet angelic.
His striking dark brown eyes were cold and calculating, one of a powerful man who knew what he wanted and knew how to get it. And right now they were glaring at me.
Trapped by his gaze, I could nothing but watch as he took long strides towards me, and all I could think of was how alluring the way in which he walked was. He walked with pure dominance, like he knew the power he had yet never gave too much away.
There was no way this was a regular man.
I'm snapped from my thoughts at the sound of his sharp voice, a voice that's filled with malice. "Who's letting puttane into my house, up on my floor?" He snaps, the pent up rage and frustration clear in his voice. There's a slight hint of an Italian accent, making his booming voice all the more threatening. (Whores)
His tone sends alarm bells all throughout my body, so much so that I find myself taking a threatened step back.
He didn't even have the decency to look at me, instead, he spit the words into the air as if someone would magically appear and give him the answer.
My eyes widen as I stare up at him in horror. I look closely at the dark bags beneath his eyes, frustration and fatigue written all across his perfectly structured face. But it's still no excuse for the way in which he's treating me.
This is why I didn't like men like him. They made me feel small and weak and I couldn't even begin to explain the way fear would paralyze my body.
His large hand grips my forearm roughly and before I know it, he's dragging me towards the stairs, my steps barely able to keep up with his long strides.
I open my mouth, and push past the shock and fear at the sight of this complete stranger dragging me away. "Stop! Stop!" I breathe in complete horror.
I look up to find his jaw clenched and eyes glaring ahead. I try to yank my arm out of his grasp and he only tightens it. "There's been a mistake. Thats- that's my bedroom! I'm staying here." I say frantically biting down on my lower lip as tears gather in my eyes once the reality of who this man is settles in.
This vile man was nothing like mamá made him out to be. He was cruel, mean, abusive and arguably worse than my papá.
The man stops, his broad shoulders tenses before he lets go of my arm immediately spinning around to blink down at me.
I stare up at him, my lower lip wobbling as I take a step back away from the man who's face is now scrunched up in slight confusion mixed with disbelief. "Camila?" It's a deep breathless whisper, like he knows the answer but doesn't want it to be true.
I nod, wiping at the tears before wrapping my arms around myself, in an attempt to cover my body from him.
"Cazzo," I hear him curse, pinching his eyes shut and digging the palms of his hands into his eyes, rubbing profusely. (Fuck)
His eyes open and it's as if seeing me for the first time when he steps closer, his eyes immediately softening.
I take a step back.
"I'm so sorry, Principessa. Please forgive me I... I only thought you would be younger. You look so... so different from when I last heard of you." He mumbles, his eyes snapping down my body in bewilderment before he instantly snaps them away as if it's a sin to glance at me.
"You mean when I was thirteen? Five years ago?" I spit in frustration, my face scrunching up into one of outrage as I sneer at the man.
The man before me's shoulders slump, proving just how in need of a nap he is but I ignore my instincts telling me to help him.
He didn't deserve it.
"I don't know what I was thinking. Of course you would grow into a beautiful young lady." He shakes his head, his brows furrowing as he looks me right in the eye. "I'm truly sorry if I terrified you and came off as harsh. I won't ever touch you like that again, I promise." The words roll off his tongue in a deep murmur, his voice soft and soothing, a complete contrast from before.
Camila's POV Deciding I wanted to just leave, I tightened my arms around myself and nod hesitantly. His eyes holding regret and uncertainty, scan my face before he goes to step closer but then stops himself as if thinking better of it. "Please don't hesitate to let me know if there is anything I can do. I know my actions don't prove it, but I am here to help m." He says seriously. I stare back at him, my tears drying on my face as I give him an unconvinced nod, knowing all I wanted was to stay away from him. But before he can say anything else, I turn and scurry off into my bedroom, only allowing myself to breathe once I know I'm in the safety of my bed. It didn't take a complete genius to realize that was Alejandro Gonzalez - the man that was to be taking care of me. Yet he seemed anything but caring. . . . Breakfast was served first thing in the morning and it was like tradition for all the men to gather and eat together in the dining room. I make my way down the stairs afte
Camila's POV His thoughtful gaze moves to my comforter as he sighs. "Ethan told me about your liking to wear nice things that make yourself feel good. So please don't stop because of a stupid comment I made." He looks up meeting my eye. And although I don't want to, I believe in his sincerity. "What if it happens again?" My tone is soft and hesitant. Alejandro's head snaps up to mine as a hard look covers his face, "It won't. I won't. You have my word." I nod, believing him, but the frown on my face stays put. "What if the others say something?" His hard eyes turn cold and I momentarily think that I have done something wrong. I lean away from him, the action causing his face to soften in realization. "If anyone says anything or does anything, you come to me and tell me, yes?" It's not a question and my heart momentarily warms at the genuine concern in his voice. He moves closer, staring into my eyes with a look of promise. "I'll handle it, okay?" "Okay." I smile, the surge of com
Camila's POV I never thought I would be looking forward to attending school but being on personal holiday had really taken a toll on me. So much so that I was now excited to go to school. Saint Simmons Collegiate Institute was arguably the worst place on earth. Yes, it was a prestigious institute where affluential figures sent their kids to study before they were sent off to Ivey leagues, but to me, it was yet another daily reminder of just how much of a failure I was. Not only was I held back a year for my poor grades, but I wasn't much of a social butterfly.But that was besides the point. Today, I was excited and it all had to do with the fact that a certain handsome Italian man was taking me. I spent a long time getting ready, making sure my full morning routine was complete. I prided myself on self care and my luxurious bathroom made it so much easier. I never wasted time and expensive products on doing my makeup for school of all places, but today was an exception. A litt
Camila's POV Alejandro was finished approximately seven minutes later and I only knew because I stopped hearing curses in Italian that even I didn't know. And when he did come out, I made sure to hold my chin in my palms, cross my ankles behind me to stop them from swinging back and forth in mid air, while plastering a sweet smile on my lips. I bet I looked irresistible. He walks out now clad in only a pair of white briefs, too distracted using the towel in his hand to dry his hair to notice me. I sneak a peek down at his muscular thighs, my gaze naturally drifting little higher before my cheeks heat and I snap my eyes away, grateful that he had yet to notice me. Yep. He was packing. My focus returns to my phone and the cool air hitting the skin of my thighs from where my skirt rode up, sends goosebumps through me. Id quickly learned that I was a sight no man could pass up. Even the teachers at my school weren't expect from that for I had caught their wandering eyes and lustful
Camila's POV Upon my entrance he looks up, his sharp blue eyes behind the thick rimmed glasses widening at me but I didn't pay any mind. I was far too upset, needing someone to hold me and tell me how amazing I was. I knew It wouldn't be the same as hearing it from my new favourite Italian man, but it would do for now. I click the lock shut, which only meant one thing and William leans back in his chair giving me room to take a seat on his lap. I do but instead of straddling him, I sit facing his desk, my back pressed to his front and I hear no complaint form him. "Cam, I heard about your mother. I'm so sorry, sweetheart." He says and I can hear the frown in his voice as I close my eyes enjoying the feeling of him wrapping his arms around me from behind. I wiggle trying to get comfortable, the erection now digging into my ass getting annoying and he spreads his legs adjusting himself so it's not in the way. Did I also mention William got hard at the mere sight of me? Yeah, it wa
Camila's POV By the time six pm rolls around, I'm in my room composing some music for an orchestra night, my talk with Mason still fresh in my mind. I needed to tone it down. And according to Mason, I was far too over dramatic to know how to do that. But I was going to prove him wrong. "Miss Camila?" Comes a voice from my open bedroom door. "Camila." I correct, turning towards Divya, one of the house maids who stands at my door. "Just call me Camila."She nods and I watch the tension pour off of her as her posture relaxes. "Dinner's ready."Divya was relatively young, about my age. Which was probably why I felt so comfortable around her. "Where is Alejandro... and Ethan?" I add after realizing that it'd be weird for me to be so curious about just Alejandro's whereabouts. "They will be joining. Mr. Gonzalez only ever misses a family dinner when he's away on business." "Perfect. Thanks!" I beam up at her, my mood instantly lifting as I jump up and follow after her."Does my hair
Camila's POV I wait until it's well past ten pm to change into a cute workout set before making my way towards the basement. There are two doors at the end of the west hall that stand across from each other, on opposing walls. But they both lead into the basement. One led down to the recreational area, like the gym, theatre and game room. And the other I have yet to explore. I ignore the urge to explore and head down towards the gym. Walking through the wide hallway where blurred out glass sits alone one wall, the gym door being located at the end of the hall. The lights are on and I spot a blurry figure through the window, telling me that Alejandro's in there and my nerves spike up in the best way possible. Was this a little risky? Yes. Did I give a shit? No. Besides, I've thought this through. I was dressed in classic workout attire - fairly modest for what I was use to. A pair of baby blue leggings and a matching sports bra top with extra support that I needed for my large
Camila's POV Camila Rodriguez was never embarrassed. Nor was she ever one let someone else make her feel so incompetent. I'd learned that much from school. I make it two steps away before his voice stops me. "If you're serious." I look towards him to see him eyeing me reluctantly. "I can show you."The offer is tempting and I'm about to agree but I think better of it. "No thanks. I don't need anymore of your judgement. " I retort the last sentence under my breath before turning around and continuing my way towards the exit door."Judgement?" He hums from behind me. His voice somewhat condescending and I stop in my tracks, my temper flaring. "Yeah." I turn and narrow my eyes at him, my tone bitter."The whole unapproachable thing? Not fun to be around." I nearly jut my hip out as I eye him while he merely tilts his head at me. "Unapproachable thing?" He repeats, his eyes are still trying to study me and I know it's because he's trying to decide if I'm bullshitting him. But I'm not. H
Camila's POV I hastily roll onto the ground ducking down behind my bed and away from the window. I then glance around and spot the door. I crawl closer but upon realizing I was still in the view of the window, I drop onto the ground and shuffle to the door. When I get to the door and crawl into the hall, I immediately dart up and dash towards the large black double doors. "Alejandro..." I call wearily, knocking impatiently. He doesn't answer but I try again, this time pounding harder as I cast a nervous glance to my bedroom door. "Alejandro!" What if they just got in my room and realized I was out here? The thought terrifies me and before I can open the door to his bedroom, I freeze at the sound of footsteps nearing from behind me. I wasn't alone. And then someone spoke my name. I scream and whirl around only to see Alejandro's large familiar form, staring back at me, cringing as he holds his ear. "Cazzo." When I register it's just Alejandro, I stop and snap my mouth shut, bri
Camila's POV Ethan was the equivalent of a sumo wrestler in his sleep. Which was why when I woke up and noticed that he was in bed next to me with his disgusting foot in my face, I wasn't surprised. I wanted Alejandro to stay and hold me, but he must have left when Ethan came back. The events of last night came flooding back to me and I breifly wondered what Alejandro did to those men. I debate asking, but think better of it when I realize how slim the chances of Alejandro - a Don - letting them go unscathed are.Alejandro was a calm and rational man for someone in the criminal world, but that was only because his vile side was hidden and only came out at times it needed to be. Breakfast was served later on weekends, giving me enough time to get ready and cover up the faint bruises with concealer. And by the time I make it into the room, I'm the last one at the table. I walk in the room and instantly feel the everyone's eyes snap to me. Many of the men came by earlier to ask me
Camila's POV In an instant Ethan is walking forward and it's when I see his familiar face that I grow hysterical once again and run into his arms. He holds me in his arms as he mutters something to Alejandro. I look back at Alejandro who is busy removing his blazer and rolling up his sleeves. "This will only take a minute, get her out of here." He throws over his shoulder to Ethan who nods."Let's go, Tweety." He mumbles in my ear placing kisses on my forehead as he leads me downstairs and out of the club. I retell Ethan the story in more detail than I did to Alejandro as he walks me up to my bedroom. Making sure to keep out the part about Monique when he asks me how I got down there. It wasn't her fault but knowing Ethan or even maybe Alejandro they would reprimand her for it anyways. "I'm sorry." I speak softly regretting all my choices as I get into my bed. "Don't be. It's not your fault." Ethan says, sitting on the edge of my bed, worry evident on his features. "You sure you
Camila's POV The man lets go of my arm and shoves me forward, causing me to stumble onto the ground. "Puttana, wouldn't do shit anyways." Gio spits angrily, shaking his head.Before I can even think, i'm on my feet and sprinting towards him. "Alejandro." I breathe, running into his arms and grabbing onto him for dear life. Instinctively he wraps a protective arm around me, tucking me into his side where I bury my head into him."Out." It's only one word but the order is enough to have me hearing various shuffling feet, before the room goes quieter than before, the only sound coming from my hysterical sobs. Alejandro's voice is the first one to break the silence. "Tell me what happened, Camila." I hear him speak. Despite the tension racking through his body, he tightened his arm around me. I lift my head out of his side and look up at him. His face is composed and collected, yet when he glances down at me, I see the alarm swimming through his dark gaze. His free hand moves the hair
Camila's POV I turn my head to where she's looking and spot two men glancing down at us from what seems to be a smaller second floor. One is younger looking with a big nose and the other is older looking with slightly grey hair.They're standing on the balcony looking down at us and when I connected eyes with the older man, he winks, whispering something into the younger mans ear, subtly pointing towards us."He wants you." Monique sings and I don't return her excitement as I glance back at her. "If Mr.Gonzalez is here, your best shot at getting to him will be up there. And that guy is your best ticket." My brows furrow. She had it all wrong, I wasn't a dancer trying to get with Alejandro. But before I can clear up the misunderstanding, I feel a hand on my forearm and I turn to see the younger man from the balcony. He sends me a rushed smile before resting his hand on my back and guiding me away from Monique.I look up at Big Nose with a frown. "Excuse me." I say trying to move out
Camila's POV Alejandro hasn't driven me to school all week, instead, he sends Marco to do it. And while I love blasting Taylor Swift and One Direction on purpose to annoy him, a part of me misses Alejandro. But the hurt is still there, slowly eating away at my heart. At first it was from his hurtful words but now it's from the way he doesn't even seem to regret them. Not with the way he's been acting at least. He's been avoiding me all week and on the rare occasion when I would catch a glimpse of him, he would ignore me. It gets so bad that by Friday i'm over that sac of shit and ready to move on. Only I still long to see him.Ugh, I hate catching feelings. Since it's the Friday where we had important guests over, I was locked away in my bedroom, all alone with nothing but the things in my room to keep me entertained. I did everything I could think of to pass the time, I bathed, did my skincare, painted my nails and toes a baby blue to match my sheer baby blue night tie with w
Camila's POV The second we got home, Alejandro abandoned me, disappearing somewhere in the manor while he spoke on the phone animatedly in Italian. Only I couldn't understand half the words he was spewing and I knew it was because I had yet to learn those curse words. In the meantime, I spent my time trying to get to know the other men in the house. I had taken a liking to Marco. Aside from being almost seven feet tall, quiet, always grumpy, and having an abnormally sweet tooth, he didn't talk much. The only time he would talk would be to tell me to politely shut up or let me know how annoying I was. I loved it. He was large. A couple inches taller than Alejandro and built like a football player, which would explain why he treated the gym as his second home. But spending time with him was something I grew fond of for he never walked around on eggshells like most of the other men did. "Marco!" I yell walking through the halls of the main floor in search of him. For such a larg
Camila's POV Alejandro drives me to school that next morning and I'm thoroughly surprised, yet I'm definitely not complaining. I don't know what made him change his mind, but I can't help the rush of excitement at the fact that he might actually be warming up to me. I still can't get a good read on him, nor have I ever caught him glancing at me with any desire or interest. And I briefly wonder if it's because I'm not his type or if I'm not attractive enough. The little bits of attention I've received from him are all relatively polite and all the affection is initiated by me. He has yet to show any signs of liking me. "I'm relatively attractive right?" I question out loud playing with the fries on my lunch tray. "Fishing for compliments and it's only what...." Mason checks his phone. "Noon?" He sends me a sarcastic smile from across the lunch table.Picking up a fry I flick it at the idiots forehead, it drops to the ground but he picks it up and slips it into his mouth anyways.
Alejandro's POVIt's a soft laugh, one I'd think to be somewhat charming had it not been at my expense. My hand tightens around the steering wheel, and I debate only for a moment what it would be like to put a brat like her, in her place. Before pushing the thought aside and letting it go.She was not the girl and I was not going to go there with her. "Seatbelt." I order, before driving out of the parking lot, making sure to remind myself that the man she called her tutor was getting into a red convertible. "Did you eat?" "Not yet." She waves off before turning towards me. "How was your day?" She says, sounding genuinely interested, and I momentarily pause. The only person to ask me about my day in so long and show genuine interest is a nineteen year old girl I was practically babysitting. I slump back into my seat."Irritating."I cast a glance towards her to see her frowning at me with her pink lips. "Anything you want to talk about?" Her voice is soft, almost hesitant and I sha