ROSE
I suppressed the urge to throw up as Luca’s eyes locked with mine. Suspicion and rage were written clearly on his face, but he held an unnerving silence. I didn’t need to be told twice to know that I was in a dangerous corner. My next move could determine if that gun in his hand would fire right through my skull like the unfortunate man writhing in pain beside me. His breathing was laboured as he stared at me. “Don, this wh*re is a damned co…” “He tried to rape me,” I breathed out sharply, cutting him short. Luckily, he had yanked my gown off my shoulder in our brawl. Luca’s head cocked sideways as if trying to read the lies on my face and his expression was stern. I contorted my face into a pitiful one. The lighting in the room seemed to grow dimmer under his intense stare. “How did you get here?” he asked in a deadly calm voice, his fingers caressing the trigger of his gun as he aimed it at me. My heart leapt to my throat. Behind him, I caught sight of the shivering Sophia. She was white in the face, and her head was slightly bowed to the ground. “I was headed for dinner, and I got really pressed,” I started, evening out the guilt in my voice. “I urged Sophia to tell me where the nearest bathroom was, and she pointed me to the one right outside this room. I had barely gotten in when I saw that man stepping out.” Luca’s eyebrows shot up in a gesture of disbelief, cutting me short in my shabbily crafted lie. A chill ran down my spine as the cold muzzle of the pistol kissed my forehead. For a moment, I considered saying my last prayers, and I shut my eyes sharply. A stray tear found its way down my cheeks, and I trembled. A loud bang rang out in the room, and I slumped to the ground. Terror rushed through my body, and tears rolled down the side of my eyes as I breathed heavily. This was it. The end of the mission. “Please don’t kill me,” I whispered under my breath, and a deep humourless chuckle caused my eyes to fly open. I stared around me in shock. I was fine. I felt no pain, neither did I see blood on me. My eyes flited over to the unfortunate man, and my eyes widened at the sight. His head was barely together anymore. It had been shattered by Luca’s bullet, and the splatters of his blood stained some of the cartons close to him. I placed my hands over my mouth to suppress a scream as I stared at Luca in horror. He wore a very faint smirk as he tucked his gun back into the side of his jacket. “I won’t kill you. Not now anyway,” he muttered, turning around. “But trust me, if I smell a rat on you” he blew out on the muzzle of his gun. “You’re gone like you never existed.” I gulped. His shrill tone told me that he wasn’t kidding around. He walked out of the room after ordering Sophia to get people to clean up the mess. My heart hammered against my chest as I walked out with him, silent as a mouse. He stopped sharply, making me almost walk into his back, but I stopped sharply as well, staring at him quizzically. His face turned towards the entrance of the room, and for a moment, he looked like he was going to say something, but he just hummed. “Be ready by seven p.m. We are meeting my family. Sophia will get you ready," he stated vaguely. "I hate tardiness." For some weird reason, his thick accent made my insides tingle slightly. I quickly brushed off the silly feeling. I had a mission to complete. I gave a small nod and watched as his face contorted into one of displeasure. "When you're with me, you respond to me with your words, señorita," he snapped. Terrified, I responded with a squeaky, "Yes, sir." Without another word, he disappeared, and Sophia scrambled back to me. She wore a displeased expression on her face as she led me to my room. She had the right to. After all, she could lose her head since she was the one watching after me. "I'm sorry, Sophia," I sincerely apologised, my voice lowered. She pressed her lips together, her hands clenching her dress in a mild fist. "It's fine, miss. I guess it's not your fault that you were abducted from the bathroom and almost raped," she softly mumbled. We walked in silence until we got back to my prison. My jaw slacked as I caught sight of a beautiful deep crimson, full-length dress on the bed. "That's the dress that the master wants you to wear for the meeting with his parents," Sophia pointed out. She had a light smile. "I'll work on your hair and on your makeup." I picked it up, and the texture of the material made me want to hold it against myself. I held it to my chest when my eyes caught sight of the price tag of it. I unconsciously flung it on the bed with a sharp gasp. "Is there a problem, miss?" Sophia asked as she gathered some hair care and makeup items from a drawer I didn't even know was there. I pointed at the dress. "That dress... it costs thirty grands." I gasped. That was the amount my mother needed for her surgery. The exact amount that had led me to this godforsaken den. "I-I can't accept this," I choked out. She wore a light smile, patting my back. "The master's order was for you to wear this. Don't worry. He has paid for it. Now, go put it on." My throat went dry. How rich was this man? Without another word, I grabbed the dress and went to put it on. How Luca knew my measurement without ever measuring me was a mystery to me. The dress was just perfect. My eyes watered. I had never worn something this pretty before. Heck, I couldn't even afford it. I wiped my tears and returned to Sofia, who gasped. "Wow." I sat, and to my shock, she and another maid in the mansion styled me into a totally different person. When I stared back at my reflection, I was in shock. "Wow," I breathed out. "You guys are amazing." They only flashed me humble smiles. "It's six fifty-five already. You don't want to get the master angry. He doesn't joke with his time." With that, they exited the room, leaving me to my thoughts as I trudged out after them. Luca had his back to me, and his foot was already tapping on the ground once I got to the living room, escorted by the guard outside my door. "You're one minute late," he snapped without turning around. I sensed the growl in his tone, and my heart raced. "It's just seven o'clock," I interjected with a slightly wavering voice, holding the tiny clock that I had found on the table in my room since I didn't have a phone. He turned around to face me, and I was blown away. How on earth was it possible for someone to be so handsome? The custom-taillored black tuxedo hugged his muscular build perfectly. His dark hair was slicked back to reveal his perfectly sculpted face. It was such an irony in comparison to who he really was that he was so beautiful on the outside. He pressed his lips into a thin line. "Let's go," he sharply ordered, and with that, we were on our way to his family. The journey was quite a long one. Just thinking about my meeting with his family had my stomach in a painful twist. I didn't think I would get this involved with his life. The more I got roped in, the harder it would be for me to get out once this mission was over. My jaw fell in shock at the estate we pulled into. It was just as large and luxurious as Luca's. But it was built on blood money. Holding thay thought, I snapped my mouth shut in disgust. Bile formed in my throat as we alighted the car and headed to the door. Luca didn't do anything to make me feel comfortable. He rang the doorbell, and my stomach did a double flip. I didn't want to be here. A wave of nausea hit me, and before I could help myself, I threw up right on the luxurious porch to the disgust of Luca. At that exact moment, the door was opened by an older woman who looked quite repulsed by the mess..I bowed my face to the ground, wishing it would just swallow me. So much for a good first impression. "Bienvenido, hijo mío," I heard her chirp—obviously to Luca, wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace. (Welcome, my son.) I stole a glance at her. Her Spanish heritage was very evident from her accent to her dressing and even the aesthetic of the whole estate. "Buenas noches, mamá." Luca's tone was neutral in response. Without waiting for a response, he continued. "Is he in?" She nodded slightly at him. Them she turned to me and I felt my face burn in embarrassment. I had made a mess of their porch and screwed my first impression with them. "¿Quién es esta hermosa dama?" She asked Luca, patting my cheeks to my surprise. I didn't know exactly what she said, but it sounded warm and hearty. (Who is this beautiful lady?) "This is my fiancée, mamá. Marta." Luca deadpanned, taking my hand in his warm ones. I felt shivers run down my spine at the contact." She wore a small
CHAPTER 8The worst day if my life was finally here. I blinked rapidly to keep the tears that threatened to fall at bay.I had always thought marriage to be something sacred. My hopes for my dream wedding which exceeded the clouds had crashed before my eyes.The dreams of my mother pecking my forehead in the dressing room before I walked to the altar. Her arms linked around mine as she led me to the altar, mocking my father wherever he was. The man with the key to my heart at the end of the altar smiling and even tearing up as I walked towards him. It had all disappeared like smoke in the wind.Now, I was a stranger at my own wedding. I took Isabella’s hands as she led me out of the to the altar. I walked with my head bowed, staring sideways at the unfamiliar sea of faces seated on the pews as I walked to the altar where Luca stood.Alonso obviously was repulsed by my very presen
CHAPTER 9“Leave me alone,” I shrieked as his figure loomed over me. My back was pressed against the wall as he closed the gap between us. He had a sardonic smile on his face as his hands trespassed, resting on my waist.“Isn’t this supposed to be our wedding night, Mrs. Castillo?” He questioned, his breath fanning my neck. The stench of alcohol accompanied every of his words.My breath hitched in my throat as I sucked in a sharp breath. “No. No. I only agreed to be your wife in paper and nothing more. Leave me alone!”Disgust swirled in my stomach as his bloody hands caressed my face.A smirk played on his lips. “You didn’t read the papers correctly then. It particularly stated that we would be a real couple, mi querida.” His stained fingers caressed my lips. “Besides, I need my heir as soon as possible.”
CHAPTER 10I barely had the chance or space to protest as he bundled me like a criminal towards the very door I was peering at. I Squired in his arms, scratching and kicking but his skin felt like it was mad of solid iron. I even broke a nail.“Let me go,” I squealed but my voice came out muffled under his muscular arm gagging me.He remained silent, leading me to the room I had heard so much about and my eyes widened. Blood pumped in my chest as my heart raced furiously. Was I about to suffer the fate of the countless others rumored to have been last seen here?The door led to fling of stone stairs dimly lit by torches. I stared around curiously. There was nothing fancy there. As we moved further in, I felt my body weaken at the sour smell that hit my nostrils. Dried blood. Decayed flesh.We walked past a gate and my eyes widened. This place was some kind chamber. It w
"Wear a pretty smile for the camera, mi querida," Luca whispered into my ears, but my heart raced too fast to hear him. "We don't want people thinking that we aren't a happy couple in love with each other. ¿Entendido?"We were standing at the entrance to the largest hall I had ever seen, and my anxiety had hit the roof. I managed to force a smile, hoping I didn't look constipated.I stared at him, taking a moment to understand the meaning of the last word before nodding, "Got it."The group of paparazzi who had swarmed us while we were walking inside had left me feeling nauseous, especially when they had all pointed their camera at me to find out more about my marriage with Luca.Nine p.m. on the dot, we made our entrance into the venue of the mafia ball, arm in arm. From the sudden shift in the atmosphere of the room, I could tell it was a grand entrance.My jaws slacked
LUCA’S POV“She’s pretty, son. What do you think?” My uncle’s voice sounded enigmatic as he spoke, staring in Martha’s direction. His eyes were hooded.“Uncle, you know I don’t care. I just want to be made the head of the clan, and she can go to hades,” I interjected. Knowing my uncle, I could tell there was meaning behind his words. “I can’t get attached. So much is at stake.”He nodded sharply, turning in my direction. “The Russians are here. I hear Ivanov is about to strike an alliance with the Pushers.” His drink swirled in his cup, and she moved his hand in a circular fashion. “Diego was quite brutal in his revenge the other day. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was impulsive. Ivanov will definitely be out for revenge. I think you should keep your eyes on your fiancée, son.”I nodded repeatedly at his words. After the Russians had delayed our shipments, Diego had dealt with them, sending the bodies of over ten men back to Ivanov as a revenge gift. I’d give him some credit for
ROSE.I stared into my reflection in the large mirror. It took about half of the wall towards the sink. For some reason, the words of that sparky lady earlier remained imprinted in my memory. Luca had married me to have me killed if I was to interpret her rude words.Why that made me feel bad was a mystery to me. After all, I had also married him to bring him down. So we were both looking out for the worst for each other.I wiped my brows of the tiny trickle of sweat that threatened to ruin my makeup. Luca had just abandoned me at the table to talk to the man I recalled to be his uncle.For some reason, I felt uncomfortable around him. He had these sharp eyes that seemed to read me on a deeper level."Are you done in there, ma'am?" Hugo's deep voice drew me back to the present. I had forgotten he was outside the bathroom, waiting for me. He had been as close tomem as my shadow since Luca left, and it made me so uncomfortable. What was the point when Luca had married me so his enemies
I watched Luca's back as he disappeared down the hallways once we got to the mansion. A breath escaped my lips. He had not mentioned anything about seeing me fighting, but then he had not spoken a word to me either."Where do you think you're going?" Hugo's voice drew me out of my reverie. I realised that I had been walking in the direction Luca had gone.I blew out a breath. "I got carried away. It's not like I could do anything dangerous either."Hugo didn't look convinced, but either way, he dragged me all the way to my room, and once again, I was locked in.As I stripped myself of my clothes and wiped off makeup, I couldn't help but wonder why Luca had killed the Russion in front of me. Hadn't he gotten married to me to have me die instead of his precious lady?The way he had saved me, for lack of better words, left an unwavering glint of hope in a tiny part of my heart. Perhaps Rosa had lied. She was probably just some jealous lady
She slowly pulled away from me and began to walk away, but I called her back. "Please, Lucia. I need to know. Imagine I was your daughter."She paused, and her shoulders slumped slightly as she faced me. Her face was creased with worry."I won't tell, I promise. I just need to know. Please. My life is in danger here," I pleaded even more.She was about to speak when the door flew open, and Luca stepped in in all his glory. I almost let out a curse, but it flashed across my mind that he had booked me a spa session."Lucia," he called and said something in Spanish. She bowed her head and left, leaving me alone with Luca.The door shut behind him as he stood confidently, his eyes connected to mine.A long moment passed, but neither of us spoke a word. "You could have just executed me if you were so uncertain about me being a mole," I mumbled. I had to break the unsettling silence, and what better way to do that than to play some mind games?He said nothing, but his dark eyes spoke volum
I trembled as his bloodstained hands caressed my cheeks, my body weak from crying nonstop."Please, I want to leave here," I murmured, twisting my hands in the cords. "Please let me go." I begged.Something danced in his orbs—amusement. He said nothing for a moment, but his next words knocked the winds right out of me."The only way I'd let you go is by killing you, amor. You know too much now," he stated, and with that, he turned to leave.At his signal, Hugo untied me and led me back to my room. My feet wobbled as I walked. All I wanted to do was disappear. Luca hadn't shown it if he believed all that Ricci had said, so I didn't know what to expect.Thankfully, Hugo was a bit more patient with me and didn't drag me like Luca had. I winced at every junction, and he waited for me to catch my breath.When I got to my room, he opened the door and only gave a curt nod of solidarity before shutting the door behind
I gulped, shivering under his gaze. There was nothing in his eyes other than anger and betrayal."What happened?" He snapped. I held the sheets against myself more tightly, looking away from him. He obviously didn't care what happened to me. He was just looking for clues.I looked away from him, trying to stop myself from shivering like a drenched chicken."Answer me!" He demanded. His eyes were dark and held a dangerous glint in them. His hands were tucked in his pockets as he glared at me."You want to know what happened," I suddenly snapped, my voice coming out squeaky due to my screams. "You left me in the hands of a criminal who tried to rape and kill me."His eye darkened even more. "Don't you dare talk to me like that. Tell me what happened before I make you." The harshness of his words drew me back to reality. He wasn't some sort of knight on shining armour. He was the evil itself. And if I as much as let a loophole appe
Ricci was a pervert. He had barely shut the door behind him before he began to roughly touch me like I was some toy he had just obtained from a store.I did my best to hide my disgust and annoyance as I pushed him away gently."Slow down. I'm not running away," I murmured in a sweet voice that made me feel sick. "Are you sure there are no cameras here?" He frowned. "I know his house like the back of my palm. Do you think I'm stupid?"I chuckled, embracing him again. If only he knew how stupid he was about to be. His hands danced along my body, and he nearly sucked out the life from me like he was some kind of carnivore. I heard a loud rip as he began to take off my clothes and I paused him. "Are you crazy? What do you think Luca would say if he saw me walking around in a ripped dress with my bodyguard?"A cruel smirk appeared on his lips. "That wouldn't matter. Either way, you'll be dead before he can even realise it.
My breathing came in rough spasms as I coughed repeatedly. I slapped my palm on my chest repeatedly.Ricci’s eyes were dark, and his arms remained folded across his chest as he glared at me. My eyes widened. How would I get out of this mess? What did he even know? How much had he overheard?"I have no idea what you're talking about," my voice came out raspy. An evil smirk spread across his cheek. "Don't play dumb with me, Rose!"At this point, I felt like my world was quickly turning black. Who was this guy, and why had Luca left him in charge of me? Was this some kind of trick? Was this some kind of investigation?"Excuse me? Who is Rose?" I snapped, letting anger take over me. "How dare you even enter my room without my permission?"He smirked, reclining against the door. "Drop the act and speak. Who are you?"My heart was racing frantically, but I painstakingly maintained a calm expression. "I believe you m
ROSEI was getting to the brink of losing my sanity. How much longer could I bear with having a traitor outside my door and guarding meFor all I knew, he could be the one who would open the door to my enemy and have me killed in the middle of the night.Every time I slept, I was always partly awake to keep a lookout for whoever it wanted to take my life.Slowly, I was missing Luca. He was terrifying and disgusting, but at least his presence gave a form of assurance that no one could harm me. At least, not it he didn't approve of it.Could that be why he had left for over a week? Could he have told Ricci to kill me?Gosh, I was going crazy with these thoughts. I knew I couldn't do this anymore.Trevor had barely even spoken with me after the last time. I had not even been able to sneak out to meet him because I couldn't afford to arouse Ricci’s suspicions.As the night fell again, tears stung the back of my eyes
LUCA "So talk to me, hijo," my father stated in clear English with a smirk on his face. "Tell me about this mole in your territory that I'm hearing about and what you're doing about it."I took a deep breath. This old man would not have the satisfaction of seeing me break... not ever.Adjusting my suit, I reclined in my seat opposite him. "I'm working on it."His jaw ticked slightly. "I want to know exactly what you're doing about it. You can't just sit here telling me you're working on it. I need results to be sure I didn't make a mistake leaving the mafia in my son's hands." He was getting riled up. Good. He could give himself a heart attack for all I cared. I had never met anyone as selfish and insatiable as he was. "Yes. I am working on it. You'll get an update when I'm done fishing the mole out."He slammed his hands onto his desk. "Are you in your right senses? For all I know, the stupid lady you randomly brough
I stared at the diva looking lady at the door whose face had a cruel smirk plastered on it.With just a sweep of her eyes, she sect Sophia scampering out of the room. I felt anger rise in me towards her."You..." I mumbled, packing up the untouched cookies. So much for bonding time with Sophia. I had even hoped to get a bit more information about Luca from her.Her smirk grew even wider. "Yes, it's me."I rolled my eyes. "And what do you want this time, Rosa?!" I snapped. Ignoring her, I walked over to my vanity stand. I didn't have anything to do there, but I just wanted to ignore my physical nemesis in the room."I thought you and my baby were staying in the same room," she smirked, strutting over to the bed. Annoyance swirled in me as I watched her through the mirror while brushing my hair."Well, your baby is my husband," I bit back, just to spite her. She wasn't the only one who could be petty. She was yet to meet
My pulse shot to an abnormal rate. I tried to read his eyes as I collected the slip from him, but it was completely neutral.It was almost hooded, and that sent shivers down my spine."T-Thank you," I muttered in a barely audible voice as he led me down the hallways.He said nothing. "You know, if you'll be my personal bodyguard for the next couple of days, I'd have to know your name," I mumbled, lost in thoughts. His face was gard as he stared ahead for a long moment before answering, "Ricci."I forced a smile. If I was going to be stuck with this man for who-knows-how-long, I'd have to at least talk to him and try to dig up some things he might now. He was connected to Ivanov after all, and Ivanov appeared to be an important person in this mission for the time being."Nice to meet you, Ricci. I'm Marta. Why have I not seen you around the mansion for a while?"He face seemed to grow distressed by the second.