Chapter 95: Chapter ninety five

Victoria's POV

“Hello, ma’am,” Nora greeted, walking past me with a mop stick and bucket.

“If it isn’t Nora, the clumsy, fat maid,” I hissed, my gaze running over her from top to bottom.

I walked to the couch and sat down, crossing my legs. The audacity of Rafe to make me stay in a fucking guest house. But I didn’t have to worry. It was only a matter of time before I took my rightful place beside him.

I tilted my head and leaned back. The faint scent of polished wood and lemon cleaner filled the room, and the slow vibration of my phone made me jerk upright.

“Be gone,” I ordered.

“But ma’am, I’m not done yet and—”

“Are you arguing with me?” I asked, getting up.

“No, ma’am… I’m sorry.”

“You should be. After all, what else can someone like you offer? Now get out.”

She hurried, picking up her things and rushing to the door.

I picked up my phone and made the call. It rang twice before it was answered.

“Hello, babe,” I purred, lowering my voice. My fingertips traced the smooth edge of the marble counter as I walked into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me.

“Amor, why are you not picking my calls?” he asked angrily.

“Because I didn’t want to blow our cover, babe. I was in his office.”

A knock on the door made me hang up immediately.

“Coming,” I yelled, walking toward the door.

I opened it. It was the same Luka guy who had dragged me all the way here, looking stone cold, his face completely expressionless.

“What?”

“The Don has instructed that you are to remain on the premises until further notice. Your things will be brought to the east wing,” he informed.

I stared at him for a second. Damn, he was hot. If only I could have him. The warmth of his body so close made my pulse flicker, a thrill I ignored. He’d be a useful asset for future games.

“That’s all,” he added before striding off.

My gaze lingered on his backside until he disappeared. I hurriedly locked the door and made the call again.

“Babe, you can’t believe what just happened,” I beamed.

“Amor, you know my patience is thin.”

“He agreed to let me stay here. That means our plan is going to work.”

“How? Did he buy the threats?”

“Yes, babe. They were legit, just like you said. And I think he still loves me. He doesn’t want me in danger.”

“Good. Keep your head low for a while. I’ll contact you for the next part of the plan.”

“I’ll be waiting, babe.”

“Take care, Amor.”

The line went dead. I stepped to the mirror, adjusting my dress. I caught my reflection in the mirror.

“Another fool thinking I’ll leave Rafe just to be with him. Men are so gullible,” I smirked. “You’re a genius, Tori.”

With a sly smile, I opened the door.

Everything was finally falling into place. Only one obstacle remained between me and Rafaello finally being mine.

I rubbed the ring absentmindedly. Cold metal pressed into my palm, grounding me in the inevitability of my victory. Soon to be queen of the De Luca empire, everyone would bow before me.

A soft click behind me startled me from my thoughts.

I turned and froze.

“Victoria, I—”

“What the hell are you doing here?” I snapped. “Do you want us to get caught?” I rushed to the door, checking the hallway. The faint rustle of guards’ boots echoed in the corridor, a warning to stay sharp.

“We’re changing patrols,” he said, pulling me back.

His hands tightened around my waist, dragging me into a kiss, rough, hungry, desperate. The taste of his cologne, sharp and metallic, mingled with the heat of his lips on mine.

I let him think he had control for half a second before I took over, angling my mouth, setting the pace, reminding him who led and who followed. His grip faltered as I deepened the kiss, his breath stuttering when I finally pulled away.

We separated, both breathing hard. I could hear my own heartbeat in my ears, a fast drum of excitement and danger.

“Why didn’t you tell me you’re getting engaged to him?” he demanded, eyes darkening, fists clenched.

“Come on. We have to do everything to win. Or don’t you want to be the next Don?”

“Of course I do, but—”

I pressed my finger to his lips.

“I’ll rule by your side once we eliminate Rafe,” I assured him, winking.

“I still don’t understand why you—”

“You’re not to question me. You follow orders,” I growled.

“I’m sorry.”

I walked to the window, ignoring him. My gaze dropped to the garden below and stopped.

The obstacle.

I had expected her to be wallowing in pain, crying her eyes out after my engagement to Rafe. Instead, she was sitting on a bench, eating ice cream and smiling. Santino hovered nearby, talking to her, while Macko stood at a distance, guarding her.

Across the courtyard, Rafe stood by his office window, watching her like a hawk, a glass of whiskey in his hand.

Even the way his men looked at her was different.

Too bad she would never know that Rafe was hiding the truth about her parents. And soon, they would be erased, leaving her titleless, powerless, and forgotten for the rest of her miserable life.

“What are you thinking about?”

I shook my head, reality snapping back as arms wrapped loosely around my waist. I felt the faint press of his warmth against my back.

Such a shame I had to play these two stupid men to get to the love of my life. Patience. That was all I needed while they did the dirty work for my father.

“I’m sorry for questioning you earlier. I shouldn’t have,” he whispered against my ear.

“Do you love me?” I asked, pushing him back, folding my arms.

“Yes. With everything I have.”

“Good. I want her gone,” I said coldly.

“You know I can’t do that. Rafe would—”

“I thought you wanted to bring him down, not remain one of his barking dogs forever,” I taunted.

His eyes twitched, veins popping at his temple. I had hit the right spot.

“I’ll do it.”

I closed the distance, kissing his neck slowly.

“Good boy,” I whispered. “I want it done tonight.”

🖤Authors note🖤

How do you like the story so far?

Victoria is such a nightmare. Comment if you can’t stand her too.