11

11
Arabella

I woke up to the sound of movement—soft footsteps padded across the floor. My eyelids fluttered open as I struggled to adjust to the lighting in the room.

My body was still heavy with sleep, my mind sluggish as I blinked against the morning light filtering through the sheer curtains.

Before I could fully register what was happening around me, maids began pouring into the room. They moved in perfect sync, led by an older woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor.

Carts were pushed in, one overflowing with luxurious new clothes, another carrying a silver tray piled high with breakfast, and a third stocked with delicate glass bottles of scented oils, soaps, and other cosmetics I couldn’t recognize at first glance.

A whole production unfolded around me as the maids swiftly laid out everything on the bed.

I sat up slowly, still groggy, trying to grasp what was happening when a shadow fell over the doorway.

Capo Marco.

The sight of him sent a cold wave of disgust washing over me. He was tall, imposingly so, with dark, unruly hair and a face marked with deep scars that made him look even more menacing. His presence alone was enough to make my stomach twist.

I instinctively pulled the duvet up to my chest, covering myself even though I was already decently clothed beneath it. His dark eyes swept over me with a smug sort of amusement; there was no denying the lust in his gaze.

“Buongiorno, Bella (Good morning, beautiful),” his voice was smooth and calm, but I was not fooled. I knew the man I was dealing with; I had caught a glimpse of him the night before. He was evil personified.

I murmured a response, barely audible.

His gaze shifted to the maids bustling around me. His expression hardened. I noticed the way his hands curled into fists at his sides, the flicker of anger in his eyes.

Then he looked back at me; I could see him fighting to stay calm. His frame was rigid, his fists clenching and unclenching.

“How was the party last night?” he asked after a while, his voice deceptively casual. “Was everything to your taste? Were you well-behaved?”

My breath stilled in my throat.

I froze.

My fingers clutched the duvet tighter, dragging it up as if it could shield me from his scrutiny. My mind raced. Did he know? Did Six say something?

How much did Six know? Had he been pretending the night before? Was it all an act to get me to relax only to expose me before the Capo himself?

What would they do to me now that they knew my plans?

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. My heart pounded as I stared at him, terrified, feeling the weight of his question pressing down on me.

Then, as if summoned from my worst nightmares, Capo Marco called out to him, “Six,” his gaze fixated on me.

And just like that, he appeared.

He stepped into the doorway, his presence commanding, his dark eyes locking onto mine.

My pulse jumped.

For a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of us.

And I couldn’t breathe.

His full lips slowly curved into a small smirk; he was standing behind Marco, so Marco couldn’t see the expression on his face. He gave me a once-over, taking his time with it.

His eyes darted over my body. Unlike with Marco, I didn’t feel self-conscious, or the need to cover up as he gawked at me.

Instead, I felt tingles all over my body. His gaze was intense; I felt my mouth go dry. Unable to hold his gaze anymore, I looked away. Stupid Arabella.

You have the hots for a stranger who could have outed you to Marco already for some favors. I tucked my hair behind my ear and lowered my gaze.

I stole a glance at him again and regretted it instantly. He had broken into a full smile; it made his features a lot softer. It made him look boyish and hot.

Goodness! Was he hot? I pulled my legs close together; his eyes rested on them, he looked at me with amusement.

“Six here told me all about last night,” Marco began.

My heart skipped a beat. I stole a glance at Six, but he still had that amused expression on his face, like all of this was one big joke. I didn’t see the joke at that moment, and nothing was funny.

I glanced at the door; these two big men were blocking the doorway. There was no chance in hell I’d be able to run past them. Even if by some rare luck I did, it would be hard to leave the gated mansion in the middle of nowhere.

I looked up at Marco expectantly; it was the only time I was remotely interested in something he had to say. “And what did he say?” My words sounded too eager; I realized too late.

I glanced at Six, and he broke into a full grin. He was enjoying this too much.

Then Marco spoke. “Six here told me you were well-behaved.”

Relief nearly made me sigh out loud. I flicked my eyes back to Six, who looked like he was on the verge of laughter.

He hadn’t told Marco about last night, about how much of a headache I’d been for him. I owed him for that.

Marco continued, his voice smooth but firm. “I want you to bathe, have the mini breakfast, and come join me at the table.”

The words had barely left his mouth before I retorted, “No!”

The room went silent.

Marco’s gaze darkened. “Out,” he ordered.

Six hesitated, his body stiff. His eyes flicked to mine; I could see the reluctance in the way his fingers twitched at his sides, and then he walked out. He didn’t want to leave at first.

But everyone else? They scurried away like frightened mice, their footsteps retreating down the hall until it was just the two of us.

Marco closed the distance between us in a heartbeat.

His hand shot out, rough fingers wrapping around my throat. The pressure came fast, cutting off my breath as he leaned in, his face inches from mine.

“Don’t force my hand, Arabella,” he murmured, his voice laced with warning.

Fear crept through my bones as his grip tightened, squeezing the air from my lungs. My hands flew up to claw at his wrist, but his strength was unyielding.

My vision blurred for a split second, and in that moment, my mind betrayed me, comparing the sensation to Six.

Six’s touch, though firm, had never felt like this. Never cruel.

Marco’s grip was a promise of pain if I didn’t act right.

I had to act right.