đź’–Regina's P.O.Vđź’–
What the hell am I doing?
I cursed myself inwardly...
Antonio froze... just for a second.
Then his hand slid around my waist.
My breath hitched as he pulled me closer instead of pushing me away.
"You think a kiss can control me, Regina?"
His voice came out low... dangerous.
I swallowed, forcing myself not to look away.
"I'm not trying to control you... I'm trying to calm you."
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Then you're playing a very dangerous game, fiancée."
My heart slammed hard against my chest.
Before I could react, he leaned in again...
Too close.
I could feel his breath on my lips.
My eyes fluttered shut for a split second,but he didn't kiss me.
"Was that for me... or for the messenger?"
My eyes snapped open.
Shit.
For a second, I thought my heart stopped beating.
What does he know?
I forced my expression to stay neutral, even though my insides were in chaos.
"I don't know what you're talking about." I said, keeping my voice steady.
His eyes lingered on mine... searching, calculating.
Like he could see right through me.
God... this man is dangerous.
He held my gaze for a few seconds longer before finally stepping back.
He adjusted his cuffs like nothing had just happened.
"Fine..." he said casually.
"I'll 'relax' like you suggested."
Relief flooded through me so fast it almost made me dizzy.
Did that work?
He turned and walked away without another word.
Just like that.
I stood there, frozen... staring at his retreating back until he disappeared.
The moment he was gone, my knees nearly gave out.
I staggered back slightly and leaned against the wall, placing a hand on my chest.
My heart was racing like I just ran a marathon.
What was that?
I let out a shaky breath.
"That was insane..." I whispered to myself.
I just kissed a killer.
Not just any killer... him.
And the worst part?
I did it to save Damian.
My chest tightened at the thought.
Damian...
What the hell are you doing here?
I ran my fingers through my hair, pacing slightly.
This is bad.
No... this is worse than bad.
If Antonio finds out Damian is my boyfriend...
I stopped in my tracks.
No.
I can't let that happen.
Not now. Not ever.
I bit down on my lower lip, trying to steady my thoughts.
One mistake.
That's all it would take.
One slip... and we're both dead.
I pushed myself off the wall and stood upright.
"Get it together, Regina..." I muttered.
✨Third person's P.O.V✨
Regina stood rooted to the spot, her heart was still racing wildly.
Before she could gather herself properly, Antonio's voice echoed from a distance.
"Bring the new messenger to my office."
Her breath hitched.
No... no, no, no.
Panic surged through her veins instantly.
Without thinking twice, she hurried after him.
She couldn't let it happen.
She couldn't let him hurt Damian.
Antonio had barely stepped into his office when the door pushed open again. He turned, slightly surprised.
Regina stood at the entrance, biting her lower lip nervously.
His brows furrowed.
"What exactly are you doing?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.
She stuttered, clearly caught off guard.
"I-I..." She exhaled deeply, forcing herself to speak. "I can't go back to my room alone... I'm scared."
A lie.
A very obvious one.
Antonio scoffed, amused.
"Are you really trying to get on my bed?"
Her eyes widened instantly.
"What? No! Over my dead body." She scoffed, folding her arms as she rolled her eyes.
For a split second, something flickered across his face.
Offense.
But it disappeared just as quickly as it came.
He began to walk towards her. Slow and deliberate.
"Over your dead body?"
Regina's body tensed immediately.
She stepped back, until her back hit the door.
Nowhere to run.
Her breath hitched.
Antonio stopped right in front of her.
He lifted his hand and placed his index finger under her chin, tilting her face up to meet his.
Her cheeks flushed instantly.
Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
"Wh-what are you..."
He cut her off with a low chuckle.
"You can't even speak properly when I'm this close to you..." he murmured, his voice dangerously soft.
His gaze dropped briefly to her lips, then the tattoo on her left boob, before returning to her eyes.
"How would you handle my touch on bed?"
Her toes curled inside her heels.
Heat rushed to her face as she quickly looked away, unable to hold his gaze any longer.
His piercing blue eyes seemed to cut through her.
Her heart wouldn't stop pounding.
A knock on the door suddenly broke the moment.
They both paused.
Antonio stepped back, creating space between them.
She let out a quiet breath of relief.
"Boss, it's Damian." A voice came from outside.
Her heart dropped to her stomach.
Antonio's eyes flickered toward her for a brief second.
"Come in."
Regina's eyes widened.
Think. Think. Think.
As the door opened, she quickly grabbed the black shawl she had on, earlier and draped it over her head, lowering her gaze instantly.
Antonio watched her... suspiciously, as Damian stepped in.
"Sir." He greeted respectfully.
Antonio didn't waste time.
"The Germans," he said coldly. "Why did you allow them harass my maid?"
Damian stiffened slightly.
"I-I tried to handle the situation, sir. But I was outnumbered," he explained quickly.
"Camelio and Michael were already occupied with the others. I couldn't-"
He stopped, lowering his head.
"I apologize. I should have done better."
Silence filled the room.
Antonio exhaled slowly. "You're lucky you're still alive," he said flatly. "I was in a very bad mood... until a certain person calmed me down."
His gaze shifted to Regina.
She kept her head lowered, fingers clutching the edge of her shawl tightly.
Damian followed his gaze.
He turned toward her immediately and bowed slightly.
"Thank you very much, ma'am. I won't take it for granted."
Her heart clenched painfully.
He didn't recognize her.
Good.
...Right?
"I won't be lenient next time," Antonio added coldly. "Make another mistake, and I'll take your head."
Damian swallowed hard.
"Yes, sir."
Without wasting another second, he turned and left the office.
The moment the door closed behind him, Regina moved.
Fast.
She headed straight for the door.
"I thought you said you were scared to sleep alone?" Antonio's voice stopped her.
She froze mid-step.
Damn it.
She slowly turned back to face him.
"There's always a spot for you..." he said, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"Beside me."
A pause.
"On my bed."
She rolled her eyes instantly.
"I'll be leaving now," she said quickly. "Sorry for bothering you... I think my baby needs me."
Without waiting for a response, she rushed out and shut the door behind her.
The moment she was out of sight, she placed a hand on her chest dramatically.
"That was a close call..." she muttered. "Italy will be the death of me, truly."
"Excuse me, ma'am."
Her heart nearly stopped.
She froze, then slowly... she turned.
Damian.
Her eyes widened, and she quickly looked away again.
What the hell?
What the hell?!
"I'm sorry," he continued, stepping closer. "You seem familiar... have we met before? I mean... have you been to America?"
Her thoughts spiraled wildly.
Think. Think...Think, girllllll
"Please don't be offended," he added quickly. "I know you're the boss' fiancée and I'm not even supposed to approach you but-"
"Ti sbagli. Non sono mai stata in America."
(You are mistaken. I've never been to America.)
Her voice came out firm and controlled, cutting him off. Her Italian accent, stronger than usual.
Damian paused.
Before he could say anything else, another voice cut in.
"There's mommy... are you happy now?"
Michael approached, holding the baby in his arms.
Relief washed over Regina instantly.
Damian stepped back immediately, not wanting to be seen in a compromising position.
He gave one last glance... then walked away.
Regina watched him leave.
Her chest tightened.
That hurt more than she expected.
She forced a small smile and turned to Michael.
"Thanks for watching over her," she said softly, taking the baby into her arms. "I hope Louisa is better now."
"She's still locked up in her room," Michael replied. "But she'll be fine."
Regina nodded slowly, holding the baby closer.
But her mind wasn't there anymore.
It was already spiraling.
Everything was getting complicated.
Way too complicated.
And her plans to take the little one to the station didn't quite go like she imagined.
She's stuck in a mansion full of dangerous men..
She's a Fiancée to the mob boss...
Her boyfriend who has no idea that she's there, works as the boss' messenger.
And she's officially the mother of an abandoned baby.
There was no going back.
She already lied to Antonio that the baby belonged to her.
She was tied.
Tied to a Mafia Boss.