HELENA POV
I had only had sex once before, at my high school prom night, with a boy I barely knew. Since then, I hadn't been with anyone.
A moan escaped me as the pressure of Vincenzo's presence pressed in, making me wish it would never stop.
"Take off my clothes, kitten," Vincenzo commanded.
"No.no," I stammered. "You can't take advantage of me just because my dad owes you." Even though part of me wanted him, my mind couldn't accept what this was about. It felt wrong like I was being used as repayment for my father's debt.
His face was hard, unforgiving, eyes sharp with anger. It was like he could kill me with just a glance.
"You want me to kill your father?" he snarled, venom in his voice. "I could do it right now."
I shook my head, tears forming, begging with my eyes. "Please don't kill him. I'll do whatever you want, but I'm not ready for this please."
"I don't care," he replied, voice calm but deadly. "Now I want you."
"And I know you want me too, little kitten," he added, his words sharp. "All you need is a little motivation. Now, take my clothes off."
"Please give me two days to get used to you," I said, tears falling.
But before I could protest further, my underwear was gone, leaving me exposed. I shivered at the cold and the sudden rush of vulnerability.
He pushed me onto the bed and leaned in, burying his face in my neck. His lips trailed from my neck to my ear, then down to my jaw, before finally pressing against my lips. The kiss started slow but quickly became urgent, demanding.
He pulled back to kiss a sensitive spot on my neck. I tried to move away, but his firm grip on my waist held me in place. His hand traced over me, and I felt my body respond despite my mind screaming otherwise.
"When I tell you to do something," he murmured, "you obey. Like the little kitten you are."
I nodded, my body betraying me. His touch was overwhelming, making me feel more than I ever had before.
"Words," he snapped, gripping my jaw.
"Yyes," I whispered.
"Now," he breathed into my ear, "you're mine."
My mind froze.
———
I woke up to soft kisses trailing along my stomach. Confused, I opened my eyes and blushed.
"What are you doing?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
He moved his kisses slowly up my body, from my stomach to my jaw and nose. I stretched and yawned, feeling warmth and desire rush through me.
"Good morning," he whispered in my ear before brushing his lips along my neck.
"MMorning," I replied, flushed, my body reacting in ways I couldn't control.
I found myself lost in the sensation, the way he pressed against me, the intimacy of his touch. My mind raced scared, aroused, and confused all at once.
He whispered softly, "You don't need to hide anything, kitten. I want you, and I know you want me too."
I swallowed, feeling both embarrassed and helpless under his gaze. My body betrayed me even as my mind reminded me of my father, the debt, and the circumstances that had brought me here.
He held me gently, guiding me close, and I felt the warmth of his presence, the confidence, and control he radiated. Every movement of his made my pulse quicken.
"Words," he said softly, his voice low and commanding. "Tell me what you feel."
"I I want you," I whispered, voice shaking. "But I'm scared."
He smiled faintly, brushing his lips against my temple. "Good. That honesty will keep you alive and keep me interested."
He pulled me closer, wrapping his arms around me. The heat of his body against mine was overwhelming, and I could feel my emotions twisting inside fear, desire, shame, and longing all tangled together.
"You are mine," he whispered, pressing his forehead against mine. "And in time, you will understand what that means. You will crave me, even when your mind says no."
I trembled, realizing I was completely under his influence. His presence, his words, his touch, they were intoxicating. I didn't want to resist, even though I should.
He pulled back slightly, giving me a moment to breathe, but I couldn't. My chest heaved, my heart pounded, and my mind was already spinning. I wanted him, even if the situation terrified me.
"Do you understand, kitten?" he asked, voice low and dangerous.
"Yes," I whispered. "I understand."
He gave me a small, satisfied smile, his eyes softening ever so slightly. "Good girl. Remember, this is only the beginning. You will follow my rules, obey my commands, and in time you will love it."
A shiver ran through me. Every instinct told me to resist, but every fiber of my body wanted to melt into him.
He stepped back and handed me a contract. My hands shook as I took it.
"This is a code of silence," he explained. "Everything you see, hear, or experience here stays in this house. Breach it, and your father won't live to regret it."
I glanced down at the papers, feeling dizzy. "How long do I have to work for you to pay my father's debts?" After signing the papers.
He didn't answer directly, only placing the contract in his safe. "By evening, your personal items will arrive in your room. Breakfast will be served soon. And Helena. " His gaze bore into me. "You know your responsibilities."
I nodded silently, swallowing back tears. I had no one to turn to only Zoey, who didn't even know what had happened to me.
When I reached the room, I met the maid he'd assigned to help me.
"Hi, I'm Sandra," she introduced herself with a smile.
"I'm Helena," I replied, returning the smile weakly.
"How long have you been working here?" I asked.
"Maybe five years," she said, unsure. "I can't remember exactly, but it's around that long."
I raised my eyebrows. "And did you sign the code of silence too?"
"Yes," she said cautiously. "You should read what you signed. You never know who you'll be working with here."
I felt a chill run down my spine. "I I don't even know him. All I know is my father owes him money, and now I'm supposed to pay him back."
"Vincenzo Esposito," she said, her voice dropping. "He's the head of a major criminal organization named mafia. By signing that contract, you're now part of it and you're under his control."
I felt my knees weaken, tears welling up in my eyes. "No no, it can't be. My father borrowed money from a mafia lord?" I muttered, shaking my head. I felt trapped, helpless, and unsure what to do except pray that he would eventually let me go.
Two weeks had passed since I learned the truth. I did my work diligently while Vincenzo claimed me every morning and night. And though the encounters were intoxicating, thrilling, and deeply pleasurable, I couldn't shake the guilt. He was using me for his pleasure, yet I couldn't deny that I had begun to develop feelings for him.
Sandra had become my only small source of comfort. I liked her already, even if she seemed wary of me sometimes.