Living in a gangster's mansion wasn't on my bucket list, nor was falling for the devil who owned it.
*****
"A curfew? That wasn't in the contract," Alessia shouted, eyes scanning the ridiculous list of rules.
She clutched the paper tightly in her hand. Enrico sat across from her, legs crossed, a cigarette hanging lazily between his fingers. Smoke curled upward like it had nowhere else to go. Xavier stood nearby, tall and unreadable, eyes pinned on her.
"I'm sorry, I can't accept this," she said, voice rising. "I'd rather go back to the chicken restaurant. I'll double my shifts if I have to."
Enrico took a long drag, his voice calm and low. "Look, love. You work for me now. And that means you follow everything I say. You start at the restaurant tomorrow. Be ready. I'm introducing you to the others at seven tonight."
Alessia's brows drew together. "Why all these rules? I'm not your property, Enrico. You can't treat me like some kid. I deserve a little freedom."
Enrico stood and walked over. His cologne hit her nose with sharp spice and something smoky. He sat on the edge of the table right in front of her and gently pulled the contract from her hands.
"You're in my world now, love," he said, voice thick with warning. "My life isn't easy, and I'll do everything I can to protect you."
She scoffed. "Protect me? Who puts a 6 p.m. curfew in place? And what's this no leaving the mansion without permission, no outside calls after 9, locked bedroom doors at night, cameras in the hallway?"
He raised a brow. "Like I said if you want to survive here, you follow my rules. Don't make me repeat myself."
Alessia stepped closer, her voice trembling but steady. "I know you're trying to protect me, but I can protect myself. Don't waste your time caring for me. And that contract? Re-do it. I'm not agreeing to this. I'm going to get my stuff from home."
She pulled her hoodie over her colored hair, hiding the streaks of pink, and walked out without looking back.
Enrico watched her disappear through the doorway. He took another drag, the cigarette burning down between his fingers. Then he turned to Xavier and muttered, "Keep your eyes on her. She's going to be stubborn, but I need her safe."
Xavier gave a slight bow. "Yes, boss. I've never seen you this concerned about anyone before."
Enrico rolled his eyes. "What are you implying?"
"I'm saying," Xavier said, smirking, "you're falling for a high school girl who dragged your name through the internet."
Enrico flipped the document open again. "I don't do love, man. She either follows my rules… or I give her a death rule."
Xavier chuckled. "Sure. Let's see how that goes. Honestly, I don't think you even trust yourself when it comes to her."
"Can you stop teasing me?" Enrico snapped, glaring. "I'm just looking out for her. For now, she's part of the family."
"Family, huh?" Xavier folded his arms. "I like this soft version of you. Alessia's really getting under your skin."
Enrico snorted. "She just needs to pay her debt and leave. That's all."
"And if she starts to matter more?"
Enrico shook his head. "I'm not falling for it. Just keep her safe. Make sure she eats. She's lighter than she looks."
"Got it, boss." Xavier walked out with a small grin on his face.
As the door clicked shut, Enrico sighed. "What the hell is going on with everyone today?"
He lit another cigarette and scanned the contract again, smoke curling above his head like a question mark.
*******
The bedroom shimmered under the glow of soft white lights. Blue satin sheets stretched smoothly across the bed. The curtains were lavender and gold, and the entire room smelled faintly of vanilla and fresh flowers.
Alessia dumped her bag in the dressing room. Her eyes widened when she saw racks of designer clothes, skirts, tops, shoes, and even accessories.
She turned to Xavier, who was leaning against the reading table. "Did your boss do this just to bribe me into signing that ridiculous contract?"
"He wanted you comfortable," Xavier said. "You need rest. I'll let you unpack."
He walked toward the door.
"Can I use my phone now? Champagne will be worried."
"Yes," he said without looking back. He shut the door behind him.
Alessia pouted. "Why is he just as weird as his boss?"
She pulled out her phone and turned it on. Messages poured in.
She went into the bathroom, removed her clothes, and stepped under the warm water. The shower was silent and clean, and the scent of rose shampoo filled the air. She wrapped a towel around her body and slipped into a flowery robe.
As she walked out, drying her damp hair, her eyes landed on the bed.
"Oh my God!" she screamed, hand clutching her chest.
Enrico sat there. His black shirt was unbuttoned halfway, exposing his chest and a gold chain that glinted under the lights. Black slacks clung to his long legs, and a sleek wristwatch gleamed on his wrist.
"You scared me!" she snapped. "Don't you know how to knock?"
"I don't think I should knock before entering your room."
"Then why did you curse me the other night for talking at the dining table," Alessia muttered to herself, barely loud enough for anyone to hear.
"I heard you. I brought the contract. You can sign it before tomorrow ends." He dropped the file on the bed, his eyes lingering on her.
"What are you staring at?" Alessia asked coldly, folding her arms.
Enrico stood and moved toward her. Her eyes stayed locked on his face, watching for any sign of his next move. But he walked past her, leaned down, and opened the drawer. He pulled out a hair dryer.
He raised it slightly. "Do you mind?"
Alessia hesitated, watching him with narrowed eyes. What is going on with him? He acts cool some days and some days he becomes... weird, she thought.
She quickly sat down on the chair near the mirror. Enrico's smile tugged at one side of his lips as he walked over. She switched on the dryer, and the soft, warm wind blew against her scalp. His fingers brushed lightly against her hair as he guided the strands.
"When I saw you with this hair, you reminded me of my mother," he said quietly. "She had different colours in her hair, like yours. I thought you were her reincarnation."
"I'm sorry about your mom... but what if I was" Alessia started, turning her head toward him.
"You can't be. My mom wasn't aggressive, stubborn, and bad-mouthed," Enrico said.
"Did you just call me all that?" Alessia snapped, spinning to face him.
"Can you just sit straight and let me dry your hair," he said, voice still calm like nothing had happened.
"I think it's enough," she said, jumping to her feet. "It's time to go. Thanks for the hair."
Enrico set the dryer down and stood tall, eyes steady on her. Alessia pointed toward the door, her fingers trembling slightly, but he didn't move.
He stepped closer. Her lips parted, but no words came out.
"Don't make me fall for you, love," he whispered. "If I do, I'm not gonna stop until I make you mine."
Alessia moved in, her body brushing his. Her fingers reached for his shirt buttons. One by one, she unfastened them, the tips of her fingers grazing his warm skin. Just before the last one, his hand gently caught hers.
"I've always wanted to ask you why you had tattoos like this," she murmured. "They're beautiful... they make me want one too when I graduate from high school." She traced them slowly, softly, with her fingertip.
"What are you doing?" Enrico said, voice rough, like he was fighting back a moan.
Alessia pulled her hand back and turned away, heading toward her dressing table. But he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back to him.
"You don't just turn me on and leave like that, love," he breathed near her ear, his voice low and thick.
"You want to know what I can do? You said I should get bigger peaches and butts first." She leaned in close, robe tightening around her curves. "Maybe I'll start working on them, Mr. Gangster."
"Why do you keep seducing me when you know exactly what I want?" Enrico asked, eyes dark.
Alessia leaned in, brushing her lips near his ear. Her voice came out in a slow, whisper.
"Because I know, no matter how much you hate me... You can't resist me."