"Just when I thought I could breathe again, another showed up, dressed in black, calling my name."
*****
"Can we talk, love?" the tall stranger said again, a smile still tugging at his lips.
He was devilishly handsome, tall with a lean frame, sharp cheekbones, and eyes that held a kind of danger women ignored at their own risk. The kind of man you knew would ruin your peace the moment he opened his mouth.
Alessia tightened her grip on the soda can and walked over to where he stood.
"You wanted to talk to me, and the best way you could think of is by causing a scene in my school?"
The man smirked. "You don't even know me yet and you're already complaining. Come on, get in the car if you don't want me to make a bigger scene."
"I don't enter strangers' cars just like that," Alessia shot back, pointing to a coffee café a few meters away. "If you want to talk, follow me there."
Still sipping her soda, she walked toward the café.
"Because of that jerk, my soda's getting warm," she muttered under her breath.
She slid the door open, picked a table for two, and sat down. A few seconds later, the tall figure entered and joined her, settling into the chair across from hers. She didn't look at him.
" Sorry for the inconvenience," he began, "let me introduce myself. My name is Alexander Rosette."
"Alexander Rosette..." Alessia repeated, nodding slowly. "Oh. I see."
"I'm his younger brother. I've been in the States. I work there."
"I never knew he had a brother. Then again, he never talks about his family. So why aren't you in the Mafia business?"
"Not my thing," Alexander said with a shrug. "I wanted a quiet life. Away from all the blood and games. I don't want my wife and kids in danger. You know how it is with the Mafia."
Alessia scoffed under her breath. "Never knew someone smart could come from that bloodline."
"So why am I here?" she asked, folding her arms and leaning back. "Did your brother send you?"
"My brother has nothing to do with this. I have a few questions for you, and then I'll be gone."
"I'm all ears."
"What game are you playing with my brother? You're just a high school student. You've got your whole life ahead of you, and he's... well, he's a walking disaster. My brother isn't the type who..."
"And who do you think you are to tell me how to live my life? I don't need your useless suggestions."
"Who said they're useless?" Alexander leaned forward slightly. "My brother ruins people. You won't be an exception."
"You sure you're his blood brother? Because you don't talk like one," she said, her gaze never leaving his face.
Alexander chuckled. "That's the Mafia blood for you. It does things to people I can't even explain."
Alessia sipped her soda, then placed the can on the table. "What do you really want from me?"
Alexander signalled his guard, who came forward and placed a document on the table. He picked it up and slid it toward her.
She took it and scanned through the pages.
"I want to offer you a contract. Come work for me. You can finish school there. I know you're with my brother because La Notte wants you."
Alessia rolled her eyes and dropped the document. "I know you ran a background check on me. But Non ti vergogni? (Aren't you ashamed?)"
"Ashamed of what, if I may ask?" Alexander asked, crossing his legs casually.
"You should know I owe your brother a lot. You shouldn't be here offering me a new contract. Enrico won't like it. And I'm not looking to be caught in any more Mafia crossfires. So keep your offer, and let's not meet again."
Alexander started laughing. Loud and annoyingly mocking. "Now I see why my brother won't let you go. You're a tough one."
Alessia stared at him without blinking. Then she finished the last drop of her soda and pushed the empty can toward him.
"Don't throw it away. Recycle it. Maybe then I'll consider helping you recycle yours."
"What do you want in exchange?" he asked. "I know you want something and I can help you get it."
She leaned forward slightly. "You want to know what I want?"
He nodded.
"Stay away from me. I'll pretend this meeting never happened. And even if you come around to see your brother, don't talk to me."
Without waiting for his reply, Alessia slung her bag over her shoulder and walked out of the café.
******
The dining table was packed with food. Enrico sat there, eating slowly, eyes on the clock.
The door slammed.
Alessia's footsteps echoed as she headed for her room.
"You're late. Curfew's by six. Where are you coming from?"
Alessia rolled her eyes and walked over. She removed the cap of her hoodie, revealing her messy hair falling over her forehead and ears.
"I didn't agree to the contract, nor did I sign it. I went to the gaming house to relax. If you'll excuse me, I need to shower. My shift starts in an hour."
She turned to leave.
"Alessia."
She paused. He rarely ever used her name.
"We have a ceremony tonight. I chose an outfit for you. Be ready by ten. I'll pick you up myself. The makeup and hair stylist will be here soon. Don't be late."
She stared at him as he continued eating without glancing in her direction. With a sigh, she stormed off, her bag still on her shoulder.
"He thinks he can control me just because he saved my life," she muttered, entering her room.
She dropped her bag on the table and headed into the dressing room. Wrapping herself in a towel, she slipped into the bathroom for a quick shower.
A knock interrupted her rinse.
She wrapped her towel tightly and went to open the door.
"Good evening, Miss Alessia. I was sent by my boss to deliver this dress. It'll look beautiful on you. Mr. Enrico has great taste."
"Thank you, um…?"
"Lily. You can call me Lily. The stylist's here. We should get started."
Alessia sat as they transformed her. Her curls were straightened, falling like a curtain of silk. Her makeup was light but flawless, adding a glow she didn't even know she had.
Then she slipped into the gown.
It was stunning black silk that hugged her curves like it was tailored by the gods. A golden shimmer traced the neckline and waist like scattered stardust. The slit on the side whispered elegance all at once. With golden glass heels on her feet and her hair pinned into a clean, high bun, she looked nothing short of royalty.
"I think you're going to steal the dinner tonight. You look like a mermaid, Alessia."
"Thanks, Lily. I'm nervous already," she whispered.
"Nothing to worry about. You're perfect. Mr. Enrico wants you downstairs."
Alessia took a breath and held the gown slightly to walk more easily. It surprised her how willingly she accepted all this for Enrico, the man who saved her. It was the least she could do.
As she descended the staircase, she spotted Enrico waiting at the base. He hadn't seen her yet, but she could see the sharpness in his suit. Black with gold embroidery matching her dress. His eyes, dangerous and beautiful, glinted under the lights.
Then he turned. And his gaze locked with hers.
Each step she took down the stairs, his eyes followed her, drinking in every inch. She didn't look away. Neither did he.
At the final step, he reached out like a gentleman and offered his hand.
"Do I still look like the girl without boobs and butts?" she whispered into his ear.
Enrico swallowed hard, eyes locked on hers. "You look gorgeous, love."
She smiled.
"Let's go steal the show, Mr. Gangster."