Chapter 4
A fugitive at twenty two.That was the only thought that rang through my mind as I sat in the small room where the policeman had kept me. Renzo was not here because they took him to a separate room since he was still passed out cold.I spent the remaining hours of last night here, waiting for them to come in and tell me my fate, but nobody came. The clock on the wall indicated that it was a little past seven in the morning and I was still hopelessly sitting here, handcuffed."Miss Guerrero." I suddenly heard, I turned to find a policeman standing by the door, "Come with me, please."I followed him out of the door while reciting some prayers in my head. My poor mum would be worried sick if we didn't get home before nine. As I walked, I started regretting my actions.Why did I help those ruthless mafia in the first place? This could mean serious trouble for my family. Was Renzo even okay? Who would come and bail us if it comes to that?"Sit down." The strict looking officer ordered as we entered the office and I obeyed."Good morning sir." I greeted politely.I knew that if they must believe the lies I was about to tell, I had to appear as innocent and harmless as possible.Straight to the point, the officer began, "Some criminals partied at the bar last night and you helped them escape, correct?"Way to go, sir, I thought as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, "This is all a mix up, sir. The version of the story that you have is totally different from what I witnessed."The officer leaned forward in his seat and pushed his glasses down to the tip of his nose, an act that was supposed to make me feel afraid and intimidated, but I remained calm and maintained a straight face."How is that?" The officer asked.I cleared my throat, "Myself and my brother, we are working at the bar to raise money for our sick mother's treatment, but even at that sir, we are morally upright kids that were properly raised. We would never engage in anything illegal.""Your choice of work doesn't say much for your morals, Miss Guerrero."I nodded painfully, "I know, Sir. But it's all we could find for the moment.""So how exactly did the criminals who were partying at the bar disappear, and what exactly happened?"I gulped, "Well, Sir, a bar is supposed to be fun, right? So these men came and they were doing what they should be doing peacefully, until we heard a gunshot outside. Everyone panicked and started running around to find shelter, where they went and what happened before and after the gunshot, I still don't know."From the corner of my eyes, I noticed that the man beside me was jotting down everything I said. I had to stick to the details of every lie that slipped out of my mouth and I prayed silently that Renzo's version would not contradict mine."And where were you when this happened?""My brother and I ran to that room you found us. Before that, I had just finished closing my register for the day and was about to go home when my brother came and dragged me to safety.""So you are saying you did not see the face of the perpetrators?"The lie slipped out of my mouth easily, "I did not see any gun there, sir. And none of the guests looked dangerous enough to own a gun, talk more of firing it.""Then how come they were gunshots?""I actually think the shooter came from outside, perhaps a streetboy hoping to rob the bar. I'm only glad you came when you did to save me. My brother passed out after the third gunshot and I could have died if you didn't come. I'm still shaking." I started to sob to make my act more convincing.The officer watched me with a menacing face, but my face remained the same, betraying no guilt. "Are you lying to me, Miss Guerrero?"My mouth dropped open, "Why would I do that?" Then I started wailing loudly, "I've never owned or seen a gun in my life, sir. Why else do you think I would know a person who does?""No, I'm not saying–""Officer, I actually think the girl is right." The voice was new.My eyes shot to the entrance of the office and I found a tall handsome man standing there. He was dressed in a milky colored shirt, tucked perfectly into a neatly tailored black trouser, his shoe was screaming money and I didn't miss the silver sparks on one tooth that stood out from the rest of his teeth when he smiled."Mr Gianni!" The officer stood up and gave a slight bow, "I didn't know you'd be stopping by."The new man eased himself into the room, but his eyes remained on me, "I heard about the shooting, so I said to stop by here to check if you have anything." He nodded towards me, "Do you seriously think a small girl like this could have anything to do with that?""She works at the bar with her brother, they were the only witnesses we could find." I noticed the officer's tone was a bit different now, almost like he was talking to someone of a higher rank."Doesn't mean she's guilty. I know the girl and her brother very well, I've stopped by the bar twice and she was the nicest. Let her go."That was a lie, I've never met this man in my life and I know very well that he has never stopped by the bar before. I could never forget a face like this, certainly not with the way his demeanor screamed luxury.Stealthily, I stole a glance at the man's face and our eyes met, the look on his face told me that he knew he was lying to save my ass and that surprised me. But he gave me a small smile, almost as if telling me to play along."But, Mr Gianni–""Let the girl go, officer. You know how I hate to repeat myself."The officer's face fell and he glanced at me, but I quickly lowered my eyes. "Sure," he said in one quick breath, "They are free to go. Right away."The other officer came to remove the cuffs from my wrist and I couldn't be more relieved to flex my stiff muscles and stretch drowsily. Then I recalled that I had a mysterious fellow claiming to know me here and quickly recoiled."Good." My savior said, his smile still lingering, he glanced at me and stretched out his hand for me to take, "Let's go."My mouth fell open as I stared at his outstretched hand and then back to his face, but in order not to make it awkward, I took his hand and returned his smile with a very awkward one.He led me out of the room while the officers stared after us. I was so relieved to find Renzo waiting for me outside that I ran straight into his arms, dropping my savior's hand without a second thought."Les! I'm so sorry for not being there."I disengaged from the hug and slapped him lightly on the shoulder, "So much for being a big brother!"He gave me a sorry look, "Forgive me."The age difference between Renzo and I was just three years, and sometimes we even forget who was older, except that his big brother protective instincts usually kicked in more often than not."I'm just glad you are safe." I told him sincerely as I ruffled my hand through his hair.I felt the icy stare of my savior on us and that made me slightly uneasy, so I cleared my throat and nudged Renzo to turn towards our savior. He gave me the eye and I gave him a shrug while we both just stood there awkwardly waiting for one of us to say something.When no one did, I knew I had to speak, "Thank you for saving us, Mr–""Nikolai. Nikolai Gianni." He supplied sweetly, while stretching his hand out for a handshake with Renzo.Renzo took his hand with a polite smile, "I'm Renzo Guerrero, Allesia's elder brother. I was told you saved us."He shrugged, "Did it for the culture. Wanna hitch a ride with me? I can drop you off anywhere." I was already shaking my head in rejection when he added, "The cops are still looking, Kitten, doesn't say much for long time acquaintances, don't you think?"Kitten? Not another one of those stupid weird names! First it was angel from Russel Mancini, now it's kitten from this mysterious Nikolai Gianni dude. What the fuck?We were handed our belongings and Nikolai was far too pleased to lead us out of the door like we were some old time buddies. My soul literally left my body when this guy randomly pressed a button in his hand and the flashiest car I had ever seen in my entire life beeped.What in God's green earth was going on here?I mean, it's not everyday that a super hot rich dude pulls up in front of a police station to randomly bail you out of police custody, right?"Let's go." Nikolai said, "I'll drive.""Sorry, what?""I'll drive you home." He stated as he leaned against the car.Then I suddenly recalled what Russel said last night about repaying the favor I did him. I was tempted to ask if it was Russel who sent this dude, but I couldn't do that in front of Renzo, so I swallowed the question."Actually–" I began, "We can just take a taxi or–""Actually, we don't mind." Renzo cut in while glaring at me.He was already in the car before I could say jack, leaving me there returning his glare with a piercing frown. I whipped my head back, only to find Nikolai staring at me, his gray eyes looked like they held the storm.Apparently, money and authority was not the only thing he had, he also had the looks and the charm. I mentally face palmed myself for thinking about such things in the first place.Now that Renzo was out of hearing distance, I quickly asked, "Did he– did he send you?"His brows furrowed questioningly, "Who?""Russel– nevermind."Nikolai smiled, "Look, kitten. Surely you must have heard of the Gianni Family?" I shook my head, "Look it up. I didn't lie about randomly meeting you, you just looked too innocent to do the kind of things they accused you of so I felt compelled to help.""I'm so– grateful. Thank you, Sir."He gave me one of those cheeky smiles that revealed his silver tooth, "Anything for a cute girl like you. Here," he handed me his card and added, "Feel free to call whenever you are in danger and I'll pull up for you.""What?"But instead of answering, he opened the car and nodded for me to enter. Shakily, I walked in and sat there, fidgeting with my fingers.Yesterday, a mafia boss offered me $2,000,000 to spend a night with him. Today, a billionaire randomly shows up to save me and tells me I can call him anytime and he'll pull up.Were my days numbered? What else? Perhaps the stars will start falling and angels will come down to build houses on earth.Fifteen minutes and an awkwardly silent ride later, Nikolai dropped us in front of the bar because I was too afraid to let him know our house address.When we waved him goodbye, Nikolai stuck out his head and randomly said, "If you ever feel like grabbing dinner with me, you know what buttons to press."Then he winked and zoomed off before I nodded awkwardly, I was still too tongue tied to speak."Looks like you got a date coming." Renzo teased and I glared at him.We flagged a taxi and headed home."Mum!" I cried and threw my arms around my mother as soon as I sighted her on the couch."You slept out last night and you are just coming in." My mum pouted as she hugged me to herself."Sorry, work got tough. We had to sleep in." Renzo lied, "But we won't be going out today so you have us all to yourself!"She pinched our noses playfully the way she usually did when we were kids, "Breakfast?"I shook my head, honestly not in the mood to eat with all that has happened in the last twenty four hours, "I'll eat later, Mum. For now, I just need a shower and a long sleep."I hurried into my room before either of them could object. I shut the door, then I leaned against it and took a deep breath. I stayed like that for like two minutes before slowly walking to my bed. But the minute I reached the bed, my eyes caught a red gift box tied with a silver ribbon.I walked back to the door and yelled, "Mum, did anyone drop a package for me?""No, baby!" My mum yelled back, "Any problem?"A gasp escaped my lips as I slowly walked back to the bed, I was too afraid to touch the box. What if it was a letter bomb? But my curiosity got the best of me and I found myself picking the box up. I looked around for any note and yes, I found one. It was tucked to the side."You are truly my saving angel. Make your decision fast. My offer still stands, I have to thank you properly– Mancini."My mouth dropped open, and I felt my heart thumping loudly against my chest as I quickly opened the box, the first thing that caught my eyes was the wad of dollar notes in there. There were five bundles of them.I quickly looked around the room for any signs of an intrusion, if my mum did not receive the package, then that only meant that whoever dropped this broke into my room.And how did he even get my address?True, my window was left open, which was very unlikely because I usually made sure it was shut tight. So they came in through the window? How did I meet this man again?Five bundles of this meant $50,000!Holy Mary!Another note read, "This should help you decide fast. And for helping us, I'm willing to add $1,000,000 to make my offer $3,000,000. Don't take too long, angel."There was a small card there containing his house address and his phone number, what boldness? I realized one thing though, Russel Mancini had nothing to do with Nikolai Gianni showing up in my life. And one more thing;The devil was baiting me.Chapter 5RUSSEL "All done." Luca announced as he entered my study. I took a puff from the cigar in my mouth and scrunched my eyebrows, "Are you sure she got the package?" "I left it in her room, Boss." For some reason, that information made me so happy, "And the cameras?"Luca came forward and placed a laptop on the desk in front of me, I leaned in to look and sudden enthusiasm filled me. Allesia was sitting there, staring at the box of gift with surprise, the look only made her more pretty and I smiled to myself. "I've set up a better view in your bedroom, from there you can watch her conveniently from the comfort of your bed." "Great job, Luca. Now I only need her blood sample for a test." "What test?" It was the first time Kegan said something since he came into the study. I gave him a hard glare before replying, "To know if she's clean of course." Then I turned to Luca, "Find a way to get it and bring it here." "Yes, Boss." He turned to leave but Kegan's voice halted hi
⚠️TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️Chapter 6RUSSEL "Send in my Number One." I told Kegan as soon as we entered the house."Right away." I tried to wipe the blood from my shirt but it was no use, there was too much splatter and now my shirt was ruined. I would have taken a shower or probably changed into something else if I was going to make love to my wife– or fiancèè.But such luxury had no place being in the life of a ruined man like me, I was going to fuck a whore who I was paying good money for. It was a business transaction and that was as far as it could go between me and any woman. "It's done." Kegan announced and I nodded. I made my way up towards my study, taking three steps at a time. As soon as I was inside my study, I let out a long sigh before discarding my bloodied shirt, then I dumped the jacket on the floor too, leaving me in just my trouser. I walked over to my task board and picked a marker. After staring at the names there for a second, I moved closer and added two more nam
Chapter 7 ALLESIA "Have you made up your mind yet, angel?" I eyed him warily, "Nothing has changed, I'm not going to sleep with you." A small smirk played on his lips, "Quite blunt today, huh." Then he stepped closer and whispered in a low husky voice, "Then perhaps I should show you what you'd be missing by rejecting my offer."My eyes narrowed as I tried to step away from him, but he held me close to him, giving me that possessive smirk that left me wondering if I had only just met this man. "Let me go, you despicable bastard!" I was disappointed to realize that my voice came out in a very weak whisper. He smirked, "Why? You can't handle a little heat?"I found myself at a total loss for words as his eyes locked with mine, daring me to move away. His hands went around my waist and he slowly started pushing me closer to him, but even as I sensed the danger, I didn't move away, couldn’t. It was almost like I was too afraid to have him see me as a coward, or to give the impress
Chapter 8 ALLESIA I ran into the hospital like a mad woman, I didn't have to look for long to find Renzo, this was the same hospital we'd been bringing Mum for the past five years so I knew just where to find them. "Where is she?!" I demanded as soon as I sighted my brother. "Still with the doctors." Renzo replied, "I was asked to wait here."I let out a small sigh, "What happened? I thought they told us she won't be having any complications if nothing happens to trigger her?" Renzo's eyes trailed mine, his gaze shifting in the distance, "Something happened, Les.' "What?" "Just one hour after you left, the doorbell rang and mum answered . I was in my room playing games when I heard her scream. By the time I ran down, she was already on the floor clutching her chest in her hand and shaking vigorously."By now, my heart was hammering in my chest, "Did you see them?" Renzo shook his head, "When I checked, I only saw the tail of a speeding black car, I couldn't make out the plate n
Chapter 9 RUSSEL "You got the sample, yeah?" I asked as soon as Aldo entered my office. He gave me an affirmative nod, "I did, boss." I let out a satisfied breath and leaned back on my seat, "What did you do with it?" "Took it to Dr. Romola." "Finally. Took you seven days to get it." I shook my head, "How did she react to being randomly wounded by a stranger?" "She handled it like a champ." Aldo's half smile made me smile too."And the guy she's been talking to?" "Oh, we are still unable to get his face and name since he hardly ever leaves his car. But he picked her up at the park shortly after I bumped into her."I sat forward immediately and my grip on the chair tightened, "Where'd they go? And don't tell me you still couldn't get his face!" Aldo chuckled softly, "They didn't get the chance to go anywhere or do anything. I followed them, they stopped in front of a fancy restaurant, but something happened that made her run out of his car in a hurry." My breath caught in my t
Chapter 10ALLESIA "Renzo! Oh thank God! I couldn't stop praying that you'd come back in one piece!"Renzo took a very deep breath and sank into the seat beside mine, "How's Mum?" I had hoped I wouldn't have to tell him this, but there was no sugarcoating it, "It's as we feared, the doctor said she'll need surgery." "Shit!" "Shh, don't worry. We'll do it." "Yea, right." He rolled his eyes while I eyed him. "Did Russel do anything to you?" "Nothing. We just talked." "About?""You." He sat up and gave me a very apologetic look, "I couldn't make him change his mind. I'm sorry." I waved for him to stop sounding pathetic, "Oh please, you thought he'd stop just because you asked him to? That guy is an egoistic, arrogant bastard. But you don't have to give it much of a thought, I still have the final say, and I won't do it."The look that Renzo gave me told me he was not too sure about that and I frowned, "He really means it, Les. Three million dollars. That could cover Mum's treatm
Chapter 11Time was running out.You can do this, I told myself as I walked out of the hospital door and into the cold night. It was a Friday night, my mum was at the hospital, and here I was, about to become a little slut for the same group that killed my dad. My first problem began with transportation. How was I going to reach Mancini Estate Layout at 11pm in the night without a car? Well, I would trek if I must, but I was not going to be the cause of my family's misfortune when I could easily be the solution. "Ma'am, do you need a ride?"I whipped around to find a man standing behind me, his eyes boring into mine with something like a loyal smile. I eyed him cautiously because his face looked a little too familiar. "You are the guy from earlier, the one that wounded me on the street!" His face fell, "I'm sorry, Miss. Anything to make it up to you."I was still wondering how it was that he happened to be here at the same time as me, "Have you been following me?""Are you going to
⚠️ Trigger Warning; This chapter discusses possible sexual harm and other vices⚠️ Chapter 12ALLESIA "Where are you taking me?" "To your room." He answered simply. "My room? Do I get a room here?" When he did not answer, I quickly added, "Look, I have no plans of spending the night here. I need to go back to the hospital, so we need to get this over and done with." He stopped abruptly, his green eyes turning stormy, "Why do I feel like you are totally oblivious to the fact that you'd enjoy this?" "I'll enjoy this?" I scoffed, "There's no enjoyment that can come from you, Russel. You are a depraved beast and this is a business transaction, so the earlier we finish, the better." Russel's eyes remained on me for the longest moment before he finally shrugged and nodded, then he turned around and opened a door. "Go in." "You still won't sleep with me tonight?" I asked in irritation."Our arrangement isn’t for sleepovers, is it?" My eyes darted nervously as I struggled to find the