Chapter 5

Chapter 5

{CATERINA}

“Let's get out of here.” Alessandro spoke, his words slurring a little because of how tipsy he was. He stood up, holding out his hand for me to take, and I took it.

He led me out of the private lounge, and then out of the club while holding my hand and shielding me from the drunk men all over the place.

“Did you come in a car?” Alessandro asked when we got to the parking lot, and I shook my head.

“No, I came in an Uber. Why'd you ask?” I quizzed.

“I asked so we'd know what to do with your car, but it's a good thing you didn't come in one.” He responded, and I slowly bobbed my head.

“I figured I'd be drinking tonight, so coming in an Uber was the best option.” I spoke, and he nodded. “How are we getting to your place? Did you come with a car?”

“Sure did. Our ride’s over there.” Alessandro said, pointing to the right. I looked towards where he was pointing at to see a shiny red sports car, and my eyes widened slightly. He surely knew how to spend his money. The car must be worth a fortune.

“Damn! That is one sweet ride!” Shadow whistled through the earpiece, and I had to agree with her.

“You have a beautiful car. It must've cost you a lot of money.” I said to Alessandro as we walked towards the car, and he blew a breath.

“It did, but it's worth it. The car's my baby. I love it so much.” Alessandro said, and I almost rolled my eyes. Of course, he was one of those men who liked their cars like they were their children.

“Are you sure you can drive in this state?” I asked, eyeing Alessandro as he opened the door to the passenger seat for me. “You look kind of tipsy.”

Alessandro shook his head as he waved his finger in front of my face. “I'm not tipsy, just a little intoxicated. I can drive just fine.”

“If you say so.” I replied with an air of doubt as I got into the passenger seat. I was determined to succeed on this mission, but I certainly wasn't ready to lose my life because of it.

Alessandro closed the door after making sure I was comfortable in the seat before he rounded the car and got into the car. He slid into the driver’s seat, fumbling slightly as he adjusted himself. The engine roared to life, but he lingered for a moment, blinking at the wheel as if his hands weren’t quite sure where to go.

He finally gripped it with both hands, his knuckles a little too white. “We’re good,” he muttered, though his voice had a slight wobble to it.

As he pulled out of the parking lot, the car jerked forward. Alessandro cursed softly, then tried to steady it with a chuckle. “Guess I’m a little more tipsy than I thought.”

I gripped the armrest as the car swerved slightly, a little too quickly for my liking. His eyes were unfocused as he checked the mirrors, and I could see the effort it took for him to concentrate.

“You sure you’re good to drive? I can drive if you're unable to…” I asked, my voice casual but my hand still close to the door handle.

“I’m fine,” he replied with a half-smile, but the slight wobble in his voice gave him away. “Just... a little tipsy.” He pressed harder on the gas, the car lurching forward again.

But after a moment, the car steadied. The jerky motions faded, and Alessandro found his rhythm. His hands gripped the wheel with more confidence, his gaze sharper as he smoothly merged into traffic. The drive became smoother, the car gliding effortlessly along the road. I released a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding, my grip on the armrest loosening.

“So… Where exactly are we going?” I asked Alessandro in an attempt to make small talk.

“We’re going to my house.” Alessandro responded, his eyes fixed on the road ahead of him.

“And where exactly is your house?” I asked as I folded my arms. “I'm sorry if I'm asking too much questions, but I don't exactly know you well enough to follow you to your house, even though I agreed to go with you because I'm quite attracted to you, this is out of character for me…” I was rambling when he interrupted me.

“You're attracted to me? That's good to hear because I feel the same way about you.” Alessandro said as he glanced at me with a smile, and I would've turned red if this wasn't all planned. Alessandro was surely an attractive man, but he certainly wasn't my type.

“You asked where my house was. My mansion is on Lexington Avenue. It's one of my many houses, but this one is my favourite. I think you'll love it.” Alessandro spoke, and I nodded. It wasn't like I was scared for my safety, but I had to ask him questions like a typical girl would. If shit hit fan, I was certain I could take him down in a fight.

As the ride went on, I unzipped my purse and took out my compact mirror. I looked at myself in the mirror and fixed my hair when I noticed how dishevelled it was. My lips were starting to look a bit worn too, so I reached for my lipstick, twisting it out of the tube.

Alessandro’s eyes flicked briefly to me as I touched up my makeup, and I caught a flicker of something in his gaze—perhaps admiration, maybe even flattery. To him, it probably seemed like a normal lady thing, but I knew it wasn’t just about fixing my appearance. It was about maintaining the right image, playing my part in this little game.

He cleared his throat, not knowing the intent behind my actions. “You always retouch like that?” he asked, his voice still carrying a slight wobble from the alcohol.

“Only when I’m out for a long night,” I replied casually, smacking my lips together to even out the color. I glanced at him as I put the lipstick back into my purse. “You’re lucky I’m doing this for you.”

Alessandro grinned, clearly pleased. “I’m flattered. You look even better up close.”

"You'll be even more flattered when I leave my mark on you," I said with a wink, the playful tone in my voice veiling the deeper intention behind my words.

I forced a smile, hiding my true intentions behind the calm exterior. Just another layer to peel off before I got what I needed.

A while passed, and finally, Alessandro pulled over in the driveway of a mansion. The silhouette of the grand estate loomed in the darkness, its sharp, towering spires barely visible against the night sky. The faint glow of distant lights flickered from within, casting a subtle, almost eerie light across the polished stone and iron gates. The mansion’s expansive grounds were obscured by shadows, but I could tell from the sheer size of it that this was no ordinary house. It felt… intimidating.

“Welcome to my humble abode.” Alessandro said as he helped me out of the car, and I smiled. The mansion was anything but humble, but that didn't matter.

It was about to go down.