Chapter 5

Diego's POV

My mind raced as I stepped into the room. Roberto motioned me to sit on the worn leather chair. “You've been given a job, Diego, and it's a simple one.” His voice was sharp and commanding as always. He reclined in his chair, his posture stiff. Anthony stood by his side, without uttering a word. He simply stared at me.

“You're going to spy on Mr. Rocco.” He dropped the bombshell, making my racing mind to calm down. I nodded my head, not trusting myself to speak.

“Rocco is our nemesis.” He mentioned, his tone dropping slightly as if saying the name out loud was bitter. “We'll work your way into the home as a domestic staff.” He turned to look at Anthony who nodded his head. “We've learnt that they need a nanny. That will be your disguise.”

“Nanny?” I repeated, raising my eyebrow as I was taken aback by the plan. That was the least of what I expected. I had no idea how to put up with children.

“Blend in. Keep your feminine disguise on. Collect information.” Roberto said.

“Yes sir.” I responded.

“And one thing, if you're caught you may be killed. Stay safe.”

I swallowed hard, feeling my stomach lurch and a deep sense of dread that accompanied his last statement. It sounded like a threat and did a good job in unsettling me.

“Do you understand?” His voice sounded again. I met his gaze, knowing that none of these was negotiable. It wasn't a choice.

“Yes sir.” I muttered, my heart still heavy with dread.

I was left alone in my private space. My mind spiralled with thoughts of the mission before me. Roberto had not dropped information if the children were teenagers. If they were, I doubted if I'll be able to put up with them. I took a deep breath, comforting myself that this was better than the assassination.

Later that night, I found myself standing in front of the mirror. I donned a blue gown with a low neck cut and silver heels. My favorite dress had been torn by the bullies, and I vowed to make them pay for it. As I adjusted the straps, my reflection stared back at me. I looked dangerously hot. I wasn't doing this for the sake of money. I did it for the thrill—the way I was looked at, with hunger and desire.

Tonight was quite different. I wasn't planning to dance or tease anyone. I just wanted to have a few drinks before I embark on my dangerous mission.

The club buzzed with life, the sound of the music vibrated through my ears as I leaned against the bar, letting my gaze drift lazily over the crowd. The barman appeared, offering me a glass of whiskey. It warmed my throat as I sipped it slowly. I hadn't planned to stay sober tonight.

The man emerged later with a glass and poured champagne into it. He dropped it before me and pointed in a direction. I followed his gaze and it landed on him, the same man who had snubbed me the previous night. It was obvious that he's the one who bought the drink for me.

I abandoned my glass of whiskey and proceed to meet the man with my champagne in hand. He still looked the same, older, slicked back hair, sharp gray eyes and cologne that drew my attention once I was close to him.

“I get to see you again.” He said, his voice a low seductive rumble and his smile revealing a perfect set of white teeth.

“You abandoned me the previous day.” I drank the champagne, running my lips against the rim of the glass.

“I'm Vincent.” He announced.

I forced a smile, stepping closer. “Gloria.” I lied, unwilling to reveal my real name.

“Beautiful name.” He muttered.

“You seem to like the view,” I teased, my voice filled with flirtation. “You can't seem to take your eyes off me.”

He chuckled, a smile twitching at the corner of his lips. “I like what I see.”

His words stirred something in me that I couldn't quite explain. I should have walked away, but I didn't. Not when the game was so much fun and an idea played in my mind.

I held his hand, leading him to a private room. He smiled, allowing me to run my hand along his body as I pushed him to the bed. I shoved my hand into his pocket and felt a card. His attention was still on me, on my lips, on the way I moved—he didn't even notice.

I planned to go wild this night and if this was the only legacy I would have, so be it. He was already drunk and didn't notice when I slipped his wallet out of his pocket. I smiled to myself, the rush of my maneover coursing through me. As I emptied the items into my bag, he grabbed my wrist.

“Not so fast,” he muttered, pulling me roughly towards him. I gasped, he wasn't as wasted as I thought. His grip was unyielding and I instantly regretted why I indulged myself in pickpocketing when I had enough in my bank. So much for the thrill of a last night at the club.

I yanked my hand off his wrist, making my way out of the room with his items still in my hand. Just like I had expected, he sent the security after me. I could hear their thumping footsteps chasing after me as I struggled to make my way out of the club.

“Get her!” Vincent's voice screeched and just as I was about to open the door, my cloth got stuck in a crevice. I struggled to pull the fabric as the men were closing in on me. Vincent was almost towering at me. I tore the dress, releasing it from the hold and dashed out of the club.

Before I left, his icy gray eyes locked on mine. I looked at the stolen items in my hand, I didn't need them. I only stole for the thrill of doing something on my last day at the club. I tossed the valuables into the tray of a beggar seated on the floor.

This was the last day I'll see Vincent, hence there was nothing to worry about