Chapter 8 - A little Disappointed

Maria's POV

I didn’t sleep.

Even with how cool and soft the bed and pillows were, sleep refused to come. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the man’s hand reaching for me again—cold, rough, and full of hate.

And Luca.

Standing there like a king in his dark penthouse, as if he hadn't caused all this to happen.

“But at least he's making an effort.” I thought to myself.

I curled up tighter under the covers, hating how small I felt in this place. I didn’t belong here. I didn’t want to belong.

A soft knock came on the door, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Come in," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Alex walked in—calm, professional as always. He had a lady beside him. I wondered if she was Italian as well.

"Ms. Santina, this is Louisa, she'll be of help to you whenever you need her."

I didn't say anything, I just moved my eyes from Louisa to Alex and back.

Louisa just stood there smiling.

"And Mr. De Rossi is at the dining table,” Alex continued. “He expects you to join him now. He is preparing to leave for some business."

I wanted to do or say something sarcastic but I thought against it and told him I'll come out soon.

As they were about to leave, I asked Alex if there was any news from my apartment.

He paused to answer but first said something to Louisa in Italian. I guess my suspicions were right. She is Italian.

Louisa left the room and Alex said, "we don't have much yet but we're definitely looking."

I nodded and he left.

**********

At the table, Luca was just putting down a cup of coffee when our eyes met. He was already dressed in a black suit, with a yellow tie that stood out.

"I always imagined you looked beautiful in the morning. I guess I wasn't wrong."

I gave a little smile. "Good morning, Mr De Rossi."

"Good morning, little..., sorry, Maria."

I didn't comment on that but I just sat next to him on the dining table.

"What would you like to have for breakfast?" Luca asked.

"A cup of coffee would be okay for a start but first, Mr De Rossi, I'd like to apologize for yesterday..."

"Oh, please." Luca interrupted me, "you had every right to be angry. And you were right, I brought you into this mess, and I am going to get you out of it, Maria." He said, smoothly and confidently as he placed his hand on mine.

His hand was warm.

I thought those were some nice things to say, so I said, "you were right as well, Mr De Rossi, I wasn't entirely safe there."

Luca waited for a while, then he said: "No, little doll, you weren't. Because you never know what could happen."

We stared at each other for a while but then I moved my eyes first.

Louisa brought me a cup of coffee and asked what I'd like to eat. I told her I'm fine with what Luca was having.

"Have you eaten something like this before?" Luca asked, looking genuinely curious.

"No, Mr. De Rossi but I'd like to try it."

"Well, it's a shame I won't be here to watch you eat it." He got up and buttoned his suit, "I have to leave now. I have some business that needs my urgent attention."

"I didn't take you for a breakfaster, Mr De Rossi."

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, little doll. I care a lot about my health, it's God's gift." Luca said as he did the cross.

"See you later… little doll." He reached gently to kiss my cheek and I let him do it. Which he did, gently and I blushed within me.

That felt sweet.

*******

Later, after the dishes had been cleared and Louisa had busied herself in another room, I picked up my phone and called Sophia.

She picked up on the second ring.

“Maria?” Her voice was groggy. “Do you know what time it is?”

“I know, I’m sorry—wait, is it that early?”

“No, but you don’t call me at 8am unless something’s on fire.” A beat. “What happened?”

I sank onto the bed. “I was attacked in my apartment last night.”

Silence. “What?”

“Yeah. Someone grabbed me. I managed to escape, but it was bad. Luca’s men found me and brought me to his place.”

Sophia didn’t speak right away. Then she said, “Wait… Luca as in Luca De Rossi, middle aged hot mafia daddy?”

I sighed. “Yes, Sophia. Luca De Rossi but not daddy.”

“Oh my God. You’re living at his place now?”

“It’s just for now. Until things settle.”

She made a wicked little laugh and I laughed. “Damn, girl. I knew you were crazy, but I didn’t think you’d go full mafia princess on me.”

I rolled my eyes even though I was smiling. “Stop it, I was in trouble and he offered to help.”

“Of course… hmm hmm.”

“Stop it, Sophia.” We both laughed.

“So, what do you intend to do while you're there?” Sophia asked, sounding concerned.

“I don't know but I think this might be the safest place for me now. I don't even know who the man is but I'm sure he's trying to get to Luca through me.”

“Then stay safe, my friend. Besides, when was the last time you had a daddy?”

“Goodbye Sophia.” We laughed again.

“Goodbye Maria.”

We hung up. I didn't need to tell her I wasn't going to come today. She already knew I wasn't. She always knew I hated working there and would find any opportunity not to go there.

*********

I had a boring day but Luca came back early that evening because he didn't want to leave me alone.

At least that's what he said.

We talked a little about different things and I came to realise a lot about the mighty Luca De Rossi. He was a religious person, a true lover of art and he actually grew up poor. Like they all say.

How he made it to be one of the most powerful men in this city was a story for another time, he had said.

My eyes were already sleeping so we had to go.

“I hope it's not too early to ask you to spend the night with me, little doll? Because I'd like to.”

My sleepy eyes went wide open, “I know you have it easy with women, Mr De Rossi but I've always said it, I'm not like other women.”

I made to get up and Luca helped me. He can be so gentle, everything about him was.

“If that's what you want, little doll, then fine… but my inviting you does not mean I want to have sex with you…”

“Then what does it mean, Mr De Rossi?”

Luca didn't say anything for a while, he just stared into my eyes and I into his. 

Then he said with a deep gentle sigh, “never mind, little doll, you go to bed now.”

He left me with a little kiss to my cheek and I left the room, feeling a little disappointed.