Chapter 4

Arielle's POV

I rounded up my talk, took my pay, and it was finally time to end this disaster of a day. As soon as I got out of the gallery, the lights went off. 

Darkness and silence overwhelmed the environment around me. The only sound that could be heard was the clicking of my heels on the floor as I made my way to my car. 

I wasn't scared though. It was 9 pm. The night was still early. It wasn't the first time I'd be going home after everyone else.

I was inserting my car key into its lock when I saw a reflection on my car window. Someone was at my back. 

Not just one person. They were two.

My self defense instinct picked up. I fumbled into my bag and brought out a can of pepper spray. I always had my self defense kit in my bag, and was ready to defend myself anytime. 

With a quick turn, I sprayed it on their faces. I tried to unlock my car door and get in, but one of the men was quick to grab the car keys from me.

I didn't bother struggling with him, and took to my heels, running away from them. I could hear their cries and groans of pain and frustration, but I didn't bother looking back. I ran as fast as I could.

The one time I looked back to check if they were coming after me, I wasn't so lucky as I bumped into someone. Staggering backwards, I looked up to see a familiar face—Luciano's driver. A sly smile curled at his lips.

"You?" I shrieked.

He cocked his head. "We've had enough of your games, princess."

Soon, he effortlessly picked me up from the ground, and slung me over his shoulders.

"No! No! Let go of me!" I screamed as I hit his back violently with my hands, but it didn't seem to have any effect on him.

He finally shoved me onto the backseat of a luxurious car and shut the door.

"No. No. Wait. What's going on?" I said, and scrambled to flee through the other door, but another person came in through that door and shut it behind him.

It was Luciano.

He sat beside me, his eyes filled with anger and irritation.

"What do you want from me?" I asked through gritted teeth.

He didn't respond to me, but kept a straight face. "Ottimo lavoro, Alessio. You can drive now." [Good job, Alessio]

"Say something," I cried out. 

Still nothing. He didn't say a word to me. Didn't even react.

"You're acting like you didn't just kidnap me. There's someone out there who's going to be worried about me. Why are you after my life?"

"You're not done paying for my car. I have a task for you," he said slowly, carefully selecting his words.

"And you think I'll do it against my will? I'm not someone you can puppeteer."

He turned to me. "You've been so rude, and sassy, and annoying. And getting on my goddamn nerves!" He bellowed.

"I don't want to do anything for you!" I shot back.

"You will do it," he bellowed with a final tone, locking eyes with me.

I sighed and looked out the window, frustrated at everything and everybody. If only I could just open this door and jump out, but I had never contemplated suicide. 

So no. That won't work. I can't even imagine my loved ones crying because of me.

"Fine. Tell me what I have to do and promise me you're going to free me. Like tonight," I tried to bargain with him.

"I don't do promises. I asked you to politely follow me home, but you decided to act tough."

"If that's what being polite is to you, then you need a lot of education on that," I retorted.

He clenched his fist. "Alessio!" He growled.

"Calmati," his driver said. [Calm down]

Luciano released a heavy breath and faced me. "I'll grant you your freedom only if you behave well. On normal circumstances, I shouldn't even let you live," he said every word like he meant it. And I think he did.

"So, what is the task you want me to carry out for you?"

"It's simple. You're going to act like a good, loving girlfriend in front of my grandfather," he stated.

I raised my eyebrows. 

"You see..." he continued while loosening his tie. My eyes followed every movement of his hand. The tattoos at the back of his palm, his knuckles red as if he had been punching them on a brick wall, the visible veins on his hand.

I didn't need anyone to tell me he was a dangerous man.

His baritone voice brought me back to reality. "My grandfather wants to know everything about me, and my trusted man sent him pictures of me and you together. Now, we have to appear as the most perfect couple he has ever seen."

"This is crazy. I didn't ask you to spend time with me tonight. If you hadn't, this wouldn't have been a problem."

"You don't get to question or judge my actions and decisions."

I kept my mouth shut, not wanting any more argument.

"I believe you can do what's expected of you," he said.

I gave a quick nod. "That's if it determines my freedom."

A cold silence fell between us as the vehicle zoomed farther away.

Just today, I had bumped into his car, drew him on my sketch book, kissed him, now going home with him. I finally got myself very busy today. 

The vehicle came to a stop, then Luciano got out. What's next now?

He opened the car door for me, and offered me his hand. I reluctantly took it and came out of the car.

A magnificent estate lay in front of us. Damn! Everything about this place screamed opulence. From the florally arranged path we followed to the sprawling fountain and the huge building that awaited us.

It was beautiful.

"My grandfather is a man of high authority. He doesn't joke with respect, so it's better you keep your tongue in check," Luciano said beside me.

"Mm. How long is this gonna take?"

"It depends."

"I know you don't do promises, but please, I have to get home tonight. I have an aunt who will be worried if she doesn't see me after midnight," I pleaded.

"That depends on your performance."

He really meant his word. He wouldn't guarantee my freedom.

We were led into the house. Every person that we passed acknowledged Luciano's presence by a slight bow of their heads. I could imagine the fear he instilled in them.

We walked into a large dining hall where an old man was seated on a wheelchair at the head of the table. He had a stick of cigarette in his mouth which he removed at intervals to release thick puffs of smoke.

"Good evening, nonno," Luciano greeted when we stopped at the table.

"Oh Luciano. Just in time for dinner," the old man said.

"Dinner? It's late, nonno."

"My grandson came to town this morning, and I haven't set my eyes on him. And you're here now thinking I should have had dinner without you? Of course I have to wait," he said excitedly. Then his gaze landed on me, and he raised an inquisitive brow.

"Uh... this is Arielle," Luciano said.

I gave a slight bow. "Good evening, sir."

He didn't respond. He was only looking at me, assessing me. I wasn't sure what was on his mind, but I knew it wasn't disapproval.

Soon, someone came to join us. I was shocked to see my Aunt Linnie.

"Welcome home, Luciano," she said casually like she'd known him all his life. She didn't spare us a glance, but was busy with the medicine laid out on the table.

"Thanks, Linnie," Luciano replied.

What business does she have with Luciano and his family?