Silk and Spite

Gabriella's Pov 

I stared up at the ceiling, unable to sleep even though it was past midnight. My heart began racing when I thought of what happened earlier. The kiss. It replayed in my mind which made it harder to focus. I felt hot and angry about what Alessio did. The way he kissed me was insane, it was rough, and demanding at the same time. 

My first kiss, stolen just like that. 

And the worst part? He didn’t even act like it mattered. Like it was no big deal. That made me furious. 

Groaning, I turned to face Alessio. He laid next to me, sleeping peacefully like he hadn't just left me all hot and bothered. His blond hair rested messily against the pillow. His features looked relaxed and for a split second I hated the fact that he looked so good even while he was asleep. 

Of course he had to be sleeping fine. Why wouldn’t he be? He always got what he wanted. 

We’d kissed once before, back when we were kids playing truth or dare. I was sure Alessio didn’t remember, but it had meant everything to me. Back then, I’d been too flustered to even look at him afterward, my cheeks were red for days. 

But now, I felt angry. 

I groaned once more, shutting my eyes, forcing the memory to remain at the back of my mind. Soon, the sleep engulfed me.

********************

I woke up to the light seeping through the curtains. Yawning, I stretched my arms, feeling the space beside me was empty. I sat up straight, pushing my tangled hair out of my face as my eyes swept the room. 

“Figures,” I muttered. 

Pulling myself out of bed, I made my way to the shower. I settled in the bathtub, letting the hot water wash away the remaining frustration that clung to my skin. When I was done, I headed to the closet to pick out something to wear. A shriek escaped my lips when I took in the sight before me.

The closet was filled with different kinds of clothes. Expensive ones at that. My hands shuffled through the clothes and they all screamed luxury. I picked up the price tag attached to one of the dress and my eyes widened at the price.

“A THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR A DRESS??!! I screamed out.

I snorted. “Seriously? What the hell was he thinking,” 

Of course, Alessio would go overboard. As if forcing me into this marriage wasn't enough, he had to decide what I would wear. He's basically controlling my life.

My gaze flickered back to the dresses, my anger flaring. Alessio started this by forcing me into theis marriage. But two can play this game. He wanted a wife so badly, then I'll show him how much of a “wife" I can be.

A smirk formed on my lips as I picked out the shortest white dress I could find. The dress hugged my curves perfectly, the neckline dropping dangerously low. I matched the dress with a pair of red stilletos and decided to get my hair and makeup done.

The drawer was filled with different kind of make up, lipsticks, everything. After much thought, I decided to go with a deep red lipstick which made my skin color pop out. I styled my hair in soft waves which rolled down my back. When I was done, I barely recognized myself when I stared in the mirror. 

I took one of Alessio's cologne off the dresser and sprayed a little on my wrist, letting the masculine scent fill me. I was done and ready for Alessio, if he wanted to play games, might as well show him how it's done. 

I made my way downstairs, my red heels clicking as I walked on the marble floors. The guards head snapped in my direction the moment they saw me approach. Their eyes widened and their gaze flickered to the door, probably afraid of what Alessio may do if he caught them gawking.

Holding back a smile, I approached the three guards who stood near the living room. “Where’s Alessio?” I asked, keeping my voice as steady as possible.  

One of them cleared his throat, his eyes fixed somewhere over my shoulder. “In his study, ma’am. He’s got guests.” 

I turned to leave, but one of them called out, his voice hesitant. “Mrs. De Luca…..”  

I flinched at the name. “It’s Gabriella,” I snapped. “Just Gabriella.”  

He bowed his head slightly. “I can’t call you by your name ma'am. Don's orders.”

He shifted awkwardly on his feet. “The Don said you’re not to go to the study.” 

I raised an eyebrow. “And why’s that?” 

“He… he just said you were forbidden,” the guard mumbled, looking everywhere but at me. 

I huffed. “Well, I’m going anyway. Are you going to stop me?” 

He swallowed, his face feeing pale. “I… can’t do that ma'am.” 

I rolled my eyes. “Right. And what’s he going to do if I go anyway? Lock me in my room?” 

The guard swallowed, his face getting pale. “I… can’t say, ma’am.” 

“Perfect," I squealed, moving forward until he took a step back. “It seems you love your job and I can't imagine how you'd feel if you get fired but then if you want to keep your jobs, I suggest you don't come in my way.”

His mouth opened and closed a few times, but he didn’t argue. 

“Good talk,” I said sweetly, patting his chest and moving past them.

I smirked to myself. Mission accomplished. I walked through the hallway, my heels making loud clicks as I walked. Alessio's office was at the far end of the hall, and I could see a name clearly written above, “DON". I felt nervous, knowing he's going to be so mad and he'll probably drag me back and lock me in my room for days. 

My heart was pounding at that thought but I ignored it, reaching for the handle of the door. I stopped for a moment, leaning slightly into the door. I could hear muffled voices coming from the other side, I couldn't make out what they were saying. I debated going back or continue the insane act I was about to do.

Well, screw it. 

Without knocking, I pushed the door open……