Certain Tastes

Nero knew who I was and that I had lied to him about my name. How did he recognize me? My disguise had been solid. I had even changed my nose and worn more dramatic makeup.

It had worked so well for me in my past.

“I…”

I didn’t manage to get a word out before I saw a knife pressed into my neck. My heart raced in fear because I thought I was going to die. There was no way out of the situation. Nero knew who I was.

Even if I managed to run away, he would find me.

He knew my name, and he probably knew my family background. If he and his family had anything to do with my parents’ death, he was going to kill me for even being in New York.

Zio had made it clear that it wasn’t safe for me in New York, and yet, I had insisted on coming back to solve my parents’ murder like the stubborn person I was.

“You have five seconds to tell me what you were doing at my house, Serena Marino, before I end you, right here. And trust me, your body will be gone in ten minutes maximum. No one will even know you were here.”

I saw my life flash before my eyes when he said that. I didn’t want to lose my life so easily. My brother would be all alone in the world with no one to rely on.

I had to come up with a believable lie. It was a life-or-death situation, and I didn’t want to die so soon. I had so much to live for.

So, I told him the first thing I could think of, keeping in mind how he had barely glanced at my naked body before. He wasn’t attracted to me at all.

“I’m attracted to you, and I heard your preference was blonde women, so I decided to wear a disguise to see if I could have you, even if it was just for one night,” I said weakly.

I almost gagged, having to say such a thing to an arrogant man like Nero. He clearly wasn’t above murder. Who was he really? Was he just a billionaire? I didn’t know many billionaires who openly threatened to kill people.

“Do you expect me to believe you’re obsessed with me?” He asked.

I nodded my head, and he chuckled. I couldn’t tell if he was that narcissistic that he believed I was obsessed with him, or if he was laughing at my audacity to lie to him.

He let me go and stepped back.

“Look at me.”

I slowly turned to look at him. I wasn’t sure what would happen, but I hoped the universe was on my side for once in my life.

“Serena Marino, or Serena Ricci, daughter of the late Giovanni and Estelle Ricci. You recently inherited a fortune from your grandparents. You could be traveling the world right now, and yet, you’re here. What do you want from me?”

“I told you—”

“Liar. I saw the look of horror on your face when I asked you to take off your clothes. You weren’t there for sex. Besides, I caught you trying to break into my office. Don’t insult my intelligence.”

Either he didn’t know what happened to my parents, or he assumed I was weak and I couldn’t find out what really happened to them. Either way, he didn’t seem to have a clue about why I was at his house.

My uncle told me their murder was linked to the DeLuca family, and since Nero was the head of the American part of their dynasty, he had to be involved in some way. I had to find out the truth.

“I was lost. I was there to seduce you. Look at you. You’re handsome, rich, and I hear your skills in bed are unmatched.”

“Okay. I’ll give you what you want. You want to have me? You can.”

I thought he wasn’t attracted to me. When I told him I wanted him, I was hoping he would be disgusted and leave me alone.

“What?” I asked, not believing what I heard.

“As I’m sure you’ve heard, I have certain…tastes in bed.”

What did he mean by that? I hadn’t heard anything.

“You look surprised, birichina. Haven’t you heard? I’m dominant in bed, and I require my sexual partners to be very submissive.”

I heard about BDSM, and I had always been curious about how it worked. Hearing Nero mention it so casually was concerning.

“I don’t…”

He grabbed my chin and smiled, but for some reason, that smile didn’t reach his eyes. It was almost taunting or condescending.

“I can already tell you’ll be the perfect submissive.”

He walked towards the exit and stopped when he reached it.

“At 8 p.m., a car will be waiting outside this building. You’ll know it by the driver. Black suit, no name. Do not bring anyone with you. Do not ask where you’re going. When you arrive, the concierge will hand you a key card. Take the private elevator to the top floor.

“Don’t knock. Just come in. I don’t like delays, Serena. Be on time.”

The only question that remained was how far I was willing to go to find out the truth.

“Oh, and I don’t have a preference for blondes. I’m much more taken with sexy brunettes with green eyes.”