Chapter 3. Into the Lion's Den

Natalia's pov

My steps faltered as I neared him lounging against the bar. Anxiety rolled over me in waves, despite my determination.

The weight of his stare pinned me to the floor. And unlike the first time I saw him, I was finally beginning to take in every single detail of his.

From his impeccably tailored expensive suit to those rugged yet refined Italian features. Such a striking masculinity that wasn't quite like the rest of the Italian men I've been with, I couldn't help but feel intimidated by his presence.

His slanted blue eyes raked over me lazily, seeming to drink in every detail without even looking up from his glass making a shiver ripple through me.

'Get it together. This is just another asshole with money. You've handled worse Nat.'

I chanted repeatedly in my head. For a moment, I wavered under his intense stare. Feeling utterly insignificant. Like I could easily be disposed of and no one would blink.

This wasn't some drunken frat boy. This was a man who had whatever he wanted.

"The opening act Gio promised," he finally said in that deep, bone-reverberating baritone. His plush lips twisting in a sneer.

I pasted on my most seductive smile, leaning to offer a teasing glimpse of my boobs. I was the hottest one here, dammit. Time to own that power.

"No mere opening act, handsome," I purred. "I'm the whole damn main event."

A derisive scoff, so faint I almost missed it. But those piercing blues continued their hungry perusal of my body. He might act unimpressed, but I could read his piqued interest, the evidence was clear in the growing bulgeness i caught sight of in his pants.

I watched his jaw clench tightly the moment I ran my hands from his hard chest down to his groin area, slipping my frail hands underneath his bosom and then bringing it upwards to the bulgeness i sighted.

A low primal growl flew out of his lips and with a barely-there twitch of his stubbled chin, two massive men in ill-fitting suits appeared like gargoyles.

"We'll see, principessa," he said, the endearment twisting into a threat.

He turned to the men and said. "Take her to my suite and gauge her...talents."

The guards moved in silent unison, herding me like a prisoner. Fear and excitement coursed through my body at the same fucking time, making me shiver lightly.

I forced myself to hold that smoldering gaze as I sashayed past the thugs. I was in control - the club's finest seductress. This arrogant bastard wouldn't be the first to underestimate what I could do.

But he'd be one of the most satisfying to take down.

Steeling my nerves, I allowed them lead me into the elevator. As the doors slid shut on that impassive, devastatingly handsome face, determination took root. Reckless excitement thrummed through me.

"Just you wait, you arrogant prick," I murmured. "This is the start of a new life for me - and the end of your privileged one."

One goon led me to the ornate penthouse doors. I resisted rubbing my clammy palms on my lingerie as we approached. And the damn thong I had on, wouldn't stop pressing onto my clit every now and then.

The guard gestured for me to strep inside and I nodded stiffly. I drew a steadying breath and crossed the threshold into the most masculine and luxurious penthouse I've ever been taken to.

The wall decors had me in chokehold, they all looked exquisite but...strange. One was a picture of a little girl kneeling in front of what looked like a man who held a gun pointed directly at the little girl's cunt.

What the hell?

"Shall we get started, little one?" A familiar baritone voice called from behind me and I flinched. The commanding tone underneath his voice made me feel suffocating, for a second, I nearly fled.

But then I caught his reflection - that impassive profile, the arrogant curl of his lips as he smirked at me. And my fear turned into blazing determination. Natalia Scott would not be cowed.

Swaying my hips, I crossed the room. Game face on. Just another client to bend to my will.

"Like what you see, big guy?" I purred, sultry yet childlike innocence.

He said nothing but simply stared at me. That intense stare made me feel naked despite my sheer lingerie. Then he nodded.

I unhooked my lingerie inch by inch, in a slow tease. Gio's lessons - expertly manipulated through the male ego.

"Why don't you grab a drink and really take it all in?" I murmured huskily.

His eyes sharpened, following my fingers toying with the flimsy lace.

"I don't have all day princess, take the damn clothes off or risk not having anything on at all"

Chills. That's how I felt when his statement rang in my ears, slicing through the walls of courage I had. I gulped hard and flashed him a coy smile as I pressed my bare breasts onto his chest.

He leaned back in his seat and started sipping his whiskey slowly, exhaling an approval that raised goosebumps in my skin.

Good, his interest was piqued. The perfect time to draw him in deeper before the kill if you ask me.

Pivoting in a wavy circle, I stepped back from him and angled my body to offer a sultry peek of my thigh.

He was silent and still as a prowling cat, his face betraying nothing but sullen arousal.

"You know, principessa," he rumbled at last. "I prefer my entertainment...hands-on."

A thrill shot through me - he wanted more than a tease. Better than I'd hoped. The more engaged, the easier it is to take him down.

Meeting his piercing stare, a smirk formed at the corner of my lips. "For you, handsome, I'll make an exception. Just this once."

His eyes glittered darkly as he drained his glass while my lips stretched into a smile of dark delight. Now was more than a perfect time to strike

Lithe and graceful, I sidled behind him. Trailing teasing fingers across his broad back as I palmed the sedative vial. Dusting a hint into his fresh whiskey before spinning away with a coy smile and hair toss.

By the time he turned, I was in the middle of a mesmerizing dance. He watched me heavily while taking a sip of the spiked drink.

"Keep going, Bella," he growled approvingly, sinking deeper into the leather chair. "Show me everything!"

I flashed a coy smile, my heart was beating with nervous anticipation as I danced. Any minute now, the powder should kick in. Soon he'd be out cold and I could take every last cent he owned.

He took another long pull, already drooping. All at once, his chin sagged with a quiet snore - out like a light. Giddy relief washed over me as I checked his pulse. He was still alive, just unconscious.

"Nighty night, handsome," I crooned, brushing his hair back. "Sweet dreams."

The real work began. I found his wallet, whistling at the thick stacks of cash and Centurion cards. A serious high roller. He had a whole lot of identification cards and I just couldn't resist not glancing through at one of them.

Leandro was boldly written at the top of the cards and each card had a different country flag imprinted on it.

Leaving the cash piled up in the wallet, I grabbed his phone. Thanks to Desiree's friend, I was able to hack into his bank in minutes. My hands trembled with anticipation as I entered 80% of all he had in his account and initiated the transfer to Gio.

It was more than I'd ever dreamed of. My dad would definitely be okay.

I was so focused, I barely noticed him stirring, the sedative wearing off.

Shit! I needed to be out before he fully woke.

Shoving his phone back, I scooped up the cash, shoving it haphazardly into my purse. Dropping a stray bill as heavy footsteps approached.

With one last look at his slumbering form, I fled through the back. My heart thundered as I burst into the grimy alley and hailed a cab with a bubble of laughter and countless sighs.

I had done it! Robbed that arrogant, wealthy bastard blind and he'd never find out.

For the first time in a long while, I felt I had a real shot at a happy future - free of stripping and mobster scum. Tonight changed everything.

"Take me to Hill Recovery hospital," I told the driver, clutching the purse tight.

Stay strong, Dad. I'm coming.