*Alexis*Once the plane landed, Zayn guided me to the Ferrari waiting outside. No chauffer, just the two of us. And after the mess that we made on that plane, the feathers of the pillows still lingering over my hair, I preferred it that way. Having never been in Italy, I was completely in the hands of Zayn which excited me and terrified me at the same time. He scared me in the car when he joked about us being followed and having to drive through the forest right in the sea to survive. I elbowed him in the ribs, shutting that wicked laugh of his down, even though seeing his Adam's apple moving up and down was eternally enjoyable. He didn't tell me the exact location of where we were going and honestly even if he did I wouldn't understand much.Driving past old beautiful buildings, graphic passages and traditional restaurants, I realized that we were in Rome. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, hiding secrets and mysteries behind its ancient history. Taking in the beauty unfo

*Alexis*The next thing I know... I'm drowned in an ocean of fabrics, jewelry, shoes, lipsticks and different haircuts. All offered to me by the stylist team that Zayn had assigned for my preparing for the ball the following week. The days passed in the most exciting way, I must admit. And the dress who was exclusively made for me and only me was breathtaking and one of a kind. Zayn hadn't seen me in it and he wasn't about to until the ball night. The castle boomed with life. People from all the walks of life occupying the corridors. All of them doing their duty and making sure the ball room would look out of this world. And when I visited it the morning before the ball, my jaw was on the floor. The work that had been done was perfect. Simple perfection. The theme of the ball was 'the touch of darkness', mysterious and luxurious the ball awaited for its guests.The evening before the ball was a beautiful mess. I was on chair for more than three hours. Makeup and hair, it was a war of

*Zayn*"The Italian mafia is grateful for your help, Ivan." I patted his shoulder and he chuckled taking a sip of his scotch. It had been a while since I had last seen Alexis and my eyes trailed off to the room searching for her. When I had gone over it twice and didn't find her... my heart started racing. I excused myself fromthe conversation and eased my nervousness with optimistic thoughts such as the possibility of her being in the ladies room or sleeping upstairs in our room. I hoped but hopes never truly match the raw character of reality. I saw my step mother entering the ball room, the colour on her face to was drained away. Her eyes going over the people in the room, searching for someone when they eventually landed on me. Swallowing, her eyes were deprived of the light that dominated them earlier. Something was wrong. I walked rapidly towards while she remained immobile, not having the power to move. "Mama..." I called her. Once I had reached her, she dragged me away fr

*Alexis*"I know, baby. But what can I say? I will see you soon though. Take care of Ryan and yourself. Love you. Bye!" I have just arrived in Italy. No suitcase, no baggages, just my purse and that smile that is plastered on my face. I was talking with Jonathan and I know it was horrible lying to him but I couldn't tell him the truth. Maybe it was selfish but... Walking out of the airport to the lobby room where people were expecting their beloveds ones, I saw a man holding a card with my name on it. I approached him and he escorted me to the black SUV which was parked outside. Two other cars following us packed with men."Your protection miss Alessandro." He confirmed while I was putting my seatbelt on. I hadn't changed my last name, didn't want to and fortunately Jonathan was okay with that. Only if he knew the reason... The reason that to this day is that only one man would have the luxury of doing that. And I would adore the way it would sounded. Alexis Valentine. "You have a s