Semua Bab Obsessed (Forbidden Desire): Bab 1 - Bab 10

Elena Russo's black dress felt like a suit of armor as she stood alone in her childhood home, surrounded by empty glasses and half-eaten appetizers, evidence of mourners who had already departed. The silence pressed against her eardrums, almost painful after hours of murmured condolences and stories about her father that painted a man she barely recognized.The crystal tumbler in her hand caught the afternoon light, sending prisms dancing across the worn hardwood floor as she swirled the amber liquid. Her father's favorite whiskey. She'd never acquired the taste, but today seemed like the perfect time to try."To you, Papa," she whispered, lifting the glass toward the mantle where his photograph stood beside the urn containing his ashes.The burn of alcohol down her throat matched the sting behind her eyes. For the hundredth time that day, Elena wondered how her strong, vibrant father had deteriorated so quickly. Cancer was a thief, stealing him piece by piece until nothing remained b

Marco raised an eyebrow. "You sound confident about a woman you haven't seen in twelve years.""Elena Russo is many things, brother, but predictable isn't one of them. Except in this, she exhausts every option before admitting defeat." A ghost of a smile touched Dante's lips. "It's what I always admired about her.""And what you're counting on now." Marco's expression grew serious. "Lucia says she's been distracted at work, losing weight. Castellano's men are following her everywhere.""Not for much longer." Dante's voice hardened. "Is everything prepared for tomorrow night?"Marco nodded. "The auction is set. Castellano's operation runs clockwise; two other 'commodities' will be presented before Elena. Our people are in a position. Bids are arranged to drive up the price.""And Castellano himself?""Will attend, as expected, when merchandise is premium." Marco hesitated. "Are you sure this is the wisest approach? We could simply eliminate the debt.""No." The single word carried the

The night passed in a blur of fear and fragmented planning. Gabriel took his supervisory role seriously, remaining in her living room while she paced her bedroom, searching for options that didn't exist. Her phone had been confiscated. The windows were being watched. Her "babysitter" made it clear that attempting to flee would only make her situation worse.By morning, exhaustion had left her numb. She showered mechanically, ate without tasting the food Gabriel ordered, and packed a small bag as instructed."Nothing fancy," he said, watching from the doorway. "They'll provide what you need to wear."The casual cruelty of his statement broke through her numbness. "Do you enjoy this?" she demanded. "Delivering women to be sold?"Gabriel's expression remained impassive. "It's not personal, Miss Russo. Just business.""It's very personal to me," she snapped.A flicker of something, perhaps regret, crossed his features. "If it helps, most arrangements like yours end within a year. The nove

The Bentley glided through wrought iron gates that opened silently at their approach. Elena pressed her face to the window, taking in the sprawling estate that unfolded before her, manicured lawns stretching into darkness, security lights illuminating stone pathways, and at the center, a mansion that loomed like a modern fortress against the night sky."Welcome to Valenti Estate," Dante said, his voice low and controlled. It was the first time he'd spoken since they'd left the auction house.The car circled an elaborate fountain before stopping at the mansion's entrance. Stone steps led to massive double doors flanked by columns. The architecture was a blend of old-world grandeur and contemporary design, a testament to power that had survived generations.A man in a tailored suit opened the car door. "Welcome home, Mr. Valenti."Dante exited first, then extended his hand to Elena. She hesitated before placing her fingers in his, allowing him to help her from the car. The night air was

Victoria froze, then quickly composed herself. "Clean her up," she ordered the other women. "And remember, she fell. If any of you say otherwise..." The threat remained unfinished but understood.The women released Elena, who staggered slightly. Victoria smoothed her dress, replacing her ring."This isn't over," she whispered to Elena before turning a brilliant smile toward the door as Dante's footsteps approached.He entered the room like a storm front, his presence immediately dominating the space. His eyes swept over the scene, Elena with blood on her face, the broken glass, Victoria's too-bright smile, the other women's nervous expressions."What happened?" His voice was deceptively quiet.Victoria stepped forward. "An unfortunate accident. Elena was exploring and tripped. We were just helping her.""Get out," Dante cut her off, his gaze never leaving Elena's face. "All of you."The other women scurried out immediately. Victoria hesitated."Dante, darling""I said get out," he rep