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Chapter 3: A Silent Game of Egos

POV: Beatrice

I felt my breath grow uneven, as it hadn't since the first time I was in a man's bed for money. It was as if I was too far away from there, unable to hear anything else around me because my entire body was intensely focused on the intimidating, strong, and handsome man who turned to me, watching me like a predator, as if he knew all my sins.

Ever since I entered this line of work, I learned never to lower my head, and I didn't, even though I wanted to at that moment, especially when I met the intense gaze of that man as he approached after picking up the gun from the table. My feet involuntarily moved backward, giving him more space to walk, avoiding Stefano being so close to me again.

I tried to control the trembling of my hands because I didn't want to remind him of what had happened, didn't want to recall the night I surrendered to that man six years ago, weeks before my life turned upside down. He was the last person I wanted to encounter for the rest of my life, even though I had seen him only once and didn't even know his last name.

"And what do you expect me to do? Apologize?" I asked, my tone challenging, not taking my eyes off him to look at the window, even though the cityscape of Palermo looked radiant through it when Stefano was close enough for me to feel his breath.

"Do you think you owe me an apology, ragazza?" He brought the gun to my lips, sliding it there, trying to intimidate me.

"No," I replied without hesitation, the hurt and anger probably so evident on my face that Stefano would instantly notice if he looked beyond himself.

"I have the feeling you have no idea what I can do." He slid the gun over my bare shoulders, still fixed on me as he continued, "Kiss my ring, now!" He ordered, his voice full of authority and roughness.

I pondered for a few seconds, still staring into his dark and lifeless iris. I wanted to refuse, but I knew the consequences, so even though I was aware that his skin against mine caused small shocks, even after years, I brought the ring to my lips, doing what he wanted.

"You'd better be careful; I might not have as much patience next time, Beatrice." He examined me for a few more seconds, touching his face, my name so intimate in his mouth that it even sounded like he knew me.

My eyes averted; I couldn't maintain eye contact with him for another moment, as his touch now felt like it was burning my smooth skin, mixing with the anger I felt toward myself for thinking that my name pronounced between his lips sounded so good. I was sure he didn't remember me, no matter how hard I couldn't forget him.

He brought his lips to my ear, noticing the shivers through my body.

"Follow me, ragazza," he whispered his only words, the proximity of our bodies rekindling a spark, before the well-dressed men opened the door again, as if they could read my thoughts.

He waited for me to walk in front of him before doing the same. This time, his security simply made way for me, as if now, in the presence of the king, I deserved respect until Stefano said otherwise.

Midway, I felt Stefano's hands on my back, now walking beside me instead of behind, accompanied by the men who remained at a respectful distance.

When we finally arrived at our destination, a luxurious game room, silence hung in the air. Everyone sitting stood up in the presence of their Don, surprised to see him accompanied. None of the men even cast discreet glances at me, showing me the blatant sexism in the laws of that place.

As we gracefully made our way to the guests, they all kissed his ring and addressed him by title, without speaking to me. A large mahogany poker table occupied the center of the room, surrounded by richly upholstered leather armchairs. Stefano headed to the head of the table and, with a customary gesture, declared where his seat would be. He sat down and lit a Cuban cigar, letting the scent of tobacco fill the air, while I watched him.

"Take a seat," he ordered, exhaling smoke and bringing my waist closer to him and directing his gaze to his own thigh, while the other players, all members of his famiglia, took their seats around the table.

I had experience attending places like that, so I was fully aware of what he wanted when I allowed my body to settle on Stefano's lap.

The sound of poker chips being skillfully shuffled filled the room, cutting through the silence. Stefano exuded confidence as he exchanged glances with each of the men there, and in my eyes, it was almost irresistible if I didn't know him.

As the cards were dealt and the initial bets were made, the atmosphere in the room grew tenser. He watched every move, although he seemed somewhat distracted, his eyes constantly seeking mine, while he smiled discreetly at each successful play, especially when he secured victory in that round.

"I could defeat anyone here, Beatrice, I hope you know that now." He whispered, tilting his chin, letting me know that the memory of our first encounter, when I challenged him in poker, still echoed in his mind.

We were both engaged in a silent game of egos when Don's consigliere, a man dressed in an elegant suit, approached, kissing his fingers.

"Don, I brought important information."

"What is so urgent that you needed to interrupt our game, amico mio?" Curiosity tinged his voice as he remained focused on my eyes, aware that my body was responding to his.

The man lowered his body, approached, and whispered so that no one but him could hear.

I felt hypnotized by his eyes when I could see his irises darken and his muscles tense, along with a slightly firmer touch on my chin, anger coursing through the body his, though I could see that he was restraining himself from hurting me.

"Keep an eye on her," he ordered his man, with an impatient and irritated tone.

"I don't need a bodyguard; I know how to take care of myself." I retorted, still focused on his gaze, trying to decipher it.

He slid his hand to my neck, squeezed it, and pulled me closer to him. I swallowed hard, feeling the air becoming scarce, my fear intensifying.

"The girl goes with us, capisce?" He raised his voice, releasing my body abruptly.

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