Chapter 4

Alessandro gripped my arm, pulling me up from the ground, his deep ocean blue eyes locking with mine. "What was that?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

"Maledetti figli di puttana" (Bloody motherfucker), I repeated, my fear evaporating as I spoke. At this point, death seemed better than living like this...

He smiled, avoiding direct eye contact. "The guts," he whispered, his gaze returning to me. "I'll show you what happens to ladies who use that word."

Before I could process what was happening, he forcefully threw me onto the bed. I gasped, struggling to kick him away with my legs, but he managed to hold them down, pinning me in place. He moved closer towards me with a brisk pace.

"Don't complicate things, Aria. You're mine now," he declared, his voice filled with possessiveness. "I can do with you as I please."

I desperately wanted to speak, to say something that would make him release his grip on me, but words failed me. He was on top of me, any wrong move could lead to even worse consequences. But I knew I had to try. I thought, 'Okay...' as an idea popped into my head. I looked into his eyes, preparing to speak words that would hopefully make him stop. However, before I could utter a single word, Alessandro forcefully claimed my lips, rendering me speechless.

Using all my might, I attempted to push him away, placing my hands on his chest. Instead, he grabbed my hands, restraining them above me, while continuing to explore my lips. I was completely at his mercy, his legs pinning me down, and a firm grip on my hands. His free hand began moving in a circular motion around my stomach, gradually making its way to my breast. I wanted to scream, but his lips on mine prevented any sound from escaping. With his hand now inside my clothing, he caressed and pinched my breast, while still kissing me deeply. I couldn't do anything to resist or stop him.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally broke the kiss, leaving me breathless and overwhelmed. His gaze remained locked with mine as I struggled to regain my composure. Releasing my hands, he allowed me to lower my gaze to his exposed chest - the result of some missing buttons caused by my initial resistance.

"Don't test me, Aria Francesco," he warned, his voice filled with menace. "If you want to survive here," he whispered.

Suddenly, a voice called out from behind us, interrupting the tense atmosphere. Alessandro and I turned our attention towards the source. A guy who looked like he was in his early thirties stood there, wearing a faint smile. Alessandro had forgotten to lock the door after we entered the room, exposing us to potential onlooker - who witnessed him kissing me.

"What?" Alessandro snapped, clearly irritated by the interruption.

"I... I'm home," he stammered, his smile wavering. Alessandro made no move to release his hold on me.

"Wait outside and shut the door," Alessandro ordered, and the guy chuckled and promptly obeyed.

I mustered up the courage to speak again, my voice barely a whisper. "Please..." I started, attempting to reason with him, but he cut me off with a curse.

"Shut up!" he spat, his anger evident. "I hate it when people beg." With that, he turned away from me and walked towards the door. As it slammed shut, I curled up on the bed, giving in to my tears. This wasn't what I signed up for. Why did my father have to sell me to the Genovese? Anyone but them. Despair consumed me as I wept uncontrollably, realizing just how dire my situation had become.