Chapter 2 Devil's Incarnate

Her father glared at her, his icy green eyes-the same ones she had inherited-watching her every change of mood. Maya knew she had to be careful with her words.

"I'm sorry, Father, but I wish this could be explained to me."

Before she could finish, he slammed his hand on the table, making her jump in fear. "What is there to understand? You good-for-nothing-"

"Alfredo!" her mother interrupted, rushing to his side and placing her hands on his shoulders. "It's not your fault you have such a selfish daughter!"

Maya swallowed hard, her heart thudding wildly in her chest. For a moment, she thought he was going to strike her.

Her mother settled Alfredo back into his seat and rubbed his shoulder, then turned to Maya with a look of pure disgust. Maya lowered her gaze to the table as her mother barked, "Guardami!" (Look at me!)

Maya reluctantly raised her eyes to meet her mother's. The hatred in her brown orbs was sharp and unwavering.

"Just look at yourself, Maya," her mother spat. "Aren't you ashamed? You can help your family, but you refuse. How will you feel if we are all killed, Maya? We're talking about Don Damon!"

Maya shuddered. Don Damon-the ruthless leader of the Mafia. Her father was the fifth in command. She had only seen the Don twice, and the second time was unforgettable.

Her father had thrown a grand party, and Don Damon had made an appearance.

He hadn't seemed like someone to trifle with, and now, somehow, she was expected to deliberate with him?

She glanced at Anna's scared face, then at her mother, and finally down at her father. He looked as if he might have a heart attack at any moment. With a trembling hand, she picked up the pen and signed the papers.

She pushed the document toward her father.

Anna leaped from her chair and hugged him, her arm tightly wrapped around his neck. Her blonde hair, tied in a ponytail, reached her shoulders.

"I promised nothing would happen to you, Anna, didn't I?" Alfredo whispered, kissing her forehead.

Anna nodded, then stepped back to her seat. Alfredo turned to the maids waiting behind them. "Start packing; she's leaving soon."

Maya's head shot up from her plate. "So soon, Father?"

Her father nodded without remorse. "The Don doesn't want to wait any longer. For our sake, we shouldn't keep him waiting. And, Maya?"

"Yes, Father?"

"Play along. He needs to believe you were the one who committed the crime."

"She couldn't if she tried," Anna muttered, annoyed that any of this had to do with her sister.

"I know, princess. It's for your own good," Alfredo said, squeezing her hand affectionately. He looked at Maya. "This is the first good thing you've done since you were born. I'm proud of you."

Maya felt a surge of joy-her father was proud of her. For the first time in her life, she had his approval. She resolved to make this sacrifice for her family, no matter what it cost her, hoping it wouldn't be too much.

But what did Don Damon want? She hadn't read the document she had signed and didn't fully know what her sacrifice entailed. She wanted to take the paper back and read everything, but fear of her father's wrath kept her silent.

Suddenly, a servant rushed into the room, looking anxious. "The Don is here."

Alfredo's expression darkened. "Anna, Maria, both of you leave. Do not let the Don see you," he ordered. "Maya, stay."

She sat down quickly, her nerves rattled.

Maya felt exposed and underdressed. The fear and excitement coursing through her made her nipples harden. Sweat dampened her white dress, causing the fabric to cling to her body.

She hugged her shoulders, feeling vulnerable. Soon, Don Damon would be sitting at the head of the table.

She clenched her fists tightly around her gown, her eyes glued to the entrance of the dining hall. She could hear footsteps approaching.

The steps grew louder until Don Damon appeared.

His presence was suffocating. Even though the room was warm, Maya trembled. His cold grey eyes locked on hers, and she searched for any emotion on his face-but there was none.

He wore a dark blue suit, unbuttoned, with his shirt collar folded neatly. Several buttons were undone, adding to his air of dominance.

Neat, but terrifying, Maya thought to herself.

The Don's gaze immediately fell on her. It was clear that she was the offender.

Hatred flared within him.

But even he had to admit it-she was beautiful. Her striking green eyes, though trembling in fear, were captivating. His heart hardened even more. She didn't know what real fear was yet.

As his gaze moved away from hers, Maya noticed her father struggling to stand from his seat. He finally rose and greeted the Don with deep respect.

Don Damon glanced back at her, and in her confusion, she lowered her lashes and bit her lip. Remembering her manners, she stood and curtsied.

"È lei?" (Is she the one?) he asked in his deep, commanding voice.

"Sì, Capo," (Yes, Boss) her father replied.

She heard him move closer. He pulled out a chair across from her and sat down, his fingers drumming rhythmically against the table.

Maya remained frozen in place, too terrified to move. He didn't need any more evidence to know she was the one who had nearly cost him dearly with the police. She was going to pay for it. No matter what it took.

But first, he looked down at the paper in front of him. Seeing her signature, a cold smile spread across his lips.

It was done. Her life was in his hands now.

He leaned back in his chair, stretching out his legs, and ordered, "Look at me."

She didn't move. Her body shook like a leaf, which only angered him further. He hated having to repeat himself.

Don Damon stood, walked around the table, and stopped in front of her.

Yank!

He grabbed her hair, pulling her head back so that she was forced to look up at him. Pain shot through her scalp as he gripped her hair tightly.

She winced, biting back her tears, her hands instinctively reaching up to where his fingers were entangled in her hair.

"Sto parlando con te, cagna! Guardami!" (I'm talking to you, bitch! Look at me!) he snarled.

In pain, Maya opened her eyes. When her green gaze met his icy grey one, she knew instantly-she had made a grave mistake signing those papers.

For this man was the devil.