Chapter 2 A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL

Alessia Rizzo's POV

Leonardo's voice froze me in place. My heart raced as I turned slowly, dread sinking in my chest. He stood there, his figure shadowed in the dim basement light, but I could still see his smug smile.

"I should've known you'd try something stupid," he said, stepping closer. "You've always been a foolish little girl."

I backed against the cold metal of the open door, gripping the handle for support. "Let me go, Leonardo," I said, my voice shaking. "You can't keep me here. You don't own me."

His smirk grew wider. "But that's where you're wrong, sorella. I do own you. You live in my house, eat my food, and exist because I allow it. Don't forget that."

His words were cruel, but it was the dark satisfaction in his tone that made my stomach churn.

"You're selling me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "To pay off your debt. I heard you."

Leonardo didn't deny it. Instead, he laughed-a cold, humorless sound that echoed in the small space. "So you're not as clueless as I thought," he said. "Good. That will make this easier."

I clenched my fists, anger flaring in me despite my fear. "You can't do this! It's illegal-immoral! You're disgusting!"

His face darkened, the humor gone in an instant. He grabbed my wrist, pulling me away from the door and slamming it shut. "You think your little tantrums will stop me? You're nothing, Alessia. You're not a Rizzo-you're just a stray my father kept around out of pity."

Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

"What does Donatello De Santos want with me?" I asked, forcing my voice to stay steady.

Leonardo raised an eyebrow, his smirk returning. "It doesn't matter what he wants. What matters is that he's willing to pay off my debts in exchange for you. And believe me, it's a very generous deal."

I felt like the ground had been ripped out from under me. "You're a monster," I spat.

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. "No, Alessia. I'm a survivor. And you? You're just the price I have to pay."

Leonardo dragged me upstairs, ignoring my struggles. He pulled me into the grand sitting room and shoved me into a chair. "Stay here," he ordered.

I looked around, panic rising in my chest. The room was too quiet, too still, as if it were holding its breath for what was about to happen.

A moment later, the door opened, and a man walked in.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, with an air of authority that filled the room. His sharp features were framed by neatly combed black hair, and his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine the moment he entered. He wore a tailored black suit, and every step he took was deliberate, controlled. I knew immediately who he was.

"Donatello De Santos," Leonardo said, his tone filled with forced respect. "This is my sister, Alessia."

I wanted to correct him, I wanted to scream that I wasn't his sister, not really. But the words stuck in my throat as Donatello's cold gaze swept over me.

"She's smaller than I expected," he said, his voice deep and smooth, but with an edge that sent a chill down my spine.

Leonardo laughed nervously. "She's tougher than she looks. A bit fiery, but I'm sure you can handle that."

I clenched my fists, glaring at Leonardo. "I'm not some object you can trade," I said through gritted teeth.

Donatello's eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing. Instead, he stepped closer, stopping directly in front of me.

"You don't get a say in this," Leonardo snapped, his voice hard. "Be grateful you're useful for once in your life."

Donatello tilted his head, studying me like I was a piece of art-or an animal in a cage. "You have fire," he said finally. "That's good. I like fire."

I shuddered, hating the way his words made me feel exposed.

"Do you?" Leonardo asked, eager to please. "She's all yours, then. The papers are ready. Once you take her, my debts are cleared, yes?"

Donatello's gaze shifted to Leonardo, and his expression turned colder. "I don't like impatience, Rizzo. It's unbecoming."

Leonardo's face paled, and he nodded quickly. "Of course. I didn't mean to rush you."

Donatello returned his attention to me. He crouched slightly, bringing his face level with mine. "Do you know why you're here, Alessia?"

I swallowed hard, refusing to look away. "Because my stepbrother is a coward who can't clean up his messes."

For a moment, Donatello's lips twitched, almost as if he wanted to smile. But the coldness in his eyes never wavered.

"You're here," he said, his voice low, "because I allow it. From this moment on, your life belongs to me."

My stomach twisted. "I belong to no one," I said, my voice trembling but defiant.

Donatello stood, towering over me once more. "We'll see about that."

Leonardo cleared his throat nervously. "Shall we finalize things, then?"

Donatello glanced at him; his expression unreadable. "Not yet."

Leonardo hesitated, confusion flickering across his face. "But I thought-"

"I need to make sure she understands her position," Donatello said, cutting him off. "You'll get your payment when I'm satisfied."

Leonardo nodded quickly, desperate to stay on Donatello's good side. "Of course. Take all the time you need."

Donatello turned back to me, his sharp blue eyes locking onto mine. "We leave in an hour. Pack whatever you want to bring. It won't matter where we're going, but I'll allow you this small comfort."

The way he spoke-calm, controlled, and utterly indifferent-made my skin crawl.

"I'm not going anywhere with you," I said, my voice firm despite the fear coursing through me.

Donatello smiled, but it was a cold, dangerous thing. "You will. Whether you walk or I drag you is up to you."

Leonardo leaned against the wall, watching us with an amused expression. "You should listen to him, Alessia. Donatello isn't someone you want to fight."

I ignored him, my mind racing for a way out. But there was no escape. Not now.

Donatello stepped closer, lowering his voice so only I could hear. "This is your first lesson, Alessia. In my world, defiance has consequences. Consider this your warning." The threat in his tone was unmistakable, and for the first time that night, I felt truly powerless.

Donatello turned and gestured for his men to prepare the car, leaving me with one final, chilling promise: "By the time I'm done with you, you'll know exactly who you belong to."