Chapter 5 The Forbidden Kiss

Genna's POV

In the garden, Marco had slipped a note into my hand. I knew I had to keep Marco's message hidden for now, so I didn't tell Leonardo about what Marco had said to me.

I waited until I was alone in my room to unfold it.

It read:

"I have information about your family. If you're interested, I'll reach out to you soon." -M

My heart skipped a beat.

Could Marco truly know something?

********

Days passed in a blur.

Denise's birthday celebration swept the estate. I helped Denise get ready, and led her downstairs, to the main hall.

Leonardo was beside Denise, beaming.

The festivities engulfed them as they were busy opening gift boxes.

I seized the opportunity. Slipping away, I made my way upstairs, to Leonardo's study.

I felt drawn to the picture on his desk and needed to get a clearer look. Maybe it would help me regain my memory.

Reaching the study, I closed the door behind me and approached the desk.

I quickly spotted the picture on the desk and a wave of familiarity swept over me.

The eyes in the picture stared back at me and the memories began to flood in. I held my head as it ached badly.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.

Attached to the photo was a note.

"Clinton - Genna's brother has been murdered."

The words pierced me like a dagger.

As I read it, the headache intensified and more memories flooded in.

That rainy night, My aunt's betrayal, the men who dragged me away, how I struggled to survive.

I tried to remember the name of the man whom my aunt sold me to. But it remained elusive.

My gaze wandered around the room.

Then, my eyes caught the name tag on Leonardo's desk.

"Sorrento"

That's it! She had mentioned "Mr. Sorrento."

Reality paved in.

Leonardo Sorrento. So, he was the man who killed my brother, the man who sent those men after me, the man who bought me.

My God.

Now, he was being nice to me.

I held the desk for support as I realized the truth. A mixture of rage and hurt exploded within me.

Tears streamed down my face.

I stumbled out of the study, blinded by tears.

I reached my room, slamming the door shut. Collapsing onto the bed, I let out a sob.

A knock on the door broke my despair.

"Who is it?" I called out but there was no answer.

Cautiously, I opened the door and a masked man stood outside.

He handed me a note and walked away.

I unfolded the paper.

"Meet me at the back of the house." -M

My mind raced. Why was Marco helping me?

But what choice did I have?

I crumpled the note and slipped out of my room, down the hallway, to the back of the house.

The garden was deserted, except for Marco.

He stood in the shadows.

Marco stepped out of the shadows when he saw me, his eyes locked on mine. "Genna, I'm glad you came."

"What do you want, Marco? How do you know me?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I want to help you," Marco said, his tone sincere. "You're in danger, Genna. Leonardo's not what he seems."

"I know," I spat. "He killed my brother."

Marco's expression turned grim. "That's not all, Genna. Leonardo was the one who murdered your parents."

Words failed me. This can't be true. I was still struggling with the first morsel of information I got. I clench my fist, determined to kill Leonardo.

But first, "How did you know about this?"

"Don't probe, Genna," Marco warned. "Just know that Leonardo's capable of unimaginable cruelty. You need to get your revenge."

"How do I know I can trust you?" I managed to whisper.

Marco's eyes flashed. "You don't have a choice. I'm your only hope. Leonardo will stop at nothing to keep you captive. Let's just say I have my reasons for helping you. Leonardo and I... we have unfinished business."

I wanted to ask more, but Marco's expression silenced me.

"Trust me, Genna," Marco whispered. "I'm your only chance at survival. I want to help you, protect you if only you will work with me."

"What do you need me to do?" I asked.

Marco's eyes gleamed. "I need you to stay here, spy on Leonardo. Feed me information on his every move."

"A spy?" I repeated.

"Yes," Marco said. "We'll use your closeness to our advantage. You'll be my eyes and ears inside the estate."

I nodded, intrigued.

"But there's more," Marco added. "I need you to make Leonardo fall for you."

My eyes widened. "What?"

Marco's smile was calculating. "Love is a weakness, Genna. And we'll use it against him. Make Leonardo believe you're his, and we'll have him right where we want him."

"Revenge," I whispered.

Marco's eyes locked onto mine. "Exactly. Now, swear to me, Genna. Swear you'll be loyal to me, and only me."

"I swear," I vowed.

Marco's gaze burned with intensity.

"Remember, Genna. Our goal is to bring Leonardo down. Together."

I smiled, a cold, calculated smile.

"I'll make him fall for me," I promised. "And then... I'll kill him."

Marco's lips curled into a matching smile.

"Beautiful," he whispered. "Together, we'll destroy him."

********

I was going to retrieve that picture. It is all I have left from Clinton.

I reached Leonardo's study, relieved to find it empty. My hands trembled as I opened the drawer, but the picture was gone.

Where could he have taken it to? And why is he hiding it from me?

I decided to check Leonardo's room. Hopefully, he would still be downstairs with Denise.

As I approached his door, I listened carefully. Silence.

I slowly turned the handle and slipped inside.

My eyes scanned the room, and my heart skipped a beat.

Leonardo sat on his chair, his head resting on the desk, fast asleep.

Oh, Damn it.

I froze.

He looked vulnerable and peaceful, his chest rising and falling with each steady breath. His chiseled features softened and his lips curled into a subtle smile.

I stood there, mesmerized by his attractiveness.

But I snapped back to reality. This was Leonardo, my enemy. I can't admire him.

Quietly, I approached the drawer.

My fingers grasped the handle.

But before I could open it, a strong hand gripped my wrist.

Leonardo's eyes snapped open.

He swiftly pushed me down. I felt the weight of his body pinning me. His big hand covered my mouth.

"Who are you?" he growled.

But as our eyes met, his eyes lit up as he recognized me.

"You," he whispered, his voice was low and husky and I caught a whiff of alcohol on his breath.

His grip on my mouth eased, but he remained on top of me, staring into my eyes.

Leonardo's face drew closer to mine, and his piercing eyes remained steady on mine.

His lips brushed against mine, soft and gentle. My lips parted, and Leonardo's kiss deepened.

His lips claimed mine, possessive and protective and his arms wrapped around me, pulling me close.

Leonardo's expression softened, his eyes filling with a depth I'd never seen before.

"I want you, Genna. I want you to feel me inside of you."