Chapter 2 Attending To Her

The sleek black car rolled through the gates of Enzo Vittorio's sprawling mansion, the tires crunching against the gravel driveway.

Floodlights illuminated the massive structure, its towering walls a fortress of luxury and secrecy.

Men dressed in sharp suits and carrying visible guns tucked into the sides of their pants moved about the compound.

As soon as the car came to a stop, two of them stepped forward, standing at attention.

Enzo climbed out of the car, his piercing eyes scanning the men briefly.

He gave a curt nod, and they immediately stepped aside without a word.

Matteo exited from the driver's side and moved to the back door, gently lifting Alessia's unconscious form from the seat.

Her limp body drew the attention of the other men in the compound, their curious gazes lingering longer than they should.

"What are you all staring at?" Enzo's deep voice cut through the silence like a knife. "Get back to work. Now."

The men immediately turned their attention elsewhere, knowing better than to question their boss.

They didn't need to be told twice.

Everyone in the compound knew that crossing Enzo Vittorio was as good as signing your own death warrant.

Matteo followed closely behind Enzo, carrying Alessia's fragile frame as they ascended the grand staircase leading into the mansion.

The interior was as intimidating as the man himself-high ceilings, expensive chandeliers, and furniture that screamed wealth and power.

In the living room, Enzo stopped abruptly and called out, "Marta!" His voice echoed through the spacious room.

An older woman with graying hair hurried out from one of the hallways, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.

Marta had worked for Enzo for years and knew he had little patience for delays.

"Sir," she greeted, keeping her head slightly bowed.

Her eyes briefly flickered to the unconscious woman in Matteo's arms before she quickly looked down again.

"Bring the first aid kit to the room next to mine. Also, tell the cook to make some soup for my guest," Enzo ordered, his tone firm and leaving no room for argument.

"Yes, sir," Marta said, already moving to fulfill his instructions.

Without another word, Enzo turned and strode up the grand staircase, his polished shoes clicking against the marble steps.

Matteo followed silently, adjusting Alessia's weight in his arms as they reached the hallway leading to the room Enzo had mentioned.

Enzo pushed open the door, revealing a spacious guest room with a large bed, soft lighting, and neutral tones.

He gestured for Matteo to place Alessia on the bed. Matteo carefully laid her down, stepping back to give Enzo space.

"Matteo," Enzo began, his voice low but commanding, "what about the meeting with the suppliers? Is everything in place?"

Matteo nodded. "Yes, sir. It's set for tomorrow afternoon. I'll be handling the preliminary arrangements."

"Good. Make sure nothing goes wrong," Enzo said, his tone sharp.

Matteo hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

He finally blurted out, "Sir, are you sure about this? About her?"

Enzo's gaze snapped to Matteo, his expression cold and unyielding. "What are you trying to say?"

"I mean no disrespect," Matteo said quickly, holding up his hands, "but we don't know anything about her. She could be dangerous. We can't trust her."

Enzo took a step closer, his towering presence making Matteo tense.

"Are you questioning my judgment?"

"No, sir. I would never-"

"Then leave," Enzo interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Matteo sighed, his lips pressing into a thin line.

"Understood." He gave a short nod before leaving the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

Enzo turned his attention back to Alessia. She lay motionless, her chest rising and falling steadily.

For a moment, he simply stared at her. Even in her battered state, she was breathtaking.

Her delicate features were framed by dark hair that clung to her damp skin, and her long lashes cast shadows on her pale cheeks.

He stepped closer, his sharp eyes taking in every bruise and scrape on her body.

Her hands were small, her fingers bruised and scratched.

Her lips, though dry and slightly swollen, were full and soft-looking.

His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," he said, already knowing who it was.

Marta entered, carrying the first aid kit. She kept her eyes on the floor, her posture respectful.

"I brought the kit, sir."

"Good," Enzo said, shrugging off his jacket.

He tossed it onto a nearby chair and began unbuttoning his shirt.

Marta's gaze remained firmly on the floor, though her cheeks turned a faint shade of red.

"Get a towel and a bucket of warm water," Enzo instructed as he rolled up his sleeves. "I'll handle the first aid."

"Yes, sir," Marta said quickly, disappearing through the door.

Enzo opened the first aid kit, his movements precise and efficient.

He carefully cleaned the wounds on Alessia's arms and legs, his jaw tightening as he saw the extent of the damage.

Whoever had hurt her would pay!

Marta returned moments later with the towel and bucket.

Enzo stepped back, crossing his arms over his chest as he watched her gently wipe the dirt and blood from Alessia's skin.

"Be careful," he said, his tone softer than usual.

"Yes, sir," Marta replied, her hands steady as she worked.

As Marta continued, Enzo's phone buzzed in his pocket.

He pulled it out, glancing at the caller ID. His expression darkened.

"I'll be back," he said, slipping the phone into his hand and walking out to the balcony.

The cool night air greeted him as he leaned against the railing and answered the call.

"What do you want, Gianna?" he asked, his tone clipped.

"Enzo, don't be like that," Gianna's voice purred through the line.

He rolled his eyes. "Why are you calling me?"

"I just wanted to talk," she said, her tone syrupy sweet. "I miss you."

"You miss me?" Enzo scoffed.

"Funny, considering I caught you with another man in your apartment."

"That was a misunderstanding!" she protested. "You know you mean everything to me."

"Save it, Gianna. I'm not interested," Enzo said, his voice cold.

"And don't call me again."

Before she could respond, he ended the call and exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair.

He stared out into the night for a moment, letting the cool breeze calm his anger.

When he finally returned to the room, he was surprised to find Alessia awake.

She was sitting up, her back resting against the headboard. Her wide, frightened eyes locked onto his.

"Who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Enzo's lips curled into a small, unreadable smile.