/0/76568/coverbig.jpg?v=4f842124d94981f626a4942fa6dc608f)
Alessia sat on the bed, her fingers clutching the empty bowl of soup.
The tears on her cheeks had dried, but her eyes still stung.
Enzo's words replayed in her mind over and over like a haunting melody; "By morning, you won't see me again."
Her chest tightened, and she hugged herself, trying to calm her erratic breathing.
The decision she faced wasn't one she ever thought she'd have to make.
Being someone's mistress? She'd never even considered a life like that. Yet, the alternative...
She shuddered at the memory of her captors-the cold laughter, the pain, the hopelessness.
Would she survive if she refused Enzo's deal? No. She knew she wouldn't.
With a heavy heart, Alessia stood up, setting the tray aside.
The pain from her injuries was still there but muted, as though dulled by Enzo's earlier treatment.
She limped toward the door, her resolve hardening with every step.
I can't go back to that life. I won't, she thought, swallowing her pride and fear.
The hallway was dimly lit, casting eerie shadows along the walls.
She glanced around, unsure of where to start.
Every door looked the same, and she had no idea which one led to Enzo's room.
Her gaze landed on the door closest to hers. She hesitated, her hand hovering over the doorknob.
What if it's not his? What if someone else is inside? Shaking off her doubts, she twisted the knob and pushed the door open.
The room was pitch black, the faint scent of cologne lingering in the air.
Alessia stepped inside cautiously, shutting the door behind her to avoid drawing attention.
Her hands scraped along the wall as she fumbled for the light switch.
Her fingers finally brushed against the plastic, and a small grin tugged at her lips.
Found it!
She flicked the switch, and the room was instantly flooded with light.
But before she could take in her surroundings, a figure emerged from the bathroom, and Alessia's breath caught in her throat.
Enzo.
Stark naked.
Her mouth fell open in shock as her eyes involuntarily traveled over his body.
His broad chest was carved with defined muscles, each one looking like it had been sculpted by a master artist.
Tattoos adorned his arms and torso, intricate designs that only added to his intimidating presence.
Scars marred his otherwise flawless skin, the most noticeable one running from his neck down to his shoulder-a silent testament to battles fought and survived.
Her gaze dropped lower, and her cheeks burned as she took in the rest of him. His huge dangling Cock!
She quickly slapped a hand over her eyes, her heart pounding wildly.
"Oh my God! I'm sorry! I didn't know- I didn't mean- I didn't know someone was in here!"
Her words came out in a frantic jumble, her voice high-pitched and filled with embarrassment.
She reached for the light switch, fumbling as she flipped it off, plunging the room back into darkness.
"Stop," Enzo's deep voice commanded, cutting through her panicked muttering like a knife.
"I- I didn't see anything!" she stammered, her back pressed against the door.
"I swear! I'll leave right now-"
"Turn the lights back on," he ordered, his tone calm but firm.
She froze, her hand still on the switch. "N-no, I can't," she whispered.
His voice dropped an octave, becoming a low growl that sent a shiver down her spine.
"Turn. The lights. Back. On."
Alessia swallowed hard, her fingers trembling as they flicked the switch once more.
The light flooded the room again, but she kept her back to him, her hands clenched at her sides.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to- I didn't know-"
"Turn around," Enzo interrupted, his voice sharp.
She shook her head quickly, her entire body tensing. "I can't," she blurted out.
"I... I didn't mean to come in here. I was just- I mean, I was looking for-"
"Turn around, Alessia," he said again, this time with a warning edge.
Her breathing quickened, and she squeezed her eyes shut. "I can't," she repeated, her voice breaking.
Enzo let out a frustrated sigh, and the sound of his footsteps filled the room as he began walking toward her.
"I hate repeating myself," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "And I hate it even more when someone doesn't listen."
Alessia's heart pounded in her chest as she heard him draw closer.
She didn't dare move, didn't dare look.
Her mind was a whirlwind of panic and humiliation.
"I-I didn't mean to," she tried to explain, her voice trembling. "I was looking for you because... because..."
He stopped directly behind her, the heat of his body radiating against her back.
She felt the tension in the air, every nerve in her body on high alert.
"Because what?" he prompted, his tone mocking.
Alessia bit her lip, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.
The words she needed to say burned on her tongue, but she couldn't bring herself to speak them.
Enzo's patience was clearly wearing thin.
"Turn around," he ordered once more, his voice softer but no less commanding.
When she still didn't move, he took matters into his own hands.
Before she could react, he reached out, gripping her shoulders firmly but not harshly.
With a single, fluid motion, he turned her around to face him.
Her eyes shot open in horror, and her gaze immediately locked onto his face, refusing to drift lower.
"Say what you need to say," he demanded, his dark eyes boring into hers.
"I..." Alessia's voice faltered as she struggled to find the words. Her lips parted, but no sound came out.
Enzo's patience finally snapped.
Without warning, he leaned down and captured her lips with his, the suddenness of the act leaving her completely stunned.
Her eyes widened in shock as his mouth moved against hers, his kiss demanding and possessive.
She felt his hands tighten on her shoulders, pulling her closer as if to emphasize his dominance.
It wasn't until her brain caught up with what was happening that she managed to pull back, her breathing ragged.
"What are you doing?!" she gasped, her voice high and shaky.
Enzo's expression was unreadable, but his grip on her didn't loosen.
"I'm claiming what's mine," he said simply, his tone leaving no room for argument.