Chapter 6 Mr Luchesse

Vincent's expression grew darker, his smirk fading as he leaned in, eyes locked onto Gambino's. "So, you mean your daughter has no idea about your... business?" he asked, his voice laced with a mix of disbelief and intrigue.

Gambino nodded, his expression firm but tinged with desperation. "No, she doesn't know, and I intend to keep it that way. I'm asking you, Vincent, please don't drag her into this world."

"Why?" Vincent pressed, his tone almost mocking. "Why keep her in the dark?"

"She's my daughter, and I know what's best for her," Gambino replied, his voice edged with protective instinct.

Vincent chuckled, the sound low and menacing. "So, if I decide to tell her... what are you going to do about it?"

Gambino hesitated, his resolve clear in his voice. "Nothing, Mr. Lucchese. I won't fight you on this. I'm just asking-don't tell her."

Vincent didn't respond immediately, letting the silence stretch as his smile returned, cold and calculating. "I want your daughter to accompany me to a ball," he stated matter-of-factly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Gambino's eyes widened in concern. "That ball will be filled with dangerous men, Vincent. It's not a place for her."

Vincent's smirk deepened, a cruel glint in his eyes. "She's my pet, Gambino. I can do whatever I want with her."

Gambino fell silent, knowing there was no winning this argument. He had no choice but to protect his daughter in whatever way he could.

"Now, Mr. Escobar," Vincent continued, his voice dripping with authority, "I expect your little princess to be well-dressed and beautiful for the occasion. Make sure she's ready."

Gambino nodded slowly, his mind racing as he left the room, knowing that Vincent had just drawn his daughter deeper into the dangerous world he had tried so hard to shield her from.

~~

Eloise looked at the brand-new phone Paul handed her, her irritation still simmering beneath the surface. "Thanks, Paul," she muttered, her eyes scanning the device. It wasn't the first time she'd needed a replacement-her temper often got the best of her, leading to broken screens and discarded phones.

"I also included your friends' contact information," Paul added, his tone remaining neutral as always.

"No, I don't need it," she snapped, the frustration in her voice clear.

"You can delete them, ma'am," Paul responded calmly.

"Whatever," she murmured, not wanting to argue further.

Just then, Gambino walked into the room. "Eloise," he called out, his voice gentle.

Eloise shot him a look of annoyance. "I am still mad at you, Daddy," she stated, crossing her arms.

"Darling, you know I had no choice," Gambino said, his tone softening as he approached.

Eloise rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "No choice? You're my father, you're supposed to protect me, not pawn me off to some psycho!" she retorted, her frustration bubbling to the surface.

Gambino sighed, knowing this wouldn't be easy. "Listen, baby, I know you're upset, but Vincent isn't someone we can afford to defy right now. He's dangerous, and if I push back, things could get worse," he explained, trying to make her understand the gravity of the situation.

"How could things possibly get worse?" she shot back, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Gambino took a deep breath before continuing. "Vincent had a dress made for you. He wants you to wear it to the ball," he said, bracing himself for her reaction.

Eloise's eyes widened, her anger flaring up instantly. "No freaking way am I going to that stupid ball! And I'm definitely not wearing anything that man had made for me!" she shouted, her refusal absolute.

Gambino placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression pleading. "Eloise, please... I'm asking you to do this for me. I know you don't want to, but refusing him isn't an option. He's already set his mind on you being there, and if you don't show up, he'll take it as a personal insult."

Eloise clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she tried to contain her anger. "I hate this, Daddy. I hate him, and I hate that you're asking me to do this," she said, her voice cracking slightly.

"I know, baby, I know," Gambino said softly, pulling her into a hug. "But sometimes, we have to do things we don't like for the greater good. Just this once, wear the dress, go to the ball, and let's hope this will all blow over soon."

Eloise remained tense in his embrace, her mind racing. She didn't want to give in, but what choice did she have? If she didn't go, the consequences could be far worse. She reluctantly nodded, despite the fact that every fiber of her being screamed defiance.

"Fine, I'll go," she muttered, "but I'm doing this for you, not for him."

Gambino pulled back and smiled, though the relief was bittersweet. "Thank you, Eloise. I'll make sure Paul gets everything ready for you."

Eloise nodded stiffly, her resentment still simmering beneath the surface. She would go, but she wouldn't forget this. Not Vincent, and not her father's part in it.

---

Later that evening, Eloise stood in front of the mirror, staring at the dress Vincent had sent for her. It was stunning, a deep, midnight blue that clung to her figure in all the right places, with delicate lace detailing that hinted at the luxurious fabric's quality. The dress was undeniably lovely, but it felt like a shackle, a reminder of the power Vincent was attempting to exert over her.

Paul waited by the door, ready to escort her to the car. "The car's ready, ma'am," he said, his tone respectful.

Eloise glanced at him in the mirror, her reflection betraying the turmoil she felt inside. "I'm only doing this because my father asked me to," she muttered, more to herself than to Paul.

"Of course, ma'am," Paul replied, understanding her unspoken frustrations.

With a final look in the mirror, Eloise took a deep breath and turned away, grabbing the matching clutch that came with the dress. She followed Paul out of the room, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors as they made their way to the waiting car.

The drive to the ball was silent, the tension thick in the air. Eloise stared out the window, her mind racing with thoughts of what awaited her. She had no idea what Vincent's true intentions were, but she couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had settled in her stomach.

When they arrived, the grand venue was lit up with dazzling lights, and the sound of elegant music drifted through the air. Paul opened the door for her, and Eloise stepped out, her head held high despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

As she walked up the steps, the doorman bowed and opened it, revealing the lavish ballroom inside. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow on the sea of well-dressed guests. The room was filled with society's elite, each more glamorous than the next, but Eloise felt out of place, like a pawn in someone else's game.

She was barely through the door when she spotted Vincent across the room. He was dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, his commanding presence drawing the attention of everyone around him. His piercing grey eyes locked onto hers, and a smirk played at the corner of his lips as he made his way toward her.

"Princessa," he greeted her smoothly, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips.

Eloise stiffened at the touch, forcing herself to remain calm. "Vincent," she replied, her voice colder than she intended.

"You look stunning," Vincent remarked, his eyes raking over her figure in a way that made her skin crawl.

"Is this why you dragged me here? To show me off like some trophy?" Eloise snapped, unable to hide her contempt.

Vincent chuckled, clearly amused by her defiance. "Oh, Princessa, you wound me. I brought you here because I wanted to spend the evening with you. Is that so terrible?"

"It is when I don't have a choice," Eloise shot back.

His smile didn't waver. "You always have a choice, Princessa. It's just that some choices come with consequences you might not like."

Eloise's jaw tightened as she tried to keep her composure. "What do you want from me, Vincent? Just tell me so I can get this over with."

Vincent leaned in closer, his voice low and dangerous. "What I want, Princessa is for you to realize that in this world, power is everything. Your father knows it, and soon, you will too. But tonight, I want you to relax, enjoy yourself, and remember that I'm the only one you need to worry about."

Eloise's stomach churned at his words, but she knew there was no point in arguing. She was trapped in this twisted game for God knows how long.

~~~

Eloise frowned as she walked over to the bar to get a drink. The ball was turning out to be as dull as she had anticipated, especially since the person who had invited her was nowhere to be seen.

"Caffè ristretto," she ordered, her voice cool and detached.

"Coming right up," the bartender replied with a polite smile.

She just wanted to cool off, maybe think about what she could do after this boring event. Spending time with friends used to be the solution, but now, she was acutely aware of how alone she really was.

She has no friend to spend time with at all.

"Hi," someone suddenly said, breaking her thoughts.

She turned, narrowing her eyes at the man standing in front of her. "What do you want?" she asked with a frown.

"Calm down, baby girl," he said, chuckling.

"Don't call me that," she snapped.

"I like you," he said, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Oh, you won't be liking me for long," she retorted, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Who wouldn't like you? You're so beautiful," he replied, completely missing the warning in her tone.

Suddenly, Eloise felt a hand slide around her waist, making her turn to find Vincent standing beside her.

"You like her?" Vincent asked the man, a dangerous smirk on his face.

The man's expression changed instantly, his confidence fading as fear crept into his voice. "No... I don't. I was just joking with her."

"Joking? You were literally calling me names that made me uncomfortable," Eloise said, her eyes narrowing.

"Mr. Luchesse, I didn't know she was your woman," the man stammered, lowering his gaze.

"Look around... do you see anyone more beautiful than her?" Vincent asked, his tone cool and controlled.

Eloise felt a flush of heat rise to her cheeks. She knew she was beautiful, but hearing it from Vincent sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.

"No, Mr. Luchesse," the man said, practically trembling.

"Apologize. Now," Vincent commanded.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am... I never knew you were his woman... sorry again," the man said quickly.

Eloise turned her gaze to Vincent, who was smiling that unsettling smile of his.

"Is that okay with you, Princessa?" he asked, his voice almost teasing.

Eloise paused before smiling slightly. "Kneel down and beg," she said, her gaze flicking to Vincent before returning to the man.

"What?" The man gasped.

"You heard her. Do it," Vincent said, his hand tightening around Eloise's waist.

The man looked between Eloise and Vincent before slowly sinking to his knees.

"I'm sorry, ma'am," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Eloise's smile widened, satisfied.

"Are you okay with that, Princessa?" Vincent asked, his tone gentle.

She nodded, finally feeling some sense of control.

"You're lucky today. You're forgiven," Vincent said, and the man quickly stood up, practically running away.

Eloise turned her gaze to meet Vincent's. Most people feared and respected Vincent deeply. He had to be incredibly powerful.

"Let's go home, Princessa," Vincent said, his voice commanding.

Eloise frowned. "Home? What home?" she asked, eyeing him warily.

"Oh, you weren't told?" he asked, a chuckle escaping his lips.

"Told what?" she inquired, her interest piqued and her suspicions growing.

"You are staying with me starting today, Princessa."

TBC