His Secret Temptation

Growing up wasn't easy for me one bit.

If there was anything I ever learned It was "Work hard so I could run away, live a good life and stay far away from this mess of the home.

I have a job at a bakery which doesn't really pay quite well. I just survive from paycheck to paycheck, no savings .

Until one day, Clara told me about this gig

"Have you heard of the bar down the lane?" Clara asked as we do swept the bakery together.

"I'm not going clubbing with you." I chipped in before Clara would ask and make a cute face.

"Nahh.... Not that. They're hiring waitresses to help serve drinks for a night. Their regular customers are tired of seeing the same face."

"I've got a job, Clara. Besides working shifts every night is exhausting, I won't have time for myself at all."

"It's just for a night and the pay is...." Clara motioned for me to come closer and I did. "$500 per night."

I gasped. "That's a lot. Just for a night?"

"Besides it's not like you make a lot of money here. Just one night and you've tripled your finances and you fund that trip for you and Zack. Think about it." Clara said as she slipped the flyer into my pocket. This is an opportunity but this is a bar...

********************

‎I walked into the bar, my mind fixed on working because here "THE MORE YOU SERVE,THE MORE YOU EARN" that was the main rule here according to the manager.

‎

‎I was assigned to serve the VIPs tonight, I guess I was exceptionally lucky today. I adjusted my miniskirt, mustered some courage and walked into the VIP room, with the bottle of champagne and ice.

‎

‎Immediately I walked in, I locked eyes with Mr Salvatore who was covered in a cloud of smoke, I suddenly remembered Ivy's words. Mr Salvatore is a young ruthless Mafia kingpin who is cold and calculating.

He commands respect and fear. He exudes power with a calm yet intimidating presence. Always well dressed usually in tailored suits.

He rarely raises his voice but delivers orders that can end lives with a mere nod. He's strategic, manipulative, and emotionally detached, using loyalty, fear, and blackmail to control his empire.

‎

‎He trusts no one completely, he keeps his enemies close, and he's always ten steps ahead. Despite his brutality, he often maintains a calm, he's charming when needed, deadly when crossed.

‎

‎I plastered a smile on my face and straightened my back, determined to make money tonight, I told myself tonight that he wasn't different from other guests, just serve him and leave.

‎

‎When I walked in, he didn't say anything, he just watched my movements as I placed the champagne next to the whiskey " This is probably for his girlfriend. " I thought to myself.

‎

‎I was about to walk away, when I heard his hoarse voice " Come here " I froze on the spot, his voice hoarse and scary sending chills down my spine.

I started wondering what I did wrong, because the rule here states that " IF ANY VIP IS DISSATISFIED WITH YOUR SERVICE YOU'RE GETTING FIRED ON THE SPOT. " My Manager's words replayed in my ears.

‎

‎" Is there something else you'd like? " I asked trying to sound professional but deep down I knew I wasn't I could feel goosebumps on my skin because his gaze on my body was tearing me apart

‎

‎

‎" What's your duty tonight? " he asked without taking his eyes off my body. I adjusted my miniskirt and spoke " I'm to serve the VIPs tonight " he sat up and extinguished his cigarette.

‎

‎I saw a little smile on his face as he sipped his drink " Come closer " he spoke calmly. I walked closer, he placed his glass loudly on the table and two huge men came out from the shadows.

‎

‎ They made me kneel before him and they held my hands behind my back. " What are you doing?! Let me go!! " I screamed but I realized that no one could hear me. VIP rooms are always soundproof to protect our customers privacy. He poured himself a glass of the wine I brought.

‎

‎

‎" What do you want from me? " I asked as I stopped trying to force my way out.

Mr Salvatore sighed " You're meant to SERVE the VIPs." He said as he slowly unbuttoned my shirt exposing my breasts " You don't even understand your job description. " Mr Salvatore said as he brushed his finger on my soft breast.

‎

‎

‎I smiled as I understood what he meant, I turned to look at the huge men who held me,they faced the opposite direction and I felt one of their grip loose. " He was paying attention to what's happening behind him or he probably didn't want to hurt a woman. I thought as I smiled to myself,forced my hand out and slapped Mr Salvatore with that speed.

‎

‎For a split second, everyone in the room was shocked. I immediately pushed the other guy and tried to make a run for the door when one of the bodyguards held my neck and forced me to face Mr Salvatore.

My heart began beating fast and I knew that I was gonna lose my job for hitting a VIP.

‎

" Do you know what you just did? " He asked as he proceeded to touch his cheek. " You just dialed death's number. "

I locked eyes with Mr Salvatore and asked. " Who are you to decide what happens to me? "

" I am Andrea Salvatore and you shall belong to me. Trust me you'll pay for what you just did. " He locked his eyes in mine and the colourful lights flickered on his face making him look dangerous.

He relaxed on his chair. " Let her go. She's not even pretty, very undeserving of the name - Adrielle. " He said as he looked at me with disgust in his eyes.

‎I took off the name tag and everything else that belonged to the bar. I hurried back to the house without checking out.

I couldn't take another embarrassment from my manager. I'll rather quit. If she finds about what happened today... I know I'd lose my job but I'd be lucky if I don't get in jail.

‎

‎" Why are you back early? " My step mother asked as she took her eyes away from the television.

‎

‎" I got fired. " I replied calmly and she let out a loud laugh "As expected,you never cease to disappoint. It's barely two hours since you left and you've already lost the job." she let out another laugh. " There's no food for you tonight, because you're lazy and useless. " she spat as she stood up and walked inside.

‎

‎I sighed and went to my room because this was normal, I've gotten used to it. Her hurtful words no longer have an effect on me anymore. I have to figure out what will happen to me tomorrow because I can't die now, I also can't go to jail not with my mother's unsolved money laundering case, I also can't leave Zack.

Zack is my boyfriend, the only man in this world that I'd trust. He's always beside me when I need him, he's next to me during my bad days providing comfort and protection. Something I've been deprived off in my own home.

‎

‎ THE NEXT MORNING

‎

‎I got to work at the bakery shop where I work as one of the delivery staffs and everything was normal, I must admit I had expecting to see people talking.

Because most of the workers here also have night shifts at the bar, they pay pretty well if you're able to leave a lasting impression on their guests. That's what I was told and I entertained the idea of working in a bar to live properly.

I expected to see Ivy circulating stories around but no.

Everyone behaved normal. My phone chimed and I saw a bank payment from the club.

‎

‎I quickly dialed Mrs Charlotte,the bar's manager. " Hello "

‎

‎" Adrielle be fast I'm busy. " She ordered

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‎" I just got paid. Why? " I could hear the sound of her bubble gum, I could imagine the expression on her face while chewing the gum.

‎

‎" Mr Salvatore was feeling generous last night and he gave you a tip, you weren't paid. "

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‎" Why did he tip me such amount, by any chance did he ask you for my contact information? " I inquired as I heard a loud laugh. " She thinks Mr Salvatore wants her. " My fists clenched as laughed it out with her workers.

‎

‎" Are you stupid? Why would Mr Salvatore be interested in you? " Mrs Charlotte asked as she laughed and ended the call.

‎

‎What is going on? Nothing makes sense at all,he tipped me? Why?

I sighed and walked in ready for work. " Adrielle, there's an order for you." My manager yelled as he walked out of his office.

" So early?? " He shot me a glare which made me shut up. He packaged the pastries and handed it to me with the address.

When I got there, I couldn't help but be captivated by how huge it looked, this is the first time I've ever stepped foot inside a house as huge as this is.

I thought the rich had maids who could bake and make whatever they want. Why would he order from a bakery like ours?

The gate creaked open slowly, and I stepped inside, unsure of what to expect. The villa looked quiet. It sat in the middle of thick trees and cold stone walls, like it was hidden from the world on purpose.

A few guards stood near the entrance, dressed in black, their faces unreadable. No smiles. No words. Just a silent nod for me to follow.

One of the guards opened a door and stepped aside.

" Wait here, " he said.

I nodded and walked in.

The visiting room was quiet. It was simple but rich and expensive, dark walls, tall windows, heavy curtains, and two leather chairs across from a couch. A glass table sat between them, everything was spotless.

I stood back straight, hands clasped tightly holding the box wondering who this mysterious being was.

Suddenly, a figure walked in and to my surprise I saw HIM...

He's the man from last night, I froze as he walked in and sat at his desk. I swallowed my saliva and put on a straight face intending to behave professional.

" Mr Salvatore your order. " I spoke calmly as I placed the order and walked away,he didn't say anything but I could hear him let out a laugh and that made me cringe.

" How did he know where I work? This perverted man is going out of control. Does he want to humiliate me like last night? " I thought as I drove back on the scooter to the bakery. My heart beating rapidly as I walked inside the bakery.

Mr Wilson, my annoying manager walks up to me. " Miss Adrielle, we've got another order. "

" Okay,where am I taking it to? " I asked calmly as I tried to push my thoughts away.

" It's for Mr Salvatore. " he said as he dropped another box of pastries on my table.

" This is the second time I'm going there. Can't you send someone else ? " I queried.

" Mr Salvatore orders were strict and clear,he wants you to deliver it. So stop slacking and go! "

" Why should I do it again? " I asked as I crossed my arms,I'm not the only person working in that sector.

" Am I supposed to answer that? " My manager asked, " Here, we need serious-minded workers, not people who complain. If you're tired of the job, just let me know. I'd be more than happy to let you go, " he said as he walked away.

I bit my lip in frustration as I picked the box and walked away. He has ulterior motives for doing this and he's doing it on purpose, which is annoying.

Growing up wasn't easy for me. My mother died when I was twelve, and my dad remarried that barren bitch Miss Ophelia - that's how my stepmother wants people to address her, " Miss " instead of " Mrs ". Even though she's married.

Life became different the minute my father slid the ring on her finger, I ate once a day and my father never noticed, I stopped highschool and my father never cared. I have bruises from my stepmother on my skin and when I complain he says they'll heal.

Anytime I try to make friends, Miss Ophelia would scare them away. I became used to the loneliness. She told my neighbors that I was a witch, she also told anyone that dared to come close to me. Everyone in the neighborhood dislikes me because they think I'm a bad omen.

She always told people that I was a curse, and my mother bringing me into this world was a mistake, she goes around the neighborhood telling everyone I destroyed her womb, and it's my fault that she can't conceive till now.

As time went on, my father got involved in corrupt practices at work and he got laid off. Instead of finding something new, he resorted to drinking and doing odd jobs. Which reduced our standard of living. My stepmother forced me to go out there and earn a living so I could feed the entire family.

" It's good you're here, " my father said anytime I got back. He has turned into an unrecognizable monster who is addicted to drinking and gambling " Give me the tips you earned today. " he commanded.

" I didn't earn any, " I replied calmly, knowing what was next. It always happened.

A loud slap landed on my left cheek, and tears clouded my eyes.

" Even the customers you serve don't even like you, and that's how worthless you are to me. " he said as he fell to the couch and whispered nonsense to himself. After awhile he took out his cigarettes to take a puff and calm himself down.

Because of the fact that I didn't eat well due to my stepmother starving me and I couldn't continue my college because she made excuses about my school fees,I made up my mind to work. Work in order to eat healthy, get my own apartment and live a better life with Zack.

I smiled as his name crossed my mind, Zack is my boyfriend,he's one of the people that truly care about me,my well-being and my daily activities. Although he doesn't have much,I don't care. I just want to start a quiet and happy family with Zack.

" Mr Salvatore your order " I announced as I walked into the villa and what I saw caught my attention. I saw a half dead man being carried into a van and maids rushing out with buckets full of blood.

" What is happening?? " I asked myself and suddenly I became self conscious of every step I took. Fear gripped me when I got to the visiting room, I saw him cleaning off the blood from his hands " Welcome, " he said with a smile.

I got scared when he smiled at me, that was the smile psycho's carry when they're about to kill someone.

" Your order. " I said hastily and walked away, he probably finished killing someone, the thought was choking and I had to leave or else I'll become his next target. Or am I his next target already?

I thought as I remembered how hard I slapped him the previous night.

What exactly does he want with me especially with all this delivery? Is he trying to take revenge on me for what happened last night?

I don't want to come back here again or see him again...

I caught glances of the previous delivery, it was untouched. What does he want with me?? The thought alone was making me cringe, would I die soon?

Immediately I drove back to the bakery, there was someone outside holding a fresh set of pastries for me. " What's this for ? "

" Mr Salvatore's order. Go back. " She said as she dumped the pastries on my bike and walked away. " Okay now,this man's getting on my nerves. "

I drove as fast as I could, anyone could see anger burning in my eyes. I walked into the visiting room and placed the pastries on the table and looked around. I found him at the left wing sitting on swivel chair and smirking. " You're enjoying this,right? What exactly do you want from me? "

" Do I need to tell you that? " He asked and I still noticed that damn smirk still on his face. That smirk irritated me so bad,I want to slap it off his face. Wait,slap..

" If this is about last night, I'm not apologizing because I... I wasn't wrong. You harassed me and that was a means of self-defense. "

He stood up and walked towards me then bent and whispered in my ear " Did you like it? My touch... On your breast.... Did it make you want more?? "

" Get away from me, you fucking pervert. " I said as I pushed him away from me. How dare he, he certainly had no manners. I thought as I felt my cheeks turn red.

" Did that little talk turn you on? " he asked as he cupped my face and stroked my cheek. I turned to walk away but he dragged me back but this time I could feel his chest rubbing against mine.

" What exactly do you want from me? " I asked trying to play it cool and calm.

" Don't you think coming clean is boring? I want to torment you,I want you to crave me, crave my touch. " he said with a smile.

" I promise you that won't happen because I have a man who's ten times the man you'd ever be. " I said as I used my fingers to trace his chest.

" Really? " He asked with a smile.

" Yes. " I said boldly as I pushed him away. Zack is my man, he's ten times better than Mr Salvatore. He doesn't cheat, he cares dearly for me.

"Any more orders from that jerk called Salvatore? " I asked as I walked into the bakery. Everyone gave me shocking glances and Ivy ran towards me.

" What's up with you and Mr Salvatore? " She asked.

" Nothing is going on between us. He's just someone who's bent on making my life miserable. " I replied.

" I've gotta ask because everyone's beginning to say something about you "

" I don't care about what they have to say. There's nothing going on between us and I'm here to work not to please them. " I replied as I walked away. Is there any place or anything you'd go to or do and people won't talk?

I've gotten used to it,so their words have no effect on me. I dialed Zack's number hoping to forget all my stress. " Hey... "

" What's up,I've been unable to reach you throughout last night. "

" I was tired. Would we meet today? At our regular spot? "

" Yeah,sure. " Zack responded as he ended the call. Hearing his voice made my heart flutter. It was reassurance that the rest of my day would be better.

Andrea

I watched her as she drove out with a smile on my face. I didn't expect Julian's daughter to be feisty, bold and hard to submit.

Now this is a woman worth my interest. " So what do you plan to do with her? " Edwardo asked as he walked in

" I want to do exactly what Julian did to me. I want to ruin him, ruin his family and ruin his daughter. "

" This is going to take some time,is it? "

" Not at all. " I said with a smile." He's in debts, huge debt. Loans everywhere, his business has been flushed down the drain. He has nothing, he's just an empty shell. "

I remembered the days I wanted to play fair in business, treat everyone justly Julian felt big due too his positions, salary and company benefits.

He felt like he owned the company because I gave him too much privileges, he framed me, got me kicked me out of my own company and he ran my company as his. The board members were all in support of the decision because he got them to be on his side.

So now that I'm back they'd pay me back with things that they hold dear to their hearts. I'd humiliate them beyond measures, crush them till there's nothing left of them.

"Get someone to track Adrielle and I need a detailed information about her. I want to know that guy who's better than me." I ordered as I walked away.

Adrielle

" Where are you coming back from? " My step mother asked as I walked in.

" Work. " I replied lazily, she's the last person I'd want to see right now.

" You went to see that fool again right? "

" Zack's not a fool, I won't tolerate you calling my boyfriend names. " I retorted.

" Adrielle Julian, did you just raise your voice at me? Can't you see who I am? " She asked as she walked closely.

" I am the mistress of this house. " Miss Ophelia declared as she gave me a loud slap. " You're supposed to respect me, have you lost your manners? "

I didn't say anything, I taught myself that in situations like this, the best thing to do was to keep quiet and let the DOG bark. After talking and letting her frustration out, she calmed down and fixed her hair.

" This was not what I wanted to talk about, I'm too young to be educating a nineteen year old. " She said as she took in deep breaths and I scoffed. " You're turning twenty in three days and you'll be getting married by then. "

" What?! " This news sounded as a missile to my ears. " Get married? To who?? " I asked.

" You should be lucky that we've found you a rich suitor. Someone who's willing to take all of this bad luck. " She said as she rolled her eyes and the only person that came to my mind was Mr Salvatore. He's the only person who'd do something as despicable as that.

" Who am I getting married to? " I asked calmly. " Leandro Morgan, he's a rich second generation. So consider yourself lucky, you'd be getting married to a rich man and you won't suffer with that asshole called Zack who has poverty written all over his face. "

" I am not getting married to anyone but Zack. So get rid of those ideas." I said as I stormed into my room. I'm getting married? How? Why? And to a man I know nothing about. A man I haven't seen before. And it's in three days time?

What about Zack? What about the future we planned for each other?

" I am not leaving Zack for any man. No matter how much he has!! " I yelled hard in my room for her to hear.

" Poverty is deeply encrypted in your brain. That's why you're stupid. " She yelled back but I didn't reply rather I dialed Zack's number, I have to tell him what has happened. He needs to know, we need to get married as soon as possible.

*************************

We agreed to meet at our usual spot and talk " Zack, I'm getting married. "

Zack's face went pale, like all the blood has been flushed from his face. " Wait... What?? "

" Look, I was also shocked when I found out. My parents wants to marry me out on my twentieth birthday. " Zack held my hand in his and locked his eyes in mine.

" Let's run away together. We'll go to a place where no one knows us. We'd start our lives properly and we'd be with each other. "

"Are you serious? I was thinking we should just get married. And they'll stop pressuring us. Don't you think? " I asked because I don't want to leave this state, not until I know where my mother was transferred to.

" My family doesn't like you, but that won't stop us from being together. I still need time to talk to them so they'll like you

Look, I'm getting my paycheck tomorrow so let's meet here by eight tomorrow. We'll get on a train at the subway and we'll start a new life, okay?? "

" Tomorrow works fine by me. " I replied as Zack held me in a warm embrace and gently tapped my back, offering comfort.