I don’t play games
1087 Words
Vanessa POV's
My fingers dug into the door frame as I struggled to steady myself, my mind reeling at the sight before me.
This couldn’t be the man I was supposed to marry. His eyes, dark as night, were the only visible part of him, the rest of his body drenched in blood. The sharp, metallic scent overpowered the remnants of his cologne—a jarring contrast that made my stomach churn.
I couldn’t let him see my fear. I forced myself to stand tall, swallowing the bile that rose in my throat. I had to appear strong.
His eyes, cold and calculating, flicked over me, a glimmer of amusement in their depths. I refused to flinch, holding his gaze until he was just two steps away.
“Now that I have your attention... I’ll assume you are Gnero,” I said, my voice steady despite the laughter that erupted from the others in the room. We were the only two not laughing.
“I have something to say to you, but maybe when you're better dressed?” I tried to maintain a formal tone, but he only smirked.
“Whatever you have to say, you can say it here,” he replied, his voice flat, almost bored. A wave of irritation surged through me. I didn’t like him—not one bit.
“Are you sure about that?” I stepped forward, our eyes locked in a silent battle. My father had unknowingly taught me how to use intimidation, but Gnero wasn’t easily swayed.
“Well,” I continued, straightening my spine. “I don’t know who you are, and you certainly don’t know who I am. I’ll be returning your unnecessary gift, and you will take me back home so I can beat some sense into my stupid brother, and we can all forget about this joke of a marriage.”
Silence fell throughout the room. Just as I was about to question whether he understood me, he chuckled.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” he said, his tone as dismissive as before.
“Well, I wasn’t asking for permission. I’m telling you what I’m going to do so you’re not surprised when you wake up and find me gone,” I deadpanned, stepping closer. But he matched my step, towering over me.
His presence was overwhelming—broad shoulders, a muscular frame, and an aura that screamed danger. I couldn’t help but notice how easy it would be to run my hands along those bulging arms. My thighs pressed together involuntarily as he stared into my soul.
“You are my wife, cupcake. Papers were signed before your father and brothers at a court, fortifying the wedding. You can’t dissolve the marriage; it’s unethical. And I don’t do well with unethical,” he said slowly, as if I were too stupid to understand otherwise.
“First, don’t ever call me cupcake. Second, I’ll be leaving your house one way or another, with or without your knowledge,” I spat, crossing my arms defiantly. He smiled—a rough, yet beautiful smile.
“Unless your father can return the ton of gold I offered him, the signed treaty, and the valuable information about his enemy, then sure, you can waltz out of here, and no one will stop you,” he said casually. I stepped back, my mind reeling.
Gold? Why would my father need gold?
“My father is one of the wealthiest mafia leaders in Italy. How dare you suggest he needed your gold?” I demanded, but he only smiled.
“Looks like you won’t be leaving anytime soon,” he mocked, signaling to someone behind me. I turned just in time to see unfamiliar men approaching, ready to drag me away. I placed a hand on Gnero’s chest, a futile attempt to shield myself, but he only enclosed me in his arms like a snake.
“Don’t worry, cupcake. I’ll be protecting you from now on,” he whispered. I pushed against him, disgusted by his words and by how much a part of me liked them. The men dragged me away, taking me to a room meant to be mine, leaving me with my spiraling thoughts.
Why would my father take money for this marriage?
Time slipped away until a knock sounded at my door. Gnero entered without waiting for my permission. I rolled my eyes, folding my arms as I sat up in bed.
“I will not be performing any wife duties. If that’s what you’re here for, you better turn around and leave,” I warned, but he ignored me, walking in fully dressed in a clean shirt, his hair styled, he looked every bit the dangerous mafia leader.
“There’s a small party in an hour. I’ve arranged everything, including your dress, which is in your wardrobe. A maid will come to fetch you,” he said coldly, dismissing my earlier words.
I scoffed, standing as he turned to leave. Grabbing his arm, I forced him to face me.
“Maybe I wasn’t clear earlier but I will not be participating in any wife duties—s****l or otherwise,” I said firmly, crossing my arms under my chest. His eyes flickered to my neck before returning to my face.
“Are you sure about that?” he asked, his voice low, his pupils dilating as he watched me. A sudden, sinister thought crossed my mind—what if I seduced him? Maybe he’d give me what I wanted.
I stepped closer, a sly smile playing on my lips as I let my hands fall from my chest, subtly adjusting my posture to draw his attention.
“I don’t play games, Nessa,” he warned, his voice hoarse, but I could see the desire in his eyes. My mother had always said there was more than one way to kill a man.
His hand reached for my neck, and I tipped my head back, a soft gasp escaping my lips as his breath brushed my ear.
“Downstairs. One hour,” he whispered, pulling me from my thoughts.
“And cupcake? When I want you, you’ll be the one begging,” he added, his eyes darkening as they roamed over my body, undressing me with a single glance.
“I’m not coming,” I said, my voice shaky as he walked away.
“You don’t want to test me, Nessa. Trust me,” he threatened before leaving, and I frowned.
We’ll see about that.
- Writer
