Mafia's Sinful Bride

Desperate Moves

Gabriella’s Pov

All eyes turned to me the moment I stepped into the room. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as their gazes remained fixed on me. I couldn't back out now, not after everything I went through to be here. The sound of my heels echoed in the not so spacious study as I walked forward, the shirt dresses clinging more to my skin with every step I took. The room smelled of whiskey and smoke, and I knew I'd just walked into a deadly trap.

Alessio sat at the head of the long glass table, his eyes squinting as he looked at me from head to toe. I could see his jaw tightening when his eyes locked on the neckline of my dress. He seemed mad but fixed a smile to his face which didn't quite teach his eyes.

“Cara Mia," he called out, his voice low and dangerous which sent a shiver down my spine. To the men, it sounded like he was praising his wife but to me, it sounded more like a warning than a greeting.

I held back a chuckle, knowing too well that I was in trouble. I shook my head slightly, returning a smile. I didn't want him to notice how scared I was. Alessio's hand stretched out to me, gesturing for me to come closer. His hand was a trap, and I was walking straight into it.

I hesitated for a moment, deciding whether to move or sprint out of the room. Sighing, I forced my legs to move forward. When I was close, his hand snaked around my waist, forcing me into his lap harshly. I landed hard, completely thrown off balance by his move. I moved slightly on his lap and his hands gripped my thighs forcing me to shoot him a glare.

“What the hell do you think you're doing Gabriella?" he whispered into my ear, his breath hot. against my skin. His voice was dangerously low, meant for only me to hear but the threat behind it didn't go unnoticed.

“I felt bored," I said, frowning slightly. I moved my hands up, adjusting his already fitted tie. “You didn't exactly give me anything to do,"

His fingers figged deeper into my thigh, a silent warning which made me gasp. “This is not a place a lady should be."

Too late now,” I murmured back, sending him a sweet smile. I could feel the eyes of the other men seated around the table on me. Exactly what I wanted. Attention.

Alessio cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the men. Instantly, they averted their gazes, turning back to their discussion about guns and shipments. They knew better than to question the Don.

One of the men cleared his throat, eyes darting to me. "Perhaps we should continue this later…."

"No," Alessio cut in coldly. "Continue. She’s staying here,"

I let my eyes roam around the room, pretending to be interested in the conversation. I was so bored. It's been nineteen minutes yet it felt like it's been ages. My thoughts drifted to what I could do, anything to escape this boredom and torment of being on Alessio's lap.

I sucked in a sharp breath as I felt Alessio's hand sliding up my thigh. My breath hitched as I pressed my knees together, but he didn't stop. Instead his hands parted my knees widely, forcing them to open.

Heat rushed to my face when his fingers brushed against bare skin. I’d skipped wearing panties, and from the way Alessio’s jaw tightened, he’d just found out. His hand jerked back as if burned. He cleared his throat, his eyes turning dark and unreadable. He wrapped up the meeting quickly, startling tbe other men. They didn’t need to be told twice, shuffling out with their heads down, leaving us alone.

As soon as the men left, Alessio shoved me off his lap. I stumbled, barely catching myself. His eyes flashed with anger.

"What the hell was that?" he snapped. "You aren't meant to be here in the first place. And…..” his voice cut off as he chuckled lightly. “Don't tell me you're so desperate for my attention, Bella?”

I took a shaky step back, shaking my head. "That's not what……."

He scoffed, running a hand through his hair. "Save it. You’re pathetic. Trying to seduce me in front of my men? Grow up."

His words sent a sharp wave through me. "I just…….."

"Just what? You can’t move on? I stopped loving you years ago. Stop making a fool out of yourself.” he spat, glaring at me like I was the devil.

He forced out a laugh. “You think I don’t see through you? You’re so hungry for attention, it’s embarrassing.”

"Why are you so bothered?" I shot back at him. “If I mean nothing to you, why do you care what I wear? Or if I’m wearing anything at all?”

“Because you’re my wife!” The words exploded out his mouth, raw and piercing. “And I won’t have you parading yourself around like a…..”

“Like what?” I challenged him. “Say it.”

He took a step back, his expression twisting. “You’re unbelievable.”

“No," I said, my voice trembling. “You are the problem, not me. You act like I’m the problem, like I’m the one who can’t let go, but it’s you. You keep me here, caged, and then get angry when I try to breathe.”

“I don’t love you,” he said, his voice laced with anger. “I haven’t loved you for a long time. Stop clinging to something that died ages ago.”

My vision blurred, tears threatening to spill. “I know.”

He blinked, thrown off by my quiet admission. “Then why…. ”

“Because I did love you,” I whispered. “And I didn’t know how to stop.”

The silence stretched between us, uncomfortable and thick. I turned around slowly, heading to the door. I gripped the handle when I heard his voice.

“Gabriella.”

I paused, my head turning back slightly.

“Don’t ever step foot into this study again.” he warned, his voice laced with warning.

I nodded my head, feeling a little disappointed. “Understood.”

I stepped out of the room, closing the door shut behind me. My heart ached, reminding me of everything I've lost, my parents, my home, my life. I made my way back to my room, locking the door shut behind me, and collapsed on the bed.

I pressed my face into the pillow, muffling my cries. “I hate you,” I whispered to myself. “I hate you, Alessio.”