Bought By The Ruthless Don

Episode3

ALESSIA.

I eyed him as I assessed.

The pictures in the file had not done him justice.

Silas Dravetti was all hard muscles and cutting edges, his well-pressed suit shining over his long-limbed frame. His black hair was slicked back slightly and impeccably neat, clashing with grey colored eyes that held power.

He stood in the center of the stage, casual demeanor but commanding. Nobody could deny it, he was devastatingly handsome. He spoke a few words, his tone low and unflinching.

"Welcome, respected guests. I am honored to have you all present tonight. The Dravetti family has never believed in the idea that alliances are weak, that those who are bold and chart their own courses will ultimately prevail. Tonight, may we be reminded that in a world as unstable as the one in which we live, there is always a place for new frontiers."

A calculated speech. Polished. Meant to reassure and intimidate at the same time. The room erupted in applause. Silas gave a small nod before stepping off the stage and disappearing out of sight.

I leaned into Usuv, murmuring, “That’s my cue.”

He gave a slight nod, and I slipped away.

I moved over to one of the drink tables, grabbing a glass of whiskey and sipping it as I glanced around the room discreetly.

No sign of him. Fine. It was tiime to do some snooping.

I set down my glass and made my way over to one of the side doors, sneaking out unseen. The sounds of music and voices faded away as I walked along the peaceful halls of the villa.

The place was aptly named.

The Villa dei Segreti was full of winding hallways, hidden passageways, and doors leading to nowhere. It was architecturally designed to mislead attackers, to bury secrets. I roamed around aimlessly until I found myself at an open door leading into a garden.

The air was cool that night as I walked out, the scent of rose dew and earth in my nostrils. The garden was beautiful with pretty hedges, fountains, and lots of flowers.

I stroked the petals, my footsteps slow and measured.

Then I felt a prickling at the back of my neck. I was being watched.

I didn't react, didn't stiffen, didn't look around. I just let my fingers brush against a rose stem, deliberately pressing against a thorn.

Blood welled up at my fingertip. I let out a soft whimper, cradling my hand.

And then came a smooth baritone voice.

"You should be more careful," the voice said. "These flowers may be beautiful, but there is always thorn concealed beneath."

I turned round quickly, letting out a tiny, startled gasp.

Silas Dravetti stood before me. Up close, he was even more intimidating. His eyes were slightly narrowed and measuring.

"I…" I looked between him and the flowers, my mouth opening and closing like I had no idea what to say.

He scanned me over. "This area's forbidden," he said. "You've wandered a long way from where you should be." Something lethal hung beneath his words.

I fidgeted a little, letting out a hysterical laugh. "I'm sorry. I just… I needed to get out of there. I'd forgotten how suffocating parties like that are and…" I pursed my lips, my cheeks burning. "Sorry. I'm rambling."

There was silence. His eyes swept me, slow and analytical, as if he was peeling away my layers.

"It’s okay," he said at last. "Miss…?”

I delayed long enough to look uncertain before finally locking gazes with him. "Volkov," I said to him. "Liora Volkov."

His expression didn't change, but I saw the way his eyes widened by a fraction of an inch in recognition.

He eyed my finger, then held out his own. "Shall we get that remedied, then?"

I looked at my finger, and then back at him. A purposeful hesitation. A small, uncertain nod.

Then I placed my uninjured hand in his. Static cackled between us, startling me. Our eyes met and held before he looked away and Silas Dravetti led me out of the villa gardens.

——

Silas led me through the darkened hallways, his footfalls purposeful, confident. I trailed behind him, my eyes darting about in fascination. The villa was just as over the top inside as it had been outside, every inch boasting mystery and money.

We came to a door, and he opened it, revealing a luxurious sitting room with black leather sofas and a liquor-stacked bar. A fire crackled softly in the corner, casting shadows leaping across the walls.

"Sit," he instructed, nodding toward one of the chaise lounges.

I stood there for a second before plopping onto the cushy seat.

Silas moved with practiced ease, producing a medical kit from a nearby cabinet. He sat down in front of me and pulled up a chair, reaching for my injured hand.

I drew back with a gasp.

"No…I can do it myself," I said quickly, feigning horror at the thought of him tending to me. "You don't have to go through that trouble."

His eyes were unreadable as he replied, "I can do it, Miss Volkov."

I chewed my lip, unsure. His eyes flickered down, staring at my lip for an instant before he returned to looking at me.

I swallowed and at last gave him my hand.

He took it carefully with his, his fingers warm on mine as he cleaned the tiny wound with gentle delicacy.

"I didn't expect to see you tonight," he said, tone suave but with a note of curiosity.

I kept my eyes on our hands as he wrapped the bandage around my finger. "I came here with my cousin," I answered quietly. "He's the new Don, and since my father passed away… he's attempting to find me a good husband."

Silas hummed, securing the bandage with a small knot. "A husband, huh?" He leaned inward. "A husband would do you great good, Miss Volkov. He'd protect you from the poisonous wolves that roam around our world."

His voice was even, but when his eyes lifted to meet mine, something electric sparked between us. I broke eye contact first, my cheeks flushing and I shifted uncomfortably.

I panicked inwardly a little. That blush hadn't been an act. It was real. And that was bad. Silas Dravetti was getting under my skin in a way no man ever had. I had to speed this along and get out of here.

"I don't want to get married, though," I grumbled.

He hesitated, then went back to wrapping the bandage with steady hands.

I exhaled, squirming in the seat. "I don't want to marry someone old enough to be my father," I admitted, my voice softer now. "I want to go to college. Party with friends. Fall in love with a quarterback or whatever." A sour laugh slipped out of me. "But that's not up to me, is it?"

Silas finished tending to my finger and let go of my hand. He rose to his feet, placing the medical kit aside.

“You read too many books, Miss Volkov.”

I blinked. “Excuse me?”

His gaze was cool. “You should get back to the party.”

Then he turned, walking towards the door.

No. I couldn’t let him slip away.

I sprang out of my seat, my heart pounding as I exclaimed, "I want you to sleep with me."

Silas froze in mid-step. The atmosphere in the room turned ice-cold.

I inwardly winced. Honestly, Alessia? That's the best you've got?

He turned slowly, his grey eyes narrowing as he stood before me, face-on. "Excuse me?"

Well, crap. It was too late now.

I breathed out, playing with my fingers as I took a hesitant step closer to him. "If I do have to marry," I began, my voice slightly unsteady, "I don't… I don't want to do it as a virgin." I made myself look at him. "I want you to sleep with me. Just tonight."

Silas's eyes darkened, his gaze sweeping my face.

He then said lowly, "You have no idea of what you're asking, Miss Volkov."

I held my chin upward slightly. "I do."

His expression did not alter, but I did see the clenching of his fingers at his sides.

"If you don't want to," I said, attempting to maintain a careless tone in my voice, "I'll find someone else."

I proceeded to step away from him, slowing my pace just enough that he would act.

And he did.

His hand shot out, catching my wrist and yanking me back.

I gasped softly as my body collided with his, the heat of him seeping through my dress.

He leaned down, voice low and restrained. "I don't sleep, Miss Volkov," he murmured. "I f**k… hard."

Actual desire burst in the depths of my stomach, pooling in my panties. I caught my breath, and I stared at him, my heart racing. Chewing on my lower lip, I whispered, "Do it then."

His hold tightened ever so tightly. I knew he could feel the thud of my pulse against his fingers.

I swallowed hard, whispering. "Please."

Silas's jaw muscle twitched. His grey eyes flashed.

And then he let out a breath, his own voice barely a whisper. "Fuck."

And his lips crashed onto mine.

Colors burst behind my eyelids as warmth enveloped me whole.