Sold to the Ruthless Sicilian Mafia Boss

Chapter one PAYMENT ~CASSIE'S POV~ Standing on the roof of the Palermo cathedral, basking in the sun's warm embrace, I lifted the camera my uncle had given me for my 16th birthday to capture the breathtaking view. "I can't believe you still have the energy to take pictures," my best friend, Lala, gasped as she struggled to catch her breath after climbing the stairs to the top. I chuckled, knowing that Lala was not a fan of physical exertion. "Think of it as a workout, Lala," I teased, snapping photos of the stunning landscape before us. Our morning had started off like any other, strolling down Ballaro Street arm in arm as Lala excitedly talked about a cute boy she had spotted at a new textile shop. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her relentless pursuit of romance. "Please tell me you're not planning to pursue another crush," I admonished her, knowing all too well the heartbreak that had come from her past relationships. Lala insisted that Andy had been a mistake and promised not to make that same mistake again. But I couldn't help but feel skeptical. Dating was the last thing on my mind as I focused on capturing the beauty of Ballaro from my side of the walk. "Lala, you need to open your heart to love nature more," I said, teasingly snapping more pictures of the flower shop across the street. "It's obvious that the reason you're still single is because you spend most of your time behind that camera," Lala snapped. "Don't you dare accuse my baby," I joked, admiring the perfect shot I had just taken. "I envy how little you worry about these things," Lala said, as we continued to walk down the street. Growing up, I never paid much attention to matters of the heart. The loss of my parents in a tragic car accident at a young age made me numb to emotions. Thankful to my uncle and his wife, who took me in and raised me as their own, life became a bit more tolerable. They provided me with stability and love, and for that, I am grateful. Photography has become my escape. Through the lens of my camera, I have been able to capture the beauty in the world around me. It is not a shield, as some may believe, but a tool that allows me to see things from a different perspective. My ultimate dream is to own my own photography studio. However, my uncle dismisses it as a mere fantasy, believing it to be a man's ambition. "Hey Cassie, you have got to head home now," Alberto said in an urgent tone, causing me to look from Lala then back to him. Feeling a wave of panic washing over me, I quickly sprinted home, praying that my worst fears were not coming true. "Oh God, please don't let it be what I think it is," I begged silently as I raced towards my house. My heart pounded in my chest as I noticed the unfamiliar dark cars parked outside. Could it be that my uncle was hosting a surprise party and forgot to tell me? I pondered, trying to calm my nerves. But as I approached the entrance, the sight of two imposing men in suits standing guard made me freeze in my tracks. There was no mistaking it – I wasn't in the wrong place. As I drew closer, a sense of dread washed over me as the men's cold stares bore into me. This was no ordinary gathering, and I feared what awaited me inside. As I reached for the doorknob and unlocked the door, I turned to my uncle with a puzzled expression. "Uncle, who are those strange men outside?" I started to say, "I almost wet my....." but stopped short as I glanced at the unsettling sight before me. "Did you wet your pants, sweetheart?" a deep, intimidating voice cut through the tension. I turned my gaze to the man seated on my uncle Edoardo's beloved sports sofa, his rugged good looks taking me aback. He must be a demon, for he was incredibly attractive, with his piercing blue eyes and dark brown hair cascading over his face. His body was a work of art, his tattoos only adding to his allure. My eyes couldn't help but linger on his chest and hand, admiring the intricate designs. He was the most captivating man I had ever seen. I was certain that Lala would be chasing after him relentlessly. "Who...who are you?" I managed to stammer out. "Cassie, no," my uncle Edoardo interjected, his voice filled with fear. It was clear that these men were not his friends or business associates. They were something far more dangerous. Aunt Sally emerged from the kitchen with refreshments in hand, her eyes widening as she locked gazes with me. Her gaze shifted back and forth between her husband and me, a sense of unease written on her face. "Ca-Cassie, when did you arrive?" she stuttered, her hands shaking slightly as she placed the drinks on the table. I turned to face the man who had been staring at me intently. The chill in his eyes sent a shiver down my spine as he spoke, "We've come to speak with your uncle, dear, so don't worry." Struggling to find my words, I nodded in response and made my way over to where Aunt Sally was seated. She enveloped me in a tight hug, her arms providing comfort in the tense atmosphere. "Now Mr. Edoardo, why don't we get down to business? The interest rate increased" spoke the other guy standing beside the man with a tattoo. Uncle Edoardo's eyes widened at the mention of the increased interest rate. "Matteo, you can't do this, I pleaded for more time, it being barely two weeks since your last visit" My uncle spoke. His voice shook as he got to his knees. I was curious. What the hell was going on? Did uncle get into another shady business again, "uncle" I called out to him as he turned to stare at me? "What is going on?" "You never told me you had a niece Mr. Edoardo, it seems like keeping a secret has become a habit of yours and it is getting on my nerves lately" The man called Matteo with the tattoo spoke. I guess he's the boss, since everyone quivers at his sight. "She's no one of importance, so don't bother yourself" my uncle chimed in. But matteo kept his gaze fixed on me not wavering. "Whose daughter is she?" he questioned his tone cold. The room fell into silence as all eyes turned to my uncle, awaiting his response. I could see him trembling, his hand clenched tightly into a fist. "You're wasting my time, Edoardo. You know I'm not a patient man," Matteo threatened, his dark gaze fixed on my uncle as he tapped his finger on the arm of his chair. "My name is Cassie Romano, daughter of the late Romano Girgenti," I declared. "No, Cassie," my uncle whispered, sitting down on the floor. I couldn't understand why he was acting this way. Had I said something wrong? Matteo erupted into laughter, approaching me with a menacing smile on his face. Towering over me, he grabbed my jaw tightly, causing me to flinch in pain. "I see," he said. "It looks like your brother's debts will be settled in full today, Mr. Edoardo."