OWNED BY THE MAFIA KING

Rain poured heavily over the streets of Rome, covering the city in darkness and silver light. Elena Carter pulled her coat tighter around her body as she hurried down the sidewalk, cursing softly under her breath. Tonight had already been terrible. First, her boss forced her to work late. Then the taxi she ordered cancelled. And now the rain was ruining the only decent heels she owned. “Perfect,” she muttered bitterly. Thunder rumbled above the city. The streets were nearly empty except for a few expensive cars speeding through the wet roads. Elena checked her phone again. No signal. Great. She exhaled sharply and turned into a quieter street, hoping to cut through faster to her apartment. That was her first mistake. The second mistake was hearing the gunshot. Elena froze. Her heartbeat stopped for a second. Pop. Another shot echoed through the dark alley ahead. Fear crawled slowly into her stomach. She should leave. Right now. But before she could move, voices reached her ears. Male voices. Dangerous voices. Curious against her better judgment, Elena stepped closer to the alley entrance. And instantly regretted it. A man was kneeling on the wet ground. Blood spread beneath him like dark wine. Three men in black suits stood nearby. One of them held a gun. But it wasn’t the weapon that terrified Elena. It was him. The man standing in the center. Tall. Broad shoulders. Black suit untouched by the rain. Cold dark eyes. Power radiated from him so dangerously that the entire alley seemed to belong to him. Damiano Russo. Though Elena didn’t know his name yet… she knew immediately he was not a normal man. The injured man grabbed Damiano’s trouser leg desperately. “Please—” Bang. Elena gasped softly as the gunshot cut through the rain. The man collapsed lifelessly onto the ground. Her hand flew to her mouth. Too late. One of the guards snapped his head toward her direction. “There!” Elena’s eyes widened. Oh God. Run. She turned immediately and sprinted into the rain, panic exploding through her chest. Footsteps thundered behind her. Fast. Heavy. Close. “Stop her!” someone shouted. Elena nearly slipped as she rushed across the street. Her breathing became uneven. Fear burned through her veins. She could hear them getting closer. Then suddenly— A black car screeched violently in front of her. Elena stumbled backward. The car door opened slowly. And he stepped out. Damiano Russo. Rain dripped from his dark hair as his cold eyes locked onto hers. Deadly calm. Terrifyingly beautiful. Elena’s breathing stopped. Damiano stared at her silently for a long moment before speaking. “You saw something you shouldn’t have.” His deep voice sent chills down her spine. Elena forced herself to speak despite the fear crushing her chest. “I-I won’t tell anyone.” One of the guards laughed darkly. But Damiano remained expressionless. Then he stepped closer. Too close. Elena could smell smoke, rain, and expensive cologne. His fingers suddenly lifted her chin. Cold. Possessive. Dangerous. Fear trapped Elena in place. Damiano studied her face carefully like he was deciding whether she deserved to live. Then finally— “Bring her with us.”