The Mafia’s Prisoner

Chapter 2

"You aren't applying to be a model, Luna. Wipe that lipstick off, or you'll regret it the moment you step through those gates."

Mr. Brian pointed at Luna’s lips with a rough fingertip. Luna quickly reached for a dry tissue, rubbing away the thin layer of color she had hoped would hide her pallor. She wore a plain white blouse with a black skirt that fell below her knees. The clothes felt stiff, like a suit of armor that was uncomfortable yet necessary. She carried a small bag containing a change of clothes and a few personal items. Her eyes fixed on her reflection in the dark window of the pickup car. The name Carmen Valentina Castillo was now locked tight in the depths of her soul.

The polished black car sped through the quiet suburban streets. Tall trees on either side of the road looked like giants watching their every move. When the massive, ten foot iron gates opened automatically, Luna swallowed hard. The estate’s grounds were so vast she couldn’t see the end of them. The grass was manicured so perfectly that not a single dry leaf dared to fall upon it. The silence here was oppressive, as if laughter were a forbidden thing within these coordinates.

A middle aged woman with her hair pulled into a punishingly tight bun met her at the side entrance. Her name was Martha, the head housekeeper of the Delgado residence. Her face resembled cold, carved stone. She held a small notebook while eyeing Luna from head to toe with a scrutinizing gaze.

"Can I start working now, ma'am?" Luna asked, her voice as low as possible.

"Call me Head Housekeeper Martha. In this house, you are a shadow. You move without sound, work without complaint, and vanish before the owners even realize you’re there."

Martha walked briskly down a long corridor of black marble. Luna followed behind, counting every step to ensure she didn't make a distracting sound. The corridor walls were lined with dark abstract paintings that felt intimidating. At every corner, security cameras were mounted, their red lights blinking slowly.

"Mr. Alfero is rarely home. Your primary focus will be the young master, Felix Matias Delgado."

Martha stopped in front of a large, closed teak door. She turned, pinning Luna with eyes as sharp as daggers.

"What should I know about Mr. Felix?"

"The young master hates noise. Never speak unless he starts the conversation. Never touch the items on his desk, not even to dust them. He keeps a very strict schedule. Black coffee, no sugar, must be on the dining table at exactly seven in the morning. Not a minute late."

Luna nodded slowly, etching every word into her memory. She felt a strange tremor in her chest at the mention of Felix's name. It sounded like a warning of danger hidden behind the luxury.

"Is there anything else that is forbidden?"

"One thing is most important. Never look him in the eye for too long. Mr. Felix hates people who are too curious. If you are in the same room as him, keep your head down. You are just a lowly servant here. Don't let your beauty make you forget your place."

"I understand, Head Housekeeper Martha."

"Good. Now change into the uniform prepared in the staff quarters. You have ten minutes before you begin cleaning the second floor library."

Luna headed toward the back of the house where the staff lived. Her room was tiny, yet far cleaner than her old one. She put on the dark gray maid’s uniform and a crisp white apron. Staring into the mirror, she smoothed her hair until not a single stray strand escaped her tie.

At ten in the morning, Luna began dusting the towering shelves of the library. The room smelled of old paper and expensive sandalwood. She moved with extreme caution, making sure her duster didn't tip over any of the crystal ornaments. Her mind drifted back to the secret space behind the wardrobe ten years ago. Did this house hold similar secrets? Was evidence of her family’s slaughter hidden behind all this grandeur?

"Who gave you permission to be in here?"

The voice was heavy, cold, and authoritative. Luna startled, nearly dropping a small vase. She immediately set down her cleaning tools and bowed her head as deep as possible, following Martha’s instructions. She could feel a dominant presence standing just a few paces behind her. A cold chill seemed to radiate from the man.

"Forgive me, sir. Head Housekeeper Martha assigned me to clean the library."

The sound of footsteps approached. Expensive leather shoes hit the wooden floor with a rhythm that was calm yet threatening. Luna could see the tips of polished black shoes at the edge of her vision. Her heart pounded wildly against her ribs. She squeezed the edges of her apron to hide her cold, sweaty fingers.

"Are you the new girl?"

"Yes, sir."

The man didn't answer immediately. The resulting silence was suffocating. Luna could feel his gaze scanning her entire body, searching for a flaw or a mistake. A sharp, masculine scent of woody cologne began to fill her senses. A scent that, strangely, triggered a faint memory in her head.

"Lift your head."

Luna hesitated for a moment. Martha’s warning rang clearly in her ears. However, this man’s command left no room for refusal. Slowly, Luna raised her face. She fought to keep her expression flat and empty. She took a deep breath before their eyes finally met.

The man stood tall, hands tucked into his trouser pockets. Felix Matias Delgado had a face far more terrifying than she had imagined. His jaw was sharp, his skin flawless, and his lips were pressed into a cruel, straight line. But his eyes were what truly rooted Luna to the spot. They were dark, piercing, and seemed capable of boring into the deepest secrets she held.

Felix didn't speak right away. He narrowed his eyes, watching Luna with an intensity that made her feel naked. A slight crease appeared on his forehead, suggesting he was deep in thought. The gaze lasted for several seconds that felt like an eternity to Luna.

"What is your name?" Felix asked. His voice was lower now, almost a dangerous whisper.

"Luna, sir. Luna Gabriela Navarro."

Felix took a step forward, closing the distance until Luna could feel the heat of his body. Luna stood her ground, refusing to retreat even though her instincts screamed at her to run. She had to endure. This was the gateway to her answers.

"Luna," Felix repeated the name with a peculiar lilt. "Have we met before?"

The question hit Luna like a sledgehammer. She worked hard to keep her facial muscles from twitching in shock. She maintained a calm look in her eyes, even as a storm raged within.

"I don't believe so, sir. I’m just a girl from the outskirts of town."

Felix continued to stare at her without blinking. His hand moved out of his pocket, his long fingers looking strong and dangerous. He reached out as if to touch a strand of hair tucked behind her ear. Luna held her breath, her body going perfectly rigid. But just before his fingers brushed her skin, Felix pulled his hand back.

"You have very familiar eyes, Luna."

"Perhaps it is only a feeling, sir."

Felix gave a thin smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. It was a smile that looked more like a predator’s smirk upon finding interesting prey. He turned away, walking toward the large window overlooking the back garden without another word.

"Get out. Finish your work in another room."

Luna bowed immediately, grabbing her cleaning supplies with quick movements. She walked toward the door without daring to look back. When she reached the corridor and closed the library door, she leaned against the cold wall. Her entire body felt weak. She had almost lost her composure in front of him.

Inside the library, Felix remained standing, staring at the garden. He touched his own jaw, trying to piece together the fragments of memory triggered by the new maid’s face. There was something about Luna that didn't align with her status as a lowly servant. There was a hidden fire behind that submissiveness.

"Navarro," Felix muttered to himself.

He picked up his cell phone and hit a speed dial for his private assistant. His eyes were still fixed on the spot where Luna had just stood. A dark curiosity began to grow in his heart, something far more dangerous than mere attraction.

"Diego, find out everything about a new servant named Luna Gabriela Navarro. I want a full report on my desk before sunset."