Chapter nine
901 Words
Alessia sat in the backseat of Massimo’s sleek black car, her heart pounding. The night had been intense, and she was still trying to process everything that had happened at the club. Massimo sat beside her, his fingers tapping against his knee, deep in thought. His presence was overwhelming, but Alessia had learned to mask her emotions well.
As they drove through the dimly lit streets of Rome, Massimo finally broke the silence. “You handled yourself well tonight,” he said, his voice low and controlled.
Alessia turned to him, trying to read his expression. “I didn’t have a choice. Your rival seemed very interested in me,” she said, keeping her voice neutral.
Massimo’s jaw tightened. “That’s exactly why I introduced you to him. I needed to see how he’d react.” He leaned back against the leather seat. “Lorenzo is not a man to trust. He’ll do anything to weaken me.”
Alessia nodded, but she already knew that. Lorenzo had been on her radar even before she entered Massimo’s world. He was unpredictable, dangerous, and always looking for ways to gain power.
The car pulled up to the estate, and Massimo’s men opened the door for them. As they stepped out, Alessia felt a chill in the air. Something was different. The guards were on high alert, their eyes scanning the surroundings with suspicion.
Massimo’s expression darkened as he walked ahead. “What happened?” he demanded, his voice sharp.
One of his men stepped forward. “There was an intruder, boss. They left a message in your office.”
Massimo didn’t waste a second. He grabbed Alessia’s hand and pulled her inside, his pace quick and determined. They moved through the grand hallways until they reached his study. The door was slightly open, and inside, a single white envelope lay on his desk.
Massimo picked it up, his hands steady but tense. He tore it open and pulled out a small note. Alessia stepped closer to read over his shoulder.
You’re losing your touch, Massimo. Protect what’s yours—or I will take it.
There was no signature, but they both knew who it was from.
Lorenzo.
Massimo crushed the note in his fist, his breathing heavy. Alessia could see the anger radiating off him. She knew better than to speak when he was like this.
After a moment, he exhaled sharply and turned to her. “You need to be more careful,” he said, his voice controlled but laced with frustration. “Lorenzo will use anything against me, and right now, you’re his best target.”
Alessia crossed her arms. “So what do you want me to do? Hide?”
Massimo stepped closer, his gaze intense. “No. You stay close to me. Always.”
She swallowed hard. Being close to Massimo was dangerous in more ways than one. But she nodded, knowing she had no choice.
The Next Morning
Alessia woke up feeling exhausted. She had barely slept, her mind replaying the events of the night over and over. She got dressed quickly, choosing a sleek black dress that made her look professional but not too stiff.
As she entered the dining room, Massimo was already there, drinking his coffee. He looked up at her and gestured for her to sit.
“We need to talk,” he said as soon as she sat down.
Alessia nodded, preparing herself.
“I want you to stay by my side for the next few days. No more working alone, no going anywhere without me or my men.”
She raised an eyebrow. “So I’m basically your shadow now?”
Massimo smirked slightly. “Something like that.”
Alessia sighed, knowing there was no use arguing. “Fine. But I need to know what’s next. What are you going to do about Lorenzo?”
Massimo leaned forward, his eyes dark. “I’m going to remind him who he’s dealing with.”
Alessia felt a shiver run down her spine. She had seen Massimo angry before, but this was different. This was war.
Later That Night
Massimo had arranged a meeting with his most trusted men. Alessia wasn’t usually part of these discussions, but tonight, he made an exception.
As they gathered in the underground meeting room, Massimo stood at the head of the long table, his presence commanding.
“Lorenzo has crossed a line,” he said, his voice echoing in the room. “He thinks he can threaten me, threaten what’s mine. We need to send a message.”
One of his men nodded. “What’s the plan, boss?”
Massimo’s gaze flickered to Alessia for a brief second before he spoke. “We hit him where it hurts. His operations, his businesses. We make sure he knows that coming after me was the worst mistake he ever made.”
The men murmured in agreement, their loyalty unwavering. Alessia watched carefully, taking in everything. This was the world she had infiltrated, the world she was supposed to destroy. But standing there, watching Massimo in his element, she felt something else—a dangerous pull she wasn’t ready to face.
As the meeting ended, Massimo approached her. “Go get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.”
Alessia nodded, but she knew sleep wouldn’t come easy. Not when she was standing at the edge of something she couldn’t control.
- Writer
