Chapter ten
881 Words
Alessia sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers gripping the soft silk of her dress. The room was quiet except for the faint sound of the city outside. She had spent enough time around Massimo to know that silence was never a good sign. It meant he was thinking—calculating. And when Massimo calculated, someone always paid the price.
The door swung open, and he stepped in, his sharp eyes locking onto her. He wasn’t angry. Not yet. But there was a look in his gaze that made her stomach tighten.
“You did well tonight,” he said, walking toward the minibar and pouring himself a drink. “You kept your cool.”
Alessia swallowed, nodding slowly. “I learned from the best.”
He smirked at that, taking a slow sip of his whiskey before placing the glass down. “I know you and Lorenzo spoke.”
Her breath caught. Of course, he knew. Massimo had eyes everywhere. He was a man who controlled his world with an iron grip, and nothing escaped his notice.
“He just asked me how I was finding the job,” she said, choosing her words carefully.
Massimo tilted his head, studying her. “And what did you tell him?”
“That it’s… challenging.”
His smirk widened, but there was no warmth in it. “Lorenzo is smart, but he’s reckless. He sees you as an opportunity.” He walked toward her, standing just close enough that she could feel the heat of his body. “Tell me, Alessia. Are you an opportunity?”
She met his gaze, keeping her expression unreadable. “I work for you, Mr. Massimo. No one else.”
He exhaled slowly, his eyes searching hers. Then, he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Good.”
The tension between them was thick, heavy with unspoken words. Alessia wasn’t sure if he was testing her loyalty or something else entirely. But before she could dwell on it, Massimo turned away.
“I have a meeting tomorrow,” he said, his voice returning to business. “You’ll be there.”
She nodded. “Of course.”
He grabbed his whiskey glass again and took another sip. “Get some rest. Tomorrow will be long.”
Alessia hesitated before standing. She knew better than to ask too many questions, but something in her gut told her tomorrow wasn’t just about business. Still, she kept her thoughts to herself as she moved toward the door.
Just as she reached for the handle, Massimo spoke again.
“And Alessia?”
She turned, her heart pounding slightly.
“Wear something that makes a statement.”
The next evening, Alessia stepped out of the car, the cool night air brushing against her skin. She wore a fitted black dress that hugged her figure perfectly, her heels clicking softly against the pavement.
Massimo stood beside her, looking as powerful as ever in a tailored suit. He offered his arm, and after a brief hesitation, she took it.
They entered the high-end lounge, the air thick with cigar smoke and expensive perfume. Powerful men sat in dark corners, their eyes flickering over to Massimo as he walked in. He commanded attention without saying a word.
As they approached a private table, a familiar face greeted them.
Lorenzo.
His sharp grin widened as he stood to shake Massimo’s hand. “Massimo. Always a pleasure.”
Massimo nodded, his grip firm. “Lorenzo.”
Then Lorenzo’s eyes flicked to Alessia, a knowing look in them. “And the beautiful Miss Romano.”
Alessia forced a polite smile. “Mr. De Luca.”
Lorenzo pulled out a chair for her, and she sat down, keeping her expression neutral. Massimo took the seat beside her, his presence dominating the space.
Drinks were poured, pleasantries exchanged, but Alessia knew this meeting was more than just a casual discussion. The tension between the two men was thick, masked only by polite smiles and smooth conversation.
At one point, Lorenzo leaned slightly toward her. “You know, Miss Romano, I believe you have more potential than just being a secretary.”
Massimo’s fingers tapped lightly against his glass, a silent warning.
Alessia chose her next words carefully. “I’m exactly where I need to be.”
Lorenzo chuckled, raising his glass in a mock toast. “Loyalty. A rare quality.”
Massimo smirked. “Loyalty is everything.”
The rest of the evening passed with carefully measured words and veiled threats disguised as friendly conversation. When they finally left, the cold night air was a welcome relief.
As they got into the car, Massimo was quiet for a moment before speaking.
“Lorenzo is dangerous.”
Alessia looked at him. “And you’re not?”
He let out a low chuckle. “I’m worse.”
She turned to the window, watching the city lights blur past.
Massimo reached out, gently placing a hand on her knee. It wasn’t aggressive. It wasn’t demanding. But it was possessive.
“You belong to me now, Alessia.”
She swallowed hard, knowing that, for now, she had no choice but to play along.
But deep down, she knew one thing for sure.
This game was far from over.
- Writer
