{ Mia }
My chest tightened. He wasn't just keeping me here to guard me. He wanted to study me. I saw it in the way his gaze lingered too long, not at the wounds but at the spaces in between — the way I carried myself, the way I breathed, like I was a puzzle he'd already started piecing together.
I forced a calm I didn't feel. "And if I refuse?"
His smirk widened. "Then I'll just keep you here until you change your mind. You'll thank me eventually, sweetheart."
My fists clenched. " Don't. Call. Me. That."
" Why shouldn't I... Sweetheart..." He whispered smirking.
I could already feel my body start shaking I sighed swallowing my pride and started. " C-could you please not go there... I'm not comfortable with that word..." I whispered fidgeting nervously.
His eyes widened as if not expecting that from me then, he smiled not the kind of warm smile you'd expect... But one that was cold and menacing. " How about you tell me why and I'll think about it..."
I rolled my eyes. " Do you want me to find Lili ?" I asked innocently.
His whole body tensed stepping closer his jaw tight. " You wouldn't dare..." He said eyes narrowing.
" Oh I would and it wouldn't be pretty now give me a computer and fond my watch..."
{ Enzo }
She flinched again at that word. Sweetheart. Her fists curled, her eyes trembled like glass catching the light — and then, for just a heartbeat, gold shimmered under the icy blue.
Fascinating.
I leaned against the doorframe, studying her the way others studied rare paintings. She tried to hide it with sarcasm, rolling her eyes, playing clever, but I saw the crack in her armor. Fear. Defiance. And underneath it all, something raw and unhealed.
Most people would shatter under that kind of weight. But not her. She was trembling, yes, but she was still challenging me, still throwing daggers with that sharp little tongue.
And I couldn't decide what drew me more — the weakness she tried to bury, or the fire that refused to die.
One thing was certain: I was going to find out.
*******************
I watched her as she sat on the computer her fingers moved with persision pressing every key like her life depended on it.
Wow.
I turned to her smirking. "So how long have you been into hacking?"
Her fingers froze mid-keystroke.
"This is my first time." She smiled, wide-eyed, all innocent sweetness.
I raised a brow. Cute. Too cute.
"You're telling me that?" I chuckled. "Come on, you little liar. Who do you think you're fooling?"
She tilted her head, eyes locking onto mine with icy blue defiance. "I'm not kidding… I usually make Scarlett do all the work—"
Her hand flew to her mouth, too late.
"Scarlett?" I echoed, tasting the name. My smile spread slow and sharp.
"Uh—I said—S-somebody! Someone!" she stammered, face flushing as her fingers tripped over the keys. "You misheard me!"
But I hadn't.
And the way her pulse jumped in her throat told me she might be Scarlett's handler and not the other way around...
A few minutes later she looked up at me smiling. " Now I just need my phone and watch... Oh! And also a cable—"
" I don't have your wa—"
Before I could finishy phone rang.
I sighed picking it up. " This better be important il" I growled to the person on the other line.
" Uuum y-yes boss... W-we —"
" Hurry up! " I growled. " I don't have all day!"
The moment those words escaped my lips Mia, sitting beside me flinched. ' Great, now I look like the bad guy..."
" S-Sir we found the watch..."
" Finally! Bring it up also... I want cables..."
I quickly ended the call turning back to Mia only to find her gone I froze. ' she can't even walk by herself and now she's gone?!'
I rushed to check I crouched under the bed, looked behind the curtains... Turned the whole room upside down and yet... There was no sign of her. My face turned pale and fear gnawed at my chest.
' how could she have dissapeared...'
I snatchedy phone from my pocket ready to dial my men when I heard the toilet flush.
I raisedy head ready to attack when a limping Mia walked out of the bathroom.
Relief hit me hard. I hated that. Since when did I care this much?
I looked at her smirking the way she held herself was... Impossible...
" Why didn't you tell me you were going..."
She rolled her eyes at me smirking. " Didn't know bathroom breaks needed your approval." She chuckled losing balance and falling to the ground with a plop .
I rushed to her side my gut twisting in my stomach seeing her struggle to get up.
" Sweet—" I stopped in my tracks reminding myself. ' she doesn't like that word .'
" Mia..." I corrected myself. " What's wrong...."
She flinched but quickly stood up quickly changing the subject. " Was that call about my watch ?" She asked innocently.
I smirked. " You're clever aren't you ?"
She chuckled. " Clever? Or sneaky?"
I moved closer lettiny breath fan her cheek." Actually, not sneaky at all... " I smirked. " I know you're the —"
Before I could finish a sharp knock at the door stopped me.
'Damn it Leo...' I cursed inwardly. ' just when I was about to tell her I knew she was my pi!'
Mia rushed to the door still limping she quickly opened the door only to freeze I chuckled" what's wrong princess ?"
But she didn't move she just stood there eyes wide.
" You ? " She whispered smiling coldly. " Didn't I tell you never to show your face again?!" She said calmly but the fire in her eyes grew brighter.
" I-I'm sorry miss I told you I didn't mean to—"
" You didn't mean to what leo ?!" I growled stepping into frame placing my hand on Mia's shoulder.
" O-oh B-Boss I didn't know she was your gir—"
" It's nothing mr. Enzo he just spilled some juice on me..." Mia squirmed not meeting my eyes.
I watched her closely the way her hands trembled.
' she's lying...' I growled inside. ' I'll be sure to see to it myself...'
I just quietly held out my hand and Leo flinched. " Don't hurt me sir... Please!"
' Great... Whatever he did must've been terrible...' I sighed cracking my knuckles.
" I just need the watch and for you to be in the ' gaming' room tonight..."
He gulped quickly handing the watch with a quick ' yes sir ' and ran off.