Rosalia's pov
I hold my breath, clutching the comforter like my life depends on it,because, honestly, it kind of does. I swallow hard as I watch the mountain of a man walk in,tall, drop-dead gorgeous, in a vest and grey sweatpants.
Sweet mother of God.
My eyes drag shamelessly over him: thick dark hair with a few wet strands clinging to his forehead, deep cold grey eyes, long lashes, thick eyebrows, a perfectly defined nose, and a sharp jawline with a healed scar on the right side of his face. His lips look soft and slightly pink. His toned, tattooed body strains against the vest. The tattoos aren't messy; they're defined, like they have purpose. And, yeah… those sweatp...
The door clicks shut behind him, snapping me out of my thoughts. He stands there for a while, looking at me like he wants to kill me or something.
His expression isn't impressed either, he looks angry..... disgusted maybe ..like he'd rather be somewhere else .Not that I care, but he looks pissed in a composed way,if that makes sense.
"On your feet," he orders, taking slow steps toward me. His voice thunders through the room,deep, low, raspy,it vibrates in the air.
Guess what else vibrates…
I glance around, looking for whoever he's commanding like that. Do I look like a...
Oh, right. I'm supposed to be Raven. A girl who worked at a brothel, and from what I know, they're supposed to be somewhat submissive.
I won't do that crap, but I have to play the part for now to avoid being killed.
He stops inches away from the bed. I hesitate a little because am in clothing that barely covers me ,I'm in a crop top and tiny silk shorts.
"I don't like repeating myself," he growls, shoving his hands into his pockets. His muscles flex.
Pull it together, Rose… Raven… whatever.
I finally peel the sheets off my legs and slide out of the bed. The shorts ride up, exposing my thick thighs. I have a beautiful body,it's not a secret. Small waist, perfect boobs, and a big booty..and a lethal face card.
His throat bobs as his gaze sweeps over me.
His phone suddenly rings. He drags it from his pocket, his eyes leaving mine as he checks the caller ID. He presses it to his ear.
"Did she make it?" a deep, crusty voice says from the other end. I'm close enough to hear.
"Yes, Julio," he answers, his eyes still on me like I'm some prize or something.
"Is she worth the trouble?" the man on the other end chuckles. I feel disgusted by this whole thing.
"How much?" he asks, stepping closer. I step back until my back hits the wall.
Shit.
He towers over me but doesn't touch me. His scent,cigar smoke, whiskey, and his cologne,wraps around me like a blanket.
The man on the other side continues,
"I'll give you a discount for the trouble she caused by running. You'll pay me what you think she's worth," he says... talking about like am a package or something.
His hand lifts, and I flinch when his finger touches the bandage on my shoulder before retreating his hand .
He hangs up without giving an answer. I'm relieved. I'd rather not know the price.
"You're a pretty little thing, I must say," he murmurs under his breath, his eyes sweeping over me. I swallow and look away.
"What a shame. You're nothing but a hoe,.." he murmurs, disappointed. I almost slap the shit out of him.
He inhales, stepping back from me, and I finally breathe.
"Let's go over the rules. You don't speak unless spoken to. You obey. You don't touch me, and I won't find myself touching you either. You're just a wife,a symbol with no purpose." He spits the words as if it's an insult, but inside I'm fangirling, knowing he won't touch me or even look at me.
I wonder why he chose a wife from a brothel and then laid out all these rules. I don't care.
"Cool," I shrug, and he looks at me like I'm insane.
He scoffs in disgust before turning around and leaving. And then… that's when I spot it.
A red cross tattoo behind his ear. My blood runs cold. My feet give out, and my ass lands on the bed. The air leaves my lungs for a second as sweat beads on my forehead.
The Red Hawks. My family's biggest rivals ..and possibly the ones responsible for their deaths.
"No…" I whisper as panic claws at me.
I stare at the space where he stood as the information registers in my mind like a computer, as I put two and two together.
Soprano Hawk was the Don of the Red Hawks. A ruthless, cold-blooded monster. But then again, everyone in the underworld was a monster. He has a son and a wife. His wife's name… she goes by Lady Red. And their son? The Red Viper. Or… Alessio Hawk.
I've walked straight into enemy territory. A million questions swarm in my head. Did he recognize me? If he did, he obviously would've said something..plus we've never exactly met before. Did they kill my parents? Is this fate, a coincidence, or has the universe handed me the perfect opportunity to avenge my family?
A knock on my door startles me, and I snap my head up.
"Y-yeah… come in," I stutter, playing with the hem of my shorts to ease the shaking.
Maria steps inside, her head still down, her face to the floor, her legs shaking from walking around in those heels.
"Dinner will be served in thirty minutes. You're expected to dine with the Master..and dress in red. Excuse me," she says politely and walks away, shutting the door behind her.
Well, what the fuck.I was hungry but agian I wasn't sure what will happen during that dinner .
But I stand up anyway, wiping my tears away. I step toward the walk-in closet, running my hands over the different dresses until my palm and eyes land on a short, strappy one.
I hum, taking it from the hanger. The back is bare, the straps delicate. It's a simple red wine dress, but I already know I'll look like sin and silk in it.
I grab a pair of silver strappy heels and the midnight perfume with a hint of vanilla.
I stand in front of the mirror, looking at my reflection. I look lethal. I've taken the bandage off my arm,there's a scar, but not too deep. A few marks on my legs and arms, but not very visible. I ruffle my hair, the curls cascade down to my waist. I swipe gloss over my lips and smirk, doing a three-sixty twirl.
"Dinner is ready," Maria calls from behind my door.
"I'm coming," I answer.
And then I mutter a prayer before I finally step out. Maria is waiting for me. I follow behind her,my curls bouncing, my dress shifting, ass swaying, boobs bouncing slightly as we make our way downstairs.
The aroma hits my nostrils. I already know dinner is cooked to perfection.
My eyes land on the dining area. At the head of the table he sits,Alessio. Leaned back, legs spread under the table, a glass of wine in his hand as his gaze pins me in place.He sips his wine his eyes not leaving mine . I stand there like a fool .
I shift where I stand... uncomfortable from how he's looking at me . Not because I feel intimidated but because the pool that's drenching my panties is insane.
"Sit," he orders.
I sigh, moving to the furthest seat and sliding onto it, my thighs clenching. My eyes drift to his and we hold the stare…
God help me.