Chapter 3 - THE MASTER SUITE
Chaos erupted. The Romano guards drew their weapons, but they were vastly outnumbered. Within seconds, they were disarmed and forced to their knees. Vivian screamed hysterically as Matteo dragged her away by the arm, her designer heels dragging across the Persian rug she had just humiliated me over.
I scooped Emma into my arms, terrified. I just wanted to do my job, collect my paycheck, and keep my daughter safe. Now, we were standing in the middle of a mafia war zone.
“Mrs. Bennett.”
I flinched as Alessandro stood before me. Up close, the sheer size and intensity of the man were overwhelming. He smelled of expensive cologne and gunpowder.
“I need to leave,” I stammered, holding Emma tight. “Please, Mr. Moretti. I don't know anything about this. Let me take my daughter and go.”
“The Vipers are not a myth anymore, Elena,” he said softly, using my first name for the first time. His dark eyes flicked to Emma, softening for just a fraction of a second. “If Vivian’s family is allied with them, they will slaughter anyone who exposed them. You leave this villa, you and your daughter will be dead before sunrise.”
My blood ran cold.
May you like
Alessandro gestured to two towering guards. “Escort Elena and Emma to my private suite in the West Wing. Post four men at the door. No one enters unless I give the vocal command. Am I understood?”
For the next four hours, Emma and I were locked inside a penthouse suite that looked like a modern fortress. The walls were lined with bulletproof glass overlooking the sprawling Milan estate. Emma, exhausted by the drama, fell asleep on the massive California king bed, clutching a new plush blanket. I paced the floor, watching armed patrols sweep the gardens below with flashlights and guard dogs.
