BIANCA POV

“You’ve lost your damn mind.”

That’s the first thing that comes out of my mouth. My voice shakes a little, but I try to sound tough.

Vincenzo doesn’t even flinch. He just watches me, one of his eyebrow raised, looking like I’m a child throwing a tantrum.

“I’m not marrying anyone,” I say, pushing the blanket off me. “Especially not a stranger who breaks into my room and threatens me.”

His smile fades. “You have a sister, right. You won't want anything to happen to her.”

My stomach drops. “What?”

He steps closer, his tone calm, like he’s telling me what time it is. “ You have a sister her name is Nina, she's nineteen and right now she's in NYC. “

I felt chills run down my spine. “How do you..”

“I know everything about you, Bianca,” he says, cutting me off. “And if you say no, your sister will pay for it. ”

I stare at him, my mouth wide open but no words comes out. I couldn't let him do anything to Nina, our parents asked me to take care of her before they died. I sit still, my fingers twisting the bedsheet. Who was this man? What did he really want? Why me?

I looked into his eyes, they stared back at me showing no sign of remorse, this isn’t a joke, and I’m out of choices.

“Fine,” I whisper. “I’ll do it but don't touch my sister”

He nods once, satisfied, like he just won something. “Good girl, as long as you obey I won't touch her. You're mine now.” He turns and walks out. “Get dressed, we’re leaving.”

I didn’t move for a moment. I just sit there,my heart beating fast. Then I grab some jeans and a hoodie and follow him.

I walked out of my apartment, a black SUV with tinted windows was parked outside, it was spotless and expensive.

One of the guys opened the door

“Get in.” Enzo pockets his hand.

I hesitated. “Where are we going?”

He glanced at me. “You’ll see.”

I got inside the car feeling uneasy and nervous. The car smelled of leather and cologne, his cologne. The smell made me sick, the kind of smell that made your thoughts drift where they shouldn’t.

He sat beside me with his phone in hand scrolling through it completely relaxed while my heart was racing.

After twenty minutes, the car stopped in front of a fancy salon.

I frowned. “Seriously? You kidnapped me to get my hair done?”

He finally looked up from his phone, his tone smooth. “If you’re going to be my wife, you’ll look the part.”

“I didn’t agree to a makeover,” I said.

He smirked slightly. “You agreed to save your sister.”

I rolled my eyes but followed him inside. The place looked expensive, there were decorations and hairs of different kind, the kind of place I’d only seen on Instagram.

A woman rushed to greet him. “Mr. Vitale, welcome,” she said in a Italian accent. “What look are we creating today?”

He glanced at me, his eyes moving slowly from my head to my shoes. “Just do your job.”

The woman smiled eagerly and guided me to a chair.

As she started working on my hair, I stared at myself in the mirror. The brown bob I’d always liked turned pale, almost white. My reflection started changing before my eyes.

When she finished, I didn’t even recognize myself. My hair glowed in platinum blonde, soft waves curling around my face.

Enzo stood behind me, looking at me through the mirror. “Better,” he said simply.

“I look like a vintage Barbie,” I muttered.

He smirked. “You look like someone who belongs where she’s going.” He walked out and I followed, we entered the car again.

After a while, the car stopped again, this time in front of a massive mansion.

I couldn’t speak. The place was huge, with tall iron gates, fountains, and enough windows to fit ten of my apartments inside.

“You live here?” I asked quietly.

“For now,” he said, walking ahead.

Two guards stood at the entrance, one of them opened the doors as we entered. Everything inside was spotless, white marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, and paintings I’d only seen in magazines.

Before I could say anything, I heard a small voice.

“Enzo!”

A boy ran toward him, laughing. He looked about ten with dark brown hair, big hazel eyes, wearing a white shirt and shorts. He was cute, but there was something confident about him, like he already knew he was rich.

Enzo knelt to his level and hugged him. “Miguel,” he said, his tone softer now. “You’re supposed to be in class.”

“Finished early,” Miguel said with a grin. “Who’s that?”

Enzo turned to me. “This is Bianca. She’s… someone important.”

Miguel looked at me from head to toe, his nose slightly wrinkling. “She doesn’t look important.”

I forced a smile. “Hi, Miguel.”

He didn't reply, he just stared. Then Enzo’s phone buzzed, he checked the screen and frowned. “I have to take this.” He looked at me. “Stay here, don’t move.”

He walked away with his phone, speaking in low Italian.

Miguel was still watching me, his hands in his pockets, looking bored.

“So,” I said, trying to sound friendly, “you live here with Enzo?”

He nodded. “He’s my brother.”

“Oh, you’re his brother,” I said, surprised. “I thought you were…..never mind.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You thought I was what?”

“Nothing, forget it.” I forced a smile. “You like video games?”

He didn’t answer.

I sighed. “You’re a tough crowd, huh?”

He didn't reply, he just stared. “Listen, kid, I’m just trying to be nice.”

“You talk too much." He raised his hand and it landed on my cheeks.

I froze. “Did you just?” Something in me snapped. I grabbed his ear and twisted it gently but firmly. “You don’t hit people like that, got it?”

He yelped, squirming. “Let go!”

“Maybe next time you’ll learn some manners.”

He sniffed and ran off crying, holding his ear.

I sighed, rubbing my cheek. “Great, I just got slapped by a little boy.”

When I turned around, Enzo was standing there. He crossed the room, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me closer. “You're going to be punished for what you just did.”

BIANCA POV

“Wait… he slapped me first,” I murmured, trying to keep up as he dragged me down the hall. He yanked me inside and locked the door with a click that sounded like a verdict.

“What do you want to do?” I asked, stumbling back, wrapping my arms around myself.

He didn’t answer with words at first, a wicked smile formed at the end of his lips. “You’re going to be punished, so next time you won’t be faster than your shadow.”

“Faster… I was trying to teach the boy a lesson,” I said, voice small.

He shoved me forward until I hit the bed. “Stop it,” I cry.

“Every word you utter will be counted in drops of your sister’s blood.” His fingers tightened around my wrists, my eyes widened. I went mute, watching him like someone watching a storm, I couldn’t let Nina pay for my mistakes.

He flipped me onto my stomach and pressed me into the mattress. His hand pressed against the back of my neck, firm and unyielding, he used his other hand to drag my jeans down exposing my bare ass. “There are rules,” he whispers, close enough that I could feel the cold of his breath. “Rules you have to follow, do not touch Miguel. You’re here to be useful, not to punish him. I decide when punishment comes.” He slaps my ass.

I tried to wrench free but he squeezed my wrist harder. “You will stay with Miguel at all times. If you leave this room without permission, I will make sure you never walk the same way again.” The threat wasn’t loud, it didn’t need to be. Enzo never raised his voice, he speaks calmly even with that his voice sends chills down your spine. “You got that?" He spanks my ass again and again, I could feel the sting.

He loosened his hold enough for my breath to come ragged and shallow. “Every decision you make influences your sister’s life,” he repeated, his voice flat. He released my wrists but kept a hand on my shoulder, a permanent reminder that I was not free.

I lay there, my palms pressed to the sheet, the room full of his quiet menace. I had been dragged into his world, a world that felt like prison. His phone buzzed sharply at the corner of the bed. He reached for it, then pick the call and nodded. “The Don wants to see me,” he said.

He cut the call and his gaze met mine. “You are not allowed to leave this room till I return." Before I could respond, he was gone. The door clicked shut, leaving me in silence, my fingers dug into my arms, trying to steady myself.

Then i heard a small shuffle at the door, the door creaked open and Miguel peeked in with a cheeky grin on his face. “Hey,” he said, his voice teasing, “looks like I get the new babysitter all to myself.”

I swallowed hard. “I… I’m not here to…”

“Don’t talk,” he interrupted, hopping into the room. “Enzo said I’m supposed to behave, but I don’t care. You’re stuck here, so I might as well have some fun.” He bounced on his toes, his arms crossed. “I don’t like you, not one bit.”

I blinked, caught off guard by the bluntness. “You… don’t like me?” My voice shook.

“Nope,” he said, sticking out his chin proudly. “And you can’t make me. Enzo brought you, but I decide what I think. So far… I think you’re boring.”

I hugged myself, I felt like spanking his ass so much he starts crying. He was just a boy, small and harmless looking, but the confidence in his voice made my stomach twist. “ I don't like you either, Enzo brought me here to help. “

He laughed, then went quiet. “Help? Hah! I don’t need help. I don’t even know what help means.” He leaned against the wall, one leg bouncing, his dark eyes studying me like a tiny general. “If I don’t like you, Enzo might send you back where you came from. Or worse… maybe he’ll punish you himself.”

I roller my eyes, even a ten year old could wield his influence here, I had to be careful for the sake of my sister.

“I… I won’t make mistakes,” I whispered, more to steady myself than him.

Miguel smirked and wriggled his small shoulders. “We’ll see about that. You’ll have to earn my trust first.” He paused at the door, tilting his head with the mischievous cunning only a child could pull off. “And if I decide I don’t like you… don’t expect Enzo to save you.”

The door clicked shut, leaving me alone again. I pressed my palms to my face, my mind spinning.

What if he really hates me? I thought. Will Enzo punish me, or send me away?

Then a thought struck me. Maybe… maybe I can use him. If I can get him on my side, he could be my key to survival or my way out. What if I use Miguel as a pawn, will he be my key to freedom?

ENZO POV

I stepped into the mansion, the only sound was the click of my boots against the floor. The silence told me the Don was awake and when he was up this early, it never meant anything good.

I threw my coat at the guard and kept walking down the hallway. Every man I passed kept his head low. They knew better than to look me in the eyes. I was the one the Don sent when words failed, the person who kept building his empire without fail.

“Don Vitale is waiting,” one of the men bowed, opening the door to his office. I walked in, the air smelled of smoke and old leather. He sat behind a dark oak desk, his sleeves rolled up to his elbow, he held a glass of whiskey in his hands. Even in his fifties, Don Vitale looked like he could crush a man with his stare alone. His silver hair is slicked back, he has deep lines carved into his face, each one from a war, a betrayal or a deal made in blood.

He didn’t smile when he saw me, he just kept staring at me. I knew what he wanted to ask

“Vicenzo,” he smiles, his voice low and steady. “You’ve been busy.”

I said nothing. The Don preferred silence, it made words heavier when they finally came.

He leaned forward, his gaze met mine. “Who’s the girl with you?”

I stared into his eyes. “She’s for Miguel. I brought her to take care of him, he's quite stubborn.”

The Don’s expression didn’t change, but his jaw tightened. “You expect me to believe that?”

“She’s harmless,” I lied smoothly. “Miguel needed help and I made the call.”

He stood slowly, walking to the window. The light caught the scar across his cheek, the one he got the day he became Don. He didn’t look back when he said, “Miguel is your brother. My son, I expect you to protect him, not bring strangers near him.”

“I did protect him,” I said, my voice calm but cold. “If I hadn’t, he’d be dead.”

He turned then, his stare sharp. “I raised you and Miguel from the streets,I gave you both my name. Don’t make me regret it, Vicenzo.”

I didn’t flinch. “You won’t.”

He studied me for a long time, then nodded once. “Good. Because you’re the only one I trust to keep this family alive.” He paused, then poured another drink. “Go to the meeting, Camila and Hiroshi are waiting. Handle it well.”

I nodded and left without another word.

********

The night air brushed my face when I stepped outside. My driver opened the door, and I slid into the back seat. The city lights blurred as we drove through the wet streets, glowing signs everywhere, illuminating the kind of city that never slept because monsters like us kept it awake.

We pulled into the warehouse near the docks. Inside, two empires were already waiting.

Camila Fiera Ortiz, the queen of the Mexican Cartel. She stood like she owned the place, her red lips curved into a smirk, she was the kind of woman men would die for, and she knew it.

Across from her was Hiroshi Takuda the Yakuza boss with his sharp suit, black tie, black slicked hair and not a single wrinkle. His tattoos crawled up his neck like taking most part.

“Vicenzo,” Camila smirks, crossing her legs. “Always a pleasure.”

I nodded once. “Camila. Hiroshi.”

Hiroshi gave a small bow. “Don Vitale sends his underboss himself. That means this is serious.”

“It is,” I said, walking to the table. A map of the city was spread across it, marked in red circles showing our routes, our territories and our wars.

Hiroshi spoke first. “The Russians have been moving fast. They joined forces with the Triads. We lost three containers this month, they knew the schedule. They knew our ports.”

Camila smirk disappeared. “They’re cutting into our product, our profit. And they’re too damn organized for outsiders. Someone’s feeding them information.”

I looked between them. “You think it’s from my side?”

She smiles. “You’re smart, Vicenzo. You already know the answer.”

My jaw tightened. “Say it.”

She leaned forward, her voice dropping low. “Liam.”

The name hung heavy in the air, could he really be the snake?

Even Hiroshi shifted in his seat. “The Don’s blood? Dangerous accusation.”

Camila shrugged. “Dangerous but not impossible. He’s always quiet, always watching. Maybe he’s talking to someone else behind those sad eyes. Even with the wheelchair he's dangerous.”

I stared down at the map. The Russians had been one step ahead of us for weeks, seizing very deal and shipment, it felt like someone was whispering in their ear. And Camila was right. Only someone inside the family could know that much.

I said nothing for a while. The rain started outside, tapping the metal roof then it began pouring.

Finally, I looked up. “You think the Don will believe this?”

Camila smiled. “The Don believes whatever you tell him.”

She wasn’t wrong, but the truth wasn’t that simple. The Don trusted me but Liam was his blood, the son he prayed over, the one he called “my heir” even when the kid couldn’t walk. I could never accuse him without proof, not yet.

I harden my gaze, my voice came out low.“The Russians are making a move, let them. We’ll feed them a trail, one they won’t walk away from.”

Hiroshi nodded. “A trap.”

“Exactly.” I looked at Camila. “Keep your shipments quiet, i’ll handle the rest.”

Camila smiled “That’s why I like working with you Vicenzo, you don't talk, you take action. I’m trusting you, don't fall my hands. “

I stepped closer, lowering my voice until she leaned in to hear. “That’s because talking gets people killed.”

Her smile widened. “Then let’s make sure the Russians die loud.”

********

When the meeting ended, I walked outside alone. The rain poured harder now, soaking through my shirt, but I didn’t care.

I looked up at the night sky and thought about Liam, I know he is a snake but would he destroy what his father has built just to get to me. I lit a cigarette and whispered to myself. “He has to be taken care of,” I said, watching the smoke twist into the dark. “ Time to spill the blood of a traitor.”