ALESSIA'S POV

"Ugh..." I groaned, squinting at the light cutting through the curtains.

"Good morning, ma'am," the maid greeted with a bow.

This is Cesare's room... Did we- I remember watching him and that nasty maid... He'd asked me to get on my knees and-

"Ma'am?" The maids voice brought me back from my mind's wandering.

"Good morning." I pushed myself up against the headboard. "Where's... Cesare?"

"The Boss is at the dining room. He said you should join him. That's why I'm here."

Of course. Orders. Always orders.

"I'll wash up first."

"Yes, ma'am."

---

"He's waiting," the maid whispered as I entered the dining room.

"She's late," Cesare muttered, glaring at her.

"I had to wash up," I said before she could explain.

His eyes held mine a second too long before he waved the maid away.

I sat down. My side of the table was lined with fruits I liked-peaches, walnuts, apples. Does he remember? Or just another trick.

It's just a coincidence.. I tried to tell myself. Cesare doesn't give a fuck about the fruits you like.

What if he wants to poison you?

This thought made me hesitant at first but I wasn't about to let him see that he was getting to me.

"Is this supposed to be breakfast as a couple?" I asked, reaching across to steal cranberries from his plate. I kept my gaze on him to look confident.

He didn't answer.

"Where's Martha? I didn't see her-"

The steak knife slammed into the table, inches from my hand. I froze.

"Has anyone told you that you talk too much?" His voice was low, and it send ice down my spine.

"Not really," I muttered.

"Well, you do." He stood, pushing his plate aside. "Meet me outside in twenty minutes. No more, no less."

"I have to finish-"

"And I really dislike stubborn girls." He leaned down, his hand heavy on my shoulder.

A shadow moved. A man I hadn't noticed stepped out of the corner. Cesare smirked. "See you in twenty."

---

There was a convoy already waiting outside. I frowned. "Are we going somewhere?"

He spoke quietly to one of his men before turning to me.

"Where are we headed?"

"To a traitor." His eyes didn't leave mine.

My throat went dry. I hope it wasn't Papa.

"Get in."

I stood there, my feet glued to the ground.

He grabbed my arm, " I said, get into the fucking car."

"Y-yes." I was trying so hard to hide my voice that was shaking like that of an old lady.

I slid into the limo. The air was thick. His men were armed and silent.

Cesare was staring out the window. I desperately needed to breathe.

"Today," he said finally, still looking out the window, "you'll see the price of betrayal."

The car stopped. One of his men tapped the glass. "Boss. Some men ahead. Blocking the road."

"Take care of them."

The window went up.

The men stepped out. Seconds later, gunshots cracked through the air. Screams. Bodies hitting the ground.

I clenched my fists as the car rolled slowly through the chaos. When it stopped again, a man opened Cesare's door and bowed.

The stench of blood hit me as I stepped out. I gagged, turning my head.

"Pathetic," Cesare muttered, walking past the corpses.

An old man stumbled from the building. "Cesare!" His voice cracked as he fell to his knees.

Cesare raised his hand. The guns lowered.

"Uncle Vicky," he said quietly, pulling him up. "You taught me to swim. How did we get here?"

"I-I didn't plan this. I was forced-"

"Planning to see me dead," Cesare cut in. "Too bad."

"My kids... they know nothing. Spare them, for old time's sake."

"Did you think of old time's sake before you decided to become a snake?"

The man didn't reply.

"Answer me!" Cesare yelled, making me and the man jump at the same time.

"Cesare, please...my son-"

Cesare cut him off and laughed. " Did you just call me your son?"

He looked at the men, " He just called me son."

He laughed some more. "You old bastard!"

"Mi dispiace per favore, Cesare." The man pleaded in Italian.

Cesare's face softened for a breath. Then the gun was out. One shot. Clean through the head.

I flinched, bile rising up.

"Kill everyone inside," Cesare ordered, stepping back into the car. "No one escapes."

I stared at the ground, my legs trembling.

"That's what happens to traitors," he said as his eyes met mine.

I couldn't say a word. I didn't know if I was too scared or angry.

So this would have been Papa's fate of I hadn't agreed? I felt tears beginning to form in my eyes. I held them back and but down on my lip.

God! I just wanted to go home... Back to Papa, I have enough money for us to leave and lay low till I figure out how to clear our name.

I can't be with this man... He's a freaking monster... No... He's the devil.

---

I lay staring at the ceiling later, every sound of today still ringing in my head.

A knock came at the door.

"The Boss says to meet him in his room."

I swallowed hard. My body moved before my mind could stop it. I straightened myself up, cleaned my tear stained face and exhaled before stepping out of the room.

---

"Come in," his voice called before I could knock.

I pushed the door open. Clothes were scattered on the floor. Maid clothes.

My eyes landed on the naked girl spread across his bed. Another maid.

"Sit." His tone left no room.

I sat in the chair opposite them. My heart pounded.

"You're going to be learning lesson number two."

He stripped his belt, pulling his pants down. His cock sprang free.

The girl opened her legs wider.

I shifted in my seat, heat burning my skin.

"You better pay attention," he said, climbing onto the bed.

CESARE'S POV:

I looked at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, positioning my hair to fall towards my face.

It's a rough life, Cesare... Father's voice rang through my head.

I didn't understand that then. The... tough life.

But you did. You saw the roughness and still didn't level your playing field.

But... Guess who's suffering it now? I laughed dryly, running my hand through my hair.

That bastard dared to bare his fangs at me, thinking I wouldn't fight back?

I am a Marchetti. Marchettis fight back. We pay tenfold for one good and a billion fold for messing with us.

Alessia... excitement crept into my soured mood.

How should I break her? Slowly or swiftly? I'm going to treat her exactly as her father- not deserving of life and the grace to live in it.

Speaking of which... I grabbed my towel to wipe myself and walked out of the bathroom.

"Bernardino," I called.

Bernardino bowed. "What are your orders, Boss?"

"Bring me the family head of Ferraro tied up."

"Beaten, Boss?"

"No. Tied- like a criminal."

"Okay, Boss. I'll have it ready tomorrow"

"How did the issue with... Vicky's runaways go?" I removed the towel, grabbing the robe from the bed.

"We've round most of them up. We will have them all by Morning"

"Good. Traitors should be punished... Down to their last generation" I chuckled as I wore the robe.

"Take care of this and bring in the other traitor"

"Yes, Boss"

"Tell the maid at the door to come in when you walk out"

I need to take my mind off this.

I looked at him as he walked off and the maid entered shortly after.

_____

ALESSIA'S POV:

What the hell was that supposed to be?

What kind of sick goal does he intend to reach with that?

And that lady- the sounds she made.

My legs twitched as I remembered it.

The way he moved... Like some sick monster.

And me? More sick with how aroused I was.

Get a grip, Alessia...

Remember what he thinks about you- you're some... toy.

I grabbed the pillow and placed my head on it.

I growled as a knock on the door interrupted.

"Who's there?"

"Good evening, Ma'am" the maid walked in, scanning around.

"Good evening... What's going on?" I asked, confused.

"The Boss wants you down in ten minutes..." She bowed as her eyes rested on my body.

Of course... Who else would it be?

I groaned as I rested my back on the bed post.

"...Alright. I'll be down in ten minutes"

"T–The---"

"No more, no less" I added firmer, faking a deeper voice to imitate his.

"Okay, Ma'am"

I looked at her as she walked out.

What the hell does Cesare want me this time?

I haven't seen him all day and now he calls for me?

He must be back from whatever evil act he's been up to.

"Fuck it..." I groaned, standing up

Let's go get whatever bullshit he's planned over with.

---

Weird... Why is there no maid standing there?

I turned to the other side of the stairs. Were they relieved of their duties?

I looked at Cesare as I descended the stairs- besides him was a man on his knees whose head was covered.

So, it's another show of power to set an example.

"She's here" he mused, turning to the Man.

Who's---

Wait. That neck chain...

My eyes widened, steps slowing as if I was being pulled into the floor

That's not---

"I brought you a gift" Cesare chuckled, pulling the cover from the head.

That's... Papa?

My heart skipped beats as I rushed down.

"W–What's the meaning of this?" I stuttered, glaring at Cesare when I got to where he stood.

My... Father...

Bound like some common thief?

"W–What have I done wrong to deserve this?" I murmured, looking at my father.

He looked away as our eyes met.

My eyes scanned his body for any marks. He didn't look beaten but...

"Why is my father bound like a thief?" I shot a glare at Cesare who was staring at us.

"Isn't he worse than a thief?" He growled, looking at him

My jaws tightened.

How dare he treat---

"A traitor doesn't deserve the mercy of life"

"My father is not---"

"You still hold on to that lie?" he scoffed cutting in and pulled a pistol from his back.

I gasped as I saw the gun.

"W–What are you---"

I glanced at Papa, who'd lowered his head at this point.

"You're not going to---"

"A traitor's price is death" Cesare looked at me with those cold eyes.

"I'm sure he knew what he was getting into when he---"

"Cesare!!!" I snapped and yelled, loud enough that it echoed.

Papa raised his head sharply looking at me, surprised.

"I warned you never to take such a tone with me ever in your life---"

"Papa..." I turned to Papa, ignoring Cesare.

"W–Why?" I turned back to him, tears rolling down my cheeks.

"Why are you so cruel?" I fell to my knees, sobbing.

How could a person disregard another person like this? Despite...

"T–The oath..." I sniffled, looking up.

Yes. There's that. He shouldn't be able to do anything stupid.

"I'm here as part---"

"That doesn't mean anything to me" he cut in, sharply.

"The life of a traitor and his daughter mean nothing to me and getting married to one is a stain to me"

Hah... My hope faded as he corked the gun. My eyes met father's as I turned to him

He closed his eyes, doing that smile that showed in his eyes.

Was he... crying?

My chest tightened.

"I–I'll do anything---" I sniffled, turning to Cesare.

"There's nothing you can do than exist as the sacrifice you are- one that means nothing to me anymore"

I looked at him.

He's going to kill my father.

I exhaled, closing my eyes.

Everything seemed to slow down

The moment his finger pulled the trigger

N–No

"Papa!!!"

CESARE'S POV:

I burst into laughter as she slowly opened her eyes.

Did she just jump forward to protect him?

Ha.

What a filial thing

That expression on her face- confused, scared, angry and hateful face she's making.

Just what I wanted to see.

I wonder what she's think---

"Y–You bastard" She shot me a glare as she raised herself up.

"What kind of... Russian Roulette? That's---" she paused, turning to her father.

"You should be thankful that the gun isn't loaded" I scoffed

I smiled as she turned to me sharply

"What?" I laughed mockingly,

"You think I will grant the traitor such a merciful end?"

"M–Merciful?" She scoffed, letting out a small, confused laugh.

"You think this is merciful, Cesare?!" She yelled, glaring at me.

"You will not take such---"

"Or what?" She interrupted

"You're going to bring all the members of my family and shoot them all lined up?"

I laughed at this as she glared at me.

"You should be grateful I don't have them all killed"

She turned to her father as he coughed repeatedly.

"P–Papa?" Her voice, hitched as she held him.

"W–What's... Breath, Papa... Breath"

I stared at them.

Was that too...

"Bernardino!" I turned towards the door.

Bernardino rushed in immediately, looking at them.

"Take him to---" I paused as he stopped coughing

"I–It's alright, Alessia" he muttered to her, holding the back of her head in an embrace.

"I–I'm sorry for putting you through---"

"It's alright, Papa" she sniffled

"I know you didn't... You couldn't have"

I huffed, turning my face away.

What makes her so convinced that he didn't?

My jaws tightened.

Little rosy brained daddy's girl.

I exhaled as my eyes met Bernardino's

"Take him away from my sight"

"W–What do you---" she turned to me

"He shouldn't be here- ruins my mood"

"You---"

"Remember this, Ferraro head" I glared at him,

"You will suffer the consequences of your actions against the Marchetti family"

"C–Cesa---"

"You do not talk to the Family head like that" Bernardino interrupted, glaring at him.

"You filthy dog... who---"

"Take this filth out of my sight" I cut in, interrupting her.

Bernardino yanked him away from her. He staggered, then looked at her as he tried to stand.

"I have my eyes on you, Ferraro" I chuckled, glancing at her.

"I always do"

She watched as Bernardino pulled him away.

Gosh. He could go easy on the old man a bit.

Not that I care.

He deserves it.

"Now, to you" I mused, looking at her.

She ignored me, stood up and started walking away

"You!" I growled, watching her leave

"Alessia Ferraro!!!"

"This little..."

Would you look at her?

She dared... walk out on me?

I dashed after her

Nobody walks out on me

_____

ALESSIA'S POV:

I stood up, dust myself and walked away.

I'm not going to entertain him anymore this evening.

I ignored as he called out behind me.

I am not some thing that will be used as entertainment for such a sick psycho.

He opened the door and walked in just as I slammed it shut behind me.

"You should answer if you're called"

I ignored him turning to leave but he grabbed my hand and pulled me in.

"G–Get your---" I shrieked from the pull

"What did I say about stubborn girls?" he snarled, bringing his face closer

I glared at him silently.

"I don't care what you think Cesare"

"Oh?" He smiled, bringing his hand towards my face

He tightened his grip as I pulled my face away.

"Did the thought of dying make you more confident?"

"Get your hands off..." I whimpered as his grip tightened.

"That..." He raised my hand, pulled me closer and grabbed my face with his other hand

"You should learn some manners... You're not the Ferraro princess anymore and this is not your castle"

I laughed, softly, frustrated by the sound of his voice

"Manners? You talk about manners after what you just pulled?"

"Bernardino is going to make sure he gets home safely and---" he paused, looking as I glared at him.

"That little prank?"

Prank?

He calls that a prank?

"You're one---"

"Handsome fellow, I know" he chuckled, tightened his grip on my face as I pulled away, disgusted

"Nobody got hurt and the gun wasn't loaded..."

"That is not---"

"Ease up" he cut in, loosening his grip from my hand as I winced.

"That's how I play... You should get used to it"

He tightened the grip on my face as I flung my hand away immediately.

"Y–You're nothing but a monster" I stuttered, grabbing his hand to pull it away.

"That's a compliment I'll take" he chuckled, looking at my hand

"Especially since it's coming from the daughter of a traitor- means I'm doing a good job"

"Pathetic" I murmured.

His eyes widened at this.

That seemed to have ticked him off

"Did you just call me pathetic? Me?" He pulled me in again grabbing my throat as he released my face.

"Your father conspired to have me killed- after all the good he's benefited from my family, all the oaths he'd sworn and all the friendship my Father gave him..."

I turned my face away

Papa will never---

"I expected you to know better but it seems I was wrong- you've chosen to ignore the facts"

I groaned in pain, choking as his grip tightened.

"Look at me!!!"

I managed to turn my head towards him

"You think I'm pathetic?" He laughed in a dry and dangerous tone.

"For the price of the betrayal... I could kill everyone in your family and give you to my men as a sex slave"

My heart skipped a beat immediately.

"I'm sure they'll enjoy those sick thighs with such---"

I spat on his face at this point.

"Y–You're a sick bastard"

He laughed softly, grip loosening from my hand slightly and with eyes will fixed on me, cleaned the spit slowly with his other hand and licked it.

I gulped, a weird heat blooming at the sight of this.

Seriously?

I bit the bottom of my lips.

There's no way I'm getting excited from this...

"Delicious" he mused, completely releasing me.

"Let's have you spit on something else with that cute mouth"