AXEL SALVATORE ROSSI

She was right in front of me.

The traitor.

The one who'd broken the omertà.

Isabella...

I narrowed my eyes, trying to see if I was hallucinating. But I wasn't. She stood there, right in front of me, held firmly by my number one enemy and rival- La Mano Nera.

"I told you I had good news, Ace." The dirty old thug smacked his lips, trying to forcefully pin down Isabella who'd become another version of the one I knew.

She wrestled in his arms, heavy grunts escaping her lips as she fought hard to break free. Her whole body was a mess. Scars and fresh wounds lingered everywhere. I knew she'd been tortured.

I took a step forward, gritting my teeth together as I stared right through her. I only needed one thing from her. "Where's the item?"

She raised her gaze to me, her lips pressed together. Her eyes blazed with fury and I was surprised. Was she annoyed? I was the one who was supposed to be angry. I could kill her right there.

She bit down her lips and grunted. "Where is my sister?"

Olivia. So, she knew she was here.

I scoffed, kissing my teeth with my tongue. "Why? What do you-''

"-You need to let Olivia go right now!" 

I hated being interrupted or yelled at, and she knew. I raised my right hand to her face, slapping her hard across both cheeks. Twice.

"You little slut." I growled, clenching my fists as I tried to refrain myself from hitting her the second time. The pressure from the hit threw her hair down her face, covering half of it.

Viper strolled in, grabbing my arm to pull me away. "You shouldn't be the one doing this."

I turned my face away, my anger slowly building up. And the fear... the tension... the feelings I had knowing that item was still out there somewhere. And the fact that she remained silent about it.

La Mano Nera's husky voice tore through the air, refusing to let the tension die down before increasing it with his words. "I have a deal for you, Ace. That's why I'm here."

I creased my forehead, tightening the towel around my waist. "I don't need any fucking deals." I huffed, "I need the item she stole."

"It's right here." He tapped his pockets slightly, giving me an awkward smirk. "She gave it to me. And now I'm going to give it back to you, but only at a little price."

That damn motherfucker. He was as cunning as a fox.

"What's your deal?" Viper broke in, and I could sense the hint of impatience he had. It was building inside of me too.

He gave another smirk. "I'll give this to you." He pulled out the item from his pocket, waving it in my face. I couldn't believe it. My whole life was back in his hands, and then I heard him slowly add. "In return, you'll give me the girl."

The girl?

I furrowed my brows, and then exchanged looks with Viper who appeared just as confused.

"What girl?"

"Olivia!"

That was Isabella. She yelled so hard it felt like the roof of my mansion was about to be brought down.

I rushed to her, my hands grabbing her hair as she yelped in pain. She was trying to outsmart me, to see if her sister was right in my possession.

"You fucking-''

"-Stop it, Ace." Viper pulled me away from her roughly, while La Mano Nera gave her another smack.

My chest burned with fury. And the next thing I heard was the door opening, and I knew who it was without looking back.

Olivia ran out, wrapped only in a towel with her hair dripping in trails behind her. I turned my gaze to her, my eyes flashing with fury as she met them.

What was she doing out here? Wearing nothing but a towel that stopped just above her thighs, exposing the perfect sexy legs she had. And with the men around too...

I didn't want her there. La Mano Nera could take her. And there was nothing I'd be able to do. He had something he could use to blackmail me.

Where was Rosa? And why wasn't she keeping her locked in?

"Isabella?"

Her voice conveyed sadness, and a hint of relief. I watched both sisters stare at each other, tears threatening to fall down their cheeks. Although Isabella had been crying for a while.

"Isabella, I-''

I pulled her back immediately. She tried to reach for her sister, but it wasn't happening. Not under my watch. My hands went straight to her wrist, pulling her back forcefully as she tried to move. 

She winced in pain from my touch, and then turned to me, her eyes pleading and twitching. "Please, I- I need my sister."

Rosa rushed in, panting and holding her chest to catch her breath. Her eyes widened when she saw me gripping Olivia firmly, and she pleaded with her eyes.

I pushed Olivia into her hold roughly, making sure she held her down and without making her towel fall off.

"Take her back in." I ordered, my voice thundering.

"No! You can't do this."

"Axel, leave her alone!" Isabella cried, her hands were being tied behind her back by my men while Rosa tried to pull Olivia away. But she was fighting so hard to stay.

Both sisters were getting on my very last nerves. And it was infuriating.

"I want the girl." He repeated, this time, more firmly. My eyes traced his hands as they pointed in a particular direction- her direction.

I forced the name out of my mouth, my thoughts turning into a thick fog. "Olivia?"

He nodded.

Olivia's eyes widened, but she didn't stop trying to reach out for her sister. My poor kitty didn't even know the danger she was in.

He needed Olivia in return for the item. I swallowed hard, feeling a lump in my throat refusing to be forced down.

"I'm taking my sister with me." Isabella uttered, shooting me a determined gaze as she fought to break free from the ropes. "I'd rather give her to La Mano Nera than allow her to be with you."

That was how much she hated me. And I knew why. All the nasty things I'd done to her were part of the reason she held so much resentment.

"Give him the girl."

I heaved a deep sigh. Hearing Viper utter that without hesitation felt like an order I couldn't resist. But it was impossible.

I turned to La Mano Nera. "You'd have to choose someone else." I blurted out, and heard a scowl from Viper, "Or something else."

Viper walked up to me, his lips whispering in my ear. "What the fuck are you doing, Ace?"

La Mano Nera chuckled, a heavy smile dancing at the corner of his lips as he pushed forward, eyes fixed on me. "I don't want anything else. I want the pure virgin-''

"-Don't fucking try to complete that sentence." I spat in his face, my fingers inches away from digging into his bulgy eyeballs. "You can't have Olivia, and that's final."

Isabella sounded out of breath when she parted her lips, and I saw a vein throbbing in her forehead. "You have no right over my sister!"

I scoffed, running my hand through my hair in restrained anger. "You know what? You can have her."

I turned to Olivia, still in Rosa's hold, but already standing still without a fight. I watched her tremble and then hesitate for a moment, probably unsure of what to do.

Viper walked towards her, his hands trying to pull her by the wrist as she fought back.

"Let go of me!"

"Leave her alone!" He swerved back to glare at me, but I stood unfazed, "He's not taking her," I pointed in another direction, my hands leading their gazes to where Isabella knelt, bound in thick ropes. "She's going back with him."

Fear crept into Olivia's eyes. She shook her head vehemently, trying to disapprove of my decision.

"No. You can't take my sister away-''

"-Take her back into the room, Rosa. Right now!"

Rosa shuddered, bowing slightly as she tried to pull Olivia away without much success and so much difficulty. It was surprising to see how strong she was even with her petite body.

Rosa tried to coerce her. "Let's go in, dear."

"I want my sister," she kept crying, her voice shaking with emotion. "Isabella..."

Her cry was a heartbreaking sound, but I hardened my heart. I couldn't be seen falling.

Isabella's voice grew thicker. "You're going to regret this, Axel."

I signaled at my men, and they rushed to her side, pulling her by the hair and tightening the ropes on her. She squeezed her eyes shut, a gut- wrenching scream exiting her lips. Olivia kept screaming with fright. She gasped repeatedly, sounding like she was struggling to breathe.

"You made the wrong decision, Ace."

I couldn't care less about what La Mano Nera was saying. I knew my choice had a price. He didn't have to remind me.

Somehow, Olivia managed to break free from Rosa, and I saw her rush over to Isabella, her figure running past me.

Anger flooded through my veins.

How dare she disrespect me?

I grabbed her with one hand, just as she was about to hug her sister. And with all the fury and contempt I felt, I slapped her hard across the face.

OLIVIA

"You need to eat something," Madam Rosa's voice urged me from outside, but I ignored her completely, sniffling my nostrils and crying my eyes out.

I'd locked myself in. I didn't want anything. Didn't want the food she was offering. Or the life I'd suddenly found myself living.

I needed my sister. My family. My old life.

My tears streamed down my face, falling harder than I'd ever imagined. Isabella had been taken away by that creepy, sturdy old man. And Axel? He'd slapped me in front of everyone. And it only grew my hatred for him.

"What's happening, Rosa?"

My heart pounded in my chest, and my eyes darted straight to the door. That was his voice. I stood up fearfully from the floor, my hands clamming as I struggled on what to do next.

"She's locked herself in there," Rosa replied in a concerned tone, her voice conveying the same fear that was growing within me. I could picture her face as she tried to explain. "I've tried to-''

A heavy knock on the room door drowned her words and cut her off completely. And the next thing I heard was...

"-Open the fucking door, Olivia!"

He screeched, his fists pounding heavily on the door with a threat to tear it down. I walked towards the door in fear, but then halted halfway through. 

"Axel, please–"

"-Olivia!"

He cut her off... again. And by this time, I'd wiped off the tears on my face, and braced myself for the worst to happen. 

He'd probably slap me again...

I walked slowly, counting my steps as I moved forward, halting right in front of the door. And then– it opened.

His foot scraped my right arm alongside the door knob. And the force he used sent me crashing to the floor. I fell flat on my buttocks, and a wince of pain exited my lips.

"How dare you?!" He growled at me. And I heard his heavy footsteps storming towards me. My lips quivered with shock as I turned my gaze away, averting it to my arm. He sounded scary. And I didn't want to see how his countenance was. 

Madam Rosa rushed to me, and I heard her murmuring under her breath. She pulled me up slowly to sit, her hands tending to my bruised arm.

"Are you alright, Olivia?"

I heard Axel growl at her question. "Leave her alone."

"But–"

"-Leave us, Rosa!" He thundered with a harsh voice, making me swallow immediately with my head faced down. 

Rosa got up reluctantly, her hands tapping my back gently to give me comfort. I quivered my lips and stared at her with pleading eyes, my whole body trembling at the thought of being left alone with him.

Immediately the door closed behind Rosa's figure, Axel moved towards me, his footsteps calculated. I shifted backwards, my left hand grabbing my other arm.

"How dare you have an attitude?"

I shuddered. And without any response. 

"Look at me."

I shifted my gaze, resting it on his face. His eyes were narrowed, and his lips were formed into a thin line.

"I just fucking saved your life and you're acting like an ungrateful child?"

I swallowed... again. Saved my life? He was literally tearing everything apart, bit by bit.

I parted my lips quietly, trying to utter a word as I turned my eyes away from him. But no words could form.

"I hate it when I'm being ignored–"

"-I'm sorry," I didn't mean to interupt, but I couldn't hold it in any longer. "I- I didn't mean to offend you."

He smirked, and then I watched him get down slowly, squatting right in front of me. I saw the anger in his eyes slowly fading.

"Isabella set you up," I glanced at him with wide eyes, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "She deserves every punishment–"

"-Set me up?" The question rolled out of my lips. I couldn't understand anything. Why would my sister do such a thing?

He huffed, and then slowly scratched his beard. "You'll understand soon. But for now..." his hands began to unbutton his sleeves as he returned to his feet. "Get on the bed and please me."

My fear returned, intensifying in the moment. He wanted to have me, to own me, to break me and shatter my innocence.

And I wasn't ready.

I forced another lump down my throat, my breath turning heavy. "I–"

"-I traded my secret for your freedom," he tossed his shirt to a corner, revealing his muscular chest I'd seen earlier. "The least you can do is please me."

I heaved a deep sigh... and then took a heavy breath, shutting my eyes tightly. There was nothing I could do. Nothing or nobody could save me from this man.

I forced myself up, grunting out in pain my arm inflicted. Slowly, I tried to walk, but Axel reached for me, his hands touching my waist to hold firmly. And then... our eyes met, gazes locked, and lips slightly touched each other's. 

"You're mine now, Kitty." I guess we were back to this. I could feel his hot breath on my face, making me tilt my head backwards. I didn't say anything in reply, couldn't even dare. 

Without further delay, his hands swept me off my feet completely. My heart thumped in my chest, and I wondered how the night was going to end. 

I felt a rush of excitement amid my fear. His touch sent waves of shock through my veins. It felt like something... I couldn't find the right word for it. But it felt right. And wrong at the same time. I'd never felt this way.

My back touching the bed jolted me out of my reverie, reminding me of what was about to happen. Axel took off his pants, and the bulge my eyes caught sight off terrified me.

"Undress yourself." 

His tone was authoritative, yet sexy as hell. It was the way he said it... the voice... the look he gave me. Everything felt awkwardly good and I found myself stripping.

I sat upright. My hands gripped my tank top, and quietly, I pulled it over my head, revealing the black bra I had on. Axel watched me keenly– I saw his face. His eyes glared at me and the lingering lust in them was noticeable. 

I couldn't believe I was undressing for a total stranger. A man I'd barely known for 24 hours.

His eyes signaled to the denim skirt i had on. "Take it off."

I reached for the little zipper at the side, my hands working on it. I sank my teeth into my lower lips, feeling the embarrassment and shyness that was eating me up deeply.

He reached for me, his hands holding my shoulders and pushing me to lay my back on the bed. I crashed onto the soft surface, my mind a juggle of unimaginable thoughts.

I felt his hands on my skin, his fingers lingering on my thighs. He peeled the skirt off my waist hastily, tossing it down to the marble floor.

"You're making me fucking hard."

His voice deepened, making me feel a throbbing sensation in between my legs. My chest heaved up and down with uncertainty, and fear– of course. I felt his fingers trail the edges of my lacy underwear, sending waves of pleasure through my whole body. 

"You're going to do as I say," I closed my eyes shut as he uttered those words, already expecting them. "And you're not going to complain about anything. Not even when it hurts."

I swallowed for what felt like the third time, if it was any use to count. His words scared me, and at the same time, excited me. I felt the flesh in between my legs– it was moist. I knew I didn't pee myself. So, what was happening to me? Was it because of his touch?

I'd barely try to think of what was happening to my body, when I felt his fingers. They shifted my panties to a side, and then gently massaged my opening.

I suppressed a gasp, obviously relishing the feeling. His hands felt good– touching me in the right spot. I bit down my lips, trying to refrain myself from making a sound. 

Until, I felt him slid a finger in... forcefully...

AXEL SALVATORE ROSSI

Seeing her reluctantly give me access to her body did something to me. I felt like an asshole, trying to take advantage of a sweet, innocent child. She was 20, turning 21 in a few months, and I was turning 30 in a couple of weeks.

I knew she was a virgin, and that was the part that excited me, drew me to her. But, strangely, it felt wrong. I couldn't do this, she didn't deserve this.

I spread her legs apart, parting them open so I could slide inside of her wet, dripping hole. My index finger went in first, and I saw the way she forced her eyes shut, and then her lips started quivering.

She felt tight- so fucking tight, and I felt the walls of her coochie gripping the only finger I had inside of her. She tried to hold it in, to suppress the pain she felt... until she couldn't bear it anymore.

"Ouch!''

It hurt, I knew, still, I kept thrusting. But, she was in pain. And watching her express how it affected her slowly made my urges disappear. I'd never force a woman against her will.

And Olivia wouldn't be any different.

I pulled my finger out of her after a few seconds, retreating as I bent over to pick up my clothes.

I-I couldn't do it.

She was too fragile, too weak. And I knew she wouldn't be able to handle all of me.

"Did-did I do something wrong?"

Her voice sounded scared, like she'd committed a crime that deserved death. I threw on my pants, trying not to express the pity and concern I felt towards her.

"Go wash up," my voice was husky and a bit raspy. "I'll get Rosa to make something for you."

I didn't look at her, but I felt her gaze on me, obviously surprised by my actions. I did my zipper and threw on my shirt over my shoulders, not turning back to even take as little as a glimpse at her.

I headed straight to the door, unlocked it, and took my exit. There was only one place for me to relax my nerves-my office.

"Axel. Can- can I go in now to meet her?"

Rosa appeared just in time. She seemed to have been waiting and hovering around the entrance. I traced the hint of concern in her voice, and I knew there was a soft spot in her heart for Olivia.

I turned to look at her, my shoulders squared. "Yes. I need you to give her some of that... stuff."

She widened her eyes, and I could tell what was running through her mind. But, I wasn't ready to answer her questions.

My legs walked away from her, heading straight to my office. I noticed the door was slightly opened, and my forehead creased. Nobody was allowed to go in there. Absolutely nobody.

I saw his figure hovering over the shelves of books. I furrowed my eyebrows, walking closer to my table to take my seat.

"You're not supposed to be in here, Viper," I tried my best not to sound annoyed as I pulled out my chair. "This place is off limits."

He gave out a chuckle, taking his time to face me. I saw the smoke that clouded his face, and the cigarette that was at the corner of his lips which he held out in his hands while walking towards me.

"I thought I was different."

I gave out a scowl. "A rule is a rule."

"I see..."

He had something to say. His tone gave it all away. Viper was one to talk, he could never keep anything to himself no matter what it was.

I reached for the scattered paperwork on my table, trying to arrange nothing in particular. Olivia's thoughts clouded my mind, and I couldn't understand why she'd occupied space there when we'd barely been together for 24 hours.

"You look so... lost."

I raised my head to him, noticing his hands reaching for my cigarette box to take a stick. Did I forget to add that he was a chain smoker?

"Your eyes are clearly deceiving you."

"Don't try to hide it, Ace." he scoffed, pulling out the seat in front of me. "I know what's going on."

I smirked. "Then tell me."

He took a seat. "It's about that damn girl, Olivia." 

I gritted my teeth at the word he used to describe her. Damn? He had no right to call her that. My fists were slowly clenching, and I was trying so hard to refrain myself. 

I straightened my posture. "Olivia has nothing to do with anything."

"Oh yeah?" he sounded mocking, and his tone was attacking when I caught sight of him reclining in his chair. "You fucking chose her over the item we've been searching for!"

I swallowed, twitching my eyes. He'd reminded me. And the fact that I wasn't even thinking about the consequences of the decision I'd made.

"I'll find a way to get the item from La Mano nera." I tried to sound convincing, tried to push the blame from my kitty. She had no idea about anything or what was going on.

The sound of the lighter lingered for a while- Viper gave light to his cigarette and took a puff, blowing it into the air as he leaned forward with his other hand on the table.

"There's something you're not telling me, Ace."

I heaved a heavy sigh, already getting tired of the conversation. "Viper, that's enough."

"Have you even touched her?"

I froze at his question. Why was he asking though? It was none of his business.

A vein throbbed in my forehead. "And how is that relevant?"

He grinned, taking another puff from his stick. "It's written all over you," I turned my gaze away, sorting through nothing in particular on my table. "Your emotions are spilling over and this is not a good thing for us- for a man in your position!"

Maybe he was right. I'd never felt this way for a woman. I'd never stalked any woman, never travelled far away just to keep an eye on them.

My eyes narrowed, obviously blazing with the fury that surged through my veins as I gritted my teeth at him. "I don't want to talk about this."

He didn't say anything. And I thought he'd given up talking about it, only for me to hear him ask...

"Are you doing this because of what happened?"

My muscles tightened, especially my jaw. My hands halted for a moment, and I pushed my gaze to him.

"What?"

"The incident... the last war that happened. Is this why you're so protective of her?"

He'd struck a nerve, and opened another deep wound I'd been fighting to conceal. I felt a knot tightening in my stomach, and suddenly, the air felt suffocating.

"Ace?"

There was no answer to that question. And even, if there was any, I couldn't part my lips to respond. This was worse than a blade going in my chest.

"So, it's indeed because of it."

He'd confirmed it. I stood up abruptly from my seat, trying to throw on my shirt and walk out, when I heard a heavy knock on the door. And then another figure rushed in...

It was Rosa.

"Axel..." her eyes burned with fear, and I noticed her jerky moments alongside her shaky voice. But I didn't take them seriously. If being dramatic was a person- it was Rosa.

I kept my focus on my table, my hands grabbing a stick from my cigarette box. "What is it?"

"It's Olivia," I raised my face to her immediately, my eyes already asking questions. "I- I gave her the stuff like you asked me to. And now..."

I exchanged looks with Viper briefly, and then strode towards Rosa who seemed to have a problem speaking.

"And what?!"

"She's unconscious," I heard her swallow, a tear running down her left cheek as she added. "She's not breathing."