Cassio Salvatore stood in the shadows of his study, lost in thought. He was thinking about Verena, and her name kept repeating in his mind like a song he couldn't get out of his head. He felt a strong desire for her that was hard to control. On his desk, her photo smiled at him, her lips curving upwards in a captivating way. She was in a park with the little girl laughing as she watched the girl play. His men had reported her to be a meek woman who took care of her younger sister with love, but he had an inkling of who she truly was that night. Though his sight was hazy, he knew it had to take an experienced fighter to escape those men that night.
He could see the intelligent, watchful woman from behind her eyes, even as she appeared carefree in the photo. And he was right, only she was the woman who had tried to kill him three years ago. She is like a fire threatening to swallow him whole. Just less than a day in her presence, he was already losing control. Having an unbridled rage when he saw his men and cousin staring at her in her half naked glory. Having a wild desire to make her beg when she knelt in front of him minutes ago.
For fuck's sake, he almost took her by the wall when she bit him.
He grabbed the bottle of scotch on his table, appreciating the burning sensation it left in its wake.
Since he was a boy, he had seen women cower before men in his world. The hierarchy was clear, women had no say when the men were talking. He had heard of some wild ones, but even those had their wings clipped before they could fly. And ever since he became a made man, he had walked in the steps of his father. His mother had been devastated when she saw her son slowly turn into the monster his father was, but his father was proud of him, taking him to every meeting the familias had, but, of course, his father was killed by that very monster he had been so proud of. And no woman had ever made that monster lose his control like an animal, like she did.
But he was a man of resolve, a master of shadows who would not succumb to the attractive temptress, with an innocent look in those sea-green eyes that blazed blue when she was angry, who now haunted his thoughts. With a determined breath, he tore his gaze from the picture and made his way to the meeting room, where his cousin Valentino awaited.
As he entered the room, the air crackled with an electric tension, the weight of their shared purpose hanging heavy in the air. Valentino's gaze, sharp and penetrating, bore into Vincent's own, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them.
"Cassio," Valentino's voice, a velvet whisper that stirred the very depths of Vincent's soul, broke the silence. "I hope you have come prepared?"
Cassio nodded, sitting on the couch that faced his cousin, his expression cold as he met his cousin's gaze. "Of course, cousin. Our domain is under threat, and it is only right that we take action to safeguard what is ours. They will pay for what they have done"
Valentino's lips curved into a knowing smile, the glint of a predator lurking in the depths of his eyes. "Ah, but there is another matter that requires our attention," he said, his voice having that leering tint it always had whenever he waa interested in a woman, Cassio frowned slightly. Other than that he showed no emotion.
He knew all too well the cousin he had lived with for years and his lust was not new to him. Tales of how Valentino treated women had reached him, but it was none of his concern what his cousin chose to do as far as he didn't cross the line.
"That girl," Valentino continued "My men told me, she just came in today." He said, lust in his eyes "she is so wild and unbridled. Leaving a man to guess just how wild she could be in bed" he laughed, stroking his beard.
Cassio's jaw tightened, his hands moving dangerously close to the gun, in the pocket of his coat, at his cousin's words. Verena was a name he never wanted to hear from his cousin's filthy lips. She may be an enemy, but she is his to deal with. His cousin has no business in what happens in his house.
Valentino swirled the cup of whiskey in his hands "You must like her so much, Cassio", his voice a haunting echo in the silence of the room. "I see the look in your eyes as I talk about her, I know women like that, and all they need is taming."
"Be careful Valentino, I don't need to remind you who the boss is here. We are here to talk about politics, not some female, especially when the said female belongs to me," Cassio's voice, a low rumble that reverberated through the depths of the room, brooked no argument. "I will not allow anyone to lay claim to what is rightfully mine."
Valentino's lips curved into a wicked grin, "Very well, cousin," he murmured, his voice a velvet whisper that hung heavy in the air as he stood up to leave. "But remember, the shadows can be treacherous, and even the strongest of men can be consumed by their allure." With that he left, leaving Cassio more annoyed than he already was. He saw his cousin off and went straight to the room where the she-devil was kept.
After telling Verena the details of the deal, he left her to make a decision, not that she had any choice anyway. Her precious little adopted sister is in his hands. He went to the little girl's room to check on his bargain chip. She was crying so loudly, ignoring the maid that was trying to pacify her. She threw a glass cup at the door just as he opened it to enter. The nanny bowed quickly in fear at the sight of him.
"Why is she still crying?"
"I tried everything, sir, but she is so stubborn and..."
"I want to see my sister," the little girl demanded, even as her voice was trembling with fear and sadness.
Cassio expression became tense as he moved closer to calm the distraught child. She reminded him of the blue-eyed woman from three years ago.
"Shh, sweetheart, everything will be okay," he said softly, his voice deceitful as he tried to be kind "Your sister will be back soon. She just went out for a little while."
The little girl's sobs only grew louder, her tiny frame shaking with inconsolable grief. She was unable to understand the gravity of the situation or the danger they were in.
Why would Verena leave her with this ugly maid and this scary man that was somehow handsome but still a stranger?
He knelt down beside her, his cold heart not at all moved by the sight of the girl's tears but he needed her to shut up. He gently wiped away her tears, offering words of false reassurance as he struggled to maintain his facade.
"I promise, she'll be back before you know it," he whispered, "But if you don't keep quiet, you will never see her again, just like Ava" he threatened, finally having enough.
The little girl's eyes widened at her sister's name and she sniffled quietly.
"You know Ava?"
"Yes I did, but she is dead now" he added.
"Verena told me she is now a mermaid."
He stood up at that. At least she was quiet now, he had no time for silly fairy tales. Remembering he had a chocolate in his pocket, he gave it to her, watching as her eyes lit up as she took the chocolate. Now, if only women were easy to handle like kids, wouldn't the world be a better place?
Patting her lightly on her head, "You can have a lot of chocolates if you promise to keep quiet" he said.
"Good girl" he praised when she nodded, "now let's see how good your sister is" he said when he was out of hearing, strolling back to his room.
He entered the room, the air thick with anticipation, his fingers deftly undoing the buttons of his shirt, each one revealing more of the man beneath the fabric. His eyes flickered over her form, draped in his shirt, a daring choice that stirred something primal within him. She met his gaze with a playful defiance, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I am not going to just let myself be dressed like a sacrifice for you. I have finally decided to accept the deal." she declared, her voice tinged with a newfound resolve, yet a hint of surrender lingered in her words.
He smirked, the corners of his lips curling up in amusement. "Sacrifice implies choice, Eden. You're in deeper than you realize. And remember, playing with fire can be dangerous."
Her laughter danced in the air, a melody drawing him closer with each note. As she closed the distance between them, he couldn't tear his gaze away, captivated by the rhythm of her movements.
"Do you dare dance with fire?" she whispered, her breath warm against his skin, a promise of pleasures. With each word, she drew him in, igniting a flame that threatened to consume them both.
"Because I am that fire. And I burn," she murmured, her lips so close to his.
She stepped back from him, watching his reaction with triumph in her eyes. It was a game for her.
"Now that I have made my decision, I will be leaving you to do your stuff" she said, a smirk on her face.
He did contemplate showing her the consequences of her actions, but he didn't want to scare his prey off. Two can play this game. She had no idea of what was in store for her, he thought eyes trailing her movements as she left the room, her scent lingering in the air.
He looked down at the bulge in his trousers.
Damn! She was playing hard.