MARCO'S POV
*** The following day ***
I stood by the window, rubbing my beard. I was unable to shake off thoughts of yesterday's encounter with Harriet.
That girl had proven to be a challenge, playing hard to get. But I intended to break those horns she was growing, and tame her completely.
She had to give herself to me willingly, no matter what.
As mafia king, I wasn't going waste my time forcing her to bend to my will. I knew I was going to get her… MY WAY.
She needed the money, so she was definitely going to crawl back to me.
I was deep in thoughts, finalizing my future plans, when a knock at the door broke the silence.
I paused, waiting for a second knock to come in before responding, "Come in."
The door creaked open, but I remained unbothered to turn to see who it was, knowing that only a select few had access to my office.
I sensed a presence behind me, and instinctively, I knew it was Edward Luciano, my trusted personal assistant.
"Boss, we have a meeting in Mexico. The private jet is ready. We need to leave now," Edward said.
"Oh yeah, about that..." I said, but my voice trailed off as my mind drifted back to the previous night's encounter.
Edward's voice snapped me back to reality."Marco, are you listening to me?"
My gaze was still out the window, a sly smile spreading across my face. "Can you believe she slapped me last night?"
"Who, Harriet?" Edward inquired, curious.
I nodded, my eyes still fixed outside. "None of my girls has ever dared slap me before."
Edward's voice took on a cautious tone. "Maybe that girl is different. You'll require extra work to get her."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"What do you mean by that, Edward?" I asked, before slowly turning to him.
"Uhm… Nevermind Don. You know how important these operations in Mexico are. Let's just focus okay?" he attempted to change the topic.
But I pressed on. "You mean she's not cheap like my other girls? Is that it?"
"Let's stop talking about Harriet and focus on what's on the table now. Please."
I cleared my throat.
"Let's go," my deep baritone voice echoed.
With that, I strode towards the door, with Edward following closely behind.
*********************
HARRIET'S POV
I sat outside on one of the benches, taking the fresh air. I still couldn't believe I slapped him last night.
It was a reckless move but that lewd display and the stupid submissive girl just ignited a fire within me.
I knew those girls were play things, but never did I expect them to be that submissive to Don Sanchez.
Oh, I almost forgot. Those three rats were all in for the money and nothing else.
I was scrolling through my phone when suddenly someone suddenly yanked me by the hair.
It was Lady One!
"Ouch," I cried out in pain and managed to push her away. "Are you out of your mind?"
That girl was a devil, just like her so-called master!
"What do you think you are doing? Picking on me?" I asked on top of my voice.
"Picking on you good-for-nothing girl? No! I'm disciplining you on master's behalf," she sneered, her eyes flashing with malice.
"And who asked you to do that? You know what, you can be his toy for the rest of your life. I don't care. But let this sink into your head, I'll never submit to him like you foolishly do," I spat.
I could see how offended she was. "You!"
She lunged at me, but I caught her hand mid-air and gave her a dirty slap instead.
But she wasn't going to give up easily. That witch charged at me again, prompting me to grab a log that lay nearby.
I threatened to hurt her if she didn't back off. "Go away! Leave my sight before I disfigure you."
Lady One was immediately taken aback and turned to leave. It turned out she wasn't that hard afterall.
"Don't think you've won, Harriet. I'll come back for you… just mark my words. I'm going to make you miserable."
I smirked.
"You can't scare me, loser."
"Wow, that was amazing," I heard the voice of a female behind me.
I turned to see Sierra clapping. I guess she was impressed by the little show I put up.
I laughed. "You were watching this whole time?"
Sierra nodded. "I wish you saw Marco's face - he was impressed. You've caught his attention, Harriet."
"And what do you mean by that?" I asked, confused. "Don't tell me he was also watching."
Sierra smiled mischievously. "He actually was. But don't bother looking now, he's gone."
"That ruthless mafia king…" I whispered to myself.
"Did you say something Harriet?"
"Oh no, nevermind."
Sierra sat beside me on the bench. "Harriet, it's been three days but your deal with boss still holds. I'm starting to wonder… if he is falling in the pit of love."
I scoffed. "Love you say? That's impossible. I could never be with someone as heartless as Don Sanchez."
"It's funny you mention love in this situation. Sierra, do you think your boss even knows what that is? He's just a cold, heartless guy."
"Heartless, huh?"
I nodded vigorously. "Yes, I see him as a devil. Sierra, could you believe he uses all kinds of whips on the girls he sleeps around with?"
"Harriet, calm down. That's Marco for you. Follow me, I want to show you something."
I followed Sierra back into the mansion. She led me to a lavish room, and I gasped at its opulence.
"Which... place is this?" I asked, awestruck.
Sierra smiled and gestured to the couch. "Come, sit down."
I joined her, and she picked up a black-covered book from the center table.
Sierra opened the book, revealing a photo album.
"This is little Marco," she pointed.
I cooed at the adorable photo.
Sierra continued, "Marco was an orphan when Don Niel adopted him. Marco's dad was Don Niel's trusted assistant but he died in a plane crash with his wife."
I listened intently as Sierra revealed more about Marco's past.
"Don Niel trained Marco the hard way because he was going to be the next heir of Sanchez Mafia. Marco was always being controlled by Niel, which must have been a heavy burden. That's why he created his playroom – a space where he alone could be in control."
"Playroom?" I repeated.
Sierra nodded. "Yes, that's what he calls it. You must have noticed the atmosphere, the whips, chains... everything."
"Oh, everything makes sense now. That's why he's such a control freak," I said.
Sierra pointed to the photo of a beautiful young woman. "This is Sylvia, Niel's only daughter and Marco's girlfriend."
My eyes widened.
"Wait, he has a girlfriend?"