đ§€Antonio's p.o.vđ§€
Michael walked into the gym room with the new messenger that Giovanni hired for me.
"Hi, Mr De Luca, I've heard alot about you". The messenger said, stretching his hand to shake me.
I didn't expect my new messenger to be an American.
"I'm Damian Wayne, I'll be your messenger from now on".
I took his hand, as I didn't want his first impression of me to pass off as rude.
"Hello, Damian". I said and smiled at him.
"Welcome".
From the corner of my eye, I caught a view of the American lady and her baby, approaching the glass house.
Why is she outside?
She should be up in her room...as the place was getting darker.
I noticed she stopped all of a sudden, tilting her head as though she was checking something out at the glass house and then, she hauled around..
I watched her walk away quickly...
"Check on the lady". I said to Michael.
"Si, Capo". He bowed and left the room..
The messenger's eyes were fixed on her retreating figure..
I cleared my throat to get his attention and he turned to face me.
"Why did you accept the offer?" I asked him.
It could've been very difficult for him to leave his home country and come to a strange land for a job opportunity and more....this undercover kind of work.
There was a moment of silence and he smiled..
"I-I accepted the job because of someone very dear to me".
"Is that so?" I arched an eyebrow.
He nodded his head..
"Care to elaborate?"
"Um, my Girlfriend...I wanted to pay her a surprise visit". He replied.
His girlfriend huh?
He accepted to take on the job because of a woman?
"Do you have any idea what you're up for?". I asked him.
He nodded his head...
"You know how dangerous your job is?"
He nodded again.
"And you accepted the job... because of a woman?"
I smirked and drank from my bottle again.
Women...
They're one of the causes of men's deaths.
You could say 50% death cases of men are in one way or the other caused by women.
"You said you've heard a lot about me?"
"Yes, Mr De Luca".
"Then, you must know the tale of my messengers and I?".
"Uh..no, Mr De Luca". He shook his head.
He has heard nothing about me then..
I placed my hand on his shoulder...
"I'm not a good person, I'll give you a chance to re think and if you still want to keep the job..Camelio will show you to the boys quarters".
I squeezed his shoulder lightly and left the gym room..
I walked to my room and headed for the large desk.
Multiple computers were on it and each computer had its own view.
One was a live footage from the American lady's room.
I placed my hand under my jaw, watching the screen as I saw her pacing up and down in the room.
Her baby was lying on the bed, staring at her.
The room was well lit...thus, it was easy to see a clear view of her face.
She looked confused, shocked and scared.
I wonder what's going on in her mind.
She's acting a little bit suspicious.
She stopped pacing here and there, and began to undress.
I quickly turned off the system...
I could use the hidden cameras to spy on the inhabitants of the mansion to monitor their movement...but definitely not to watch a nude show.
I sighed and plopped down to my resting chair..
đ»Regina's p.o.vđ»
How is it so hot all of a sudden?
I mean...I was probably hallucinating right?
How possible is it for Damian to arrive at this mansion?
Or....I'm just dreaming?
I pinched myself and winced in pain.
Def not a dream!
A knock on the door interrupted me from my thoughts.
I looked down at my body...
I was already half naked as I had pulled off my blouse.
I grabbed my blouse from the bed and covered my chest...just as the door was pushed open.
"I-I'm very sorry". Michael looked away quickly as soon as he laid his eyes on me.
"I thought something happened because you weren't responding".
I bit on my lower lip in embarrassment and pulled the sheets from the bed to cover myself properly.
"Are you alright? Capo said to check up on you". He said.
That's odd...
"I-I'm fine...it's fine, you can look now".
He turned slowly to face my direction and I saw his apologetic look.
How can he be so decent?
It was odd.
"It's a relief you're fine, so I'm just going to go..".
He turned to leave...
"Wait.." I stopped him..
"The uh- new messenger, what's his name?".
He seemed surprised to hear the question from me.
"Damian Wayne". He replied, nevertheless.
"He's American".
I nodded my head slowly, then watched him leave.
It's confirmed then!
My freaking boyfriend is in the same mansion with my Fiance - Pretend Fiance..
Plus, he's the new messenger...
Messenger?! He could be anything but not the messenger to the ruthless guy.
The sheets slipped down from my chest as I stood transfixed, trying to register the situation at hand.
Why in hell is Damian in Italy?!
Just then, I remembered the conversation we had earlier before I ended our call abruptly.
"I have a huge surprise for you...I hope you'll like it".
Ugh!!! Don't tell me this is the surprise...
I pressed my temples in frustration..
"No, Damian...No.." I groaned.
This is really bad.
*
As usual, I was awakened by the cries of the little one.
I opened my eyes groggily, to a new, bright morning.
I sat upright, rubbing my sleep crust eyes and stretching my body.
There was a notification sound from my phone and my eyes rested on the device, at the bedside table.
I picked up the little one and patted her, then took my phone..
There were texts from Damian..
'Hey babe, guess what?'
'I'm in Italy right now đ'
I sighed, biting the insides of my mouth.
Of course he is..
'Where are you? I'll come meet you'
I saw the last text and quickly marked it as unread.
I just hope he doesn't know I read it.
"Miss".
I heard Louisa's voice from the door and she knocked.
"Come in".
"Good morning, how was your night?"
I should seriously get used to this kinda treatment.
"Uh- Twas fine...I guess..?" I replied..
I almost spent the whole night pondering over Damian's sudden appearance.
"Breakfast is ready, you should come have your meal and prepare for the ceremony".
Ceremony?!
"What are you talking about?". I asked confused.
"Mr Marco Bianchi is having an opening ceremony for the new conglomeration, Capo will be attending.. same as his Fiancee...which is you".
"I am?" I blurted and pursed my lips.
"Oh...okay" I muttered.
"Give me the baby, I'll have her bathed, fed and dressed".
She stretched out her arms to take the little one.
Saving me from some stress..
I stood up and was about handing her over.
The little one shrieked, grabbing my blouse with her little fist as though she didn't want to let go.
She started crying all over..
"I don't think she wants to go...I'll take care of that myself". I said to Louisa.
She nodded her head in agreement and left the room.
"C'mon little one, save me from some stress too". I groaned to the baby after she left.
Her cries were piercing and irking to the ears.
Did her tattoo start to hurt again?
I began patting her all over again.
*
I was dressed up and dolled up currently as I stared back at my reflection in the big sized mirror at my dressing table.
"You're so beautiful". Louisa blushed in my stead.
She was the one who dolled me up.
She made sure to cover up the bruise on my face.
I smiled, looking back at my reflection once again..
The Royal blue formal dress brought out my curves and enhanced my skin color, making it glow than normal..
The bodice, a corset-style top with visible boning and structured cups, created a defined, hourglass silhouette of me...
Gathers on the hip, created a wrap effect and led into a waist high slit showcasing my legs and open toe heels.
The gown extended into a puddle train, where the excess fabric flowed onto the floor, adding to the formal, luxurious feel.
I didn't know I could look this gorgeous.
Back in America all I ever did was work, work, work.
Didn't have time for dress ups or attending parties.
Even if I did go out with Damian, it was for our dates and I only wore simple dresses for them.
"I love your tattoo". Louisa complimented as her eyes ran all over my body.
I stared back at the said tattoo and just realized it was visible because of the noodle strapped dress I was putting on.
"Thanks". I muttered, running my index finger on it.
"Leave princess to me, I'll look after her".
Louisa turned to look at the little one who was sleeping on the bed.
I nodded my head and smiled in appreciation once more..
"Capo's messenger will come pick you up". She said, sinking down on my bed, close to the little one.
"Alri----whoa!!!"
I blinked repeatedly...
"His messenger? You mean the new messenger?". I asked, almost panicking.
"Yes".
There was a knock right after her reply and I gasped out, staring back at the door in horror.
"There he is". She said and got up to adjust my dress the last time..
"It's time to go, enjoy your time, Miss".
No...No....No.
I rushed to the wardrobe..
I think I brought a shawl along..
I rummaged through my stuffs and finally found the black shawl.
It was my mom's, he probably won't recognize it.
I covered my hair and wrapped the shawl around my shoulder so as to cover the tattoo, then I took my sunglasses and wore it.
I don't look recognizable now.
Innit?
Louisa was staring at me with a confused look...
"It's kinda cold so I'll just stick with the shawl for now". I said to her.
Still, her eyes trailed from my head to my toes..puzzled.
"I'll be back". I flashed her a reassuring smile and left the room.
As soon as I got out, I lowered my head.
"Good morning ma'am, I'll be your escort".
Damian said, offering his arm for me to link mine with.
I shook my head in refusal and began walking away briskly..
"Watch your steps ma'am!". He called out to me and hurried over.
"Boss wouldn't be pleased if you tripped and fell".
We finally got to the car and I entered in haste.
Antonio was seated behind also, busy with a newspaper.
As soon as I entered, he diverted his attention to me.
Damian shut the door and the windows were rolled up.
Good enough, they were tinted glasses.
I sighed in relief and took of the sun shades I had on.
He arched his eyebrow as he laid his eyes on me.
Perhaps, wondering why I had the shawl and glasses on.
I quickly took off the shawl and I watched his expression change..
I arranged my hair, laying down strands of it that escaped from the bun.
His eyes rested on my tattoo and I swear I saw an impressed look from him.
"How was your night Fiancee?". He asked.
"It-It was fine...how was yours?".
I stuttered because I was completely nervous.
"Perhaps...fine, like yours". He replied and his eyes went back to the newspaper.
I didn't know what to say to him and so the ride to the ceremony was very quiet and awkward, even the chauffeur was stealing glances at us through the rear view mirror every now and then.
We finally arrived at the event hall and I was helped out of the car by Antonio who shocked me with his gentlemanly behavior.
I linked my hand with his and we were strolling into the hall.
Reporters swarm the area, making my eyes grow wide.
I felt exposed..
They began taking pictures and I bit on my lip nervously...
Other couples were arriving also but it felt like the reporters were focused on us..
Antonio and I
"Do you feel tensed because of the paparazzi and reporters?". He asked as his eyes were on my fingers that clutched tightly to his clothes.
I didn't notice I held on to him so tight.
I lowered my head, nodding.
He whispered something to the two bodyguards behind us and then, led me into the hall.
Halfway in, I turned to see the men shoving the stubborn reporters off, stopping them from going further.
"Queenie!".
I sighted Giovanni walking up to us with a champagne bottle and glass.
"You look very beautiful, are all american women this tempting?".
"Don't start, Giovanni". Antonio said, rolling his eyes.
"Where's Marco?".
"Over there, talking business with some tycoons".
Giovanni pointed towards a direction and we turned to see Marco discussing with three older men.
Then, he leaned in towards Antonio and whispered..
"Non sapevo che questa donna potesse sembrare cosĂŹ sexy".
Antonio sighed, not interested in his talks.
"Hai giĂ fatto qualcosa con lei?"
"Speak in English, either ways she understands you". Antonio replied him and collected the bottle of champagne from him.
1st Translation: I didn't know this woman could look so sexy.
2nd Translation: Have you done anything with her yet?
I looked away, trying to help myself out from the awkwardness.
"Seriously? You understand Italian?". Giovanni faced me.
"Capisci cosa ho detto? il che significa che hai capito tutto quello che ho detto prima, in albergo?".
(You understand what I said? which means you understood everything I said before, in the hotel?)
I slowly nodded my head, as I didn't want to ignore him.
"Questa donna Ăš fantastica!"
(This woman is amazing!)
He gasped out to himself..
"Can you speak also?"
I nodded my head again..
"Come mai non hai mai detto nulla sulla comprensione dell'italiano?"
(How come you never said anything about understanding Italian?)
He asked, watching me intently..
"Non l'hai mai chiesto". I replied in Italian.
(You never asked)
He had an impressed look..
"Even your accent is beautiful".
"Go, Giovanni...". Antonio groaned.
"Antonio!". A perked up lady appeared before us..
"See you around, Queenie ". Giovanni winked at me, then left to meet Marco.
Antonio stared back at the lady with a plain expression.
"Hey...hi". She greeted, then her eyes came to mine..
"Who's she?" She eyed me..
"None of your business, Elena". He replied.
"Hi, I'm Elena, I'm Antonio's girlfriend".
She stretched out her hand towards me with a cocky look on her face as she sized me up slowly with her eyes.
I stared back at her hand, contemplating on shaking it or not...
She seemed to be looking down on me as she was almost undressing me with her fiery eyes.
"Elena...."
"I'm Regina, Antonio's Fiancée". I finally replied, cutting Antonio off who was about to speak.
I stared at her hand which was still hanging...
"Sorry, I don't do handshakes.... Hygienic caution". I said, then faked a smile.
I saw her eyes grow wide in horror, then she dropped her hand slowly..
A scoff came from her..
"Fiancée?" She sucked her teeth, clearly pissed as she turned to face Antonio.
"What is she saying?"
"I think she was clear enough". He replied.
"What?" She scoffed again..
"I'm busy right now, Elena... don't interrupt". He said to her, then offered his arm for me to escort him elsewhere.
*
Back at the mansion...
"There's a problem, Capo". Camelio rushed towards us just as we arrived from the ceremony.
"What is it?" Antonio asked him.
"The Germans were here earlier and the new messenger got in the leader's bad side".
He sighed...
"Talking about incompetence..."
"Louisa was harassed because of him". Camelio added.
"Those fuckin' Germans touched my maid?!". He clenched his fist, enraged.
Talking about mood swings.
Looks like he cherished Louisa...
And what has Damian done for crying out loud?!
He should know better than piss Antonio off.
"I came in time to interfere before she was about to be assaulted".
"Where's the messenger?!". He growled.
"At the boys quarters". Camelio replied.
"And Louisa?".
"Crying in her room".
"Round up the boys....bring me the head of the german who touched my maid, as for the rest of them, paralyze them completely". Antonio ordered.
"Yes, Capo". Camelio bowed.
"Send the messenger to the basement, I'll teach him a lesson".
My heart almost skipped a beat.
What could Damian have done?
Antonio turned to face me after Camelio left.
"Sorry you had to hear that, if you'd excuse me I have to do something now".
He was almost leaving when I grabbed his arm..
What was he gonna do to Damian?
"Uh- don't you think you should rest? You must be tired". I said.
He was confused at my actions..
"I'm fine, it was just a ceremony... nothing to stress about". He removed my hand from holding his arm and left..
I bit down on my lip... helplessly.
He would kill Damian...I'm sure of it.
His anger at the moment didn't seem like he was gonna go easy on him.
I don't want him hurting Damian.
"Antonio".
I called out to him as he was already halfway towards the basement.
He stopped and turned to face me, his anger visible...I feared for my life also..
Screw it!
I ran towards him and pressed my lips against his..
I withdrew to see his reaction and he has never looked more confused than how he looked at the moment.
"What are you doing?". He asked.
"I dunno, what am I doing De Luca?". I asked in hushed whispers as I undid my hair and allowed it flow freely down my shoulders, then kissed him again.
"Which way to your room?".
I whispered in his ear...
"You seem stressed, I'll help you relax, Fiance".
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