SIN
My eyes shut, my fingers tracing the expensive silk of the sheets, searching for the heat of a body. I felt for Alessandro, but all I found was the cold, hollow imprint of where he'd been. My eyes fluttered open, squinting as the room was flooded with the unapologetic glare of the morning sun pouring in from the balcony.
I stayed still for a moment, letting the warmth of the bed anchor me. It was so quiet. So still. I took a deep breath, the scent of his cologne still clinging to the pillows, and exhaled as I sat up.
I looked around, truly seeing the room for the first time. Last night, it had been a blur of shadows and desperate hands, but in the daylight, it was a masterpiece of arrogance. The walls were adorned with hand-painted frescoes of falling empires, and the furniture was heavy, dark mahogany with gold leaf filigree that caught the light. It wasn't just a bedroom; it was a statement of wealth so vast it felt suffocating.
I stretched, my muscles aching in a way that reminded me of my victory, and looked to the empty side of the bed. "Where could he have gone?" I mused, stepping onto the marble floor. The cold impact shot up my legs, grounding me. I grabbed my robe, tying it tight as I made my way to the balcony.
I didn't waste a second. I looked up toward the higher balcony…Matteo's territory…but the space was dead. No wine glass. No shadow. Just empty stone.
I stepped back inside when suddenly, the double doors flew open. I flinched, my hand instinctively darting toward my thigh where a knife should have been. Two men in sharp suits stood there. They saw the flash of lethal intent in my eyes and apologized so quickly it was almost comical.
"How may I help you?" I asked, my voice like ice.
They bowed in sync. "Sir Alessandro requested we show you around the mansion once you'd awakened, Miss."
I let out a short, dry chuckle, crossing my legs as I sat on the edge of the bed. "And where is he now?"
The men traded a shocked, nervous glance. I realized then that my voice hadn't been that of a "guest." It had been a command. The vibe in the room shifted; they weren't looking at a girlfriend, they were looking at a threat.
I quickly smoothed my expression, forcing a wide, dazzlingly fake smile. "I'm only asking because I'm worried. I woke up and he was gone... I felt so lost."
The guards chuckled to themselves, visibly relaxing. "You don't have to worry about Sir Alessandro. He can perfectly take care of himself."
I tilted my head, mocking them in my mind. He has a woman in his room he's only known for a few days. I could have slit his throat in his sleep and vanished, sparking a war that would burn both our families to the ground. That is what I wanted, eventually. But first, I needed the Caruso name back.
"That's nice to hear," I said softly. "And the other brothers? Are they around to keep me company?"
"No one at the moment," the guard replied. "They all left for work hours ago."
So the house is mine, I thought, a wicked spark lighting up my chest.
"Please," I smirked, standing up. "Lead the way."
The tour was a blur of opulence. The mansion was a labyrinth of grand staircases, art galleries filled with looted history, and a ballroom that could fit a small army. Every corner whispered of the Ricci's power.
"So," I asked as we walked through a corridor lined with tall, arched windows. "Do Mr. and Mrs. Ricci stay here as well?"
The two guards stopped, a heavy silence falling between them.
"Alessandro told me a bit about his parents," I lied, my voice dripping with false sympathy. "He says they aren't exactly the most welcoming people. He tells me everything, you know. I know all the Ricci secrets."
They remained tight-lipped. I chuckled, the sound sharp and predatory. "Alessandro left me in your care to tell me what I need to know. And I believe if you were to go against his desires to keep me 'informed,' he'd probably have your heads for it."
I gave them a sweet, poisonous smile. They both looked suddenly pale.
"I guess killing would come very easy for him if he found out his staff was being difficult," I added. "So... do they live here?"
"No," one answered quickly, clearing his throat. "There are various estates. This is just one of them. The brothers barely stay here together…we were shocked they all remained last night."
"Hmm. And the Don? Where does he hide?"
"We don't have that information. The Don comes here once in a while, but it's very rare."
I took a deep breath. Meeting the head of the snake was going to be a hassle.
We reached the grand foyer near the main entrance when the heavy front doors groaned open. A group of women filed in, dressed in thigh-high boots, smeared lipstick, and clothes that were more string than fabric. They were being ushered in by hefty bodyguards like cattle.
"Who are those girls?" I asked, pausing the tour.
"Oh. They are likely here for Sir Luca."
"Luca? I thought you said everyone left for work?"
"Well," the guard whispered, leaning in. "Sir Luca has a habit of never following orders. He does as he pleases, especially where work is concerned."
I ran a finger over my lower lip, watching the girls disappear into a side wing. "And he's allowed to bring... those... in here?"
"There's a rule against it, but Sir Luca has been breaking rules since he could walk."
A slow, dark plan began to form in my mind. Luca was the wild card. The impulsive one. The one who didn't think. If Alessandro was the heart and Matteo was the brain, Luca was the gut…and the gut is always the easiest to rupture.
"Take me to his room," I commanded.
They hesitated, looking at each other with pure terror.
"Now."