UNDER

Prologue

Layla Maiastri's world was shrouded in darkness, her vision completely blocked by the tight leather eyeblinders strapped over her eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest as she was led onto the auction stage, her hands bound in front of her. The murmur of the crowd reached her ears-men's voices, cold and calculating, as they sized her up like livestock. Every sound seemed amplified, the tension suffocating her as she stood there, vulnerable and exposed.

"Lot 27," the auctioneer's voice rang out, smooth and professional, "a very rare find, gentlemen-untamed, fierce, and resilient little lady. Perfect for a discerning buyer looking for a challenge."

Layla's stomach churned with disgust, but she forced herself to remain still, biting down her fear. The bidding started, the numbers climbing quickly as powerful men vied for ownership of her. The sensation of being reduced to nothing more than a prize to be won filled her with a sense of helplessness she had never known before.

Then, cutting through the heated bidding, a deep, commanding voice made the final bid: "Five million."

The room fell into an eerie silence. Layla could feel the collective intake of breath from the crowd, as if everyone was holding back, unwilling to challenge the man who had just spoken. Though she couldn't see him, she knew exactly who he was. The name Romeo Moretti was infamous-a mafia boss whose power and influence reached far beyond the underworld.

"Sold! To Mr. Romeo Moretti for five million," the auctioneer declared, his tone filled with a mix of awe and respect.

Layla's heart sank. She had heard stories about this man-dark, terrifying stories that made her blood run cold. And now she belonged to him-his possession.

A hand gripped her arm, pulling her off the stage with a force that made her stumble. She was led through a maze of corridors, her vision still obscured, her mind racing with fear and dread. The sounds around her changed-the clatter of footsteps on marble replaced by the distant echo of water lapping against something solid.

Suddenly, she felt the cool night air on her skin, the scent of saltwater hitting her senses. She could hear the distant hum of an engine, the creaking of wood, and the soft slosh of water against a boat. They were at a dock.

Without a word, she was guided onto what felt like a boat, the floor swaying slightly beneath her feet. The sounds of footsteps indicated that several others had boarded with her, but the dominant presence was unmistakable-Romeo.

"Remove the blindfold," Romeo ordered, his voice a low rumble.

A pair of hands unfastened the straps of the eyeblinders, and Sofia blinked against the sudden influx of light. She found herself on a sleek, luxurious speedboat, the dark waters of the sea stretching out endlessly around them. The lights of the city were a distant glow on the horizon, barely visible in the darkness of the night.

Romeo stood near the helm, his gaze fixed on her. His features were sharp and striking, his dark eyes holding an intensity that made her pulse quicken with fear. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, his presence dominating the small space. Around them, a few of his men stood, their expressions blank but alert.

"Sit," Romeo commanded, nodding toward one of the cushioned seats. Layla hesitated for a moment but obeyed, knowing she had little choice.

As soon as she was seated, the boat's engine roared to life. They sped away from the dock, the city's lights fading into the distance as they cut through the dark waters. The wind whipped through Romeo's hair, the cold biting at her skin, but she remained silent, her mind racing with questions.

"Where are you taking me?" she finally asked, her voice barely audible over the sound of the engine.

Romeo's eyes flicked to her, his expression unreadable. "Who said you're allowed to speak?" his tone calm but firm.

"I allowed myself." Layla replied, not to mention her heart still pounding with fear.

Romeo scoffed, looking away and taking sight of the dark sea under the moon. "Very well, Layla," he looked back at her, "I'm taking you to my place, you'll stay there until I decide what to do with you."

The implication of his words sent a chill down Layla's spine. She was being taken to an isolated place, far from any chance of rescue or escape. But she forced herself to stay composed, refusing to show him any more fear than he had already seen.

As they sped across the open sea, the lights of a large island came into view, growing larger with each passing moment. The island was vast, covered in dense forest, with a sprawling estate nestled among the trees. It was a fortress, far from prying eyes, where Romeo's power was absolute.

The boat slowed as they approached a private dock, and Layla's heart pounded in her chest. She had no idea what awaited her on this island, but one thing was certain-she was now at the mercy of a man who was known to show none.