𝒫𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓃𝓃𝑒

Chapter 6

Alessio leaned against the railing of his private balcony, the soft breeze from the sea tousling his dark hair. He took a long drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling lazily into the air as he looked out over the expansive grounds of the villa. Below him, the private beach stretched out in all its pristine glory, a slice of paradise tucked away behind the villa's grandeur.

From his vantage point, Alessio had a clear view of Eleanor. She lay sprawled on a sun lounger, her figure highlighted by the sunlight that glinted off her tanned skin. Her long curls cascaded down her back, a rich, dark mane that framed her face and contrasted vividly against the pale sand. She was wearing a swimsuit that accentuated her curves—her perky backside and shapely legs making an impression that Alessio found both distracting and compelling.

He watched her with a mix of fascination and reluctant admiration. The sight of her, so relaxed and unburdened by the complexities of their world, was both intriguing and oddly unsettling. Alessio had to admit, she was stunning. There was a raw, undeniable beauty to her that he found hard to ignore. Her every movement, from adjusting her position to occasionally reaching for a drink, seemed to draw his attention involuntarily.

It was a new experience for Alessio. Having a woman in the house was unusual, and her presence brought a strange dynamic to the usually male-dominated environment. He tried to suppress the flicker of desire that flared up whenever he saw her. She was alluring in a way that made it difficult for him to maintain his usual composure. The thought of her lying there, completely unaware of the effect she had on him, stirred a sense of possessiveness within him.

He knew it was inappropriate, and he was determined to keep his focus on his responsibilities. There were more pressing matters at hand, and he couldn't afford to let his personal feelings interfere with the way he managed her presence in his life. However, he couldn't help but think about the implications of having someone like Eleanor around. It wasn't just her looks; it was the way she seemed to evoke a certain kind of reaction in everyone around her, including him.

Alessio took another drag from his cigarette, his gaze lingering on Eleanor. The idea of a night with her was tempting, but he knew he had to tread carefully. He had no intention of letting anyone else get close to her. The notion of her being with someone else—especially in the way he imagined—was unthinkable. He had made a promise to himself to keep her safe and secure, but that didn't mean he couldn't be distracted by his desires.

He exhaled slowly, watching the smoke drift away as he considered the delicate balance he had to maintain. Eleanor was now a part of his world, and navigating this new dynamic was proving to be both challenging and strangely exhilarating. For now, he would keep his distance, focus on his duties, and let her enjoy the luxury of the villa. But deep down, Alessio knew that the more time he spent around her, the harder it would be to ignore the pull she had on him.

...

Eleanor finally peeled herself off the sun lounger, her skin warm and pleasantly sun-kissed. The beach had been a welcome escape, and she found herself lost in thought as she packed up her things. The feeling of the sand beneath her feet, the gentle lapping of the waves, and the expansive beauty of the beach had all contributed to a rare moment of contentment. She imagined a future filled with such luxuries—perhaps marrying someone wealthy, enjoying private beaches, and opulent life for the rest of her life.

She shook her head, trying to refocus. That was a future that seemed far off, and for now, she had to adapt to her present circumstances. Eleanor knew she had to make an effort to fit in and find a way to make her life here more bearable. She resolved to start by making genuine connections with those around her, beginning with Jay. He had been the only one to offer her a semblance of friendliness so far, and she felt a natural inclination towards him.

With renewed determination, Eleanor headed back into the villa. The grand interior welcomed her with its cool, refreshing air, a stark contrast to the heat of the beach. She made her way through the house, her footsteps echoing softly in the spacious hallways until she reached Jay's room.

She knocked lightly on the door and waited. When there was no immediate response, she knocked again, a little louder this time. The door swung open, revealing Jay with a friendly smile. "Hey, Eleanor. What's up?"

"Hi, Jay. I was wondering if you had a moment. I'd like to hang out or maybe do something together. I could use a friend right now," Eleanor said, trying to sound casual despite her nerves.

Jay's smile widened as he stepped aside to let her in. "Of course. I'm just finishing up some work, but I've got a bit of free time now. What do you have in mind?"

Eleanor took a deep breath, feeling a bit more at ease now that she was inside. "I'm not sure. I thought we could just talk, maybe do something fun around the house. I'm still getting used to everything here."

Jay nodded, understanding her predicament. "I get it. It's a lot to take in. How about we check out the cinema room or the garden? There's always something to do around here, and it might be nice to just hang out and get to know each other."

Eleanor's face lit up with a genuine smile. "That sounds perfect. Lead the way."

As they walked together through the villa, Eleanor felt a glimmer of hope. Jay's easygoing demeanor and willingness to include her made her feel more at ease. She could already tell that making friends, starting with Jay, was going to be an essential part of her adjustment to this new life.

They made their way to the cinema room first, where Jay showed her the impressive setup—a huge screen, plush seating, and an extensive collection of movies. Eleanor marveled at the luxury of it all, feeling a bit more like she belonged.

After exploring the cinema room, they moved to the garden. It was an expansive space filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Eleanor admired the beauty of the place, feeling a sense of calm wash over her.

Jay, noticing her appreciation, chatted casually about the garden and the various features of the villa. Eleanor listened intently, asking questions and genuinely engaging in the conversation. For the first time since her arrival, she felt a spark of excitement about the future.

After they toured the villa, Jay and Eleanor parted ways. Jay was headed into Luca's office, leaving Eleanor with nothing to do but wander the grand, echoing halls of the villa. Her sense of isolation had only deepened with the silence that followed Jay's departure.

As she passed by Alessio's office, she heard voices coming from inside. The door was ajar, and curiosity pulled her closer. She could see Alessio standing with a man she hadn't met before. The stranger had a rugged, assertive presence and was currently eyeing Eleanor with an unsettling intensity.

The man's gaze followed Eleanor as she lingered near the door. "Who's the new girl, Alessio?"

Before she could retreat, Eleanor heard the man's voice again, now filled with an appalling tone. "Is she another one of your sluts up for grabs? I'll take her off your hands for a small price."

The words struck Eleanor like a physical blow. He thought she was a prostitute. She was about to pull away and make a hasty exit when a sudden, sharp sound pierced the air—a gunshot. Eleanor froze, her breath catching in her throat.

Alessio's face was a mask of rage as he stood over the now lifeless body of the man, who had slumped to the floor. The gun smoke lingered in the room, mingling with the shocked silence that followed. Alessio's anger was palpable as he stared at the fallen man, his eyes burning with fury.

Eleanor, her heart pounding in her chest, turned quickly and fled down the corridor. She could barely process what had just happened; the fear and confusion were overwhelming. She rushed back to her room, locking the door behind her.

"Clean this up!" Alessio shouted to his men, his shirt covered in blood. He had no idea why the man's words affected him so much.

He shouldn't have let his words get to him.

He shouldn't have aimed his gun.

He shouldn't have shot him, while she was standing there.

Fuck. She was standing there.

And now she was gone.