𝒫𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓃𝓃𝑒

Chapter 10

Eleanor stood in front of the full-length mirror in her room, smoothing down the soft fabric of her dress. The sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the room in a warm glow, but she barely noticed. Her mind was elsewhere, replaying the events of the past few days. It felt like everything had changed since Alessio had sat her down and told her the truth about the world she now found herself in.

The mafia.

Even now, the word seemed foreign to her. She had heard stories about organized crime, of course, but it had always felt distant, like something from a movie or a book—not her reality. And yet, here she was, living in a luxurious villa in Italy, surrounded by men who were part of that world. Men who were dangerous, powerful, and—she was beginning to realize—extremely protective of her.

She shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. Today, she had to focus on something else. Alessio had been distant since their last conversation, and Eleanor had felt the shift. He was colder, more guarded. She understood why, but it didn't make it any easier to deal with. There was a tension between them now, one she wasn't sure how to resolve.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. Eleanor turned, her heart skipping a beat. She half expected it to be Alessio, but when the door opened, it was Luca who stepped inside.

"Morning," he greeted her with a smile, his tone light. "You ready for the day?"

Eleanor forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose."

Luca's smile faltered slightly, and he studied her with a knowing look. "You don't have to put on a brave face for me, you know. I can tell you're still processing everything."

Eleanor sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's a lot to take in. I feel like my whole life just... flipped upside down."

Luca nodded, understanding. "It's a big change. But you're handling it well, all things considered."

"Am I?" she asked, her voice small. "Because I don't feel like I am."

"You are," Luca reassured her. "And if it helps, we're all here for you. You're part of this family now, whether you like it or not."

Eleanor's heart swelled at his words, and she felt a pang of gratitude. Luca had always been kind to her, even when she had felt like an outsider in this strange new world. But as comforting as his words were, they didn't fully alleviate her anxiety.

"Thanks, Luca," she said softly. "I appreciate it."

He nodded, then gestured to the door. "Come on. We should head downstairs. Alessio wants to go over a few things with you before the day starts."

Eleanor's stomach flipped at the mention of Alessio's name. The last thing she wanted was another tense encounter with him, but she knew she couldn't avoid him forever. Nodding, she followed Luca out of the room and down the grand staircase.

As they made their way to Alessio's office, Eleanor couldn't help but notice how quiet the house was. The usual bustling energy seemed subdued, and it only added to the uneasy feeling in her chest. When they reached the office, Luca knocked lightly before opening the door.

Alessio was seated behind his desk, papers scattered in front of him. He looked up as they entered, his eyes immediately locking onto Eleanor's. For a moment, she thought she saw something soft in his gaze, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

"Sit," he said, his tone firm but not unkind.

Eleanor sat down in the chair opposite his desk, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Luca remained standing by the door, watching the exchange silently.