In a world where shadows whisper secrets and danger lurks behind every corner, Amelia finds herself ensnared in a web of manipulation and desire. The daughter of the notorious crime lord, Victor DeLuca, she lives a life dictated by her father's ruth...
I gaze up at the ceiling, watching as the moonlight dances across the room, casting an ethereal glow on the dark recesses of my mind. The thought echoes through my mind like a mantra: Am I going to hell?
Kallis lies beside me, his chest rising and falling with each gentle snore. His arm is tucked behind his head, while the other rests across his eyes, as if shielding himself from the world. One leg is hiked up almost towards his chest, a pose that exudes vulnerability. I glance at him, and for a moment, I see a glimmer of the man he claims to be – a savior, a protector.
But at what cost?
I bite my bottom lip as I feel a pang of guilt. He whimpers in his sleep, a soft cry that tugs at my heartstrings. I sit up, careful not to disturb him, and make my way to the window on tiptoes. The cool glass against my skin is a welcome respite from the turmoil brewing inside me.
As I gaze out at the moon, tears begin to fall, silent and unchecked. I wipe them away, wondering if I'm crying for myself, for the person I used to be. I don't recognize myself anymore, not after everything I've been through. The basement, the auction, Kallis... it's all taken a toll on me.
But I'm glad to be out of the basement, away from the darkness and the fear.
I lean against the window, feeling the coolness seep into my skin, and let my thoughts wander. My father sold me off, like I'm some pawn in his twisted game. I'm a marionette, and Kallis is the puppet master, pulling the strings and controlling my every move.
I feel his presence behind me, but this time, it's tender, gentle. He pushes my hair to the side and kisses the nape of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. His large hand wraps around my waist, pulling me into his chest.
"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice low and husky.
I nod, not bothering to look at him. I wipe my eyes once more, trying to compose myself.
But he turns me around, and his eyes lock onto my tear-stained face. Concern etches his features, and his large fingers wipe away my tears. He leans in, kissing my eyes, and then cups my face between his hands, pressing his forehead to mine. His breathing is heavy, and his lips brush against mine in a soft, tender kiss.
"What's wrong?" he asks, breaking away from me, his eyes searching mine.
I look up at him, and for a moment, I see a glimmer of understanding. "My father," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "He's involved in sex trafficking. He sold me off."
Kallis' jaw clenches, and his eyes flash with anger. But then, his expression softens, and he looks at me apologetically.
"I need to speak with him," I say, my voice firm.
Kallis' jaw clenches again, and his eyes narrow. "No," he growls, his voice low and menacing.
I push against him, trying to create some distance between us. "Please, Kallis," I plead, almost begging. "I need to know why. I need to know what's going on."
But he grabs my hair, spinning me back around, and slams his mouth down on mine. I slap at his chest, trying to push him away, but I'm pinned against the wall, his tongue prying between my lips, his arm around the small of my back.
"Please," I plead against his mouth, trying to break free.
But he's relentless, his kiss consuming me, dominating me.
"No," he growls, his voice muffled against my lips.
And with that one word, I know I'm trapped, caught in a web of darkness and desire, with no escape in sight.
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I'm jolted awake by Lena's voice, echoing through the room in a mixture of shock and disgust. "You've got to be fucking kidding me, K! You're fucking her?" she yells, her words dripping with venom.
I turn to see Lena standing in the doorway, her eyes blazing with anger. She's a petite woman, with short, spiky black hair and piercing blue eyes that seem to bore into my soul. Her features are delicate, but her expression is anything but. She's dressed in a black tank top and leggings, her arms crossed over her chest as she glares at Kallis.
Kallis waves her off, his back still turned to me as he rolls onto his side. "Lena, not now," he growls, his voice low and menacing.
But Lena is undeterred. She stalks over to the bed, her eyes flashing with anger, and smacks at Kallis' arm. "You idiot, K! We're working to bring down Victor DeLuca, and you're sleeping with his daughter? The Princess of the DeLuca empire?"
Kallis looks up at her, his eyes narrowing in annoyance, and maybe even a hint of anger. But Lena doesn't back down. She smacks him again, her hand cracking against his skin.
"Stop it, Lena," Kallis warns, his voice rising.
But Lena is relentless. "You're going to blow our cover, K! She's going to ruin everything we've worked for!"
Kallis protests, arguing with Lena like they're siblings. But I can sense the tension between them, the underlying anger and frustration.
Finally, Kallis pushes up from the bed, towering over Lena as he looks back at me. "Shower, Amelia," he orders, his voice firm. "I'll deal with Lena."
I hesitate, unsure of what to do. But Kallis' expression darkens, and he takes a step closer to me. "Now, Amelia," he growls, his voice menacing. "Don't make me throw you in there myself. Fucking get in the shower!"
I flinch at his words, feeling a surge of fear. But I know better than to disobey him. I scramble out of bed, my heart racing as I make my way to the shower.
As I step under the hot water, I can still hear Kallis and Lena arguing in the background. Their voices are muffled, but the tension between them is palpable.
I close my eyes, letting the water wash over me, and wonder what I've gotten myself into.
