TWISTED DESIRE

DARK PROMISES

Vanessa lay in Alessio's arms, her body still humming from the intensity of what they had just shared. His fingers traced lazy patterns across her skin, but his mind seemed elsewhere, his jaw tight, his usual smirk replaced by something more serious.

She frowned, shifting slightly to look up at him. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

Alessio's eyes flickered, meeting hers briefly before he sighed and leaned back against the headboard. His arm tightened around her waist, pulling her closer as if he wasn't ready to let go just yet.

"There's always something, amore," he muttered, his tone distant. "When you're in my world, nothing stays quiet for long."

Vanessa's stomach tightened. It was a reminder she didn't need. She had known from the moment she stepped into Alessio's life that peace would always be fleeting, and danger was never far away. Still, the way his mood had shifted after their moment together left her uneasy.

"What is it?" she pressed, refusing to let him brush her off.

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he was debating whether or not to tell her. Then, with a heavy sigh, he ran a hand through his dark hair, his expression hardening.

"I've been dealing with someone," Alessio admitted, his voice low. "Someone who thinks they can take what's mine."

Vanessa's heart skipped a beat, her pulse quickening. The possessiveness in his voice was undeniable, and while part of her bristled at the idea of being 'owned,' there was a thrill to it too, knowing Alessio would do anything to protect her. But this was more than just about her. His world was full of threats—people who wanted power, control, everything he had built.

"And?" Vanessa prompted, her eyes searching his face for answers.

Alessio's jaw clenched. "And they've been getting too close. I've been letting things slide, giving them enough rope to hang themselves, but it's time to end this."

There was a cold finality to his words, a hint of the ruthless man he truly was. Vanessa had seen glimpses of this side of Alessio before, but it never failed to send a shiver down her spine. He wasn't just dangerous—he was lethal. And when he made a decision, there was no turning back.

She sat up slightly, her hand resting on his chest. "Who are they?"

His eyes flicked to hers, and for a moment, she thought he wouldn't answer. Then, with a bitter smile, he said, "An old rival. Someone who thinks they can take my territory, my power... you."

Vanessa's breath caught in her throat. "Me?"

Alessio nodded, his gaze darkening. "They've been watching, waiting. But now they've crossed a line. They threatened what's mine."

Vanessa's pulse raced. The idea that someone out there was targeting her because of Alessio was terrifying. She had known that being with him came with risks, but hearing it laid out so plainly brought a whole new level of reality crashing down on her.

"What are you going to do?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alessio's smirk returned, but there was no humor in it. "What I always do, amore. I'm going to make sure they regret ever laying eyes on you."

The cold edge to his words sent a shiver through her, but Vanessa couldn't deny the way her body reacted to him—the way the danger only seemed to heighten her attraction to him. He was like a storm—wild, unpredictable, and destructive—and yet, she couldn't help but be drawn to him.

"You don't have to protect me," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I can handle myself."

Alessio's eyes softened slightly, but his expression remained firm. "I know you can. But this isn't just about you, Vanessa. It's about sending a message."

Vanessa frowned, sitting up fully now. "A message?"

Alessio nodded, his gaze unwavering. "That no one touches what's mine. Not without facing the consequences."

There it was again—that possessiveness that both thrilled and frustrated her. But Vanessa knew better than to argue. Alessio was a man who ruled through power and fear, and in his world, showing weakness could be fatal.

"What do you need me to do?" she asked, her voice calm and resolute.

Alessio raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by her question. "You're not going to argue with me? No fiery speeches about independence and how you don't belong to anyone?"

Vanessa smirked, crossing her arms over her chest. "I know better than to argue with you when you've already made up your mind. Besides, you're right. This isn't just about me."

Alessio's lips twitched into a smile, but his eyes remained serious. "Smart girl."

He reached out, pulling her back to him, his hand cradling the back of her neck as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'll take care of this. You just stay close."

Vanessa nodded, though a sense of unease lingered in the pit of her stomach. She trusted Alessio, but she also knew that his world was unpredictable. Anything could happen, and she needed to be ready.

Alessio's phone buzzed on the nightstand, breaking the tension. He glanced at the screen, his expression hardening as he read the message.

"It's time," he muttered, slipping out of bed and grabbing his clothes from the floor.

Vanessa watched him dress, her mind racing. Something was happening, something big, and Alessio was about to step into the eye of the storm.

"What are you going to do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alessio glanced at her, his eyes dark and determined. "I'm going to remind them who I am."