LOVING HIS CAPTIVE MAFIA

Alessia

Exhausted yet excited, I finally stepped out of the airport terminal, my trolley clattering along behind me. A sharp breath escaped my lips as I took in the sight before me, my eyes wide with disbelief. Italy. I was actually in Italy, and what's more, the trip wasn't putting a dent in my bank account. Winning this all-expenses-paid journey was a dream come true, even if Italy wasn't exactly my top bucket-list destination. Still, the attraction of the country had always held a special place in my heart, thanks to the countless pictures I'd seen on the news and social media.

Just as I let the thrill of the moment wash over me, my phone rang, jolting me from my reverie. With a smile tugging at my lips, I swiped to answer, holding the phone to my ear. "Hey Mom," I greeted, my voice a mix of excitement and fatigue. "I've arrived safely. Don't worry, I'll fill you in on everything once I'm settled in my hotel room. Give Dad a hug for me. Love you, Mom."

Before she could respond, I quickly ended the call, not waiting for the stream of questions and concerns that would follow. Slipping my phone back into my jeans pocket, I took a deep breath, savoring the moment. The thought of sharing my journey with my parents was comforting, but right now, I was going to soak in the thrill of this adventure on my own.

With a grin still lingering on my face, I stepped closer to the curb and hailed a taxi. The driver began speaking in rapid Italian, and relief washed over me. Thankfully, Italian was one of the languages I had learned along with French and Spanish. I responded in kind, providing the address of my hotel. As the taxi pulled away from the curb, I settled back in the seat, ready to embrace the next chapter of this unexpected escapade.

My mind returned to the thrilling news that had landed me in Italy. The excitement had yet to fully sink in, and I found myself replaying the events that had led to this incredible opportunity. My role as an event planner at the prestigious international event management company in New York had certainly opened doors, but it was the recent high-profile gala project that had proven to be the game-changer.

Working tirelessly on behalf of a renowned fashion brand, I had thrown myself into the task of an unforgettable event. Every detail, from the elegant decor to the flawless execution of the runway show, had been planned and executed. The moment the event concluded with resounding success, my heart swelled with pride. The satisfaction of a job well done was reward enough, or so I had thought.

It was the client's unexpected offer of an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy that had truly caught me off guard. As I gazed out of the taxi's window at the unfamiliar streets, I felt a sense of overwhelming happiness. It wasn't just about the journey itself; it was the recognition of my hard work that had left me feeling both honored and humbled.

The taxi came to a halt in front of a breathtaking hotel that made my mouth drop open in awe. The sight before me was beyond anything I could have imagined. A five-star, if not seven-star, establishment greeted me, oozing luxury from every corner. As I walked towards the entrance, my curiosity grew. However, nothing could have prepared me for the extravagance that awaited within those grand doors.

As I walked into the lobby, my jaw practically hit the floor. The interior was a realm of elegance, adorned with intricate designs and a level of luxury that left me momentarily speechless. It was as though I had stepped into a world far removed from my own, and I couldn't wait to immerse myself in this unparalleled experience.

Approaching the reception desk, I was greeted by a polite woman with a warm smile. "Good evening, ma'am. How may I assist you?" she asked in a professional tone that instantly put me at ease.

I smiled back, my excitement evident. "Hi there. I'm Alessia Marino. I believe there's a reservation under my name."

The receptionist's fingers danced across the keyboard, and I fished out the card that had been given to me for my journey. My gaze shifted from the receptionist's hands to the elegant lobby around me, taking in the sophisticated decor that seemed to reflect the very essence of Italy.

After a moment, the receptionist looked up from her screen, her smile still in place. "Ah, yes, Ms. Marino. Just one moment, please." She turned her attention to a nearby laptop, her fingers tapping away as she accessed the reservation system.

My heart raced with a mix of anticipation and wonder as I watched her work. This was it, the beginning of a new adventure that promised to be unlike anything I had ever experienced.

Her smile returned as she looked back at me. "Thank you for your patience, Ms. Marino. Everything is in order. One of our staff members will be with you shortly to assist you with your room key and any other information you may need."

I nodded, my excitement growing with each passing second. "Thank you so much."

My eyes widened as I stepped into the room, my mouth literally hanging open in disbelief. It was as though I had walked into a realm of pure luxury. The grandeur of the space was beyond anything I had ever experienced. Every detail, from the exquisite furnishings to the elegant decor, spoke of opulence.

As the person in charge of bringing me to my room explained the extravagances and features, I absorbed the information with a mixture of awe and disbelief. A king-sized bed that seemed fit for royalty beckoned to me, and without a second thought, I crashed onto it, my fingers ruffling the plush bedding. I couldn't help but blurt out, "I can't believe this... it's like a life of luxury I've only dreamed of."