Contracted to the Mafia Don

za'

mocking my every breath. My hands trembled as I gripped the edges, unwilling to accept the truth. My

en V

uthless mafia boss who ruled the city like a tyrant-sounded like bad rumors at firs

ere was no way to escape. My father had always promised me things would get better, that he'd st

st. I closed my eyes, trying to calm the storm inside me, but the anxiety

know it was him. I could hear the unsteady footsteps, the sme

e small apartment, frantic. "El

swaying beneath me. I didn't want to hear it. I d

own his forehead. His eyes were wide, bloodshot, filled w

d?" I asked, though

e... I've done something bad

rely managing to meet my gaze. "There's a man...

e of the counter to steady myself. "A million?"

e reality of the situation settled in. "

muttered, his voi

of it sent a chill down my spine. Damien Viera-the man who ran this city with an iron fist, whose name w

e name tasting like poison on my

back. I thought the gambling-if I just gambled one last time, I could win i

terror in his voice-his desperation

heavy footsteps. Two men walked into the room, tall, imposing figures with cold eye

men asked. His voice was fl

y heart thudded in my chest, my mind

finally managed

man said, his tone like gravel

st painful. "You have to go, Eliza. You don't

demanded, my voic

hand clamping onto my arm. "You d

grip was unyielding. Fear surged through me, drowning out

egged, tears welling in his

There was no escape. My father's pleading voice was nothing

air from the open window did nothing to cool my burning skin. We drove for what fel

tomach churned as the reality of the situation hit me. This was it. This wa

their grip never loosening. I was ushered in

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dating presence that made the room feel smaller. His gaze was sha

mooth, deep, and terrifyingly c

I felt the weight of his stare like a physical force. Every instinct

like velvet, smooth but

steady my breath. My heart was racing, my chest tight with fear. This was the ma

aze never leaving mine. "I'm sure you

ng in my throat. "I-I don't un

Damien said, his eyes never wavering. "But I'

reath shallow. I had to know what

ur father's debt. Or..." He paused, his smile cold and dark

to spin. This wasn't a choice. I couldn't marry him. B

-

en's

face. Her fear was palpable, but there was something

the sound of my voice, especially when I made my terms clear. But not her. S

. "I'm sure you've heard of me, Eliza. I don't think I need

didn't speak. Good. Silence

her shoulders. "Marry me, clear your father's debt, and live. Or y

ld see the storm of thoughts behind her eyes. She wasn't

of having her at my side-under my control-was something

in her head, weighing the options. The clock w