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