Chapter Eight

Gigi stared in horror at the picture on her phone. She was naked on the screen, wearing nothing but the short black skirt, and exposing her breasts to Ludovico like some wanton hussy. Shame consumed her and she thrust the device into her bag.

How had he managed to capture those pictures? When?

Anxiety grasped her by the neck, and she began to hyperventilate. The elevator dinged, and she ran into the nearest restroom. She dry-heaved into the toilet. After a few seconds, she managed to calm herself down and sit on the seat. Covering her face with her hands, she bit back a cry of despair.

He was the boss of a successful software company on the outside, but underneath, he was a hacker. A mafia hacker.

Her phone bleeped, the familiar sound of a message coming through. She reached into her bag, fearful of what she'd see.

It was another picture. She gasped loudly.

It was from earlier that morning when she had been getting dressed before work. She stood in front of her closet, stark naked, trying to decide what to wear. He hadn't even been to her house then. When had he hacked her devices? How?

Another message came through.

I'll be thinking about you all day, Ragazza.

Beep. Beep.

My cock buried in your sweet cunt. I can still smell you on my palm.

Gigi stared at the screen. Her hands shook slightly. Terror and excitement mingling and becoming a tornado of emotions she couldn't name. Was this Stockholm syndrome? How could she be attracted to the man who was extorting her? Yet, whenever she thought back to earlier in the day, his presence, his warmth, her body heated up. She was alive because he wanted her. He would have her, eventually, and the only thing she could do was give in. Right?

Switching off her phone, she stowed it back in her purse. She wouldn't reply to Ludovico. Instead, Gigi stepped out of the cubicle, washed her hands, splashed some water on her face, and made her way to her desk. Her movements were mechanical. Turn on the computer. Go get some coffee. Check emails. She immersed herself in her work. Pushing aside all thoughts of Ludovico.

"Gigi."

Her boss's harsh voice and slammed fist against her desk brought her out of her reverie. She blinked at him.

"Yes?"

"I sent you an email. Haven't you seen it?"

She glanced at her screen, jumping as she realized she hadn't been working at all. Instead, all that appeared on her screen were jumbled words. She clenched her jaw.

"I spaced out."

"Well, wake up. Ludovico called. He wants you to have something ready to present at his office tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes. Are you deaf? Ludovico is an important client. He—"

"Is the mob," she spit out.

Her boss bent over her, lowering his voice to a whisper.

"Yes, and I owe them a few favors. If the mob knocks at your door soliciting help, you don't deny them. You bend over and take it."

"Easy for you to say."

"Trust me, it's not."

"He wants me to… "

Miller grinned.

"He's not bad looking. I could almost see you dropping your panties at the sight of him yesterday."

"Are you crazy?" she hissed.

"Crazy enough," he replied, glaring at her. "Do the job. That's all you have to do. Don't make it complicated for either of us. Both our lives are on the line."

"But—"

"I'll fire you," Miller said.

Gigi gaped at him. Her heartbeat sounded loud in her ears. Disbelief shook her to the core. She'd always known her boss wasn't the best in the lot, but his actions finally spoke for themselves.

"Fine."

Miller's eyes widened.

"You'd rather I fired you than have something to do with that man."

Gigi clenched her fists. She sat upright, her muscles tensing.

"He's threatened me."

"He's threatened all of us, and if you think that by me firing you, you'll be free of him, you're wrong. Ludovico always gets what he wants. Trust me." Miller pointed a finger at her. Dribble collected at the corner of his lips like a snarling dog.

Gigi dug her fingernails into her palms. She'd had enough. It was one thing to have the mafia controlling her and attempting to end her life. The fact her boss was trying to do the same was outrageous.

"I refuse to continue working under a man who would rather sell his employees than watch over them."

Miller banged his fist on the table.

"Then so be it. Collect your things and leave."

Relief swept through her. If she hadn't been sitting down, her knees would have buckled with her weight.

She had been let go.

Her mind raced. If she wasn't working for the firm, she couldn't do the job Ludovico wanted, and he couldn't extort her. She was free. Laughter bubbled within her, and she chortled. She began to gather her things. It wasn't until she reached the landing that she realized she didn't have a way to get home. A shiver ran down her spine. She'd have to take a cab. She fished her phone out of her purse and switched it on. Ten missed calls and a collection of messages popped up on her screen. They were all from Ludovico.

She swept them aside. She wouldn't look at them. She'd call a cab or an Uber, wait for them here, and go to her parents' home. There, she'd come up with a new plan. Going into the app, she ordered a car. It would take ten minutes, and she'd have to go to the main street, since cars couldn't drive directly access the plaza where her office was located. Gigi swallowed hard. It was broad daylight. A little past 11:00 AM. Nothing could go wrong at that time, right? She'd take the side exit and walk as fast as she could. She glanced at her screen. The car was almost here. Time to go.

No sooner did she step outside, than she saw him. He was walking toward the building, his face clouded with anger. Panic bubbled within her, and she began to run. She cursed him for forcing her to wear heels, her feet slipping and wobbling as she attempted to get away from him as fast as possible. She risked a glance back. He was still there, tailing her.

No. No. No. No.

How had he known? How did he find her? She rushed up the street. A few more meters and she'd be on the main road. There, she'd find her car, get in it, and get away from this nightmare. She tripped, her things flying in all directions. Crying, she stooped to pick them up.

"Are you okay?" A woman impeccably dressed in a pin-striped suit crouched next to her, handing her a notebook. "It looks like you haven't been having a good day," she said, nodding toward her box of belongings.

"Yes, yes," Gigi said. "I got fired, and it's been rough." She looked back. Ludovico was nowhere to be seen. A wave of relief washed over her. Seeing another person helping her out must have scared him away. "I ordered an Uber and I'm going to lose it. I was running and—"

The woman smiled sympathetically.

"I completely understand. Those guys can be the worst if you aren't on time, but not the smartest idea to be rushing in those shoes. What I do is take a pair of low sneakers in my bag and change when I need to get to important places. Here." She handed her the potted plant she'd had on her table.

"I'd never thought about it."

The woman chuckled. "I hadn't either until another colleague suggested it. Haven't stopped doing it since and recommending the tip to anyone who will listen to me." She stood up and offered Gigi her hand, which she took.

"Thanks," she said.

"No worries. You take care now."

Gigi nodded. Clutching the box to her chest, she began a slower climb up the street. She'd almost made it when a set of rough hands grabbed her from behind. A palm was slapped against her mouth, her things tumbling to the floor with a loud crash. She kicked her feet, but to no avail. The man holding her was made of stone. He dragged her to an alley, slamming her against the wall of a building. She groaned.

"Where did you think you were going, Ragazza?" Ludovico's heavily accented voice whispered in her ear.

Her gaze met his. Concern and fury seemed to blend into the green of his pupils creating the picture of the sea at storm.

"I—"

His mouth landed on hers, taking possession of every inch, bringing her core alive and causing needles of desire to rush through her skin. A moan burst through her lips. His crass hands ripped her skirt, and she cried out. His palm cupped her pussy. Shame overtook her and a whispered no escaped her lips.

"You're soaked, my troia."

"Troia?"

"Bitch," he said as one of his digits entered her. She cursed as her body bucked unconsciously.

"Open your eyes, Ragazza," he ordered.

Their stares clashed again. "Don't close them," he rumbled, pumping in and out of her. Another finger entered her body and his thumb pressed against her clit. Her breathing quickened. Her eyes drifted shut, flying open when his other hand grabbed her throat.

"Look at me." Faster and faster be thrust, filling her, and bringing her to paradise. Her orgasm shook her body, making it convulse and scream. He squeezed her neck, and a second tremor ran across her pussy and spread. A low, primal moan swept past her lips.

"Good girl," Ludovico said. Slowly he released her. He took a step back and without breaking eye contact sucked her juices from his fingers. "Delicious. Now let's go. "

She shook her head as she realized her skirt was torn and in a heap on the floor.

"I can't."

"You will. "

"Please, no." She took a step back, warding him with splayed palms.

"Let me show you something." Ludovico pulled out his phone and dialed. He spoke for a few seconds in Italian, then hung up. "Here," he said offering her his suit jacket. "It should be long enough to cover you a bit."

She took it from him and put it on. His scent wafted up her nose, musky and rich with a hint of spice, it made her want to curl up to him and breathe him in.

"Signore?"

"Qui."

Gigi gasped as the woman who had helped her earlier came into sight.

"Let me introduce you to Laura, Gigi. She works for me."

"But—" Gigi shook her head. She stumbled backward. "How is it possible?"

Ludovico grasped her chin.

"I am everywhere, Ragazza, and as I said, I take care of what is mine. And—"

"And I am yours," she finished for him.

Ludovico grinned.

"Exactly. I see you're finally beginning to understand." He turned to Laura. "Did you bring what I asked of you?"

She nodded and handed him the bag she was holding. Ludovico reached inside and pulled out a skirt.

"Here," he said. "Put it on."

Gigi took the garment. The material was surprisingly soft. She slipped it on, surprised it fit so well.

"How did you get this so fast?"

Ludovico laughed.

"They don't call me the Upper Hand for nothing, Ragazza. Let's go."

"Where?" she said.

Ludovico grasped her wrist. "You've managed to get yourself fired, but I still intend to employ you, so we're going to my office."