Chapter 2
Felicita
What the hell happened?
What the hell was going on?
Five days, why was I here for five days?
My head was in a spin with mixed emotions, let alone confusion. I wanted to cry, laugh and be freed of this madness, or whatever I had been caught up in.
It was all weird.
I had no idea why, but I felt attracted to Alessandro. The second our eyes met I felt an urge, a bizarre sensation come over me, then suddenly he was fighting Ravi, at least, I think that's what he called him. It all happened so fast, leaving me so confused.
I somehow knew I was in trouble. Question after question loomed in my head, like, what were his intentions for me? The truth was, I had no idea, and I bet even if I dared to ask, I'd be told to stay quiet.
What I did know was that these men were armed and Alessandro had many bodyguards, so by my reckoning, he was either very important, or a man who needed to be babysat and protected.
I'd been cuffed to the side of the desk like an animal, and as tears ran down my cheeks, I thought about his words again. He'd made it clear I was his little toy, someone for him to fuck and use to give him sexual satisfaction. And he'd even convinced me I was his plaything, only to leave before he'd barely touched me.
I wasn't a whore.
I didn't move from one man to another.
I'm a young woman who respected her body and worked out at the gym when I had time off work. I was a regular woman, working a day job as a secretary for a financial company.
I lived with a friend, sharing a house and splitting the bills. Mainly because we'd not be able to afford it alone. I was single, but I'd enough failed relationships in my past. I was an only child and my parents lived the other side of the city. I only went to the party, because my best friend said they were the best parties - I beg to differ.
Restricted with my movements, I was left wondering how long I'd be restrained and left like this. I looked around the dimly lit room, barely able to make out all the fetish equipment. Ropes, chains, restraints, and a four-poster bed with restraints at each corner. I swallowed, I was with a sadist.
The door to the room opened and I took a large, deep breath to calm my nerves.
The person came up behind me and removed my right hand from the cuff before switching to my left. I carefully straightened up as my body had stiffened in that position. I rubbed my wrists where the cuffs had been and waited for further instruction.
"Put this on." A male ordered me. An item of clothing was thrown in my direction. I caught it and quickly wrapped it around my body, relieved to have some dignity back. Swaddled inside the thick robe, I noticed the man shifting in the shadows while watching my every move. "Follow me."
"Where am I going?"
The man turned and lifted his brows, he moved his jacket to show me he had a gun.
Without saying a word I walked behind him, I was led through a door and into a corridor to see more men, who were clearly going to escort me to lord knows where. My heart thumped harder in my chest. I prayed I was not about to be miss-treated or hurt. I was a nobody, a woman simply trying to get by in life, yet here I was… and I had no idea if this man's hands were going to be good or bad.
We walked along the corridor to a curved stairwell. It looked very grand and expensive with tiled flooring and chandeliers hung high, and if I wasn't in such a dire situation, I'd have admired its beauty. A man took the lead, two men stood each side of me and there was a fourth behind me. There was no way I'd be able to make an escape as we climbed the stairs.
We walked down a corridor until the man stopped outside a wooden door. He turned to stare at me, his glare hard.
"This is the room where you'll stay and await further instructions, don't try anything," he told me. He opened it swinging it open and waited for me to enter. I glared at the man as my heart thumped heavily in my chest wall. I glanced around me seeing the men had me covered for any chance of anything. I swallowed, aware I had no choice. I took tiny steps forward and entered the room. "You'll have guards outside your door at all times, so sweetheart, I'd advise you not to try anything. And as an extra warning, they are armed and paid to kill." His words taunted me as he sneered with disdain
I tentatively took the few steps needed to enter the room. Once inside, the door was slammed shut behind me. Inside, I sighed and stared in awe at the most impressive bedroom I had ever seen, it was larger than my apartment. The large bed was dressed in gold and silk, covered in matching scatter cushions. There was a stunning picture above the headboard of a man and woman making love in shades of golds and glitter. I kicked my shoes off and sunk my toes into the soft, fluffy, luxurious carpet, closing my eyes in delight. There was a vintage, shabby chic gilt rococo French style chaise, which was positioned in front of double doors that led onto a balcony overlooking a swimming pool. I looked out, watching the guards saunter the perimeter of the grounds, while holding large machine guns.
Back inside, I noticed a door on the other side of the room and made my way over, loving the feel of the soft carpet under my bare feet, the carpet at my home was bare in places. I opened the door to find an impressive bathroom, with a roll top bath, walk in shower, sink and toilet, all decorated in gold and cream tiles.
Impressed with my new accommodation, just not with the company. I sighed and closed the bathroom door and moved over to the bed, sitting down and wondering when my next instruction would come, and what it would be. His words stained me and how he spoke – full of anger and authority. And I was still reeling as to why he didn't take the opportunity to fuck me there and then instead of just leaving.
A gentle knock sounded on the door and it was slowly pushed open. A young woman entered. I assessed her slim frame warily. She was pretty with dark hair and a tight bun.
"Hello, I'm Maria, and I'm here to look after you," she informed me.
Mystified, I raised my brows. "Oh, am I his…"
"That I cannot answer. Mr Costa, has given me orders to prepare you."
"Prepare me? For what? A banquet?"
She coughed. "I cannot answer."
Another woman entered the room carrying a clothes holder which she placed to hang on the wardrobe door, then without saying a word, left.
Maria stood before me waiting. "I need you to take your clothes off."
"Are you serious?" I questioned.
"I am."
Partly dressed – if anything, I wasn't clothed at all.
I stood in a formal room with leather brown chairs and a matching sofa, a drinks cabinet to the far side and a marble fireplace. I saw voiles hanging at what looked like doors that lead out onto a patio.
I took small steps nearer to the doors and as I got closer, a breeze blew the voiles and I noticed a man with his back to me, staring out at the view. I pressed my lips together and began to back away, unsure if he was Alessandro. The last thing I wanted was to create a scene or get into trouble.
My gaze stayed on him as he turned and began to walk towards me, entering through the doors. He paused when his eyes landed on me, and I noticed how smart he looked in a shirt and slacks, with his hand casually placed in his pocket while his other hand, held a tumbler with an amber liquid. I continued to take small steps back, swallowing as I drank in the towering, incredibly attractive man. His lips looked kissable and his cologne, which smelt of amber and wood, danced with my nostrils. His intense stare sent shockwaves of arousal to my pussy. I inhaled sharply and tried hard to hold my gaze with him.
"Take a seat…we need to talk," he ordered.
With no hesitations, I found the nearest chair and sat down, crossing my legs.
He went to the drinks cabinet and topped up his glass and poured a second. "I trust Maria was a great assistance to you?" He came over to me, holding out the second glass.
"She was very nice. I don't drink," I informed him. His eyes narrowed so I took the glass.
"Good." He pulled a coffee table closer to me and sat down on the edge. His legs open and elbows resting on his knees, staring profoundly at me. "I need to know how you know Ricco?"
"I don't."
"Why were you at his party?"
"I went with a friend, Gloria. She told me I could earn some serious cash by being on the arm of a sugar daddy. I'm in debt and needed to get some money fast," I told him honestly.
He sat straighter, his brow furrowed, "So, you went to the party to earn some money?"
"Yes, that's right. Easy money, or so I was told."
"Well, your night certainly didn't go to plan."
I gazed at him and swallow.
"You didn't look comfortable when I set my eyes on you, and you certainly weren't by a man's side earning this important keep," he arched his brow.
"That is true. I earlier went into a room and got collared by…Ricco? He told me he would be gifting me to his son, Ravi. His son then came to me, circling me like some animal. His father told him I was his gift for the evening and to do with me as he wished. The first thing he said was, ‘she has nice tits' but then he said he had a meeting to attend first and he left so I joined the party outside and that's when you saw me."
"Has his dick touched you?"
"No," I answered quickly.
He graciously rose to his feet and walked over to the doors, "Come here."
On his command, I followed him outside, standing beside him to stare at the garden.
"I have made all of this possible by myself. I have worked my ass off with blood money to get this. I have security because certain people want me dead. They want my head on a stake and to use it for a ball. I have seen and done things that a girl like you only watches in movies. I am a fucked-up man and will do whatever it takes, if it means I get what I want."
Not surprised, I listened intently to him. He slipped behind me and without warning took a firm hold of my hair and tugged fiercely. I winced as it pulled at the roots, and I reached back to hold on to his hand, trying to ease the pain.
He pressed his mouth to my ear, "If I find out you're lying, I swear your pretty ass will be served up for a meal," he hissed. "Do I make myself clear?"
"You do," I cried, as he released my hair and I rubbing my head.
"I'm glad we have an understanding. Now get out of my face," he demanded.
I dashed into the room and through the door where one of his men stood armed. I had to get the hell away. I sped back to my room where I slammed the door and threw myself on the bed.
I hate this. I hate being here. I feared every person in this house and I had no idea of what they had planned to do with me. Why did I make eye contact with Alessandro last night? Why did I have to fall into his hands and be here in this house uncertain of anything?
Woken by someone coming into my room. I sat up to see Maria, as she placed a bikini on the wardrobe door with a kaftan.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you." She spoke softly.
"It's fine." I gazed out the balcony doors to see the sun blazing. "What time is it?"
"Nine a.m."
I rubbed my eyes. "I guess I must wear that?" I stated, pointing to the bikini.
"Yes but first he wishes for me to shave you."
"Do I have a choice?" She shook her head. It was a stupid question in the first place because I already knew the answer. Maria moved into the bathroom and I heard the bath being run.
I inhaled a deep breath and let it out with a sigh, I didn't want to do a damn thing Alessandro demanded of me. I threw the sheet off me and headed to the balcony, to overlook the garden.
The security where out in force pacing the grounds. I glanced down to the patio to see Alessandro sitting there, drinking from a mug. I scratched the back of my neck as the hairs all over my body stood on end. What was it with him that aroused my body so much?
"Felicita, the bath is ready for you."
Pressing my lips firmly together, I turned abruptly and allowed my feet to sink into the carpet as I walked through to the bathroom. I stripped out of my negligee and carefully climbed into the bath. I sat down -the temperature was perfect and soothing. I laid back and tried not to think of him.
"How long have you worked here?" I asked.
"Five years. Believe it or not, Alessandro is a good man," she spoke freely. This woman was crazy. I widened my stare at her in disbelief. "He is. He has always provided for me and my daughter and he always makes sure I've got enough to buy the essentials," she explained.
"What do I need to know about him?" I stared up at her as she used a jug to pour the water over my back.
"He doesn't take kindly to liars and don't back chat him, it will only get you into trouble. "And do not get in his way. Can I shave you now?"
I didn't feel comfortable allowing another woman to shave me, let alone this stranger but I also didn't want to annoy Alessandro, so I gave a nod and opened my legs.
"I have a great life," I told her as she shaved. "I… well, struggle with money, as every student does, but I manage. I only went to the party last night to get a sugar daddy as my friend who I went with suggested it and I've somehow ended up here, ironic really. He's not even old enough to be a sugar daddy."
"What are these sugar daddies?"
"Rich men, older men, who pay for pretty girls to hang off their arm and keep them company. Well, that's what Gloria told me. I had heard of them but never thought to act on it, but I needed money to pay for my rent. I hate being skint," I told her.
"Tell me about it, my daughter drains me." She giggled.
"How old is she?"
"Four. I met her dad here, only he ended up dead. He got shot."
"I'm so sorry."
"I knew what I was getting into. I found out I was pregnant a week after he was killed and Alessandro has looked after me ever since. He does have a good heart, it just doesn't come out very often. Has he fucked you?" she asked bluntly.
"Why have you asked me something so personal?"
"Just curious."
"I don't wish to answer." In my heart something told me this woman would tell tales to Alessandro and feed him every word I say. I had no idea if she spoke the truth about him or not, one thing was for certain, no way was I about to test that theory.
Once dressed in the bikini, I made my way downstairs to find Alessandro on his phone sat at a table. He gazed at me and kicked the chair beside him out, indicating for me to join him. I lower into it.
"Sort it. Ring me with any updates." His call finished.
"I trust you slept well?" He pulled out a cigarette, placing it between his lips and lighting it. He inhaled deeply, then taking the stick between his thumb and finger, he blew out the plume of smoke into the air.
"I did, once I settled."
The breakfast arrived and was placed neatly on the table along with drinks, orange juice, coffee and tea. Alessandro reached over to top up his own coffee.
"Please help yourself and enjoy. I have a few errands to see to, You may use the pool or whatever else you wish, but do not leave the house or you'll be dragged back," he informed me.
The day had been boring. I had spent it sunbathing, swimming and walking around the grounds to see if there were any possible areas to escape. I had no chance. The house was heavily armed, not to mention the thousands of security cameras and electrified wall. I was doomed to be stuck here, for at least the next few days. Surely I could tolerate that.
"Felicita," a female called. I turned to see Maria rushing towards me. "I need to get you ready as Alessandro is taking you out this evening. I have the dress; I need to do your hair and make-up." I grinned, enjoying the thought of getting out. Maybe this was a sugar daddy situation after all.
Back in my room, I spotted the sequined dress hung on the wardrobe. I sauntered over to have a closer look. The black and navy dress was gorgeous with a low-cut bust. Something way out of my price range.
I wasted no time in removing my bikini and jumping into the shower. When I'd finished, Maria made quick work of my hair and make-up. She then walked over to the dress and carefully removed it from the hanger. She helped me onto it, and I admired the way it pushed my breasts up to make them look fuller, I turned slightly to see the back in the mirror and noticed the way it scooped down low, stopping just above my backside. It was floor length and very elegant. I had no idea where he planned to take me, but dressed in this, I assumed it would be nice.
I slipped into some matching heels and made my way downstairs, where Alessandra and his main bodyguard stood in the foyer waiting for me. As I reached the last step, he rushed forward, his eyes drinking in my attire with a dark desire dancing in his eyes. He gently took my hand, guiding me from the step.
"You look sensational," he remarked, with a slight smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. I remained quiet, not wanting to say anything that might ruin his kindness, and the more his chocolate gaze stared, the more my heart raced with dangerous excitement.
He kept a hold of my hand, leading me outside to a waiting car. The door was already open for me to slide inside and he closed the door gently before rushing around to the other side and getting in beside me.
"You need a sugar daddy," he stated, and I noted how his voice became husky. He proceeded to pull out his wallet and take out a bunch of notes. "All of this can be yours. All you need to do is come into my card game in about an hour looking sexy. Wiggle that ass as you walk over to me, place your hand on my shoulder and kiss my cheek. Then you will walk to the bar. Do you think you can do that?"
"I can." He dropped the money in my lap.
He turned slightly, fixing me with another hard glare. "It must not go wrong. I need the other men at my table to be jealous of what I have."
"Yes."
"You flirt with me, and me only. Understood?"
"Yes." I broke eye contact and turned to stare out of the window. My heart hammered against my chest, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. I had no idea why I had to make these men jealous. But it sounded easy enough.
I stared down to the money, there was loads of it, more than I had ever seen aware it will pay for the rent this month. My mind wondered to Gloria, wondering if she even made it home or if she was stuck somewhere too. The party was all her idea, did she know what we were getting into? My eyes closed for a few seconds, not wishing to overthink my current situation, and when I opened them again, we were pulling up outside a sophisticated looking hotel a place well known for the rich and famous. I stashed the money in my clutch bag.
"No, leave it in here, under the seat. I don't want you carrying that kind of cash," he ordered me. With no hesitations, I opened the clutch bag and did what he told me.
"You need to look and strut like a million dollars, impress everyone, including the bloody waitresses," he told me.
"Of course, master."
"Good girl," he said rubbing his hand on my knee.
A doormen stepped forward to open my door, and as I went to get out, Alessandro appeared, waiting to take my hand and practically pushing the doorman out of the way. I fought a smile as I allowed my hand to slide into his and I rose gracefully from the car. It was time for me to act now, especially if I wanted more money than he had just given me.
We entered the grand building and I admired the marble floors and glass chandeliers. It was stunning and screamed expensive. Alessandro leant closer, placing his mouth to my ear before whispering, "You will sit at the bar just over there for an hour." I gave a slight nod and made my way over, pulling up onto a stool and waiting patiently for the bartender to notice me.
I glanced over my shoulder but Alessandro was no longer there, instead his bodyguard was speaking with a group of men, who all occasionally looked my way, giving me the impression they were gossiping about me.
"What can I get for you?" the bartender asked, bringing my attention away from them.
"A Disaronno and coke please," I replied, noticing the bodyguard in the bar mirror, moving to stand behind me. "Do I need protecting right now?" I asked him, without turning to look at him.
"You do. Orders of the bossman, argue with him if you dare."
My drink arrived and I took it, sliding from the stool and moving to a table which was hidden by a Yuka plant. I sat down and crossed my legs. I had a clear view of the large clock positioned on the opposite wall, so I knew I could follow my instructions well.
The bodyguard remained a few feet away from me, as he closely observed every person who came into the bar, even the women.
Whilst I was sat bored, sipping my drink, I found myself thinking of the money Alessandro had thrown at me. How much was there? And did accepting it make me a prostitute? Although we hadn't had sex yet, but would that be expected too?
The whole situation made me feel cheap and tacky, maybe even tasteless. I had no idea how women did this job for a living. I glanced down at the sexy dress, showing my boobs, aware that soon I had to act like a girlfriend and play a game. Yes, the money was useful but behaving in this manner to get it, really lowered my mood.
Time crept up quickly and my stomach was full of nerves. I prayed nothing went wrong, as I was renowned for showing myself up. I had tendencies to either fall or stumble, known for my clumsiness. I took a calming breath, it was time and if I wanted to keep that money, I couldn't mess this up.
I threw the rest of the drink back and rose to my feet. The bodyguard watched my every move, and I'm certain he expected me to try and escape. I took a second to think over how to approach this, should I smile? I wanted to, only it wasn't something I'd seen a lot of from the men or Alessandro. They'd probably be suspicious, not used to kind behaviour. The last thing I wanted to do was put them on edge and get myself eliminated.
I gave my shoulders a shake to loosen the tension and I made my way across the room to the steps that would take me back to the foyer. The bodyguard overtook me, as I noticed several others appear. I heaved a breath, nervous for what I was about to do and still praying desperately not to mess it all up.
The bodyguard directed me towards a door, "He is through there," he told me. I swallowed and attempted to keep my cool when really all I wished for was to leave and run away. Each step I took, my heart thumped more wildly in my chest. I stood at the door, I took in a deep breath, closed my eyes and released it nice and slowly. My hand found the cold handle and I twisted it. Glancing back over my shoulder, I noticed the bodyguards all watching me. The door opened and I stepped inside before I could talk myself out of it or run off, only the money was in the car.
There were a group of gentlemen sitting around the poker table with Alessandro amongst them. His eyes briefly met my own before he looked back to the player opposite him.
I fixed my sites on him, if I focussed, I could do this. I scooped my hair and placed it over my right shoulder, before I picked up my dress and walked down the three steps. Then I continued to glide effortlessly towards him, my target. I made sure to sway my hips from side to side and pout my lips just enough to appear sexy. My gaze fell upon the men who had all turned to stare at me, their card game long forgotten. As I reached Alessandro, I placed my hand carefully on his shoulder, he didn't falter. I bent slowly, making sure to place my mouth to his ear, "Win big." Then I pressed my lips to his cheek, before straightening and continuing my path to the bar. My mission was complete.
I found the furthest bar stool away and placed my bag on the bar top and sat down. Alessandro's spicy cologne was still lingering around me, making me weak at the knees. I looked in his direction to see his eyes still firmly fixed on me. I felt like he was undressing me with his intense stare, maybe trying to see into my soul.
"I love that dress," a woman spoke as she sat on the stool beside me, pulling my attention away from him.
I forced a smile, "Thank you." The barman came over and took my order.
"It looks expensive," she added, arching a brow as she sipped her drink. I didn't wish to comment back, aware the dress would have been expensive and knowing I didn't have any details to give her, seeing as I didn't purchase it. "I hate card night," she continued, not seeming to notice my lack of conversation. "These games always seem to take all night." She paused, leaning a little closer like she was assessing me. "I haven't seen you here before, who are you with?" she questioned. She pressed her glass to her lips and took a long sip.
"Alessandro," I informed her as my drink arrived.
She whipped her head in my direction. "Are you serious? You're with Alessandro?" Her expression turned stoney.
"Yes."
She looked me up and down, and without another word, took her glass and moved away. I furrowed my brows unsure what or why she behaved that way, but who cared, I was in this for the money.