"Strip!" The voice thundered as I stood shocked by the turn of events. I shuddered both in fear and disgust at the thought of this man drooling over my naked body. "Don't make me repeat myself Isabella Valenti." His eyes were all red, like that of an angry bull ready to charge. I wasn't going to give in that easily. I didn't ask for this. I never did. ************ In a world filled with darkness, shedding of blood, tears and screams, Isabella Valenti, the daughter of Don Rodrigo Valenti has to fight her way through survival after the death of her father. The once powerful Valenti family went down in ashes after his death, giving chances to rival mafia clans, most especially Lucas Romano who always had his eyes on the Valenti family for reasons best known to him. Things take an unexpected turn when Isabella is given two options. Thus, either to watch her mother and brother die gruesomely or become Lucas' possession for a crime her father is said to have committed. How long will she survive under the roof of the ruthless Capo? Will hatred turn into love? **********
Chapter 1 Failed Abduction
Isabella
"Who's there?" I turned swiftly, my chest tightening in fear.
"I ask again, who are you?" This time, I squinted trying to see someone but the darkness was doing me no good. Maybe I was just overthinking.
I blew the thin hair on my face forgetting how difficult that would be considering how wet it was due to the heavy downpour. A few steps forward, I heard footsteps again,which wasn't mine. I can't possibly be mistaken for the second time. Someone is after me. It was a really bad idea taking a late night walk in the quiet streets of Palermo, Sicily but you wouldn't blame me.
It's hard losing the man that was the backbone of the family. I just can't come in terms with how mysteriously he died. Damn! My father laid six feet in the ground now and there was nothing I could do to bring him back–Absolutely nothing.
"Shit!" I screamed as a sharp blade scraped against my arm, causing a shallow cut. I was right after all. I am no longer alone. Someone is after me. I turned once again, trying the second time to identify the culprit. The only thing helping my vision was the moon and the rain aiding my hearing.
"You f*cking vigliacco(coward)! Why not show your ugly face?!" I spat out, gritting my teeth in pain. I waited, expecting someone to come out but nothing.
"Fucking a**hole!" I yelped as another blade grazed the same arm. One thing registered in my head-This person wants me dead.
I took to my heels, running like my life depended on it and of course it did. The only thing I had in mind was to hide somewhere safe. I can't die now, not when my mom and little brother still needed me.
'You are no coward Isabella! You are the daughter of Don Rodrigo Valenti! You are to fear no one. Nessuno Isabella!' I came to a halt almost immediately. Dad's words rang in my ears and he was right. I am no coward!
I turned to see the person after me. Oops! People. I looked at the men in front of me, well built and ready for action. I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed.
"Can we stop with the Tom and Jerry game already?" I asked, trying to catch my breath.
"You have to come with us, Miss Isabella." One of the men with dirty blonde hair styled in a ponytail said. To think that they even knew my name. Wow!
"Unbelievable!" I scoffed, dramatically throwing my hands up in the air. "For a second I thought you were here to kill me." I looked at my injured arm, still dripping with blood. I need to get home faster and get this cut dressed.
"Like I said Miss, you have to come with us, either peacefully or we will have no option than to take you against your will." The same guy said again. I counted the men to see if I could take on all of them. I never knew I was that important for someone to bring seven men after me. It's no surprise, I expected this after the death of my father.
"What is your name again?" I pointed to the blonde hair guy. His brows etched in confusion but he replied anyway.
"Ian," He answered.
"Look Ian, I'm going nowhere with you. Go and tell that to whoever sent you." I crossed my arms on my chest, enjoying their scared and confused looks.
"The boss doesn't want her bruised." I heard one of the men whisper to Ian.
"We can't go empty handed either." This was getting interesting. Who is their boss and why does he or she want me captured?
"It is settled. We are taking you with us." Ian turned to face me, attempting to give me a scary look.
"You don't scare me, duh!" I rolled my eyes at him. "But if you want to take me against my will, go for it then. I just remembered I am the daughter of my father." I smirked, staring deep into Ian's eyes, my hands on my waist now. The rain seemed to be on my side as it came down heavily.
"Argh!" The only petite man in the group charged at me with a flurry of punches. I dodged the punches with ease and caught hold of his fisted hands.
"It's been a while since I did this. Did you send this little man as a test?" I inquired, smiling. I was caught off guard for sometime till I felt a sting on my cheek. It hurt, f*ck! I spat out blood as I twisted the fist in my hand.
"You should have kept your other hand in check, bastardo." The petite man fell to the ground, rolling and screaming while holding his twisted hand. It will be difficult to take on the others as they weren't like the first man.
The other men lurched at me throwing swift punches while I did my best to dodge and counterattack at every given opportunity.
"Damn!" I fell to my feet as a kick made contact with my leg. There is no way I'm giving up now. I can't let them take me, at least, not this easy. I got back on my feet hurriedly and delivered a knee to Ian's groin.
"Screw you!" He screamed. I watched in satisfaction, forgetting there were more men to finish. I feel my arms grabbed to my back and my knee forced to the ground.
"Hold her down!" Ian commanded. He must be their leader or something. "We will have to bundle her up to the boss." He growled, his face twitching in pain and his hand protecting his crotch from another possible hit. I couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Take the damn lady away!" My laughter seemed to have annoyed him as he ordered his men who in turn lifted me to my feet, dragging me into the darkness. Is this how easy they are going to capture me? I feel too weak right now, very weak.
"You are not taking her away. Well.. unless you beat my ass up." That voice! I'd recognize it anywhere, anyday. I turned together with the men who held me and there he stood, with his unruly waves and piercing blue eyes, looking charming as ever under the dim moonlight. He was here to save me again, like he always did.
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