CHAPTER SIXTEEN – MILA
We landed on the tiny island of Tijira a mere four hours after departure. I had never heard of the island before, but Alessandro says it’s owned by a small group of the world's richest Greek, French, and Italian men. It’s not a tourist destination, and most people don’t even know the island exists.
When he told me that, it did nothing to ease my fears. I’d sent Paola a text telling her we were going away, but I had no idea where. She’d called instantly before I boarded the jet, but I had to power my phone off, so I didn’t arouse Alessandro’s suspicions.
I knew it was stupid of me to do such a thing, but Alessandro kept talking about trust and loyalty. I feel as if I’m getting closer to what I need, and if that means playing the role of his adoring girlfriend or devoted lover, and whatever he asks of me, I’ll do it.
Time is ticking, and I’m very aware of this. The longer I remain around him, the more dangerous my mission becomes.
So, while boarding a jet with him to fly to some unknown destination wasn’t ideal, it was necessary. Leaving his presence at this point would waste time and effort.
We landed outside a quaint little villa and were driven to our destination, a large mansion in the hills, by a Jeep. I was underdressed for the estate. Not in terms of elegance, but in terms of how in the hell did I land in tropical temperatures and drive half an hour up the hill into almost arctic conditions?
After acclimating to that adjustment, I immersed myself in the tour of the house we would be staying in. To my chagrin, the Enforcer, Bones, and Knuckles accompanied us on this trip. They’re always cordial, but they scare the hell out of me.
I guess because I’m aware they can snap my neck in half without trying or just as soon put a bullet in my head, but I won’t go out without a fight.
Alessandro surprised me with clothing when we arrived and suggested we go skiing since we were at the top of the mountains. My pleas to do something else went largely ignored even after announcing that I couldn’t ski.
Alessandro believed it was his honor to teach me. The only thing those lessons served to do was keep him at my side, cuddling me. I learned that I’m not good at skiing.
After our skiing trip, we returned to warm up, have dinner, and then drive back to the beach. Alessandro said the beach was private, and we didn’t have to worry about anyone seeing us, which is how I found myself getting screwed in the sand.
If Paola knew half of what I was doing, she’d have Carmine and Dario on my ass in thirty seconds.
We spent twenty-four hours on that tiny island, and mostly what we did was talk. We talked about his organization, his biological and crime family, and the legal businesses he runs.
I asked him if they ever caught the people that caused the explosion in his family’s restaurant, and he said no. When I attempted to ask another question, he angrily changed the subject.
He said he won't discuss the explosion if I was unwilling to discuss my burns.
He can’t possibly know, could he? The world believes that I’m dead. We even had a funeral.
Our time together was precious as he wined and dined me and catered to my every need.
We returned to Cagliari within twenty-four hours of leaving, but he didn’t take me back to my rental. He insisted that I spend the night with him again. Paola called again, and I told her I was coming closer to completing my plan.
When she asked what that meant, I told her I was focused on the same mission that brought me to Cagliari, Italy.
When it’s time for me to leave, I hope Alessandro understands. I hope he doesn't try to stop me once I get the necessary information.
I can fuck him and smile at him and still put a bullet in his head if it comes down to it. Of that much, I’m sure. I may find myself experiencing different feelings here and there, but that doesn’t mean I can’t kill him if it’s a decision of my life or his.
My teeth hurt from clenching them so tightly as I try to fight tears at the thought of my little girl.
It’s late, and I know that the Enforcer, Bones, and Knuckles have left for the night. The moon is shining down into Alessandro’s massive bedroom, highlighting the features of his beautiful form. He’s a gorgeous man, and his broken nose adds character to that.
He is a light sleeper, but tonight, he drank almost an entire bottle of wine over dinner and then had some liquor with his dessert. I prepared his drink and slipped GHB into it.
Tonight, my purpose is to scour his house to find details I haven’t been privy to until now.
I remove his arm from my waist, thankful that the drug has knocked him out and grateful no one was around to watch his slow movements and moments of confusion.
According to my watch, I only have a few hours to complete my mission before he wakes again.
There is one room in the house under lock and key; I’m not sure why. I slip from the bed, leaving my satin robe and slippers behind. The air is slightly cooler than earlier this evening when we landed.
I don’t want anything to inhibit my movements throughout his house or make any noise should he awaken before I anticipate. Going from room to room of his colossal home, I check the closets, mattresses, dressers, nightstands, and bathrooms for anything that will aid in my mission.