Jackson drives us to a private hangar.There, he hands the pilot the envelope and then helps me into the helicopter.He catches a glimpse of my frayed nerves and assures me I’ll be fine.I’m now the precious cargo of the formidable Falchi, and the pilot knows to deliver me safely or face unspeakable consequences for him and his family.
If that wasn’t overkill, I don’t know what is.
It takes another ninety minutes before I arrive at the cabin in one piece, and I’m sure I haven’t taken a proper breath until my feet touch the ground again.
If I were impressed by wealth and luxury, I’d probably be awestruck by this place.It isn’t really a cabin; it’s a white mansion set against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains.
Standing there to meet me after I disembark is a beautiful woman dressed in a pantsuit, with thick red hair sticking out from under her fur hat.The pilot hands her the envelope, and then she addresses me.
“Signora, my name is Eileen,” she says, draping a soft white blanket over my shoulders.“I’m so privileged to make your acquaintance.”
Again with the signora.“Oh no, it’s just Alessia,” I correct her.I’m a twenty-three-year-old virgin, for crying out loud.“And thank you,” I add, smiling at her.
“In that case, Lady Alessia,” she replies.I can’t help but wonder if that’s...reverence I see in her expression.It matches that of Jackson, the chauffeur, and Bryce, the pilot.
“I’m here to take care of any needs you may have, big, small, or anything in between.Your wish is my command.”
Well, okay then.
Eileen gives me a brief tour as we pass through the house on the way to my bedroom, where she suggests I might like to take a nap and freshen up before I meet the Masters.
“I’ve taken the liberty of laying out your gown for the ceremony tonight.”My gaze glosses over the pristine white gown laid out on the bed, and I don’t pay it further attention, barely listening to Eileen’s instructions on how it should be worn.I do tell her no, I won’t be needing any help to don it when she offers.
Yep, the ceremony; that’s what the act of me giving up my virginity is called.“And this is your jewelry.A gift from the Masters to welcome you.”Eileen opens a fairly large velvet box and blinds me with the glittering jewels inside.
Also, no.
Lastly, she tells me my dinner will be brought to me and asks if I have any special requests.I have none.I don’t even know what I’m doing.
“We are so happy to have you, Lady Alessia.You couldn’t be more beautiful for the Masters,” she says, bows, and then leaves.
The Masters.Also known as Nico Santoro, Luca Armano, and Vincenzo Rosso, the three heads of the Falchi.The Italian Falcon Family.The most dangerous, ruthless, and powerful men in the world, and I’m the one who is going to stand up to them.They’ve had people killed for less, I’m sure.
First, I have to tread carefully.Second, I have to make sure I sell myself well enough that they do what I want them to do.
***Chapter Five
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Alessia
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Well, this is it.I’min.Part one of my mission was executed.Now, all I have to do is keep my wits about me, and I can be out of here and back home, hopefully on the same helicopter that brought me here.
The room, of course, is pure luxury.My gosh.The furniture is all antique and probably priceless.The same can be said for everything else in this mansion.
There’s an old-world charm to it, as if some things were updated to modern times, but the rest has been preserved.Despite having floor-to-ceiling windows capturing the most stunning view of white-capped mountains amidst the suddenly heavy falling snow, the room itself is so warm and cozy that if I allowed myself, I’d be able to take a very long nap.I guess that’s what it feels like to be rich enough to afford seamless central heating with no budget or worries.
Okay, enough of that.I glance at the white gown laid out on the bed for me.Did they really expect me to wear that?It only dawns on me now that if I were to follow Eileen’s instructions about no underwear, that fabric is so sheer I might as well walk around naked.
Yeah, that’s not going to happen.I’m going in the clothes I’m wearing.A long, woolen skirt, two shades too faded.Two pairs of tights.An extra-thick sweater Gianna knitted for me, which is lopsided because she really can’t knit, but she tried.The trusted winter coat that belonged to my mother.And my best pair of boots, which have seen much better days.
I remove my coat and sit quietly on the bed, then go over my strategy.It isn’t long before Eileen returns with a trolley laden with food covered with gleaming stainless-steel cloches.
“You’re going to need your strength, Lady Alessia,” she says, smiling happily at me.I’m too nervous to eat even though I know I should.Since my aunt dropped their insane, diabolical scheme on us, I barely had anything to eat.I uncover a few of the cloches, and my mouth waters at the sight of food I’ve only ever seen pictures of online and will never be served to me again in my life.
The steak looks divine.The side vegetables deserve a round of applause for perfection.And the dessert, a rich caramel masterpiece, is probably something my sweet tooth would die for.When all this is over and they send me back home, I’ll be smuggling that dessert with me.
