A devil

The Next Day – The Russo Empire Headquarters

Emilia sat at her desk, fingers tapping against the cold wood. The events of last night played in her mind like a broken record. Alessandro Bianchi—arrogant, dangerous, and now forcing his way into her life. She wanted to dismiss him, but deep inside, something about him intrigued her. A man like him wasn't just dangerous; he was a storm, and storms only left destruction in their wake.

A sharp knock on her office door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she called, straightening her posture.

Alice, her assistant, walked in, holding a file. "Miss Russo, the Bianchi family's legal documents have been finalized. Also, Mr. Bianchi left a message—he said, and I quote, 'See you soon, topolina.'"

Emilia clenched her jaw. "That bastard."

Alice chuckled nervously. "It seems he's quite persistent."

"He doesn't understand the meaning of no," Emilia muttered, signing the document in front of her. "But he'll learn soon enough."

---

Meanwhile – The Bianchi Estate

Alessandro sat in his private lounge, twirling a dagger between his fingers. Luciano sat across from him, sipping whiskey.

"You seemed distracted, brother," Luciano mused. "Could it be… a certain feisty Russo?"

Alessandro smirked. "She's a challenge. I like challenges."

Luciano leaned forward. "You know how dangerous this game is, right? The Russos aren't weak. If you plan to claim her, you better be prepared for war."

Alessandro exhaled a cloud of smoke, his eyes darkening. "Then let there be war."

Just then, a guard rushed in, blood smeared on his face. "Boss, we have a problem."

Alessandro's smirk vanished. "Speak."

"It's Ricardo Valenti. He broke the truce. We found our men—" The guard hesitated.

"Say it," Alessandro growled.

"They were butchered, sir. Limbs cut off, their eyes gouged out. They left a message written in blood—'Stay out of our territory.'"

The room fell silent.

Luciano set his glass down. "Looks like it's time for some fun."

Alessandro's grip on his dagger tightened. "Gather the men. Tonight, we paint the streets red."

---

Later That Night – The Ambush

The warehouse smelled of oil and death. Alessandro stood in the center, a gun in one hand and a bloodied knife in the other. The Valenti men were tied to chairs, their screams echoing through the cold air.

"You thought you could touch my men and walk away?" Alessandro's voice was calm, too calm. He crouched in front of one of them, tilting his head.

The man, barely conscious, whimpered. "P-please…"

"Please?" Alessandro chuckled darkly. "Did my men beg? Did they cry for mercy before you carved them up?"

The man sobbed, shaking his head.

Alessandro smiled. "Then why should I grant you any?"

Without another word, he plunged his knife into the man's gut, twisting it slowly. The man's screams were music to his ears. Blood pooled beneath the chair, the scent thick in the air.

Luciano sighed. "You always take your time."

Alessandro smirked. "Art takes time, brother."

The last Valenti man, trembling in his seat, gasped out, "You're a monster."

Alessandro leaned in, whispering against his ear, "No. I'm the fucking devil."

With a single gunshot, the man slumped forward—lifeless.

Luciano lit a cigarette, exhaling smoke. "Guess that's a wrap."

Alessandro wiped the blood off his knife. "Now, let's go see my little mouse."

---

Back at Emilia's Place

Emilia had just stepped out of the shower when she heard a knock at her penthouse door. Her instincts flared, her fingers reaching for the knife under her pillow.

"Who is it?" she called, her voice steady.

"Open up, topolina."

Her heart skipped.

Alessandro.

She opened the door slightly, eyes narrowing. "What do you want?"

He pushed the door open, stepping inside like he owned the place. The scent of blood still clung to him, his shirt slightly stained.

"You've been busy," she noted, arms crossed.

"And you've been thinking about me."

She scoffed. "In your dreams, Bianchi."

Alessandro smirked, backing her up against the wall. His fingers traced along her jaw, his touch featherlight but charged with danger. "You're mine, Emilia. The sooner you accept it, the easier it'll be."

She glared. "I don't belong to anyone."

Her glare only fueled his amusement. Alessandro took a slow step closer, his fingers grazing the soft fabric of her robe, his touch both teasing and possessive.

"Oh… beautiful," he murmured, his dark eyes dragging over her body with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.

Emilia clenched her fists, refusing to back down. "I'm not one of your playthings, Bianchi."

His smirk didn't falter. Instead, he leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "No, you're not. You're mine."

Before she could react, he grabbed her wrist, twisting it just enough to remind her who held the power. A shiver ran down her spine, but she refused to show weakness.

"You're getting ahead of yourself," she spat, her voice like steel. "I don't belong to anyone, least of all you."

Alessandro chuckled, low and dark. "You're adorable when you lie to yourself." His grip tightened ever so slightly. "But I don't need you to admit it yet. I enjoy the chase."

She yanked her hand away, stepping back. "Then chase someone else. I don't have time for your little games."

His expression darkened for a fleeting second before shifting back into that lazy smirk. "Oh, topolina, this isn't a game."

He took a step closer, and this time, Emilia didn't retreat. Their bodies were mere inches apart, tension crackling between them like a live wire. Alessandro tilted her chin up with a single finger, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"You'll learn something very soon," he whispered. "I always get what I want, my short little mouse."

And then, as if to prove his point, he brushed his lips against hers—not a kiss, but a warning. A promise.

She felt the heat of him, the raw, consuming power, and for a second, just a second, she almost forgot to breathe.

Then she came back to her senses.

With a wicked smirk of her own, she trailed a hand down his chest—slow, teasing—until she suddenly grabbed his belt, yanked him closer, and whispered against his lips, "We'll see about that, daddy."

And with that, she shoved him back and walked away, leaving Alessandro standing there, stunned for the first time in his life.

Then he laughed—a deep, wicked sound that sent chills down her spine.

"Oh, this is going to be fun."