"One million," A man seated at the corner of the room called out, raising his paddle.
My heart pounded louder with each bid. The men sneered, their eyes devouring me like I was a piece of meat. My body trembled as I rubbed my sweaty hands on my clothes.
The bids went higher and higher until there were just two men left. 
"Three million," the chubby man declared, impatient evident in his tone.
There was silence in the room for a moment.
"Five million," A stranger countered, raising his paddle. 
My eyes widened in shock as I tried to figure out who this stranger was. The room was filled with murmurs and no one could counter the stranger. 
The auctioneer's gavel slammed down. 
"Sold!" 
***
Leila Flynn, 19 years old, struggles to keep her ailing brother alive, and her life takes a dark turn when she is suddenly kidnapped into London's underworld auction. During the auction, she is bought for a high price by a mysterious and wealthy stranger, Dominic Anderson. Leila is then taken to a grand mansion in London, where she begins a complex relationship with Dominic.
Dominic, a powerful mafia boss, lives a life shrouded in mystery and danger. Leila gradually discovers that Dominic's concern for her and her younger brother, Michael- who suffers from leukemia- goes beyond mere kindness. Under Dominic's protection, Leila tries to uncover his true intentions while also developing a subtle emotional connection with his brother, Luca.
In this dangerous game of love, betrayal, and revenge, Leila must decide whether to place her trust in Dominic or sever all ties with his perilous world once and for all.

Maid for the Mafia

　　He just seemed to shrug sheepishly. "Well, I thought you might want to see a little change in scenery, and I guess there's no better view."


　　I look out to the beach. Yeah, it's pretty nice, and the gentle ding of the waves is relaxing. That's nice, Luca. Thanks."


　　He smiled, menacingly laying the blanket down in some place, and gestured for me to sit. "Come on, sit. Let's just enjoy the evening."


　　I sat next to him, and I already felt a tad bit better viewing the waves on the other side. He unrolled the cooler and took out a couple of sandwiches. He slid one way over to me.


　　"Nothing fancy, but I didn't think you'd want anything really heavy," he said through a mouthful of pasta, grinning.


　　I took a bite and knew how hungry I'd been.


　　He leaned back on his hands, his eyes on the horizon. "Glad. I just want tonight to be about us, you know? No drama, no complications. Just you and me."


CHAPTER 37 Tightrope Walking