"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

　　It was one of those quiet hours of the very early morning when I awoke with a heavy heart; last night's scenes played slightly at the back of my head. Dinner with Dominic had left me in a dilemma; his unspoken words were above our heads. I tried to distract myself with what to do for the day, as again my mind was taking me to a place of confusion and wayward emotions.


　　I was rummaging around the kitchen when, with a force that sent shivers down my spine, the door toward the staff quarters burst open.


　　In strode Luca, a picture of rage and frustration. Almost instantly, his eyes locked on mine, into whose depths I could read the regard appraising me with an intensity as though I were some rare and dangerous adversary.


　　"Leila," he chipped out, his tension palpable with a voice one could cut only with a knife. "We need to talk."


CHAPTER 43 Closeness Of Envy