The Devil's Bargain

Private Lounge – Giovanni Russo

Belle's breath was steady, but inside, her mind raced.

Giovanni knew.

He had put the pieces together, seen through her mask, and now, he held a card that could destroy her.

And worse—

He wasn't going to keep it for free.

"Silence has a price," he had said.

Belle didn't flinch. She met his gaze with cold confidence. "Then name it."

Giovanni's smirk widened. "Smart girl."

He swirled his drink, drawing out the moment. Enjoying the power shift.

"I don't need money, and I don't need blood," he said slowly. "What I need is... leverage."

Belle kept her expression unreadable, but her fingers curled slightly against the table.

"Leverage?" she echoed.

Giovanni leaned in, lowering his voice.

"You're close to Dante. Closer than anyone. You see his movements, hear his plans. I want information. Not much. Just a whisper now and then. A deal that's brewing. A name of an ally. Something small."

Belle's pulse pounded.

This wasn't just blackmail. This was treason.

And worse?

If Dante ever found out—

She wouldn't just lose his trust. She would lose her life.

Belle tilted her head, feigning amusement. "And what makes you think I'd betray Dante?"

Giovanni chuckled. "Because you have something to lose."

His gaze flicked to her throat—where her pulse was betraying her calm facade.

"If Dante finds out who you really are, he won't hesitate, will he?"

Belle swallowed. He wouldn't.

"I don't need much," Giovanni continued. "Just enough to stay ahead. To protect myself in this dangerous game we play."

Belle knew his type. He wasn't loyal to anyone but himself.

And now, he was trying to make her the same.

She could refuse. Walk away. Kill him.

But Giovanni wasn't stupid. If he was making this deal, he had safeguards. Telling Dante now wouldn't save her.

So she did what she did best.

She played the game.

Belle let a slow smile curl her lips. "You assume I have access to anything valuable."

Giovanni laughed. "You think Dante is keeping you around just for fun?"

Belle leaned in, her voice a purr.

"And what happens if I play along—then decide you're no longer useful?"

Giovanni's eyes darkened with amusement. "Then I suppose I'd die a very sudden death."

Belle smirked. "Then let's hope you're worth keeping alive."

Giovanni chuckled. "I like you, girl. We have a deal?"

Belle hesitated.

Then—she extended her hand.

Giovanni clasped it, his grip firm.

The game had changed.

Belle had just made a deal with the devil.

And now, she had to make sure Dante never found out.