I woke up with a faint smile on my face, recalling the event of last night and how the little Romano let me explore her body. The sweet sound of her moans still echoed in my head, a melodious harmony that hardened my cock. Her surrender, as suspicious as it was, seemed rather genuine, and with the way her body writhed beneath me, it was clear that she enjoyed every bit of me.
Last night, I couldn’t find the usual hatred that always burned in her eyes each time she was around me. It was almost like I was making love to an entirely different woman—a submissive wife basking in the euphoria of her husband’s touch. She had the sexiest facial expressions, the sweetest moans, and the softness of her skin made exploring her body more enjoyable.
I could do this every night for the rest of my life without getting tired or bored with her. However, that wasn’t a thought to be dwelt upon, considering the situation around her being here. It was best not to get attached because, as great as it would appear to be, it was not a part of my plan.
But hold on a minute. Why did she sleep with me on the first attempt? She loathed being here; she disliked me for abducting and locking her up. I should have repulsed her, and her pride should have stood in the way of our fun time last night. Ideally, she knew better than to surrender her body to the man who kidnapped her and threatened to revel in her father’s madness. So, what was her game?
I’d been too turned on last night to put two and two together, but my head was clear this morning. Somehow, I’d get to the bottom of this—the real reason for her surrender. Alessia was no child, nor was she stupid. She was a smartass who didn’t strike me as someone who’d ever do anything without thinking. There was a reason why she let me sleep with her, and whatever it was, it was in her own favor.
My eyes narrowed, brows furrowing slightly as I lay on the bed. Her scent still lingered, clinging to the sheets like a strong perfume, a subtle reminder of the adventures we had the night before. However, as I turned in her direction, I realized that she wasn’t in bed with me, and that was when suspicion began to creep in.
The front door was locked, and the key was still in my pocket—I felt it when I dug in a hand to confirm. The balcony door was open, just as it was last night. But there was no way in hell that she jumped over the railing. That would be suicide; there was no way she’d make that jump without breaking her leg or even losing her life. It was impossible. The height alone was enough to scare anyone looking down from the balcony’s edge.
Perhaps she was in the bathroom.
I squinted my eyes and got out of bed, my feet resting on the cool marble floor. Striding across the room, I made my way to the bathroom but hesitated for a second outside the door before grabbing the handle. With a gentle push, the door creaked open, revealing the sleek interior—polished tiles gleaming under the soft lights, a minimalist design with a glossy finish.
Alessia Romano was not in the bathroom, and just like that, my expression darkened, my jaw tightening. I left the bathroom and stood by the entrance, my gaze sweeping across the room as I wondered where the fuck she was. She’d left the room, but there was no sign of her exit. Brilliant but annoying.
I felt rage brewing within me, pissed at the fact that she actually outsmarted me. That was when I spotted it, the air vent near the floor, the metal grate askew, screws barely holding on. A slow, dangerous smirk tugged at my lips. Clever girl. She must have crawled through the ventilation system like a desperate little mouse.
My face scrunched into a frown, my jaw tightening as my fingers clenched into fists. With a snarl, I spun on my heels and stormed out of the room, the door slamming against the wall. My footsteps pounded on the floor as I hurried down the hallway.
“Where is she? Where is Alessia?” I thundered, my voice echoing off the walls.
Rapid footsteps filled the air as my men rushed to meet with me in the hallway.
Anatoli, head of my security, halted before me, wide-eyed. “We thought she was with you, Boss,” he said, “locked in your room.”
“Well, she’s not there anymore,” I cut in, my voice low and dangerous. “Tell me, Anatoli, how does one disappear from a locked room, huh?”
He lowered his head in shame and fear while the others stood behind him in silence, too afraid to speak.
“Useless!” I cursed, boiling with rage. “What’s the use of having a security detail when they can’t even do their fucking job?!” I growled, deep creases lining my forehead. “Find her!”
“Yes, sir,” Anatoli replied, stuttering.
The men left my presence in fear, scattering in several directions, leaving me to my fury. How could I let this happen? How could I have been so careless that I didn’t see right through her plan? This was the reason she slept with me; it was a fucking distraction. She used me, and I was so blinded by my own lust that I didn’t see it coming. Now, I hated myself for letting her slip through my fingers.
Alessia could already be back at her father’s place for all I knew, meaning that I’d lost the only leverage I had on the Romanos.
“Fuck!” I cursed under my breath, my jaw clenching in anger.
I’d warned her of the consequences of running away, and still, she refused to listen. She not only defied me, but Alessia’s successful escape was a slap to my face. She’d challenged me, and now, she and her entire family would have to face the music. Her defiance had pushed my hand, forcing me to react in a way that could lead to a fucking bloodbath.
She’d learn the hard way that no one escaped me—never. And if she thought she’d gained her freedom, then she was even more delusional than she knew. Alessia only bought herself some time to reunite with her family—nothing more.
I’d hunt her down. And I’d find her.
