Chapter 6 SIX

[KIRA]

I sit on Chiara's bed, watching her get dressed. After breakfast she told me to get ready so we could go somewhere.

I'm not quite sure where she wants to take me, but she seems so excited about it. I tilt my head in curiosity. "So where are we going?"

She makes a show of applying her lipstick, before turning around to face me. I stare at my best friend with envy. She has what is known as natural beauty. The kind which is evident no matter what she wears or how she looks.

Right now, she looks like she just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Her navy colored dress barely goes below her mid thigh and hugs her figure perfectly, highlighting her curves. She has on red stilettos to match her lipstick and her hair is pulled up in a high ponytail.

She's my direct opposite.

Where I'm quiet and prefer privacy, she's loud and bubbly. Where I prefer simple, she prefers classy. I always wonder how we ended up being friends in the first place.

"You said you wanted a job in Italy right?" She asks, staring at me through her long dark lashes. "So I'm going to get you one.”

"Get me a job?" I point to myself to be sure that's what she actually means.

She rolls her eyes. "Look, I'll be happy if you change your mind and stop the crazy idea of working. If you won't then get your ass up and let's get going.” She turns around and walks out of the room, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

I stand up and run after her. Catching up with her, we make our way downstairs in silence. She is busy on her phone while I'm lost in my own thoughts.

"Good morning Ron,” I greet as we get to the living room. Ronan and Martita seem to be in a deep conversation, and he only gives me a curt nod.

My phone rings suddenly and I pull it out of my hoodie pocket to see it's my father.

To say I'm shocked is putting it mildly.

Father never calls me.

I am surprised he even has my number, especially when all he's ever seen me as is a disgrace? He can't even tell people I'm his daughter. Thinking it to be my imagination, I let it ring till it stops. It must have been a mistake.

However, I'm proved wrong when I hear my ringing tone again. This time Chiara turns to look at me concerned.

"Who is it?"

"My father,” I say and she shakes her head like it's impossible to believe.Actually it is.

"Your father never calls you,” She points out and I nod. " Well answer it and see what he wants.” I give another nod.

I answer the call, and connect it to my ear pods instantly. I'm not sure what he wants to tell me, but I'll be screwed if it has to do with Chiara's brother and she hears it. God I can't imagine how mad she'll be when she finds out that I'm on a mission to kill her only brother.

"You foolish girl,” father yells as soon as I pick up the phone. "How dare you ignore my calls?”

"I'm sorry father,” I say because no amount of explanation will make him speak to me any softer.

"Change of plans,” he says, ignoring my apology. " Don't just kill Ryat Vitale yet?"

Okay, now I'm confused. "But father isn't that the original...."

"You don't question me, you slut,” he yells and I flinch. "You will still kill the bastard, but not yet. He has something I want. So first you will make him fall in love with you.”

If I were drinking anything, I'd definitely choke on it. Does he know what he's saying? Ryat Vitale, someone who all of Italy literally bows to, and he's not even the head of the Cosa Nostra.

How on earth is that supposed to happen?

I look around to make sure Chiara or any other person is within hearing distance before I speak. "I...I don't understand, Father," I stutter, trying to process his demand. "Why would I need to make Ryat Vitale fall in love with me?"

"I said don't question me, you foolish girl!" he thunders. "Just do as I say.”

I swallow hard, feeling a knot form in my stomach. "What could you possibly gain by making me seduce Ryat then killing him later?”

“That's none of your concern," he snaps. "Just focus on seducing him. Use whatever tricks you need to make him fall deeply in love with you."

I feel a wave of nausea wash over me. Seduce Ryat Vitale?The man is a legend in Italy, a powerful and ruthless mafia Don. How can I possibly...

"Father, I don't know if I can do this," I admit, feeling a surge of fear.

"You will do it, Kira," he growls. "Or suffer the consequences. Do I make myself clear? This time I'll make sure you end up in the streets.”

I nod, even though he can't see me. "Yes, Father. I understand."

I can't end up on the streets. Three years ago, I would have had no fucks to give. But now, I really can't afford father kicking me out.

Looking after Lola is enough stress without bothering about where I'll stay or what I'll eat.

"Good. I expect regular updates on your progress. And Kira?"

"Yes, Father?"

"Don't think about betraying me. I have eyes and ears everywhere. I'll know if you try to cross me." The line goes dead, and I'm left staring at my phone in horror.

What have I gotten myself into?

Whatever my father is planning is something very terrible and destructive.

That's who my father is. All he does is to destroy and cause pain. However, seducing Ryat Vitale isn't dangerous or terrible.

It's suicidal.

God! This is like entertaining in the Lion's den. You'd think since I slept with him, things would be easier. But no, the man still looks at me like he'll love to strangle me to death

"Kira, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost," Chiara's voice breaks the silence.

I take a deep breath, trying to process my father's demands. How can I tell Chiara about this? She's Ryat's sister, for crying out loud!

I turn to her with a smile. "It's nothing Ara. It's just father being father,” I shrug, and she places a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Chiara?” A deep voice interrupts the silence, and we both turn to see Ryat descending the stairs.

He's dressed in an expensive Armani suit and black shoes. The suit stretches out over his broad frame, and the first three buttons of his shirt are left undone.

Fuck! He looks so hot.

Chiara moves to him, and he pulls her into a hug. When they pull apart, he wraps his hands around her waist.

I step aside to give them privacy. He cups her face as he speaks to her. He isn't smiling but his eyes soften as he speaks to her. She smiles and wraps her arms around him, burying herself in his embrace. The scene makes me miss my brothers, especially Kirian.

"It's time to go, mia cara,” Ronan's voice breaks the silence, and Chiara pulls away from her brother.

She walks past me, pulling me along with her. As we exit the mansion, I'm greeted by the bright Italian sunlight and the sound of birds chirping in the lush gardens.

Chiara leads me to a sleek black car, where Ronan is already waiting behind the wheel. "Where are we going?" I ask, feeling curious

"We're going to one of the buildings owned by my brother. You'll work there as a waitress,” She says. I open my mouth to argue but she beats me to it. " Look, I'll not feel comfortable with you working anywhere else. Please?"

"There's no changing your mind is there?" I ask and she shakes her head smiling. She pulls me into a hug and I wrap my arms around her.

During the ride, Ronan and I engage in small talk. He's a funny and easy going soul, and I find it hard to understand why Chiara hates him. She doesn't speak to him, and probably won't let him drive us if not for her brother.

As we drive through the winding streets of Italy, I try to calm my nerves.

I can do this, I tell myself. I just need to be charming and seductive, like my father instructed. We’ve had sex before so it won't be that difficult.

We arrive at the building, and she pulls me out of the car with her. “See you later Ronan,” I wave, and he waves back

As I step out of the car, I'm immediately struck by the grandeur of the building before us. We're standing in front of a sleek, modern high-rise, its glass and steel façade glinting in the sunlight.

The sign above the entrance reads "FORTUNA" in bold, cursive letters.

Chiara leads me through the sliding glass doors into a lavish lobby, where a stunning chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The air is thick with the scent of luxury and excess.

So this is what Ryat Vitale's domain looks like.

"Sof!” Chiara screams, throwing her arms around the woman who approaches us.

"God Chiara! I missed you,” she says, pulling away from Chiara. Her eyes move to me and she lets out a soft smile. "I guess this is the person you told me about. Kira,” she gestures to me and Chiara nods.

"Kira, this is Sofia. Sofia, meet my one and only best friend Kira. My sweet little peanut.” She pinches my cheeks. Sofia lets out a laugh and turns to me

"Welcome, Kira. You must be the new hire. I'm Sofia, the hotel manager." Sofia's warm smile puts me at ease as she hands me a sleek black keycard. "This will give you access to the staff areas and your new workspace. You'll be working as a VIP hostess, catering to our high-rolling clients."

As we make our way deeper into the hotel, I catch glimpses of the opulent decor - marble floors, plush furnishings, and vibrant artwork. We pass by a bustling casino floor, where the sound of clinking glasses and laughter fills the air.

Finally, we arrive at a private elevator, which whisks us away to the top floor. The doors slide open, revealing a sleek, modern office with a breathtaking view of the city skyline.

"Welcome to Ryat's office," Chiara says, her voice barely above a whisper. "You'll be working closely with him, so get comfortable."

My heart skips a beat as I take in the sight of Ryat's domain. Little do I know, this is just the beginning of my journey into the heart of darkness