Next day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the training grounds, Amara pushed herself harder, her strikes and movements fluid and precise. The training ground was a place of solace for her, a realm where she could hone her skills and maintain control over her life. Today, she was engrossed in mastering a new set of fight techniques, the exertion providing a welcome distraction from the complexities of her world.
Suddenly, one of her guards approached, his demeanor urgent yet respectful. “Miss, Alessandro Romano is here, and he wants to see you.”
Amara froze, her heart skipping a beat. Alessandro Romano, the man she had made it abundantly clear to that their marriage was nothing more than a strategic alliance, was here unannounced. She locked eyes with the guard, searching for any hint of a mistake.
“Alessandro Romano is here? There is no mistake, right?”
The guard nodded, his expression confirming the unwelcome reality. Amara took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing inside her. She nodded back, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. “I will be there in a few minutes.”
After the guard left, Amara took a long drink of water, the cool liquid doing little to soothe her frayed nerves. She turned to the guards who had been training with her. “We will continue later.”
“Sure, Miss,” they responded in unison, getting back to their practice.
Amara took a moment to compose herself, then made her way towards the house. Her mind raced with thoughts of her last encounter with Alessandro, how she had laid out the terms of their arrangement clearly. Yet, here he was again, intruding on her space.
As she entered the living room, she saw Alessandro lounging on the sofa, dressed impeccably in a grey outfit that spoke of his wealth and status. His eyes locked onto her the moment she stepped inside, a smirk playing on his lips. He stood up, his gaze raking over her sweat-drenched body, a look of unmistakable lust in his eyes.
“Hope you’re doing well since I saw you last time,” he greeted, his tone dripping with insinuation.
Amara met his gaze without flinching, her own eyes hard and unyielding. “Why are you here?”
Alessandro stepped closer, the space between them shrinking to a mere breath. “Get ready, sweetheart. We are going out today.”
Amara’s eyes narrowed.
Alessandro continued, “Details later, get ready first.”
The audacity of his command irked her, but she knew better than to show any weakness. She turned on her heel and headed towards her room, her mind racing with thoughts of how to handle this unexpected visit. Alessandro’s presence was a complication she didn’t need, especially now with her ongoing mission and the recent hike with Rowan and Harvey still fresh in her mind.
In her room, Amara quickly changed out of her training clothes and into something more appropriate. She chose a sleek, black dress that exuded power and sophistication, paired with heels that added to her already imposing height. Her makeup was minimal but accentuated her sharp features, and she let her hair fall in loose waves around her shoulders.
When she returned to the living room, Alessandro’s eyes lit up with approval, though she detected a hint of surprise. “You look stunning,” he said, extending his arm to her.
She took it, her expression neutral. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” was his only response.
As they walked to the car waiting outside, Amara’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Alessandro had always been a wildcard, his intentions never quite clear. She needed to stay alert and find out what he wanted without giving away too much of her own plans.
The drive was silent, tension hanging thick in the air. Alessandro seemed content to watch the city lights flicker past, a small smile playing on his lips. Amara, however, was on high alert, every nerve in her body attuned to the slightest shift in his demeanor.
Half an hour later, they arrived at a sea port. Alessandro turned to her with a smug smile, “We are here.”
Amara didn’t say anything, but got out of the car and followed him to one of the luxurious cruises docked nearby. The cruise ship loomed large and opulent, its gleaming exterior reflecting the evening lights. As they stepped on board, Amara couldn’t help but take in the sheer grandeur of the interior.
The main foyer was a breathtaking display of wealth and elegance. Polished marble floors stretched out beneath a towering chandelier that glittered with a thousand crystals, casting a soft, ambient glow over the room. Plush seating areas were scattered around, each adorned with richly upholstered furniture and intricate, hand-carved wooden tables. The walls were lined with art, featuring both modern and classic pieces that hinted at the owner’s sophisticated taste.
They walked through a grand hallway adorned with gilded mirrors and decorative columns, leading to a series of private lounges and dining areas. Each space exuded a sense of exclusivity and refinement, with silk drapes, exquisite floral arrangements, and high-end furnishings that spoke of meticulous attention to detail. The windows were large, offering panoramic views of the ocean, and the scent of fresh sea air mixed with subtle notes of expensive perfume filled the air.
As Amara followed Alessandro deeper into the cruise, she noticed an eerie stillness. There was no one else around. The realization struck her, and she couldn’t help but think, “He wouldn’t be thinking of a date on a cruise, right?” She quickly expelled the thought. Romance and Alessandro had nothing to do with each other. Their arrangement was purely transactional, a means to an end.
Alessandro led her to a private suite, its doors opening to reveal a lavishly decorated space. The suite had a spacious living area with a grand piano, a fully stocked bar, and a seating arrangement that could easily accommodate a dozen people. The bedroom was just as luxurious, with a king-sized bed draped in fine linens and a balcony that offered an unobstructed view of the sea.
Amara’s attention snapped back to Alessandro as he reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a gun. Her heart skipped a beat. “You brought me here to kill me?” she asked, her voice steady despite the adrenaline surging through her veins.
Alessandro laughed, a deep, rumbling sound that echoed in the quiet suite. “You talk so cute, sweetheart,” he said, his tone dripping with condescension. He handed the gun to her, the weight of it solid and cold in her hand. “Take this. You will need it later.”
Amara’s eyes narrowed, suspicion and curiosity battling for dominance. Alessandro then reached into another pocket and pulled out extra bullets, placing them in her other hand. She studied his face, searching for any hint of his true intentions, but his expression remained inscrutable.
“Why do I need this?” she asked, her voice hardening.
Alessandro smirked. “You’ll see soon enough,” he replied, turning away to walk towards the balcony. “But for now, let’s just enjoy the evening.”
Amara followed him outside, the cool sea breeze hitting her face as she stepped onto the balcony. The view was breathtaking, the endless expanse of the ocean stretching out beneath a sky painted with the colors of the setting sun. But she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Alessandro’s casual demeanor and the cryptic nature of his actions kept her on edge.
As they stood there, Alessandro leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The silence between them was thick with unspoken tension. Finally, Alessandro broke the silence. “In a few minutes, four people will come here.”
Amara glanced at him, waiting for him to continue. “Who are they?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
“They are part of the Italian mafia,” Alessandro said, his tone casual as if discussing the weather.
Amara’s eyes narrowed. “Okay, but why am I here?”
Alessandro turned to face her, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Of course, you are needed here, sweetheart.”
Amara gave him a side-eye, suspicion clear in her gaze. “For what, exactly?”
“This is the first time I am dealing with the Italians, and I want my fiancee by my side,” Alessandro replied smoothly.
Amara scoffed, “We are not engaged yet.”
Alessandro’s smile widened. “But we will be.”
Amara’s eyes narrowed. “What about the guns?” she asked, her tone icy.
Alessandro shrugged, his casual demeanor not quite hiding the threat in his words. “Either they sign the deal or they die.”
Amara’s expression turned cold, her disdain for his ruthless approach clear. “Can’t you just talk to them?”
Alessandro studied her for a moment, then sighed, raising his hands in mock surrender. “If you say so, sweetheart, then fine, I’ll just talk.”
Before Amara could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed across the deck, signaling the arrival of their guests.