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LORI POV
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On my bed, arranging my dresses when Nicole motioned to me, unreadable smiles etching in her face- that gossip vibes of hers.
I rolled my eyes knowing that she would seize the next pretty minutes of mine.
She reclined into the wooden stool in front of me, and took a long drag of her cigar, followed by a little gulp of the beer in her hand. She squeezed her face as the burn of liquor blared her throat.
” Lori, don’t pretend you didn’t see Santorini, former Mafia boss stealing your gazes,” She spoke, cocking her eyebrows. Crazy Nicole!!!
I couldn’t deny it even though I had wished to. She already caught me.
” Yes, He stared at me a million times in a minute,” I responded, not sparing her a look as I arranged my dresses.
” Even more than that, Lori. He was lost totally. Who wouldn’t stare at a pretty, tall, curvaceous blonde like you?” Nicole praised, smiling.
” Well, what’s that supposed to mean?” I flinched in pretence as if I didn’t appreciate her compliments.
” At least he might have a thing for you and probably have a lot to offer than bending you over the sofa like a sex machine like some would do,” She looked away, focusing on her with the phone in her hands.
But I frowned and turned to look at her. I knew what she meant by that. She was literally talking about Knight Colby, and how he had turned me into his sex dolls. Well, she was right. But presently I felt so bad for remembering me.
“Nicole, I’m getting tired of this charade,” I said, my tone laced with exasperation and amusement as I carefully arranged the dresses on my bed. “You treat me like some priceless artefact in a museum, something to be admired from a distance rather than truly seen.”
Nicole threw her head back in a hearty laugh, the sound echoing off the walls. “Oh, Lori, you’re nothing close to that at all. You’re a one-of-a-kind masterpiece the kind that every man, and even a few women, would kill to have a glimpse of. Tonight, at Knight’s coronation, you’ll be the star of the show.”
I raised an eyebrow and folded my arms, crossing my legs in a posture of mock indignation. “Star of the show? After everything-after he uses me like a cheap prop-I’m supposed to dazzle them all?”
“Exactly!” Nicole said, leaning in conspiratorially. “Imagine it, Lori. Knight Colby, puffing on his cigar, all self-important and secure, until he catches that unmistakable look in Santorini’s eyes. Picture Santorini, hopelessly infatuated, watching you from across the room. I guarantee that sight will have Knight’s world crumbling with jealousy.”
I hesitated, my voice softening. “You really believe I can make him feel that… that twinge of envy? That I can turn the tables and remind him I’m not just some plaything?”
Nicole’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she replied, “Oh, without a doubt. You’re more than just a pretty face or an accessory to his empire, Lori. Tonight, you’re going to be the headline act. Let his heart race for the first time in ages when he sees you commanding the room with that fierce spirit of yours.”
I sighed, doubt etching on my face. “But Nicole, Knight would be crowned as the new Mafia lord in Italy. I’m sure he would be expecting his little doll to perform his bidding as always. How am I supposed to break out of that role?”
Nicole’s tone softened, her expression earnest as she reached out and squeezed my hand. “That’s exactly why tonight is your moment. You’re not his to control anymore. You have the power to rewrite your story. Show him that you are a force unto yourself; a dazzling, self-assured woman who isn’t content with being his trophy.”
I bit my lip and looked away, wrestling with the weight of my own fears. “I worry, though, that if I confront him, I might end up hurting myself even more. What if my newfound defiance only leads to more pain?”
Nicole’s smile turned gentle yet insistent. “Sometimes, darling, you have to risk a little chaos to truly set yourself free. Imagine the scene: the mighty mafia king, so used to having everything under control, thrown off balance by the woman he thought he owned. It would be a dramatic, beautiful upheaval.”
I met Nicole’s gaze, the spark of determination beginning to kindle within me. “You make it sound so theatrical as if I’m not just fighting for respect but staging a full-on rebellion. Perhaps it’s time I told him exactly what I think, head-on, with no pretences.”
Nicole’s eyes danced with excitement as she nodded. “Exactly, Lori. Be the director and the star of your own life. Let Knight see that his prized possession is no longer content with playing a mere supporting role in his story.”
A long pause settled between us as I absorbed her words. Finally, with a steady voice filled with a blend of humour and resolve, I declared, “Alright, Nicole. Tonight, I’m done being his trophy. I’m going to show him and everyone else that I’m in charge of my own destiny.”
A broad smile spread across Nicole’s face as she squeezed my hand one last time. “That’s the spirit, my dear. Go out there and shine like the brilliant, unapologetic woman you are. And trust me, I can’t wait to see that look of shock on his face when he realizes you’re no longer his doll.”
I exhaled slowly, a smile playing on my lips as I prepared myself for the night ahead. “Watch out, Knight. This doll has learned how to dance to her own tune.”
“And that, my dear, will be the most captivating performance of all,” Nicole replied softly, her eyes twinkling with anticipation and a hint of mischief.
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It was in the later hours of the day. I was in my room with Nicole, preparing for the night when my phone buzzed. I paused mid-fold, heart pounding, not from fear, but from anticipation. The crisp silence that followed was quickly shattered by a deep, commanding voice.
“Lori,” Knight intoned, his tone leaving no room for misinterpretation, “tonight, as I am crowned the head of the Mafia in Italy, you will be by my side, dressed in a sexy dress. ”
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THE NEXT CHAPTER MAY CONTAIN SOME HARMFUL WORDS AND IT MUST BE STRICTLY 18+.