16

Scarlett Mila Marino

I can't believe what Rowan's asking me to do.

We're standing in the middle of his office. Lucas is also here, trying to convince me.

My heart is racing like a drum in my chest as I process his plan.

So apparently a man named Anton Moretti who's been missing for months just showed up out of nowhere, threatening Rowan's empire.

Of course Rowan isn't going to let that slide. And now he's asking me for help?

I've heard about Moretti before. He's dangerous. Cruel. He has a reputation of being a pervert. Doing inappropriate things with young women. It's sickening. So if course I want to help Rowan, taking this man out could save so many women.

"Let me get this straight." I say slowly, tying to stay calm. "You want me to flirt with Moretti? To distract him so you can get close enough to take him out?" I ask.

Rowan doesn't flinch, his eyes never leaving mine. "That's exactly what I need. Moretti trusts no one. But he has a weakness..." He says.

"Women." Lucas adds, his voice more cautious as he leans against the table. "Especially beautiful ones. He'll pay attention to you. That's our opening." Lucas says.

I want to punch them both in the face for using me like this.

"No. This is insane. There has to be some other way to get to him." I say glaring between Rowan and Lucas.

Rowan steps closer. Standing a little too close to me.

"I promise you won't be alone. We'll be listening the whole time." He says.

He pulls a small earpiece from his pocket and hand it to me. The tiny device feels heavy in my palm. I look down at it, then back to him.

"You want me to wear this while I'm alone with a man who's known for...well you know...doing bad things to women?" I say scared of what Moretti can do.

Rowan's expression tightens. "He won't hurt you, Mila. Not as long as I'm watching." He says.

I don't know whether to laugh or scream. "You're asking me to risk my life." I say. My voice shaky.

Rowan is just inches from me now. His presence, his intensity, it's overwhelming. But I hold my ground.

"I wouldn't ask if I didn't trust you. You're the only one who can pull this off." He says.

I hate the way his words hit me. Because as much as I hate this plan I know he's right. Moretti won't expect me. I'm the wildcard, the piece that doesn't fit into his careful game.

I take a deep breath. "And what happens after I distract him? After he's alone?" I ask.

"Well take care of him." Lucas says from behind the desk.

I look into Rowan's eyes, and I know he'll protect me, no matter what. I trust him. Completely. "Fine. But if anything goes wrong, if you don't pull me out in time, I swear I'll..." I say but get cut off.

"I won't let anything happen to you." Rowan says, his voice soft but firm.

"I promise." He adds as I nod once.

"Great lets take this fucking Moretti down." Lucas cheers from behind.

***

We're outside in the back of the bar as Rowan is putting the earpiece on me. He's surprisingly gentle.

At the same time I pull my corset down a bit and push my boobs up a bit more, it'll be easier to distract Moretti.

Rowan stops giving me a warning look.

"What are you doing?" He asks taking a look at my very pushed up boobs.

I smirk. "I'm going to distract him." I answer.

"You're still my wife, Mila. Don't tempt me." He says then grabs the corset and pulls it back up.

I roll my eyes as I enter the bar from a back door.

It's loud, smoke curling through the dim lighting as I walk in. I pull my shoulders back, head high, because I'm supposed to look like I belong here. My dress is...well open. It's showing my figure, and a lot of skin, making this whole thing even more uncomfortable for me.

The tiny earpiece hidden beneath my hair crackles in my ear, Rowan's voice murmuring faintly.

"Stay calm. He's smart, but not invincible." He says.

Right. Smart. I have to be smarter.

As my eyes scan the room, I spot Moretti instantly. He sitting in the back surrounded by his guards. I can feel them watching me, but i don't look at them. If I do this right they won't see me as a threat. Just another girl looking for a good time.

My stomach knots at the thought. I hate this plan, hate the idea of getting close to this man, pretending I want him.

Rowan's counting on me. I can't screw this up.

Taking a deep breath I make my way to Moretti. His guards stiffen slightly as I approach, but I flash them a smile. I focus on my target.

Moretti looks up as I approach, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto me. There's something calculating in his eyes, a predator waiting to see if I'll fall into his trap.

"Well, well." He says leaning back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. "What do we have here." He says.

I force a smile, pushing aside the instinct to run. "I was hoping to meet you." I say, letting my voice drop just a little, like I'm letting him in on a secret. "You're exactly the kind of man I've been looking for." I add.

His eyes narrow, intrigued. "Is that so?" He asks.

I shrug keeping my movements slow. Deliberate. "I've heard things. Good things. And I thought I'd see it for myself." I say.

Moretti smirks clearly enjoying this game. "Sit." He says, gesturing to the chair beside him.

I slide into the chair, my heart pounding so hard I'm sure Rowan can heart it through the earpiece.

Moretti waves his hand, and a drink is placed in front of me. Please let this be just a normal drink.

I take it without hesitation. It burns all the way down, but I don't flinch. I need to show him I'm just as dangerous as alluring.

"Impressive." He comments, raising an eyebrow.

I smile leaning forward just a little. Whispering in his ear. "I can be more than impressive, if you're interested." I whisper.

His eyes darken with interest. Well I've got his attention now. But getting him to trust me is going to be more than pretty words.

We spend the next hour talking , or rather I talk and he listens. I tell him a story, something about being bored with usual men in my life, wanting something more. Every word feels like a lie but it's working.

I laugh at his jokes, even the cruel ones, pretending that I find him charming.

I let my hand rest on his leg. He's getting drunk. Good.

"Tell me." Moretti says leaning in closer, his voice slurred just slightly. "What's a girl like you really want with a guy like me?" He asks.

I smile leaning in as well. "I want to see what makes you so dangerous." I say.

He smirks, clearly pleased with himself. "You have no idea."

"Why don't we go somewhere more private...so you can show me." I say.

His eyes narrow just slightly, but the alcohol is clouding his instincts. He thinks he's in control, thinks I'm just another girl who's fallen for his charm. He nods then stands up.

"Lead the way, sweetheart." He says.

I make my way to the hallway Rowan told me to go to. But before we can reach it Moretti grabs my wrist turning me to himself. He pushes me up against a wall.

Fuck.

"I'll show you how dangerous I can be." He says as he presses his lips onto mine. Shit. Shit. Shit.

What do I do. I want to puke.

His hand goes to my face and accidentally touches my ear...I'm fucked.

He grabs the earpiece from me. His eyes flash with anger.

"You little bitch." He snarls, tossing the earpiece on the floor.

The cold fear that shoots through me is instant. Before I can react Moretti's hand reaches for something inside his jacket. A glint of metal catches the low light. A knife. He's going to kill me.

"Who the fuck sent you?" He yells pointing the knife at my neck. And I let myself cry. He's going to kill me before Rowan gets here. It's over. I would fight him but not when he's holding a knife at me. One wrong move and my throat would be cut in half.

Fear surges through me, but just as his blade begins to dig into my skin, the door slams open with a loud crash.

Rowan, Lucas and a few guards burst through. Moving faster than I've ever seen them. Rowan's face is set in stone, eyes blazing with a cold fury that sends a shiver down my spine.

Before Moretti can even process what's happening, Rowan grabs Moretti from the collar and yanks him away from me. Rowan grabs his knife and pushes it through Morettis leg with a brutal force.

Moretti screams as he's tossed to the floor.

"Don't ever touch my wife!" Rowan warns. Rowan's hands is on Moretti's throat now. His hand pressing harder for every second. Moretti struggles, his face turning red. "Boss wait, we need him for one last job." Lucas says.

Rowan releases him, letting him drop to the floor in a heap, gasping for air. "Get him out of here. I'll handle him later." Rowan says now for the first time turning to look at me.

I cry harder now, allowing myself to be vulnerable for the first time. Rowan signals to everyone to get out. They take Moretti with them as they leave from the back door. Leaving me alone with Rowan.

"Are you okay?" Is the first thing he asks. But I can barley hold it together. My breath comes in shaky gasps and my legs feel weak.

"Scarlett? Talk to me." He says. That's a softness in that tone. A concern I didn't expect. Without thinking, without warning I step toward him. My body crashes into his like I'm clinging to a lifeline. My arms wrap around him tightly as if I might fall apart if I let go. The sobs come fast, harder than I expect, and I bury my face in his chest.

His arms freeze at first, like he doesn't know what to do. For a second I think I've made a mistake, that I've been too vulnerable. But then, slowly his arms close around me. His hold is strong, steady and despite everything I feel safe.

All the fear, the adrenaline, and the shock of what almost happened, it pours out of me uncontrollably.

"I've got you, Mila." He murmurs.

"I... I couldn't..." I gasp unable to form any words. Unable to explain the terror that's still coursing through me. "I thought..."

"It's over, you're safe." He whispers, his hand brushing my hair lightly.

I let myself sink into him, let myself be weak, be vulnerable. I never let myself fall apart like this. Not in front of anyone. But right now, I can't stop.