★JANIE★

Flustered at first, but then I didn't know what compel me to kiss him back. Maybe it was the softness of his lips as they grazed mine, or perhaps the way they moved in perfect rhythm, without force or coaxing me into roughly kissing him back. But I did anyway.

Luciano's fingers glided around the back of my neck, pulling me tighter to him as he covered the little distance between us.

The once-sunken atmosphere became extremely steamy.

My heart was pounding fast and butterflies erupted in my stomach the moment his tongue ran across my lips. I tried to suppress a moan but it came out involuntarily. The kiss was warm, passionate...filled with wants and desire.

I have to admit, Luciano was a good kisser. Initially, I expected the kiss to be fierce and very rough like the first. However, he managed to sweep me off my feet without even realizing it.

My stomach did a flip flop as soon as Luciano's tongue slipped into my wanting mouth. It became intense and I could hear his ragged breathing against mine. Little by now, I melted like a puddle in his arms.

Just then, the intrusive thoughts, and warning about kissing such a man overwhelmed me and I pulled away immediately.

Breathing heavily, Luciano's eyes flickered with lust and desire as they bore into mine. I was also struggling to grasp the air that seemed to have eluded my lungs.

Oh boy, what did I just do?

Claiming the defensive mode, I quickly cleared my throat and squared my shoulders before saying;

“Just because I offered advice then you decided to take advantage of me?" I scolded him, yet deep down it was the other way around. He initiated the kiss, but I still gave him the go-ahead.

Luciano shook his head. “I may be a monster, but I will never take advantage of you, Janie.” His raspy voice sounded so rushed and I knew he was almost as breathless as I was because of that kiss.

Somehow, I realized I wasn't reacting to this kiss the way I ought to. My rage should be boiling over the jet roof that Luciano Pavarotti ripped me off my dream, and here he was kissing me senseless. Nevertheless, I felt the opposite.

Angry at myself for not reacting that way, I bit down on my lower lip and tossed a glare at him. “Thank goodness you are fully aware of being a monster. That's what you are! Nothing more nothing less!”

Luciano shrugged but he didn't say anything.

My brows instantly wrinkle in awe.

Pretending to be more furious, I pounded my fist against his chest and then blurt aloud. “The moment you agreed to rip me off my father, you took advantage of my life.” With a snarl, I added. “This kiss....changes nothing.”

Again, he didn't utter a single word.

His icy black orbs pierced through my face, and it felt like he was feasting on my soul.

I readjusted myself uncomfortably on the chair. Damn! It was difficult to know what the man's next action was. More difficult to know what he is thinking in that head of his.

He was just too elusive.

Fuming, I looked away from him and directed my gaze out of the window. To my utmost dismay, Luciano's fingers tilted my chin back to face him.

My mind raced.

“Janie...” his voice trailed off. “My apologies for imposing a kiss on you like that. I promise not to do anything with you, without your permission. Please forgive me." He simply stated and my jaw almost dropped to the floor.

Do Mafia kings apologize for such things? Really?

A soft gasp emanated from the back seat. And I knew it was one of Luciano's men. Turned out I wasn't the only one surprised at the moment. Their boss is the most unpredictable human to ever exist.

“Apologies not accepted. Plus I can only forgive you if you set me free forever and do not disturb my life ever again.” I conveyed with my head held high. Regardless, I meant it.

Silence ensued between the both of us for a moment. Neither Luciano said a word, nor did I.

We stared at each other for what seemed like forever. Then after a series of long-lasting silence, Luciano finally spoke.

“Fine. If that's what you want, after we are done in Italy, I will let you go the moment we arrive back in Los Angeles.” He responded calmly and this time my mind ran some kilometers in a millisecond.

I could not believe my ears. He was going to let me go for real?

Not wanting to believe him so soon, I asked again. “Do you mean that?"

Luciano issued me an affirmative nod. “Of course, I do. I, Luciano do not go back on my word, but in other, for you to earn that, I want you to be a good girl throughout our stay in Italy.” He raised a warning finger. “And do not let me change my mind.”

In quiet, we gawked at each other again without uttering a word. I was trying to comprehend whatever was going on in Luciano's mind, and perhaps he was doing the same.

Heat. Silence. Heat.

That was all the atmosphere was about.

“We have arrived at your private mansion in Tuscany, Sir.” The pilot hoarse voice split through the silence and our thoughts.

“Come on.” Luciano beckoned on me to follow him as he rose to his feet.

As usual, one of his men held my gadgets in his hand, while the other scrutinized the interior of the jet, should in case Luciano left anything behind.

Out of the private jet, my pupils dilated in shock at how huge the mansion was.

Everything about Luciano was huge and a part of me began to wonder how rich he was. He reeked of money and dominance, and he is intimidating as hell. Sometimes, he seems like calm water, then the next moment, he is like a storm.

Striding towards the mansion, My mind was filled with amazement as I continued to admire its beauty. But then Luciano pulling me abruptly to him, dissipated my thoughts.

I almost froze to bits.

Gathering my wits, I raised my head towards his face with a scowl vastly spread across mine.

“What was that for?"

Luciano knocked on the glass door right behind me. “You almost suffered a concussion. Thanks to me, you didn't.”

Shocked, I looked from him to the almost invisible glass door and then back to him.

“Thank you,” I mumbled under my breath.

“What?" He scratched his ears. “I didn't hear you.”

“I said thank you.” My voice was audible this time.

“Better,” Luciano commented. “Now, follow me, and do not go bumping into anything else." He warned.

We sauntered into the front door. And if I said the exterior amazed me, the interior was jaw-dropping. It was lavishly furnished and everything screamed wealth.

I have never seen anything like this in my life before. Nonetheless, I tried to compose myself this time.

The lounge was well-spaced with a couple of extravagant brown sofas and a glass table.

Rounding up several corners to a long passageway, Luciano kept on walking while I followed right behind him until he eventually got to a door and opened it.

“This is your room.” He declared and I managed a nod.

“My men will be bringing your stuff. It's late for now, but by tomorrow.... I'll get you some clothes to wear. Next time, don't put me through the stress. Now get some rest.” His tone was strict and stern, thereafter, he strutted off.

Strolling into the room, my mouth fell open. It was big and spacious, and every design portrayed nothing but luxury. It was palpable that the room had never been occupied before and I felt extremely grateful to be the one staying there.

Just then my stomach growled.

Hungry and tired, I walked out of the room in search of the kitchen so I could find something to eat. The house was so big that I couldn't find my way and kept on wandering about.

After frantically searching around, I eventually arrived at the lounge we first walked through.

“Now, I need to find the kitchen next. It should be around here somewhere.” I mumbled to myself.

“Ouu! Are you the new whore Luciano is fucking now?" A squeaky voice emanated from behind me and I immediately spun around to face whoever made that statement.

What did she just call me?