Chapter 16

Rome, Italy.

Carlos's pov:

I sat down, not daring to lose eye contact with Alliana. Kai looked at me, waiting for me to say something, but I said to myself, "Let me wait until Alliana says something because I know she has a lot to say." As Alliana crossed her arms and stared at me with her dark brown eyes, the tension increased.

Kai coughed and spoke a few seconds later. "Now that Alliana is here, what do you have to say?" Kai asked. "Yeah, why did you ask these jackasses to abduct me?" Alliana asked. "Isn't it obvious?" I asked, leaning back against the chair. "Yes, it is. But I'm curious what made you think it was a good idea to have your bodyguards and Kai kidnap me," Alliana stated.

"Simple, I wanted you here so that I could speak with you," I explained. "So you thought abduction was the best solution?" Alliana asked. "As a mafia, I do what I want, and if I think abducting you is a good idea, I'll do it," I explained.

"You egotistical swine," Alliana murmured. "I wouldn't call myself egotistical because I don't have much of one," I explained. "You do; has nobody told you that?" Alliana asked. "They did, but I taught them a lesson," I explained. "And that is what?" Alliana asked, her brow furrowed.

"Respect," I said with a shrug. "You want respect when you barely give it to people?" Alliana asked. "I respect the people who obey," I explained. "Who would want to obey you?" Alliana wondered. "You'll end up in an incinerator if you don't," I warned. "Then who will help you get out of this shithole?" Alliana asked.

I clenched my jaw in fury, but rapidly relaxed and smiled. "I thought so," Alliana said. "Let's just get down to business because we don't have much time," Kai suggested. "I think Kai told you everything," I said. "He told me you were such a dumbass for disrespecting me, and now that you're locked up, you need my help to get out," Alliana explained. "You summed up everything except the dumbass part," I said.

"Why didn't you find another lawyer?" Alliana asked. "Everywhere I go, people always mention you as a great lawyer, so why not have a well-known Ontario lawyer and a mafia team up?" I asked. "Wait a minute, what do you mean, 'work together?'" Alliana asked. "If you can help me, I can help you," I offered. "I don't need your help for shit," Alliana said.

"Are you certain? While you're in Rome, you could go shopping for new clothes," I said. "For the record, I was not abducted in this. Kai thought it would be a brilliant idea to force me to wear these," Alliana stated. "Sucks, but like I said before, new clothes are an option," I shrugged.

"Actually, I want more than just clothes," Alliana explained. "So, what do you want?" I asked. "Money. I want two million dollars," Alliana said as she leaned in. When I looked at Kai, I creased my brows. "Do you think I'm a damn ATM?" I asked. "It's my reward for helping your ass get out of prison," Alliana explained.

"Don't you think two million is a bit much?" Kai asked. "No, I just know my worth," Alliana explained as she leaned back in her chair. "Besides, as mafias, I'm sure you guys have billions to distribute." "We do, but not for amusement," Kai explained. "Fine, but only two million," I rubbed my temples.

"I'd also like to request that someone accompany me," Alliana said. "Who?" Kai asked. "Souline," Alliana said as she crossed her arms. "Are you insane?I'm not returning to kidnap someone," Kai stated. "And I'm not having two annoying asses in my mansion," I declared.

"You might as well bring Souline because she has your files back in Ontario," Alliana suggested. "So? What do the files indicate?" Kai asked. "Information about your case," Alliana explained. "Why do you need paper for information when you have Carlos and me?" Kai asked.

"Because it's useful, and I'd rather rely on paper than the two of you," Alliana explained. "If you think we're going to get Souline here, you're wrong," I said. "She's my assistant," explained Alliana. "Well, I'm your assistant now," Kai clarified.

Alliana sighed. "Three minutes," the cop yelled from outside. "Time is almost up," Kai said, standing up and stretching. "Thank God, because I don't want to waste another second here with you," Alliana said as she rose to her feet. "Have you forgotten that you now live under my command?" I asked. "Seriously?" Alliana asked, "you wish." "No, I'm dead serious," I said as I took a piece of paper from my pocket.

I handed it to Kai. "Read it when you're alone," I advised. He nodded and stuffed it into his pockets. "So, do we have a deal?" I asked. "Like I have a choice," mumbled Alliana. "Oh, stop whining, princess; we both don't want it, but at least we get something out of it," I said. "Yeah, and once we're done, I'm out of here," Alliana said.

Before I could say anything, the door burst open, revealing the cops. "Time's up; you can come back in two days," the cop said. "Well, see you soon, princess," I said as I stood up and followed the cops out of the room.

If I'm being honest, I felt good but stressed when I saw Alliana again. Dealing with my case is one thing, but now I have to deal with an irritable little girl. When she said she wanted Souline to accompany her, I knew exactly what she meant. I'm not stupid; I already knew what her intentions were.

Alliana wanted Souline to come here so she could help her in fleeing. Why Souline? because Alliana is alone here. I hope Kai did an excellent job of abducting Alliana and leaving no trace.

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Rome, Italy.

Alliana's pov:

I gathered my thoughts before storming out of the conference room. I couldn't believe Alliana Rosette Mercedes would work for such a self-centered dimwit. I mean, working with him has to be against the law. Would I have agreed if I had to stay in a room with him for millions of dollars? Yes, because I have to pay my rent.

Would I do it for free? Who would?

I was walking out of the station when I heard Kai call my name. The smartest and yet dumbest thing I could've done was run and tell the cops everything. How I wasn't from Rome, how I was kidnapped to work for someone who isn't scary but is delusional and narcissistic, and how I wanted to go back but couldn't because I had to think with my head rather than my guts.

I stood in my spot and turned around to see Kai approaching at full speed, as if he had stolen something. The female cop from earlier speaks up before Kai can even say anything. "I'm sorry, Ms. Mercedes, but could you please give me your phone number in case anyone needs help?"

"Yes, it is—"

"We regrettably do not have time for autographs and signatures. If you want her phone number, look it up. Google is completely free!" Kai said as he dragged me out of the station.

We exited the station and got into the car. I was back in the middle, with the bodyguards sitting next to me, holding me down like an animal. Just like when we arrived, the road back was deafeningly quiet. After about ten minutes, one of the bodyguards spoke up.

"So, what are we going to do now?"

"Because miss annoying ass asked Carlos for two million dollars, Carlos told me to give her three hundred thousand for new clothes," Kai explained. "Seriously? Now we have to go buy feminine crap?" asked another. "Have you forgotten that women have menstrual cycles? Unless you want me to bleed all over the place--"

"Shut up; I can't take it any longer!" exclaimed another bodyguard.

He put his head out the window this time and began vomiting. I rubbed my temples and rolled my eyes. Instead of fucking "professionals," I'm dealing with babies who only listen to their fathers.

This is going to be the most difficult period of my life.