Chapter 1

ROSALINA POV

"Rosalina you incompetent child get in here!" I hear my stepfather say and I rush to his office. I see scatterd papers on his desk and my eyes fixate on a picture of a handsome man.

"Caught your eyes has he?" I hear Ray; my stepfather, say in a cruel attempt to antagonize me.

"No-not at all." I reply back. Curious as to why he's called me in I ask, "Is there anything you need, Ray?" I had to make sure I sounded sweet but not too peachy because we both knew I'd be faking that.

"Yes. You see that man?" He points to the handsome man I was looking at before. "He's power is something that I want, and you are going to attend a business event. Dress well, after All I intend for you to build a relationship with him. Now I want you to be on your best behavior, no mistake." His tone was serious much more than usual and it's making my heart clench out of fear. I've never had to do this much for him. Whenever I had to lure his targets in, I simply led them to a room and the rest…. Well sadly they'd come out beaten bruised or in a body bag. My heart ache for those men, I led them to their death or doom and I couldn't , not only because Ray would kill me but because I had nowhere to go. My parents were dead and I have no knowledge or relatives.

I breath and nod. "When does the event start?"

"Seven but we need to leave early it's a long drive now leave."

I leave his office without saying more and go to my room. Looking at the time I see I had a few hours to spare so I began pampering myself.

Being held captive by Ray wasn't all bad, yes he abused me but he had given essentials like clothes, toiletries and phone. He was a leader of a small mafia that wasn't in the highest ranks but he planned on getting there. I was sure the man on the papers was someone I had seen before but as I barely had access to the outside world other than seeing it form my phone I didn't know who he is. The only time I went out was either if I was with Ray or going to the garden by myself to relax, I read my books there and smell the fresh scent of flowers, calming my senses and drifting me away from the sad reality my life is. But still I'm grateful because at the end of the day I have food to eat, clean water to drink and a roof over my head, which is really all a person needs.

I decided to freshen up and get in to the bath. I relax my body in the warm water and let my tense muscles unknot. Today I had to clean the whole house because Ray had a guest over, it was quiet strenuous and made my body ache consistently.

I set an alarm for five and myself submerge into the jasmine scented water.

_____

Once I'm awake I stand up and begin showering to wake myself up.

I wash my body and hair thoroughly before rising myself off, wearing my bathrobe I leave the bathroom. Entering my room on the bed laid a red gown.

It was beautiful, I loved it. However I considered it was too revealing for my liking, yet I put up with it not wanting to upset or anger Ray. I wore stilettos not too high because they tortured me. I applied wimple makeup but obviously since it's a fancy event I tried to dull myself up a little more than usual.

I embellished myself even further wearing ruby red earrings and a minuscule diamond ring on my finger. It was my mothers, not her wedding ring but a promise ring from my real father. He passed away due to a car accident when I was ten, I remember his smile, how it lit up a room and that he made my mum happiest woman in the world. I know that I want a love like my parents'. But the sad reality is that I will never be that happy. The only time I was ever happy was with my parents and a love like my parents' one is rare.

With a melancholy mood set in place and a sigh leaving my lips, I go downstairs into the living room and wait patiently for Ray.

Ray enters the room and I stand up. We walk to the front of the house but before we leave he grabs me. "this man, he's not a fool so I want you to up your game tonight, upgrade from just batting your eyelashes, show him your available. If you can't do that then you'll face the consequences." He tightens his grip which allows tears to form. I choked and nodded. Opening the front door we leave the house and enter the car where we sat in silence. "Rosalina, don't sulk, stand up straight and have some posture." I hear him order and complain at the same time. I just nod, like I always do, my sole existence created to comply with his orders.

When we arrive we enter a room full of men and women. I had been to enough of these events to categorize people, there was the old men who were legends or important people, the younger but very powerful men. Next we're the men who were either right hands or almost a bodyguard, assistant. When it came to women there were none in high position of power, of course they were married to these dominant men but they were just seen not heard. Lastly the women who wanted to be the wives of these men. They all looked the same, they were stunning but it's sad to see them strive to depend on a man.

We walk to the bar and Ray orders a whiskey. I don't really like drinking seeing that when Ray has a few too many I become his punching bag but a glass of wine is okay.

An aroma of cologne invades my nose and I look at Ray to see him nod at me. It doesn't take me long to figure out that this was Roman. I take a deep breath and make myself presentable.

Turning around I analyze him and swoon. He was dashing and smelt very, very nice. "Hello, Roman isn't it?" I say confidently and give him eye contact, which I knew made guys shiver.

"Yes and you?" His voice was deep, very manly.

"Rosalina." I answered. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He smiles and I look him up and down slowly.

"Roman, I see that you have met my daughter." Ray says interrupting our short conversation.

Roman's exterior turns cold, I guess we had something common- we didn't like ray. "Yes." Roman says his tone dismissive. Ray takes me aside, "Put more effort in. Do you want me to hurt you?" I shake my head slowly and walk back to Roman. "Let's go somewhere more private, I feel the need to get to know you better."

"See you, father." I say politely and the way out of this room.

We make our way to Roman's suite, where he was staying. The room was huge and fit this regal, powerful theme Roam had.

For twenty-four years of age, Roman was a beautiful in a manly way, he was definitely over six foot, very muscly and his jawline was sharp but hidden by his stubble, yet you could still see how it casted a shadow. Roma's hair was tousled yet messy, it suited him.

The drinks arrive and we sit down. "You wanted to get to know each other?" He says and smile.

"I said I wanted to know you." I cross my legs and drink the champagne he gave to me earlier,

"What do you want to know?" He comes close to me and finishes his glass of whiskey. My breathing halts and I realize I can't do this. Not only did roman make me nervous but then thought of me seducing a man when we were alone and- I just couldn't do it.

"I-I think my father needs me." I stand up quick and chug my drink needing the confidence.

His expression changed back to cold, serious and it had me worried.

As we enter the room again Ray comes over.

"Roman, has Rosalina been troubling you?" I hope Roman wouldn't throw me under the bus and lead me to session of abuse from Ray because for some reason I took a liking to him.

"No, I wanted to talk about business." He screamed dominance, it had Ray trembling which let me say was a sight for the eyes.

As they leave I sit at the bar sipping on my second glass of champagne , I thought about Roman. He was so intimidating and made me feel so warm, I didn't know whether I liked it or not.

It had only been a few minutes until they came back, strangely Ray had a smile on his face and I became nervous.

"Rosalina, I have great news." I shiver seeing the happy yet sinister look in his eyes, whatever was going on was not going to be good.

"I've arranged for you to be married to Roman, you'll be moving out tomorrow."

"What."