♥ Chapter 27♥

Caterina Vossini. 

10.50 '' Casino '' Valdoria.

Upon arriving at the casino, the luxury, and grandeur of the place are even more evident than before. Bóris opens the car door for me, and I get out, observing the vibrant and energetic environment. A satisfied smile forms on my lips as I see that the casino is busier than ever.

When I enter the meeting room, I find Giovanni and his team already waiting for me. Beside him are Antonio and my team members, all busy with their own discussions and preparations. The room is well organized, with a large conference table in the center, where everyone sits with documents and computers.

Giovanni is an imposing, tall man with a striking presence. His hair is black and neatly combed back, and his dark eyes have a calculating gleam. His face is angular, with a strong jaw and a well-trimmed beard that highlights his wild charm. He wears an impeccable black suit with an elegant light gray vest, which highlights his athletic and authoritative figure.

Known as Giovanni Romano, he always showed a personal interest in me. Even though he knows my resistance and my disdain for his advances, he continues to try to win me over. His determination to get me into bed is evident, but I've always made it clear that I'm not interested. What he doesn't realize is that, behind his charm and grandeur, he does nothing more than try to maintain an image of a dominator who, in reality, is easily manipulated.

'' Giovanni, welcome to my city. '' I say with a professional smile and a tone of calculated cordiality.

'' Catarina, what a pleasure to see you again. '' He responds with a seductive smile and a look that evaluates me with interest. ''The city looks even more impressive since the last time I was here.

He approaches and greets me with a kiss on the cheek, a gesture that, although formal, carries a charge of unwanted intimacy for me. I accept the gesture with calculated lightness, controlling as much as possible the impulse to hold his neck and squeeze until he loses his breath. I need to maintain my composure, but if he dares touch me again, I will forget the formalities and kill him here and now. The only one who can touch me is my little one.

'' Let's get straight to the point. 

I begin the presentation, explaining the details of the batch of weapons and drugs I am offering. I open the briefing on my laptop, projecting the information onto the large screen at the back of the room.

 ''As you can see. ''I begin, pointing to the slide prepared by my team. ''This is our offer. We are offering a batch of high-caliber weapons and a significant quantity of drugs, with guaranteed quality and punctual delivery.

Giovanni sits next to the table, his eyes never leaving mine. He seems to be evaluating my every word and every move, his relaxed posture contrasting with the intensity of his gaze. Something that irritates me deeply. Why do I have to endure this? Just to be able to expand my territory? Is it really worth keeping it alive? Anger bubbles inside me, and the idea of ​​ending him here and now becomes more and more tempting. The only thing stopping me is strategic necessity, but even that is starting to seem like too high a price to pay for your insolence.

'' The quantity is excellent. '' He begins, his eyes shining with ambition. ''But I would like to discuss one point: the exclusivity of delivery. If I accept this offer, I would like to ensure that these goods are exclusive to me, with no possibility of sale to other customers for a period of six months.

'' Exclusivity is something we can consider. '' I respond, with a firm look. ''However, this will entail an adjustment in price. We can negotiate terms, but we need to reach an agreement that benefits both parties.

He tilts his head, a sly smile playing on his lips. The desire to negotiate based on his interest is evident, but he also knows that my price is fair.

'' I understand. I am willing to accept the adjustment, but I would like an additional discount if the purchase volume is greater than initially stipulated.

I give a small smile, satisfied with his answer. 

'' We can discuss a discount as long as the volume is sufficient to justify the adjustment. We also need to ensure that the delivery terms are clear to avoid any misunderstandings.

After a few rounds of discussion and adjustments, we both came to a satisfactory agreement. Giovanni agrees with the final proposal, which includes exclusive delivery and a discount based on purchase volume.

He looks at the document, his eyes moving over the details. There's a gleam of approval in his eyes.

'' Seems fair. '' He says finally, signing the contract I handed over, standing up and extending his hand to me. ''I accept the offer. But, Catarina, when are you going to give me the chance to discuss another type of “business” between us?

I give him an icy look and steady his hand with an unforgiving grip.

'' Giovanni, we've discussed this before. My focus is on business, not personal proposals. Maintain your professional interest, or our agreements will end in a way you won't like.

He lets out a sigh and looks up at me.

'' All good. Before you go, could you take me to a nightclub? I'd like to have some fun before I go home.

I roll my eyes angrily, and without caring if he notices or not, I make my displeasure clear. Giovanni, despite his power and influence, is a stubborn and difficult man to deal with, and his insistence is beginning to irritate me beyond what I can tolerate.

'' I know a suitable place. '' I say with an icy tone. ''We can go at night. You know where my house is, so we can meet there. Now that the negotiations are over, I have other matters to resolve.

He seems satisfied with the answer, and I get up to say goodbye. Giovanni and his team leave the room, and I follow Bóris, who is next to me. As we leave the building, I run my hand through my hair, feeling a growing frustration.

'' This man stinks. The desire I have to kill him is too enormous. '' I murmur to Bóris as we leave. ''Even if I didn't have my beautiful boy, I would never in my life sleep with that man.

'' My lady, you must be careful. I don't like that boy, but Mr. Giovanni might not like knowing that you have someone.

As soon as I heard his words, an overwhelming wave of hatred washed over me. My gaze hardens, making Bóris feel clearly uncomfortable.

'' If he tries anything on my boy, I'll kill him in the worst way possible. There will be no mercy for anyone who dares to touch what is mine. '' I say with an intensity that reverberates in the silence of the car.

Fear is palpable in the air, and Bóris swallows hard, visibly alarmed by the force of my statement. The vehicle continues its path, while I remain absorbed in dark thoughts.

Every time I think about someone daring to touch my boy, a wave of immense anger stirs inside me. He belongs to me alone, and anyone, no matter who, dares to touch him, will face a horrible death. I will not hesitate to ensure that he is safe and entirely under my control. It's a terrifying thought, but it's also a clear warning: anyone who crosses my path or tries to disrespect what is mine will be met with uncontrolled fury and unparalleled punishment.

*****

When we arrived at the mansion, Bóris got out of the car and opened the door for me. The sound of my heel resonated on the cold marble of the entrance as I stepped confidently. The feeling of being at home, surrounded by luxury and order, was always a relief, but today, my focus was on something else.

The housekeeper, always attentive, was there to welcome me. His gaze was respectful, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

'' Madam, would you like something to eat? '' He asked with a welcoming tone, trying to be helpful.

A subtle smile formed on my lips as I thought about the simple and delicious food my boy prepared. The taste was still on my mind, and the thought brought me a feeling of satisfaction.

'' No, I already ate. '' I replied, the memory of the warm, home-cooked meal bringing me a sense of contentment.

The housekeeper nodded, as if she was about to leave, but before she could, she added:

'' Just one thing, ma'am. Some clothes arrived. I put it in the guest room.

I was momentarily surprised to remember that my little one's clothes would arrive today.

'' From today onwards, someone else will live here. He's my partner. '' I declared, with a firmness that left no room for doubt.

The shock was immediate. The housekeeper froze, her eyes revealing a mixture of surprise and concern, as if an unexpected storm had struck her.

'' My lady, it is forbidden to get emotionally involved with a man. That's the family rule.

My expression hardened, and the coldness in my voice became palpable. The answer came out with an intensity that made the air seem thicker:

'' I know that. But having someone like mine doesn't make me weak. On the contrary, I feel stronger. Anyone who dares to touch him will know hell. I am not weak like my predecessor, who was killed for loving someone. For my boy, I will move heaven and hell. There is no rule or fear that can stop me.

The housekeeper didn't seem convinced.

'' What if your mother finds out about this? She might try something, my lady. She respects the rules more than anyone. '' His tone became hurried, revealing a growing concern.

I faced her with a cold look.

'' I also respect the rules and continue to do so. I'm just going to break this little rule of not getting emotionally involved with a man. I don't care what she thinks. If she dares to touch my boy, death will befall her. '' I reply, the coldness in my voice.

The shock on the housekeeper's expression was palpable. She swallowed hard, her voice shaking.

'' Would you have the courage to kill your own mother?'' He asked, as I expected.

I looked at her with calculated coldness, my gaze penetrating like steel.

'' Of course. Killing anyone who dares touch my boy is not just a possibility; it's a certainty.

The silence that followed was thick, charged with the gravity of my threat. The housekeeper remained transfixed, the reality of my resolve finally hitting her in its fullest extent. I knew that despite the rules and expectations, my loyalty and protection for my boy was uncompromising. I walked with renewed confidence to my room.