♥ Chapter 28 ♥

Alessio Vecchio.

'' I made a mistake! Please, my lord! I beg you... Mercy!

I approached her, making it clear that I am not a man to be trifled with, my anger seeming to radiate from every pore in my body. I stared at her with an icy gaze, as if I were assessing a repugnant insect.

''Mercy? ''I repeated, my voice laced with contempt. ''Do you really think you deserve mercy after what you've done?

Every word I uttered cut like a sharp blade, loaded with implicit threats. I saw the fear take hold of her, her trembling revealing the dread that overwhelmed her.

'' I... I just wanted... '' She tried to articulate, but her words got lost in her throat. Her terror was a delight to me.

''What did you just want, Francisca? ''I leaned in, bringing my face close to hers. ''You wanted to trick us? Put your dirty hands on my empire.

'' No, it wasn't that, I...

'' Shut up! '' My voice erupted, my patience reaching its limit. ''Your life is in my hands now, and I will decide your fate.

The air in that cellar became icy; she seemed to be begging for her own death, and I was almost willing to concede.

'' Mr. Vecchio, please... '' She whispered, her voice shaky and broken. ''I beg you...''

No longer able to bear her wails, my hand met her face in a brutal, vicious slap, almost knocking her off her chair. The crack of the blow reverberated around the room, echoing my merciless fury

''Your begging is useless, Francisca,'' I said coldly. "You will pay for what you've done. And know that your punishment will be a warning to anyone who dares cross my path.

She tried to beg once more, even though she was overcome with fear.

'' Please, my lord, don't kill me, I...''

Without hesitation, I slapped her again, this time even harder, watching the blood drip from the corner of her mouth. His silent sobs fueled my anger, but I had more pressing matters to attend to. I couldn't waste time with such a despicable being.

I turned coldly to Cezar and the other waiting henchmen, my eyes brimming with disdain.

"Do what you want with her. "My voice sounded cold and merciless. I looked at Francisca with disgust. ''Let your agony serve as an example of never having tried to deceive me. I hope you suffer a lot, Francisca. I could torture you myself, but I have better things to do. But don't worry; my men know how to do a good job. You'll feel a lot of pain.

I watch my men approach her like predators on the prowl, and a cruel smile creeps across my lips as I imagine the agony that awaits that bitch. No one will dare deceive me, especially by insulting my queen. Those who dare defy me will face a cruel and painful death.

I leave the basement, allowing her to die an agonizing and cruel death. I climb the steps slowly, finding Dante waiting for me with his impeccable posture.

''I hope you've left her safe at home. ''My voice sounds cold; anger is still pulsing through my veins.

'' Yes, my lord. She is safe and well. '' He whispers, just for my ears.

'' Very well. '' I observed the shed, where everyone was busy with their tasks. ''While my queen ponders her wishes, I'll take care of the unfinished business. I want you and Saul to keep an eye on her. I trust only you for this task.

'' Yes, my lord. I'll keep an eye on my mistress. May I make a request, sir? '' Dante looks at me resolutely, waiting for my answer.

'' Tell me, Dante. What do you want? '' I analyze his posture with interest.

''Allow me to take part in Francisca's torture. She has insulted our lady and deserves to suffer even more. '' A humorless smile escapes my lips at his cruelty.

'' Go ahead, have fun. I'll be in the office. '' He bows in respect before heading for the basement.

Look, my queen. You already have defenders willing to fight for you. This is only the beginning. My men have always wanted me to have a queen, and now that you're here, they'll do anything to protect you. However, I'm too selfish to share your presence with many. Only a privileged few will know about you.

Prepare yourself, my love. When you finally agree to be mine, our first night will only be the beginning. You will leave my house carrying our future child, a permanent reminder of our bond and our indissoluble union. You will be mine in every way, and nothing and no one will be able to separate us.

I walk slowly to my office, looking forward to what the future holds. I can't wait to officially have you as my wife.