Page 44 of The Don's Deadly Assassin

Chapter 15

Camela

I wake up with a start, disoriented and panicking, as I realize I'm in Vincenzo's bed, and he's nowhere in sight. His side is slept in but cold to my touch. Fear coils around my chest and grips my heart into a painful twist, keeping me from breathing right.

The Handler could easily have slithered his way into this house, and I promised myself that I wouldn't let anything happen to Vincenzo.

And yet, I fell asleep like a fool.

Still naked, I throw back the covers. I need to find Vincenzo now.

Just then, the bathroom door creaks open. Relief washes over me like a calm sea when Vincenzo emerges from the shower, wrapped only in a towel.

He's alive and well, but the sight of him sends a different kind of nervousness through me – one that leaves me breathless and tingling all over.

My eyes trace the contours of his muscular physique, following the rivulets of water as they cascade down his chest and abs, then disappear beneath the edge of the towel.

His broad shoulders and strong arms scream of power and protection, making it difficult for me to remember who exactly is protecting whom here. The desire I feel for him surges through me like electricity.

"Good morning," he says, his voice low and husky as he looks me in the eye, sending shivers down my spine.

"M-Morning," I manage to stammer, tearing my gaze away from his body and back to his face. God. I’ve never been to a traditional school, but I imagine this is how the quintessential schoolgirl would behave around her crush. I blush at the thought, and he smiles, noticing.

I look away, embarrassed, and he chuckles, bringing my attention back to him. His dark eyes are warm and inviting, and I find myself momentarily lost in them.

Vincenzo's footsteps are silent on the plush carpet as he approaches the bed, but I feel his presence before he even sits down beside me. It’s that smell he has - clean cotton and mahogany.

The air between us is charged with tension, anticipation building like a storm on the horizon. My heart races in my chest, and I try to ignore the way my skin tingles with the proximity of his body.

“You’re up early,” I manage to string out a few words.

"Camela, I couldn't sleep," Vincenzo confesses, his voice gentle and concerned as he reaches over and pushes a strand of loose hair behind my ear. "You mentioned an ex earlier, and I've been up thinking about it."

I swallow hard. This could be the perfect opportunity to convince him to let me stay. If I can make him believe that I'm afraid and that I need protection from this ex of mine

"Uh, yeah," I stammer, forcing my voice to tremble. "He...he was terrible. Sometimes, I think he's still out there, haunting me, following me. I know he’s watching my every move, and it’s… terrifying."

"Camela," Vincenzo says softly, placing a reassuring hand on mine. "Tell me everything. I want to help you."

His touch is reassuring, and for a moment, I'm tempted to tell him the truth – that I'm not really afraid of my ex but of the people who sent me here to kill him. But I know I cannot do that if I want to keep him safe.

If he finds out that I’m the assassin, he’d have me out of this door faster than I could say I’m sorry. Or worse. He might call the police or even have me killed.

If I want to protect him, I need to stay in the game.

So I spin a tale of fear and betrayal, painting a picture of an ex who's become a ghost in my life, always lurking just out of sight.

"I never wanted to involve you in this mess, Vincenzo," I admit, feeling a pang of guilt at the depth of my deception.

"Camela," he says, his dark eyes filled with concern and determination. "I need to know what we’re up against.”

I bite my lip, feigning hesitation, and lower my voice to a trembling whisper. "He’s terrible, Vincenzo. He hurt me more than once." My heart races at the thought of being found out, but I don't let it show on my face.

"That bastard," he gasps in shock, shaking his head like the thought of me being hurt is the worst thing that could ever happen.

"I don't want to burden you with my problems," I murmur, looking down at my hands and continuing with this charade. "But it's becoming too much. He's relentless, and it terrifies me."

Vincenzo reaches for my hand, his touch warm and comforting. "I'll do everything I can to keep you safe, Camela. You're not alone in this, I promise."

---