Page 18 of Diavolo

Her temples started to ache. After escaping the Mancinis in New York, Elyse couldn't believe that she'd somehow landeddeeper in the mafia's trenches. She closed her eyes. "I need to resign."

"Do not make a decision that you will regret later."

Elyse's eyes opened as her mouth flattened into a resolute line. "Even if I regret it later, I can't work for you."

A grim look crossed Alessandro's handsome features. He prompted quietly, "What about Stefano Russo? And your father's debts?"

His knowledge ofPapá'ssituation caught her off guard. Green eyes grew wide. The man must have done some digging into her past. She glared at him. "I see you've done your homework. Are you planning to use my father against me?"

He was part ofCosa Nostra, after all. Blackmailing the weak and strong-arming the powerless was pretty much their bread and butter. Elyse reminded herself that Alessandro was no different from Stefano. A devil in prettier packaging was still a fucking devil.

He countered in surprisingly gentle tones, "I am merely reminding you that I can offer protection for you and your father."

Elyse knew how shit worked. He'd start exploiting her the moment she accepted his goodwill. "Your protection isn’t necessary."

"Let me help you pay off your father's debts."

Papáhad borrowed from the mafia to pay off his debts as well. She wasn't about to make the same mistake. Elyse regarded Alessandro with contempt. "Keep your money. I don't want it."

"Don't you wish to reclaim your freedom?"

Alessandro's inquiry struck a chord in her. A painful one. How did he know that freedom was the one thing she desired most? It was also the one thing she could never have. Not with Stefano around. Not with her father's debts to be repaid. Elyse's shoulders slumped as though she could no longer findthe strength to carry these burdens. The yearning in her eyes darkened with defeat. "There's no such thing as freedom from men like you."

He grimaced. "The tragedy on your lovely face grieves me. I would move mountains and drain the seas. Just to see you smile once more."

Alessandro's flowery words sounded utterly absurd, of course, but the passion in his voice tugged at her heartstrings. Elyse tried to contain her emotions. "I don't expect anyone to lift a finger for me. I'm a big girl. I can figure out how to save myself."

"My only wish is to help you. You can trust me."

For some reason, his soft words hardened her resolve. Her defenses kicked in. Elyse laughed harshly. "Trust you? I'll probably end up in a body bag."

"You will definitely get yourself killed," Alessandro retorted, "if you keep working with Stefano Russo and the Mancinis. I am trying to give you a way out."

With a raised eyebrow, she inquired, "Why do you care whether I live or die?"

He smiled tightly. "A life for a life,angelo. I always repay my debts."

Elyse's resolve wavered a little. Was he telling the truth? It seemed unlikely. Best to keep her guard up.

"Do not let pride stand in the way of your well-being."

"What do you know about my well-being?"

Alessandro suddenly gazed upon her as one might look at a lover. Foolishly, Elyse felt her heart quicken inside her chest. In seemingly sincere tones, he expressed, "More than you think."

Elyse muttered, "Doubt it."

Alessandro countered, "I know you are capable and intelligent. These qualities make you a force to be reckoned with. You never stop fighting. Even though the Mancinis have been trying to break you for years. You are also a very attractive woman. It isextraordinary to find so many desirable qualities in one person. It would sadden me to let such a treasure go—unappreciated. Believe it or not, your well-being is closely tied to mine. I care very much about whether you live or die. Stay at my side, and I promise you will not regret your decision."

Against Elyse's will, every single one of Alessandro's compliments hit home. Not because she was desperate for the bastard's praise or approval. But because his words made her feelseenfor the first time ever. She'd always hidden the darkest parts of herself from the world. Yet, in this very moment, he'd strolled right into her private hell and offered to join hands with her demons. It stirred up unfamiliar emotions. Emotions that Elyse didn't know she was capable of feeling. It'd been so long since she experienced any kind of real connection with another human being. Elyse hadn't realized how lonely her existence had been until now.

Standing only a few feet away, Alessandro watched her through a hooded gaze, observing her, always observing her, as though he could read her thoughts. Elyse frowned. "You claim to admire me. But you didn't have the balls to approach me directly. Why did you hide behind Mr. Schmid?"

Alessandro smirked. "Would you have come to Switzerland? Knowing that I was going to be your boss?"

"Of course n—"

"Exactly."

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