Page 38 of Diavolo

"Is she still alive?"

"I am afraid not."

Hope wilted away.Nevermind. Elyse announced faintly, "I need to sit down."

She shuffled over to the couch. Alessandro traipsed after her like a loyal canine and sat down beside her. For the past few years, Elyse had prayed every night for her father to rouse from his coma. Now, more than ever, Elyse wanted to know everything about her mother. So many questions flooded her mind. Questions that onlyPapácould answer. Elyse bit back a cheerless laugh. Anguish writhed within as reality mocked her. If only such a wish wasn't so ludicrous.Papámight as well be dead. He was as useful to her as a fucking corpse. As always, she had to carry on—alone, alone, always alone—as her world flew off its axis once more.

Elyse turned to face Alessandro, demanding, "How did you get my DNA for the test?"

"Do you remember the medical examination that came with the job offer?"

Elyse's mind raced back to the day of her physical. The nurse had taken a cheek swab from her. Elyse scowled as the lightbulb clicked in her head."Ah. How efficient of you."

He grimaced. "I am sorry for deceiving you."

"At this point, I can't keep track of your bullshit anymore. Have you been lying about everything? You said violence wouldn't be used if I tried to leave. Is this another lie?"

"You are not allowed to leave," he murmured, "but I would certainly never hurt you."

This sounded like a veiled threat. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"If I remember correctly, what I said was—I would do everything in my power to convince you to stay. There is a difference."

Alarm shot through Elyse. "What would happen if I tried to run?"

"I would bring you back as many times as needed," he said, "until you learned your lesson."

Her heart dropped. This was exactly as she feared. Alessandro was going to keep her with him against her will. Even if Elyse managed to escape, he'd hunt her down. She stated in dismal tones, "It seems you're not so different from Stefano and Mikey, after all."

"You are wrong," Alessandro corrected her, "I am worse.Far worse."

"I believe you." Rebellion simmered in her veins. Elyse refused to be controlled by yet another man in the mafia. She hated feeling so powerless over her circumstances. "When I was a girl, my father told me that the devil deceived those who let their guard down. Because he was beautiful and tempting. Not repulsive at all. His lies felt like truth. His victims would follow him to hell, blind to his evil until the flames swallowed them whole."

"Angelo—"

She cut him off, "You are the devil."

"I may have wronged you, but do not judge me so harshly.Per favore. Hear me out."

Elyse remained defiant. "Why should I listen? You've done nothing but hide shit from me since I landed in Zurich."

"What if I told you that I can offer another way out?For good."

"Is this another one of your tricks?"

"I am being transparent, I swear."

It wasn't like she had much of a choicebutto hear him out. He wielded too much power over her. Reluctantly, Elyse gave in, "Go on."

"In a year or two, once I settle business matters with your grandfather, I promise to release you from our contract and provide a very generous divorce settlement. As long as you cooperate during our marriage."

"You're talking like we're already married," Elyse muttered in protest.

"There are worse reasons for two people to marry," argued Alessandro. "At least, you know I am attracted to you. I know you are attracted to me. We are very good together—in bed. You have also experienced a small taste of the life I can offer you. It will be a comfortable life. You will be happy as my wife."

The sheer size of this man'shuevoscontinued to astound her.Balls.His determination was impressive, but it was also distressing. Her will wasn't his to bend. Elyse groaned, "I'm not going to marry you!"

Alessandro frowned. "Only a fool would refuse my offer."

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