Bound by Vows: Ruthless Desires.

CESARE'S POV:

I looked at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, positioning my hair to fall towards my face.

It's a rough life, Cesare... Father's voice rang through my head.

I didn't understand that then. The... tough life.

But you did. You saw the roughness and still didn't level your playing field.

But... Guess who's suffering it now? I laughed dryly, running my hand through my hair.

That bastard dared to bare his fangs at me, thinking I wouldn't fight back?

I am a Marchetti. Marchettis fight back. We pay tenfold for one good and a billion fold for messing with us.

Alessia... excitement crept into my soured mood.

How should I break her? Slowly or swiftly? I'm going to treat her exactly as her father- not deserving of life and the grace to live in it.

Speaking of which... I grabbed my towel to wipe myself and walked out of the bathroom.

"Bernardino," I called.

Bernardino bowed. "What are your orders, Boss?"

"Bring me the family head of Ferraro tied up."

"Beaten, Boss?"

"No. Tied- like a criminal."

"Okay, Boss. I'll have it ready tomorrow"

"How did the issue with... Vicky's runaways go?" I removed the towel, grabbing the robe from the bed.

"We've round most of them up. We will have them all by Morning"

"Good. Traitors should be punished... Down to their last generation" I chuckled as I wore the robe.

"Take care of this and bring in the other traitor"

"Yes, Boss"

"Tell the maid at the door to come in when you walk out"

I need to take my mind off this.

I looked at him as he walked off and the maid entered shortly after.

_____

ALESSIA'S POV:

What the hell was that supposed to be?

What kind of sick goal does he intend to reach with that?

And that lady- the sounds she made.

My legs twitched as I remembered it.

The way he moved... Like some sick monster.

And me? More sick with how aroused I was.

Get a grip, Alessia...

Remember what he thinks about you- you're some... toy.

I grabbed the pillow and placed my head on it.

I growled as a knock on the door interrupted.

"Who's there?"

"Good evening, Ma'am" the maid walked in, scanning around.

"Good evening... What's going on?" I asked, confused.

"The Boss wants you down in ten minutes..." She bowed as her eyes rested on my body.

Of course... Who else would it be?

I groaned as I rested my back on the bed post.

"...Alright. I'll be down in ten minutes"

"T–The---"

"No more, no less" I added firmer, faking a deeper voice to imitate his.

"Okay, Ma'am"

I looked at her as she walked out.

What the hell does Cesare want me this time?

I haven't seen him all day and now he calls for me?

He must be back from whatever evil act he's been up to.

"Fuck it..." I groaned, standing up

Let's go get whatever bullshit he's planned over with.

---

Weird... Why is there no maid standing there?

I turned to the other side of the stairs. Were they relieved of their duties?

I looked at Cesare as I descended the stairs- besides him was a man on his knees whose head was covered.

So, it's another show of power to set an example.

"She's here" he mused, turning to the Man.

Who's---

Wait. That neck chain...

My eyes widened, steps slowing as if I was being pulled into the floor

That's not---

"I brought you a gift" Cesare chuckled, pulling the cover from the head.

That's... Papa?

My heart skipped beats as I rushed down.

"W–What's the meaning of this?" I stuttered, glaring at Cesare when I got to where he stood.

My... Father...

Bound like some common thief?

"W–What have I done wrong to deserve this?" I murmured, looking at my father.

He looked away as our eyes met.

My eyes scanned his body for any marks. He didn't look beaten but...

"Why is my father bound like a thief?" I shot a glare at Cesare who was staring at us.

"Isn't he worse than a thief?" He growled, looking at him

My jaws tightened.

How dare he treat---

"A traitor doesn't deserve the mercy of life"

"My father is not---"

"You still hold on to that lie?" he scoffed cutting in and pulled a pistol from his back.

I gasped as I saw the gun.

"W–What are you---"

I glanced at Papa, who'd lowered his head at this point.

"You're not going to---"

"A traitor's price is death" Cesare looked at me with those cold eyes.

"I'm sure he knew what he was getting into when he---"

"Cesare!!!" I snapped and yelled, loud enough that it echoed.

Papa raised his head sharply looking at me, surprised.

"I warned you never to take such a tone with me ever in your life---"

"Papa..." I turned to Papa, ignoring Cesare.

"W–Why?" I turned back to him, tears rolling down my cheeks.

"Why are you so cruel?" I fell to my knees, sobbing.

How could a person disregard another person like this? Despite...

"T–The oath..." I sniffled, looking up.

Yes. There's that. He shouldn't be able to do anything stupid.

"I'm here as part---"

"That doesn't mean anything to me" he cut in, sharply.

"The life of a traitor and his daughter mean nothing to me and getting married to one is a stain to me"

Hah... My hope faded as he corked the gun. My eyes met father's as I turned to him

He closed his eyes, doing that smile that showed in his eyes.

Was he... crying?

My chest tightened.

"I–I'll do anything---" I sniffled, turning to Cesare.

"There's nothing you can do than exist as the sacrifice you are- one that means nothing to me anymore"

I looked at him.

He's going to kill my father.

I exhaled, closing my eyes.

Everything seemed to slow down

The moment his finger pulled the trigger

N–No

"Papa!!!"