Two weeks into living at Adrino's mansion, life has been surprisingly quiet. I've learned that Adrino is the Don of the Italian Empire—rich as hell, with family ties in America. He's cold, arrogant, and distant most of the time.
He hasn't touched me yet, though his family doctor has come by to check me—probably screening for diseases, considering the men who've been with me before. He even put me on birth control.
I'm sure Adrino wants to be absolutely certain before he gets involved with me.
I've noticed he loves his space; I rarely see him or speak to him.
What I do know is that his mother and sister are expected to arrive in Rome in three days.
My wardrobe is fully stocked—clothes in every style and color. Shoes fill every corner of my closet. I doubt I could wear them all in two years.
But the one thing that haunts me every night is Mama's death. I can't forget her last look—the smile she gave me as she whispered, "Aria, always find happiness amidst any war."
I'm terrified. I don't even know what to feel anymore.
Adrino's POV
She's something else—crazy, if I'm honest. Pretty, but with a permanent coldness carved into her face. She never smiles; always lost in her own dark thoughts.
I ran a background check—nothing. It's like she's a blank slate. No trace of her past, no idea if her mother is alive or dead. No explanation for why she's so shut off.
I only found out where she lived before Italy, so I sent my investigator to Mexico to dig for clues.
I still don't know why I bought her. When her father showed me her picture, I stared—never seen eyes so beautiful yet so dark. Magnetic, but poisonous. I was drawn to see how someone like her talks, how she carries all that darkness inside.
I have no clear reason why I spent two million on her. I told her it was one million—just a lie.
The look she gave me that day... I just had to lie.
I want to understand why she barely cares about anything—or anyone, especially herself.
I want to know who the hell Meena Rose Alasdair really is.
By now, I'm sure my mother has heard I have a girl in the house. So it didn't surprise me when she said she and Larisa would be coming to Rome soon. Typical Kate.
Blackout.