The morning light streamed through the bedroom window, warming the sheets beside me, but it did little to thaw the frostiness that had settled between Russo and me. I blinked, still feeling the discomfort of him leaving early without a word. It was silly, really, to be bothered by his absence, but I couldn't shake the gnawing feeling in my gut.He was back to acting like the way he was acting,Ike I wasn’t a human or like I didn’t matter. Just a quick hole for his pleasure release and I was hating myself even more. Maybe I should try another method on doing my job, I should have known from the first time we met that a man like Russo doesn’t have anything to offer me. I dressed quickly, slipping into a sleek black dress suitable for another day at the office, though today, the thought of work left me less than enthused. Russo had always been the man of few words in the morning, but today he seemed to take it to a new level, ignoring my presence as if I were a mere shadow.We exchanged
It had been a week since Russo had left for that business meeting. A week of silence, a week of feeling his absence like a phantom limb, a week of confusion and growing attachment that I was reluctant to admit.I should have known that a man like Russo who would always accuse me of running would do the exact same thing once he gets the chance. I was really giving him multiple grace to be honest. I shouldn’t but let’s say my mission requires it. I knew it wouldn’t be long before I wrap up this stupid party and head back home. On one hand, I was plagued by the realization that my heart had inexplicably found a place for Russo, even as I knew I had to find a way to sever the burgeoning connection. On the other, I felt an overwhelming guilt for not making more progress with my mission. I knew it took time, often years, to build the kind of influence needed to bring Russo down. But with him too present from my life for this long, my focus had been anything but steady. I was getting lost
As I carefully applied the cool, soothing lotion to my skin, I heard a soft knock on the door. My heart quickened as I recognized Russo's voice. "Alissa, can I come in?""Of course," I replied, my voice slightly trembling. I quickly wiped my hands on a towel and turned to face the door, feeling a mixture of surprise and anticipation.Russo entered, his eyes roaming over the skincare products on my vanity and the soft light that bathed the room. "You're still up?"I nodded, a little flustered by his unexpected visit. "Couldn't sleep."His gaze lingered on me as I continued my skincare routine, a mix of serums and creams to keep my skin healthy and glowing. "I see. Alissa, did that guy, hurt you earlier?"I met Russo's gaze, my surprise growing. "No, he didn't hurt me. He was just... odd."Russo's expression softened with relief, and he exhaled. "Good. I wouldn't have forgiven myself if he had."I placed the final touches on my skincare routine, feeling Russo's presence linger in the ro
"Romero, leave."The tone of Russo's command was unmistakable, a clear indication that he wanted his subordinate gone. But as the seconds ticked by, I could sense Romero's reluctance, the palpable tension hanging in the air. I was scared, i had no idea what this man could do to me and the fact that is face wasn’t giving any hint even scared me more. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the door swung open, and Romero emerged. He shot me a lingering, piercing glance, his dark eyes a mix of anger and suspicion, before he reluctantly departed, the door clicking shut behind him. Romero wanted to hear my verdict, and if anything, I was grateful that he wasn’t letting him stay. I couldn't help but hold my breath as Russo turned his attention to me, his eyes sharp and probing. Somehow, beneath those orbs, I could see traces of the man that would believe me. I had to give it my all, I would try to manipulate my way out of this and be very careful next time. "Alissa, what were you doi
The atmosphere at the office had shifted, growing heavy with an unspoken tension. It had been days since Russo had come to my room, and his cold indifference weighed on me like a stone in my chest. It was as if a wall had risen between us, one that I couldn't scale, no matter how hard I tried. I tried talking to him once and the reaction was something I wouldn’t want to ever experience again, it was something I couldn’t mention. I hated how it dictated my entire mood for the whole day. Somehow protecting Romero had cost me my relationship with Russo, now I can’t take back my words and I’m back to being treated like an outsider. At work, Russo's behavior was even more disconcerting. He no longer lingered by my side, didn't seek out those moments of solitude we had shared. His replies to my inquiries were curt, and his gaze barely met mine. He wasn’t even interested in whatever I was working on. Each day, his distance became more pronounced, and the sinking feeling that I was losing
The night air was vibrant with life as I stood at the entrance of the club, my pulse quickening with anticipation. I had heard stories about this new club and the people in the mansion won’t stop talking about it. That was part of what made me even more excited to be starting here. Russo stood beside me, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Welcome to The Velvet Pleasures, Alissa."The club's name was fitting. From the outside, it had appeared unassuming, but as the doors swung open, a world of decadence and allure revealed itself. The dimly lit entrance gave way to a spacious expanse, alive with throbbing music, flashing lights, and bodies moving to the rhythm. The scent of cocktails and perfume hung in the air, promising an unforgettable night.Russo took my hand, and I followed him inside, the bass of the music reverberating through my chest. The club was an orchestra of sights and sounds, a symphony of the senses, and I couldn't help but be mesmerized.Russo led me through the cro
The Friday morning sun bathed the club's surroundings in a warm, inviting light. As I walked alongside Russo, the scent of fresh coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the distant hum of city life. It was a rare and tranquil moment amid the bustling, clandestine world we inhabited.Russo's presence at my side was both reassuring and enigmatic, a constant reminder of the secrets that surrounded us. As we strolled through the club's exterior, his gaze scanned the premises, taking in every detail with a discerning eye.The Velvet Pleasure was truly everything and more, This was my frist time being behind the scenes of a club like this and for the first time, I want to prove Russo right, I want him to be proud of putting me in this position. Finally, he turned to me, his expression serious. "Alissa, I have to travel for work. I'll be away for a while, and I'll be very absent from here."His unspoken words hung in the air, a solemn reminder of the responsibility that was about to be
Getting used to the running of this place takes time; I would give myself more credit for pulling it off. The majority of the men here thought that when the club launched, Russo would be handing it to them on a golden platter but nobody was prepared for my coming. Sometimes it makes me feel like I was sent here to be set up; maybe Russo was starting to have doubts about me.Other times, I try not to think about it at all and just do the job. I make sure to keep my ears on the ground for chatter that might be useful for the FBI. I also make sure to be very present so my workers don't think I’m too bossy.Last Wednesday, I was in the dressing room with the girls and we were having conversations. My heart was breaking for some of them but I couldn’t let it show. I asked them what changes they would want and I wrote them down. They didn’t have a problem with the payments and I was grateful Russo wasn’t exploiting them. He was paying them fairly, and they were happy to work here.The male