***Long Island, New YorkAlessandraI brushed a hand down the lace of my new wedding dress, admiring the lace and swarovski diamonds that embroidered the fabric. It was beautiful, just like I remembered it to be. It was one of the two dresses I was conflicted about when choosing. The mermaid, open back design was just as unique as the detachable ball gown bottom that gave it a gorgeous train.My cathedral veil was emroidered with pearls, both blue and white, melding perfectly with the dress and my baby blue Louboutin bridal heels. He had gotten me everything I wanted but was too afraid to purchase lest it made my marriage with Diego even more real. My make up was refreshed with light hues, winged eye liner and mascara, golden eye shadow and nude lipstick. My jewelry was replaced with baby blue diamonds and pearls, all of which were provided for by none other than my husband to be.None of my sisters, mama or my aunt commented on it all but I could see the question deep in their gazes

*** Long Island, New York Alessandra He moved so gracefully, so self assuredly across the dance floor as everyone watched. He held me close, his arm around my waist never once relenting as we waltzed under the chosen song. I had not been involved in the finer details but I had to admit, the song did meld so well with the moment. We did not speak once, did not even acknowledge anything other than the intensity that our close proximity provided. Nothing needed to be said when our eyes revealed so much more. Deep in his gaze, he allowed me to see much more than usual. He was impressed, awed even by my skill which was unusual considering the world we live in. Dance lessons were a must, a way to keep us cultured because our society was so focused on stuff like that. I was glad for it in this moment, though, because it allowed me to keep up. He’s making me almost enjoy this... I hadn’t danced like this in a long time, an activity I once enjoyed so much in my younger years. I would sp

***Manhattan, New YorkAlessandra"It's okay, Alessa. Just breathe. You do not have to anything you don't have to. You're the one in control."The woman staring back at me through my reflection looked anything but confident in the words coming out of her own mouth. I was not surprised by my anxiety. We were now in the hotel room, a Penthouse suite that embodied the luxury and class that The Carlton was known for.Although Draken had said nothing of what comes next, choosing instead to pour himself yet another glass of clear liquid I suspected was vodka, I had given off some obscure excuse of going to the bathroom to freshen up.As if that would make things any better, Alessa...He probably thinks you're doing all of this for him, dammit...Many are the times that I have faced off with my father's anger or other nerve-wracking situations. Heck, life or death moments have been there and yet none of them has ever made me feel this scared.This frustrated.That I would not only be tied to

***The Carlton, New YorkDraken"The clean up was successful. No one is asking any rousing questions with regards to our involvement and the Moreno's are yet to come out with any kind of response to everything. Diego will be buried tomorrow in New York."Ioann's report was detailed, straight to the point and as informative as always of the inner workings of the pieces on our board. For the next phase of our plan to work, we needed everyone to assume their normal operations and responses to disaster as we originally assessed. We needed to ensure that are no surprises."They are not burying him in Mexico with the rest of his predecessors. That speaks a lot to his actions when he was alive. He must have greatly disappointed them, disgraced them enough to keep him from being buried with the rest of his ancestors. Not that he deserved the chance to taint the soil that rests some of the greatest men we have had in our world."I murmured, slowly making my way down the deserted hallways to wh

***Upper East Side, New YorkAlessandra"The pots and pans are in this section and the spatulas are in this one."Frances, the mentioned house manager who turned out to be the sweetest man explained, taking his time to show me every single nook and cranny of the kitchen as he prepared a delectably-smelling Risotto that had the mansion filled with the intoxicating scent."Thank you, Frances. I appreciate all your help."I responded, genuinely meaning every word as the brown haired man granted me a small, handsome smile. Although he looked to be in his mid forties, the man was the definition of a Dilf- even though I have no idea if he has kids or not.Tall, average muscular build, full scruff that contained a few gray hairs that were equally in his hair, he was the picture of perfection and a michelin-star chef to boot.Could the man be anymore perfect than he already is?...And what the hell is he doing working as Draken's 'house-manager'?"I am happy to come in in any way I can, Mrs. Z